A book for each letter in my name

Hello, hello my lovelies,

How are you all doing stuck at home?

Just a fun post for you today. These are book titles for each letter of my first name.

As usual. I have posted links to Waterstones, however please also don't forget your local independent bookshops at this difficult time.


A is for A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushby





L is for Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll




L is for The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan




I is for The Iron Man by Ted Hughes



S is for Starfell Willow Moss and the Lost Day by Dominique Valente







O is for Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray



N is for Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend




What books would you choose?


Keep safe.

Happy reading,

Allison xx

Six For Sunday

Hello, hello my lovelies,

I hope you are feeling safe and well.

Today I am taking part in #sixforsunday, run by Steph over at alittlebutalot.

Here's what to do:

If you’re a blogger, you will find the prompts for January to March in this blog post and you can post a blog post with your six choices for that week’s prompt. If you’re not a blogger but want to join in anyway:

• post a tweet with your choices
• a picture on instagram showing us your choices
• reply to my post with your choices

So on with this week's theme which is ...

6 characters I'd like to be like

Oh my this is tricky.

1. Atticus Finch

He seems to come up in a lot of my posts but hey, I want to be like him!

2. Tilly Pages

Who wouldn't want to have the ability to wander into your favourite books?

3. Milou from The Unadoptables

I know she is an orphan and struggles not knowing who her family are, but I love the strength of her character and her drive to find answers.

4. Zinnie from The House of Hidden Wonders

A little bit of a theme here but again, another orphan with a real strength of character.

5. Mary Poppins



I mean I could fly to where I want to, keep everything and more in my bag, talk to the birds, jump into art and dance with cartoon penguins. Who wouldn't?


6. Heidi



Just for where she lives and what she gets to live with and do.

So there you have it. My six for Sunday. What did you choose? I'd love to know.

Happy reading,

Allison xx

BOOT: The Rusty Rescue review

Hello, hello my lovelies,

I hope you are all staying safe and well.

Today I am reviewing Boot: The Rusty Rescue by Shane Hegarty



Synopsis:

Toy robot Boot has come a long way since it woke up in a scrapyard with only two and a half glitchy memories. It has a home with its robot pals in an abandoned amusement arcade, and has discovered what true happiness is - although it's still not sure why humans are so leaky and weird ... But when Boot and the gang stumble upon Rusty, an old, broken robot, forgotten in the back of a testing lab, it's time to spring into action. Boot knows there's something special about Rusty - but can they free the old robot and help it find its purpose?

Review:

Can you have a bit scary and a bit funny in the same book? Well in this book you certainly can! 

For those of you of a certain age, do you remember a cartoon called Raggy Dolls? Rusty and friends are just like them. Misfits. Broken. Parts missing. All those robots that are unwanted and unfit for being children's toys are sent to a lab to be used for testing. They are not tested on but are doing the actual testing. Mindbogglingly boring testing. Second after second. Minute after minute. Hour and hour. Day after day. The same action over and over and over again until something breaks; at which point they are then sent to 'robot heaven.'

I love the antics of Rusty and his robot friends and the chaos they cause. Children will enjoy visualising the scenes and laugh along. 

The tension created in robot heaven was fantastic. I really felt the anxiety as they moved from one part of the conveyor belt to the next; hoping to goodness they would all be ok. I loved the concept of the escape plan. It all seemed very James Bond-esque!

But deep in the heart of this is a story about friendship. It doesn't matter what you look like, what size you are, if you are different to others; you are liked by someone. And then that someone does something nice for you. It doesn't have to be a massive thing, but something that is just for you. You, the robot that has never had anything nice done for them ever before. 

A lovely book with themes that capture the imagination and make you think. This will also be a lovely read aloud book and would cover some PSHE topics on friendship beautifully.


I rate this lovely book ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Happy reading,

Allison

First Lines Friday

Hello, hello my lovelies,

How are you all doing? How is working at home going?

