Alice Éclair A Dash of Daring - Sarah Todd Taylor

When a cipher machine that can unscramble unreadable messages in seconds goes missing along with the man who created it, Alice is drafted into France's Olympic training camp where the daughter of the machine's creator is staying at the Olympic training camp, preparing to cycle in trials for the Olympics. It's up to Alice to discover what is going on and to save the day.

It's really no secret that I have all the love for these books for so many reasons: I adore Paris, I love adventure books and especially anything with a detective vibe, and the books describe cakes and confectionary in a way that is guaranteed to make your mouth water! To add to that, I have read 2 of the books whilst in Paris which essentially is my idea of heaven! (You can read my reviews of the first three books here: A Recipe For Trouble, A Spoonful of Spying, A Sprinkling of Danger ).  So it was with seriously mixed emotions that I picked up A Dash Of Daring, the fourth and final book in the series. Naturally, I was excited to be back in Paris with Alice but I can't deny that I was (and still am!) sad that this is her last adventure.

A Dash Of Daring sees Alice battling codes and ciphers to get to the truth and she needs to employ all of her skills in this book with new friends and old appearing along the way whilst also facing some old foes.  And if that's not bad enough, she has to create healthy cakes and desserts for those at the training camp!  She is challenged from the beginning, both inside and outside the kitchen, and she is forced into some stickly situations.  She needs to employ her inner strength and levelheadedness if she wants to succeed.  This time, it was lovely to read her sense of calm coming through through use of her mum's messages.  This is, for me, Alice's toughest and most dangerous mission of them all, and she handles it with her usual grace, calmness and determination - she's a real hero. 

Once again, there's plenty of adventure and plot twists that will keep readers on their toes, and it feels fitting that the book has been released as Paris is preparing to hold the Olympics later this month - I wonder what Alice would make of the 2024 training camp?

It would be remiss of me not to mention the descriptions of Alice's glorious creations (I think I've mentioned them in all of my reviews which tells you how much I love them!),  As always, they conjure up delightful images in my mind and make me seriously crave cake and biscuits (the cake Alice makes with the mirror glaze is a work of genius)!  Having croissants and cake on hand really is a must with this book!

Alice is the most wonderful person and I shall miss her adventures as well as those cakes, however, A Dash Of Daring was a fitting end to the series.  Thank-you, Sarah, for creating such a deliciously enticing series.  

Bringing Back Kay-Kay - Dev Kothari

When Lena's brother, Kay-Kay, goes missing whilst on an overnight train home from camp, the police say they are doing all they can; however, Lena doesn't believe them.  As she watches her world fall apart, she decides that she is going to find her brother herself.  She starts by speaking to his friends, and as she struggles to discover the truth, she realises that she needs to take a journey to discover more.  But can she find the strength to she needs to finally find the answers she desperately seeks.

I can't imagine how horrific it would be for a member of your family to go missing, and to believe the police aren't doing much must be desperately frustrating; I can understand how frustrated Lena felt.  She has to watch her parents trying to cope with this whilst feeling useless, and this is clearly why she decides to take things into her own hands.  She is a feisty character in her own way and there is huge amounts of determination and resilience in her.  Along the way, we get to know Kay-Kay through her memories of him and it soon becomes apparent that he is a very special brother who loves Lena hugely.  But he had been keeping things secret from her, one of those things being his love of poetry.  It was lovely to read his poems that were scattered throughout the book - by the time I reached the end of the book, I felt like I knew Kay-Kay just as much as I knew Lena.

Bringing Back Kay-Kay is a wonderfully written book about something nobody every wants to have to go through.  It is sensitively written and explores family relationships and mental health issues.  Full of hope and fight, Bringing Back Kay-Kay is a wonderful read. 

Rosie Raja - Sufiya Ahmed

 

Rosie and her father are back, and this time they are undercover in Bletchley Park, on the hunt for a Nazi traitor.  It's up to Rosie and her father to discover the identity of the traitor and save and protect the codebreakers before it's too late.

This is Rosie's third outing and, having read her first two missions, Rosie Raja Churchill's Spy  Rosie Raja Mission To Cairo , I was keen to see where she would be heading next.  