Today I'm taking part in First Lines Friday. I love this one as you find lots of interesting first lines that make you want to read the book!This is run by Becky over at Becky's Book Blog.All you have to do is:

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page

• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first

• Finally… reveal the book!

So, here we go.

Harrison Beck pulled a biro from the pocket of his yellow anorak, deftly turning it over his index finger so it was point down, and doodled in the central margin of the newspaper spread across the table.


Any ideas?

It's The Highland Falcon Thief by M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman

Synopsis:

Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from the prize-winning M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman. First stop, The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve.

Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal train, The Highland Falcon. But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things are suddenly a lot more interesting. As suspicions and accusations run high among the passengers, Harrison begins to investigate and uncovers a few surprises along the way. Can he solve the mystery of the jewel thief and catch the culprit before they reach the end of the line?

Hear whispers in the dining car, find notes in the library, and unknown passengers among the luggage as you help Harrison to solve the mystery aboard one of the world's grandest trains. Fast-paced and packed with illustrations and clues, Adventures on Trains is a stop you won't want to miss!

Did you guess it? I am reading this at the moment and loving it!

Catch you again soon,

Happy reading,

Allison xx

What's on my TBR

Hello, hello my lovelies,

I sincerely hope you are all keeping safe and well. Massive thanks go out to all key workers out there.

Today I am sharing what is on my TBR. The trouble is it is ever growing - do you have this problem? It seems that for every book I read, another 6 or so go on the list!

I'm not going to put pictures or anything but just write you a list. To keep the list small, I'm just going to tell you what I have on my kindle rather than my physical shelves.

Here we go!

1. The Missing and the Dead by Stuart Macbride
2. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
3. The Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo
4. The Mystery of Smugglers Cove by Paul Moxham
5. The Creakers by Tom Fletcher
6. The Great Brain Robbery by P.G. Bell
7. The Golden Acorn by Catherine Cooper
8. Bedtime Stories for Kids by Uncle Amon
9. Witch School by Katrina Kahler
10. Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
11. Cogheart by Peter Bunzl
12. A Study in Scarlet by Sherlock Holmes
13. An Elf's Equations by Dianna Sanchez
14. Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project by Sol Rewan
15. The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson
16. Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valour by Ally Carter
17. The Thief Knot by Kate Millard
18. The Forgotten Palace by Luke Aylan
19. Emily Winsna and the Tides of Time by Liz Kessler
20. Women Win the Vote by Nancy Kennedy
21. Tiger Heart by Penny Chrimes
22. The Spectrum Girls Survival Guide by Sienna Castellon
23. Monstrous Devices by Damian Love
24. Unexpected Super Spy by Zanib Mian
24. Scribble Witch Notes in Class by Inky Willis
24. Where the World Turns Wild by Nicola Penfold
25. A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison
26. The Ninjabread Man by Stewart Ross
27. Viper's Daughter by Michelle Paver
28. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
29. Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy
30. The Highland Falcon Thief by M G Leonard
31. The Wild Way Home by Sophie Kirtley
32. Callum McBride by Mike Riding
33. The Smallest Man by Frances Quinn
34. Duncan Versus the Googleys by Kate Milner
35. Fire Boy by J M Joseph
36. Britfield and the Lost Crown Book 1 by C R Stewart
37. Attack of the Heebie Jeebies Dream Team 1 by Tom Percival
38. Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray
39. Jungledrop by Abi Elphinstone
40. The Slug Queen Chronicles Season One by S.G. Thomas
41. Fig Swims the World by Lou Abercrombie
42. The Animalas of Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey
43. Thw Witches of Willow Cove byJosh Roberts
44. BOOT The Rusty Rescue by Shane Hegarty
45. The Vanishing Trick by Jenni Spangler

So just the 45 then 😃😃😃

Any on there you've read? Any take your fancy? Any surprises? Drop me a line. I'd love to know.

What's on your TBR?

Happy reading,

Allison xx

Top 5 Tuesday

Hello, hello my lovelies,

I hope you are all well and staying healthy.

Today I'm joining in with Top 5 Tuesday; however, I've joined in half way through this theme. I should be doing favourite authors with the letters P, Q, R, S and T but to catch up, I'm going to do A to T (not really a top 5 at all!).

This is run by Shanah at Bionic Book Worm so a big thank you and do pop along if you would like to join in as well.

I'm going to mix up and probably have first and surnames as the letter - just to help myself out a little but I am going to try to stick to middle grade authors.

Here we go!

A - Abi Elphinstone 
B -  Peter Bunzl 
C - Emma Carroll
D - Catherine Doyle
E - Eloise Williams
F - Fleur Hitchcock
G - Sharon Gosling
H - Konnie Huq
I - Eva Ibbotson
J - Jessica Townsend 
K - Katherine Rundell
L - M G Leonard 
M - Maz Evans 
N - James Nicol
O - Onjali Rauf
P - Phillip Pullman 
Q
R - J K Rowling
S - Sophie Anderson 
T - Lisa Thompson

Unfortunately, Q stumped me. Any suggestions?

I hope you enjoyed this.

Happy reading,

Allison xx

Books on the shelves in April

Hello, hello my lovelies,

So the carona virus is hitting hard everywhere now and here in the UK we are on the brink of a national lock down. This means that sporting events, pubs and clubs, theatres, cinemas and the like are having to close. Schools are still open but attendance is getting lower by the day. However in my school, whilst we are open, we are not holding worship/assembly where all the children get together, have cancelled parents evenings and anything where there will be lots of people together. Trips are cancelled as well as external visitors.

In amongst all this, our wonderful authors are having to cancel their book launches which will obviously have a dramatic effect on the publicity they will receive and also on potential book sales.
Now, I know I am not a blogger that has thousands of followers as I have only just started, but I still want to do my bit to support.

This month was going to be the first month that I would post the books that I am looking forward to reading in April 2020. I've deleted that post now and decided to showcase as many children's books as I can ( up to middle grade (ish)) that will be seeing their way to our book shops. I can't guarantee that I have everyone on here, in fact far from it, but this is what I have managed to find. 

Moving forward, I will do this type of post each month. so if you would like to contact me to let me know your book is coming out soon and be added to the list, then please do. You can also message me on Twitter @ForTomes.

So, without further ado, here is the April list.

Being released on the 2nd April:

1. Starfell. Willowmoss and the Forgotten Tale by Domonique Valente

Synopsis:Willow Moss, the youngest and least powerful sister in a family of witches, recently saved the world. The problem is, nobody can remember it - and, to make matters worse, her magical ability seems broken. Instead of finding lost things, objects keep disappearing against her will ... which is especially troubling now that her friend Sometimes needs her help!Sometimes has discovered how to see ten minutes into the future. Unfortunately that's only enough time to find out that his kidnappers are on their way! His only hope is to write an urgent letter to Willow, asking if she wouldn't mind trying to find him.As Willow and her friends piece together what has happened to Sometimes, their adventure takes them from an enchanted tower to the magical forest of Wisperia and into dangerous new realms... Can Willow save Sometimes when her own powers are out of control?

2. The House of Hidden Wonders by Sharon Gosling

Synopsis:Zinnie and her sisters live in the murky tunnels beneath Edinburgh's Old Town. They keep out of the way of the authorities and remain undetected. Until, that is, rumours of a ghost bring unwanted visitors into the caverns they call home. Among them, a young Arthur Conan Doyle, keen to investigate, and MacDuff, the shady owner of Edinburgh's newest attraction, the House of Wonders. Caught up in a world of intrigue and adventure, Zinnie seeks answers. But how can she discover what secrets lie in the House of Wonders while also protecting the sisters she holds so dear? You can read my review of this book here: 

3. The Cut Throat Cafe - Seth Sippi Mystery 3 by Nikki Thornton

Synopsis:The third magical murder mystery in the bestselling Seth Seppi series, which started with The Last Chance Hotel! Seth and his talking cat Nightshade arrive in the magical town of Gramichee to gain an apprenticeship: he's finally read to qualify as a magician. But he soon discovers that the existing apprentices are under attack at the town's Scrumdiddlyumptious Caf , which is far more deadly than it is delightful. Seth's got his hands full, as usual. Can he pass his exams, discover who's murdering the apprentices, and stop them before they strike again?