I love books set during World War Two, but those set at Bletchley particularly intrigue me; I think it's the idea of the secrecy, the codebreaking and the sheer genius of people like Alan Turing.  Whilst Rosie and her dad start the book parachuting into Belgium, they return home quickly and are immediately on the case in Bletchley.  Having visited the place a few years ago, I delighted in being able to picture everywhere Rosie went in order to fully immerse myself in the adventure which was full of suspense.  It is clear that Rosie's confidence in her role is growing and she uses this to make more decisions for herself, some of which are less advisable than others!  The idea of Rosie making errors is good to see and will enable readers to realise that everyone makes mistakes.

I loved the attention to historical detail in the book, and Rosie's encounters with various key figures brought a smile to my face.  This was done subtly but will create great talking points for readers.  

As with the previous two books, Rosie Raja Undercover Codebreaker is an action-packed book that would make a brilliant class novel to accompany a World War Two topic; equally, it is perfect as a read for those who enjoy a great adventure.  This is such a brilliant series, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing where Rosie's daring-do will take her next.

Rosie Raja Undercover Codebreaker publishes on the 18th July. 

The Bridges - Tom Percival

I love Tom Percival's picture books (I love all his books, to be fair), and I regularly use his Big Bright Feelings books in assemblies at school, so when The Bridges landed at home, it put the biggest smile on my face; then when I discovered the theme of the book, that smile grew and grew! 

The Bridges is all about the power of books and libraries and how they can be there for those who are lonely or worried. Mia finds herself alone when her parents are busy (something so many children from all walks of life will be familiar with). It's a kind neighbour who leaves her a book and it doesn't take her long to discover the worlds you can find yourself in when you open a book.

I spend so much of my time telling anybody who will listen (especially at school) how wonderful books are, how many lives you can live by reading and how much you can learn.  This book shows readers this beautifully, both with the gorgeous illustrations as well as the wonderful writing.  I adored the book and have read it several times already.

It has lived on my coffee table since it arrived so that I can keep diving into it, but this week it's going into school as it's my assembly on Friday.  No guesses what I'll be reading. ❤️

The Bridges publishes on the 29th August and I know that school will be VERY excited to know they are some of the first people to share in its joy. 

Storm Seal - Sarah Ann Juckes

Martha spends her time helping her Nana on her fishing boat whilst listening to the stories of Selkies. However, everything is changing for Martha (her cousins have moved out of their home next door to Martha, and her Nana is unwell). Martha is desperate to make everything right again but can she do that without making everything worse?

Sarah's previous books The Hunt for the Nightingale and The Night Animals are both wonderful books that cover sensitive topics in an age appropriate and empathetic way and she's done it again with Storm Seal.

Middlesea is a small fishing town with a close-knit community. The locals rely on the sea for their livelihoods and the they don't particularly like the outsiders coming and buying up all their houses, especially as they leave them closed up and empty during the winter months.  Martha loves everything about the place. She lives in a small house with her mum, her mum's partner, and her nana, and until recently her cousins lived next door. The community look out for each other and her nana is clearly at the heart of it. I can understand why she doesn't want anything to change.  Unfortunately, life isn't like that.

Change is something Martha struggles to deal with. She desperately wants her cousins to remain next door instead of the strangers who move in. She is also desperately worried about her nana who seems to be burying her head in the sand instead of admitting she is ill. Martha clings to the stories of Selkies her nana has told her, so when a black seal appears in the area, she thinks it's relevant. 

Storm Seal is a beautifully told story of hope, love and courage, as well as tradition and learning how to move on.  It seamlessly incorporates environmental messages about rubbish and protecting our shores and the wildlife that lives there.  It's a wonderful story for children who are facing the uncertainty of a grandparent being ill and it remind us all that it's better to talk than to bottle things up.

Along with the illustrations from Sharon King-Chai, Storm Child is a book that is full of love and hope, and I know it will be a huge hit when it publishes on the 4th July. 