4. Viper's Daughter  - Wolf Brother 7 by Michelle Paver

Synopsis:A boy. A wolf. The legend lives on.Viper's Daughter is the seventh book in the award-winning series that began with Wolf Brother, selling over 3 million copies in 36 territories. Like them it can be read as a standalone story.For two summers Torak and Renn have been living in the Forest with their faithful pack-brother, Wolf. But their happiness is shattered when Renn realizes Torak is in danger - and she's the threat.When she mysteriously disappears, Torak and Wolf brave the Far North to find her. At the mercy of the Sea Mother and haunted by ravenous ice bears, their quest leads them to the Edge of the World. There they must face an enemy more evil than any they've encountered.Viper's Daughter plunges you back into the Stone-Age world of Torak, Renn and Wolf: a world of demons, Hidden People and exhilarating adventure which has entranced millions of readers.

5. Clifftoppers: The Thorn Island Adventure by Fleur Hitchcock

Synopsis:For Aiden, Chloe, Ava and Josh, holidays at their grandparents' cottage mean wild beaches, no curfew, Bella the dog, and most of all - adventure! While sailing their Grandad's boat along the coast with her cousins, Chloe sees a terrified face at a tower window on Thorn Island. Could the face belong to recently kidnapped young George, the only child of a rich local businessman? No one they tell believes there could be a child held prisoner in the tower. So, certain that the villains are hiding out nearby, the cousins must use all their skills and cunning to conduct a daring rescue. Fleur Hitchcock is famous for her excellent "thrillers for beginners". This action-packed series takes 7+ readers on fantastic, realistic adventures. Cover illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole. Look out for the other books in the Clifftoppers series: The Arrowhead Moor Adventure The Fire Bay Adventure 

6. Milton the Megastar by Emma Read

Synopsis:In this sequel to Milton the Mighty, Milton goes international! Milton's superstardom is stressing him out: the events, the glamour, the adoring fans! Secretly, Zoe, Audrey and Ralph think he's turned into ... well ... a bit of a diva. So when Dad and Greta plan a trip to Hawaii, Zoe knows she has to take her best spider pals along for the ride: they all need a break. But with a live volcano, an endangered spider species, an unscrupulous entrepreneur and Milton's ego to contend with, this is hardly a holiday ...

7. Orla and the Serpent's Curse by C J Haslam

Synopsis:A spooky and darkly comic adventure set in Cornwall - Famous Five with a twist.Orla thought she was in for a relaxing family holiday, but when she finds a mysterious glowing necklace in the woods, it turns out there is a slight possibility she may have uncovered an ancient curse. After meeting a coven of old ladies, it becomes clear that Orla's arrival in Poldevel is no longer a coincidence. She's the only one who can solve this mystery, and she'll need help from the only other member of the family with good instincts - Dave the dog.

8. Slime by David Walliams

Synopsis:The new children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a fantastically funny tale illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.WELCOME TO THE ISLE OF MULCH...This little island is home to a large number of horrible grown-ups. The school, the local park, the toy shop and even the island's ice-cream van are all run by awful adults who like nothing more than making children miserable. And the island is owned by the most awful one of all - Aunt Greta Greed!Something needs to be done about them.But who could be brave enough?Meet Ned - an extraordinary boy with a special power. SLIMEPOWER!

9. Kid Normal and the Final Five by Greg James

Synopsis:The epic conclusion to the awesome, award-winning, bestselling, super-charged Kid Normal series by Greg James and Chris Smith.Murph Cooper and the Super Zeroes are about to face their greatest challenge yet ... the general public! The Heroes' Alliance has operated in secret for decades, but that's all set to change. Super-smarmy ubervillain Nicholas Knox has a plan to become the planet's most powerful leader, and he's using the Heroes to do it. He's revealed the existence of Heroes to the world at large, painting them as mad, bad and dangerous to know. With fear and suspicion of Capes growing amongst the public, Heroes are forced underground, making it harder than ever to do their duty and combat evil wherever they find it. And all the while Knox is reaping the rewards of their efforts ...Can Kid Normal take down Knox and prove that superheroes aren't the enemy?

10. Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson

Synopsis:Frankie is nearly fourteen and teenage life certainly comes with its ups and downs. Her mum is seriously ill with MS and Frankie can feel herself growing up quickly, no thanks to Sally and her gang of bullies at school.When Sally turns out to be not-so-mean after all, they strike up a friendship and are suddenly spending all of their time together.But Frankie starts to wonder whether these feelings she has for Sally are stronger than her other friendships. Might she really be in love?Frankie doesn't want Sally to just be her friend. She wants her to be her girlfriend. But does Sally feel the same?

11. Seasons of War - Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Synopsis:The thirteenth thrilling novel in the internationally bestselling Skulduggery Pleasant series, SEASONS OF WAR will test the Skeleton Detective and Valkyrie like never before...War is coming. To avert catastrophe, Skulduggery and Valkyrie are sent on a secret mission that takes them away from everything they know, to a forsaken land of magic and grim, unrelenting terror. It is here that Valkyrie will have to fight the hardest - not only against the enemies who want her dead, but also against her own self-destructive impulses. It's only by crawling through darkness that she'll be able to once again stand in the light...

12. Nightshade by Anthony Horowitz

Synopsis:In this adrenaline-fuelled adventure in the number one bestselling series, Alex Rider is sent by MI6 Special Operations to infiltrate a new and sinister organization known only as Nightshade. Alex is on his own, with the fate of thousands of people resting in his hands.

13. Deeplight by Frances Hardinge

Synopsis:The gods of the Myriad were as real as the coastlines and currents, and as merciless as the winds and whirlpools. Now the gods are dead, but their remains are stirring beneath the waves . . .On the streets of the Island of Lady's Crave live 14-year-old urchins Hark and his best friend Jelt. They are scavengers: diving for relics of the gods, desperate for anything they can sell. But there is something dangerous in the deep waters of the undersea, calling to someone brave enough to retrieve it.When the waves try to claim Jelt, Hark will do anything to save him. Even if it means compromising not just who Jelt is, but what he is . . .

14. What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside by Julia Donaldson

Synopsis:The clever little ladybird is off on a trip to the seaside, but those two bad men, Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len, are also back and they're up to their wicked ways again. This time they're planning to steal the mermaid's long, luscious hair and sell it to a famous star . . . luckily, the crime-busting ladybird has another cunning plan to stop the thieves!Enjoy other stories from Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks: The Singing Mermaid, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes, What the Ladybird Heard, What the Ladybird Heard Next and What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday.

15. Storm by Nicola Skinner

Synopsis:Frances's parents were not prepared for her birth: they had a blanket and an easel and some paint, but not anything useful, like a car or a phone. So it's no wonder Frankie has always had a temper. She was born on a BEACH, in a STORM.What Frances was not prepared for was dying in a freak natural disaster that wiped out her whole town.Waking up 100 years later, Frances finds a whole load of new things to be angry about. And that's before the visitors start turning up, treating her home like it's a tourist attraction. Which it is.Only there are worse people out there than tourists... and they're coming for Frankie.Frankie is about to discover that there are things more important than herself - and that anger has its uses. Because when you have a storm inside you - sometimes the only thing to do is let it out...