Forest Of Forbidden Magic - Eve Wersocki Morris

When Tig and Elsa discover that the grandfather they'd never met has died, they also discover that they need to go to Grimmhart with their father to tie-up his estate. However, as soon as they arrive, the siblings realise there is something very different about the place.  With two silver charms their grandfather had sent them safely tucked away, they know they need to get to the bottom of his death, but with magic and sinister secrets to be revealed, things could get dangerous.

Having known Eve through communications in publishing, I was intrigued when she wrote her first MG novel, The Bird Singers.  It was brilliant and has since become the novel our Year 5 students study in school.  Her second novel, The Wildstorm Curse was just as good and has been a big success with my class.  As a result, I was thrilled to hear that she has a third novel coming out and I was very excited when a copy arrived at home last week.

I started reading Forest Of Forbidden Magic last Sunday afternoon and quickly realised that I wouldn't get much else done for the rest of the day! It's a book that draws you in and enchants you.  From the beginning, the letter from Killian raises questions and from there it's a rollercoaster of intrigue and adventure for Tig and Elsa.  

Tig is the younger sibling and gets his strength from Else who is a strong and protective sibling.  And believe me, they need their strength!  As they begin to unravel the mystery of what has happened to their grandfather, they encounter a host of characters, some of whom are happy to help, some who aim to hinder and some who you don't really know whether to trust or not!  With a band of magical creatures in various creations, this is a book that will spark your imagination.

Grimmhart itself is an intriguing place which is vividly described throught the book.  I'm also big fan of a book map so finding one at the beginning was a huge plus; it was something I kept looking back at whilst reading.  Personally, I'd love to visit The Chocolate Pot, and Clifedge looks as precarious and intriguing as it sounds in the book.  However, it is the forest that holds the award for the darkest, most sinister part of the novel.  Journeying through it is dangerous and only for the bravest of souls.

Dark magic, danger and secrets weave together wonderfully in this sinister adventure to discover the truth.  Forest of Forbidden Magic will grip readers when it publishes on the 4th July and is perfect for fans of Wednesday and Jennifer Killick's books.  

Sisters Of Sword And Shadow - Laura Bates

Cass is destined for an arranged marriage and a life under the command of her husband; however, she dreams of something different.  When she meets a fierce, leather-clad woman on horseback, her life takes a dramatic turn: she is introduced to the Sisters Of Sword And Shadow, a group of women training in secret and riding out as knights, disguised as men.  Cass decides to join the Sisters and relishes her new life, but she knows there is something different about her; she just doesn't fully understand what it is.

From the start of this book, you realise that Cass is different: she doesn't want to follow her sister into an arranged marriage; she longs for freedom and something different.  Joining the Sisters gives her that and also trains her in sword fighting, jousting and combat.  She relishes the strength this gives her, both physical and emotional.

The book is a unique take on the Knights of the Round Table and I liked the female strength that is portrayed throughout.  Set in a time when knights were bold and ruled, whilst women were seen as weak and subservient, Sisters Of Sword And Shadow showed us that women can find a way to gain independence and do what is right.  The book pulls no punches when it comes to portraying the lives these women had to live and we see exactly how vicious knights could be in their quest to maintain their reputations and is a definite YA.  Adventure is woven in with tournaments and an epic battle but, at its heart, this is a story of Cass and her journey to discover her true self.

This is a book about strength and courage; it's about women standing up form themselves and for others; it's about independence and having a voice; it's about love and revenge.  A great read that is bold and fierce, Sisters Of Sword And Shadow left me wondering what is next for Cass.

I Am Rebel - Ross Montgomery

Rebel is a dog who loves his human, Tom, very much.  He prides himself on how much of a good dog he is and he loves his life on the farm by Tom's side.  However, everything changes when Tom decides he needs to join the rebellion to fight the King's men who are ruining everybody's lives, raising taxes and making life unbearable.  At just twelve years old, he lies about his age and runs away from home, leaving Rebel behind.  But Rebel is a good dog and he is determined to find Tom and bring him home.

I love Ross's books, having first read The Christmas Dinner of Souls on a train down to London one dark November evening - and yes, I finished the book alone in a hotel room and then had to sleep with the bathroom light on!  I love how different each of his books are (you can read my reviews here: The Midnight Guardians ; The Chime Seekers ; SpellStone) and they always go down very well in school.  With that in mind, I was thrilled to be invited to be part of the cover reveal and then overjoyed when a proof copy of the book arrived at home on Thursday.  I've been desperate to read it so it obviously jumped to the top of my reading pile and I curled up with it first things Saturday morning.

I Am Rebel is one of those books that gets its paws on you and just won't let you go.  When I wasn't reading it (I had to be an adult for parts of the day, unfortunately!), I found myself thinking of Rebel and his quest.  And what a quest it was!  Rebel is an incredibly special dog who will stop at nothing to reach Tom.  The quest takes him far out of his comfort zone and miles away from the farm and the home he loves.  Along the way, he meets a host of wonderful characters, but I think Jaxon is my favourite (next to Rebel, of course!): he is completely resistant to Rebel's charms but the relationship that builds between the pair is simply a joy to read.  I defy readers not to fall in love with these characters. Danger lurks around every corner and yet Rebel ploughs on with positivity and determination driving him.  

Told from Rebel's perspective, this dog's bold and brave voice sings out from the pages.  It's an unputdownable read of courage, resilience, friendship and loyalty that will leave you with a tear in your eye and a wonderful glow in your heart.  I Am Rebel is destined to be a classic that will be read and loved by readers for years to come.  

Publishing on the 27th June, I Am Rebel is a tail you need to get your paws on that will leave you howling with delight. 

Pinch Perkins And The Midsummer Curse - Cathy Fitzgerald

Pinch Perkins lives in the heart of London, but not a London you and I know, for she lives in Tricky Dragon Lane which is in the heart of the magical quarter.  When Pinch's mum is cursed, causing her to fall into a coma, nobody understands what is happening.  Despite being warned not to, Pinch is determined to investigate and to find a cure before it's too late. 

Pinch and her friend Henry are very different from one and other, and this makes the pairing so wonderful.  Henry likes to always be smartly dressed, including wearing a tie, and lives a rather grand life; however, Pinch is a more impulsive, messy person who lives in a small flat.  It is their desire to travel beyond Tricky Dragon Lane that bonds them, and the adventure to find a cure for Pinch's mum takes them on one heck of an adventure beyond the Lane.  

Following the clues, the pair encounter all kinds of wonderful characters, from Moth the fairy, to a band of knights who only wake for one day a year; add in giants, ghosts and a rather marvellous taxi driver, and you have a wonderful array of characters to meet; some are happy to help the pair in their mission, whilst others are determined to stop them at all costs.

Combining magic with adventure, Pinch Perkins And The Midsummer Curse is an action-packed adventure that you won't be able to put down.  At just under 400 hundred pages, it's a longer middle grade book but I found I raced through it and couldn't put it down (I read it in a day).  With artwork by Chloe Dominique to come in the final version, I know that this is a book that will go down well with middle grade readers and will make the perfect summer adventure read. 

Ettie And The Midnight Pool - Julia Green

Ettie lives with her grandma and enjoys spending her days wandering in the woods; however, as she gets older, the desire to wander further away and to be more adventurous is increasing.  When her wandering leads her to meet Cora, things take a very different turn.  Although Cora has injured her ankle, she doesn't want Ettie to tell anybody she is there, instead she encourages Ettie to bring her things she needs and to keep their meetings secret.  Then she leads her to a hidden quarry pool.  But why is Cora so determined to keep everything secret and why is Ettie's grandma so keen for her to stay close to High Fell House?

On the face of it, Ettie And The Midnight Pool is a gentle book that has an air of calm about it; however, underneath that there is an element of mystery and darkness that lurks and lures you in and this keeps you reading long after you should be in bed and I loved that.

Ettie and her grandma clearly get along well together but Ettie feels the pull of wanting to be more grown up and independent, and Cora provides that.  Having her mum leave her with her grandma years ago clearly prays on her mind and leaves her needing to belong but to also be herself and not compared to anybody else.  Her grandma is obviously doing her best and tries to put a positive spin on everything, but there are secrets lurking that are influencing the way she is bringing Ettie up.  Cora represents freedom and adventure, and this is what Cora is craving.