16. Elephant in my Kitchen by Smriti Halls

Synopsis: A funny, silly and hugely topical picture book that is perfect for inspiring the next Greta Thunberg or David Attenborough. This accessible call to action helps raise awareness about the world's climate crisis and is perfect for introducing little ones aged 3+ to the issues affecting our planet. What if . . . There was an elephant in your kitchen, A tiger on your loo, A gorilla in your bedroom, Whatever would you do? When wild animals move into Rafi's house, he needs to figure out a BIG PLAN to get them back to their own homes. This is a positive, empowering and fun picture book about taking care of the planet.

17. Grow by Nicola Davies

Synopsis:A beautifully illustrated introduction to the concept of DNA for younger readers. All living things grow - every plant and every animal, including human beings. Some things grow fast and others grow slow; some things grow by tiny degrees, while others grow to be enormous. Yet there's something about the way we grow that links us all together. Ever since you were the size of a dot, your body has been following a set of instructions: a code, which connects you with every creature on the planet... With words from Nicola Davies and exquisite artwork by Emily Sutton, this groundbreaking book is certain to enchant and inspire children.

18. The Bad Day by Frann Preston-Gannon

Synopsis:Squirrel is left hanging when a search for a tasty nut goes wrong. Meanwhile, Woodpecker has his beak buried in a tree trunk, Snake is tied in a knot, Turtle is upside down, and Fox? Well, Fox has a suspicious tummy ache . . .These animals are all having a VERY BAD DAY! But soon it turns out that little Mouse is having the worst day of all, and his friends can only help him - and each other - if they work together.

Being released on 30th April:

1. Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue by Anna Fargher

Synopsis:Young mouse Pip Hanway is in France as she continues fighting for the French Resistance group Noah's Ark: a secret gang of animals operating beneath the feet of human soldiers, whose aim is to liberate France and secure the victory of the Allies. Determined to reach her ancestral home of the Umbrella Museum in Italy, Pip hopes she can find long-lost family and a home. But as Pip makes the perilous journey through occupied territory, she soon realises that danger comes from all sides and that the enemy is all around, and she does everything she can to fight for her friends.Beautifully illustrated by Sam Usher, Pip will take you on an incredible journey through a war that reaches even the smallest of creatures.

2. Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L D Lapinski

Synopsis:When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right suitcase. Then Flick gets the invitation of a lifetime: join Strangeworlds' magical travel society and explore other worlds.But, unknown to Flick, the world at the very centre of it all, a city called Five Lights, is in danger. Buildings and even streets are mysteriously disappearing. Once Flick realises what's happening she must race against time, travelling through uncharted worlds, seeking a way to fix Five Lights before it collapses into nothingness - and takes our world with it.

I have read this and it is a super read. I can highly recommend!

3. The Vanishing Trick by Jenni Spangler

Synopsis:Madame Augustina Pinchbeck, travels the country conjuring the spirits of dearly departed loved ones... for a price. Whilst her ability to contact ghosts is a game of smoke and mirrors, there is real magic behind her tricks too - if you know where to look.
Through a magical trade, she persuades children to part with precious objects, promising to use her powers to help them. But Pinchbeck is a deceiver, instead turning their items into enchanted Cabinets that bind the children to her and into which she can vanish and summon them at will.
When Pinchbeck captures orphan Leander, events are set into motion that see him and his new friends Charlotte and Felix, in a race against time to break Pinchbeck's spell, before one of them vanishes forever...

This is next on my TBR and I'm really looking forward to this one.

4. The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenni Pearson

Synopsis:Freddie Yates likes facts. Just not the one staring him in the face - that his secret plan is not, in fact, secret. Because Freddie's journey wasn't meant to involve Big Trev and the onion-eating competition or the loo-exploding pear-and-potato turnovers. And Freddie definitely didn't expect to end up, with his two best friends, on national television in a supergirl costume. But journeys never take you where you think they will. And for Freddie, that fact might just have to be enough... The super funny, heart-warming adventure of three boys, one summer holiday, and a few miracles along the way.

So there you have it. This is NOT a definitive list but I've done what I can.
Whilst I have given links to Waterstones, please also don't forget you Indie bookshops as well during these difficult times.

Happy reading,

Allison xx