The book beautifully weaves growing up, finding yourself and the power of secrets into a hauntingly powerful read.  With illustrations from Pam Smy that perfectly compliment the writing, I know that Ettie And The Midnight Pool is going to be popular in school.

Mayowa And The Sea Of Words - Chibundu Onuzo

When Mayowa goes to spend the summer with her grandpa, she thinks she might discover why he jumps on books - something she's been banned from doing at home.  When he won't tell her, she jumps on a book herself and discovers that she can channel the feelings within the book and send them to people who are around her.  Reluctantly, her grandpa tells her that those who can do this are called logosalters and that it's a skill that is passed down the family.  However, Mayowa and her grandpa discover that there are other logosalters in the world and their morals and intentions are very different.

Being a logosalter is something that Grandpa Edwards has kept secret from his family and they simply believe that he is just eccentric when he jumps on books.  Mayowa has always been curious about this but her parents have banned her from jumping on books herself, so when she gets the chance to discover what is going on, she jumps at the chance (literally!).  Grandpa Edwards is torn between honouring her parents' wishes and teaching her about the gift she has.  Mayowa has to be very persuasive to get what she wants (without jumping on a book!).  

I loved the range of characters that we meet in the book: Mayowa is desperate to find out what her strength is; her Nigerian mum is blind; her grandpa dies his beard green and helps refugees whilst Hamza and his mum have fled their country in search of a safer life and introduce their culture to Mayowa and Grandpa Edwards.  I loved getting to know them.  The book also has some incredibly vile baddies.  In some books, the baddies have one or two redeeming characters; however, here they felt particularly evil and stopped at nothing to get what they wanted - readers will love to hate them and I bet they were great to create and write.

As well as weaving magic into Mayowa And The Sea Of Words, the book takes a look at family dynamics, racism, politics, free speech and refugees and does so well - it will get readers talking. 

Empathy and understanding different emotions are at the heart of this book.  With humour woven in through the use of footnotes (I loved these!), Mayowa and the sea of Words was a wonderful read and I'm very much looking forward to reading the second book in the trilogy.

The Beanstalk Murder - P. G. Bell

Life in the village of Old Stump changes in an instant when a dead giant falls from the sky and destroys everything.  This in itself is bad enough, but when it is discovered that the dead giant was actually royalty, and murdered, things get even more serious.  It falls to Anwen (a meadow-witch) and Cerys (a trainee sorceress) to solve the crime; however, this involves heading up into giant territory and who knows what will happen there.

I loved the imagination and world-building that P. G. Bell conjured in The Train To Impossible Places series, so I was excited and intrigued when The Beanstalk Murder arrived ... and then I read that it's 'The BFG meets Murder Most Unladylike' and there was no keeping me away from the book!  I began reading on Friday morning, with the intention of reading a chapter or two with my morning cuppa before getting on with the rest of the day... those two chapters, quickly became quarter of the book as I couldn't put it down, and I'd gobbled up the entire thing by Saturday morning!

From the beginning, the book captures your imagination with a description of the village of Old Stump as well as an introduction to Anwen and Cerys.  Anwen is a meadow-witch who can communicate with animals and uses everyday spellcraft, but whose ability to do high magic is seriously limited.  Cerys, on the other hand, is about to head to the Academy of High Magic and isn't shy in letting Anwen know how superior she feels because of this.  It is clear that the pair don't get on and have very different ways of life.  It is this dynamic that makes things very interesting, and sometimes funny, when they are thrown together to investigate the murder. 

The concept of traditional fairy tales being woven with a murder mystery is wonderfully unique and kept me gripped throughout.  I didn't guess who the murderer was and the plot definitely kept me guessing.  Danger, daring deeds and dastardly villains entwine in this delightfully funny witchy murder mystery that will leave readers wanting more.  I know The Beanstalk Murder is a stand-alone book, but I could absolutely see Anwen and Cerys teeming up again to solve more mysteries...