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

Best Blue Peter Award Winning Book of All Time

Hello, hello my lovelies,

I hope you are all well. For us teachers on half term it has been a very welcome break - although I use that term loosely as I have been doing school work for most of it. The weather has been a mix of lovely sunshine and horrendous winds. My mum lives in south Wales where they have been hit quite hard but she is thankful she lives up a mountain so doesn't have to worry about flooding.

So, on with booky business. As the title says, Blue Peter are celebrating 20 years of Blue Peter book awards. They want to know which of their award winning books from those years is the BEST EVER!!

This is a mighty task, but luckily for us, some lovely judges have culled the shortlist to just 10 books. Without further ado, here they are:

1. The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Ralf



Synopsis:

A story of friendship, hope and the importance of kindness, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a story full of heart and humour, told from a unique perspective. Featuring illustrations from Pippa Curnick, this is an exceptional book by an emerging voice in children’s writing.

When a new boy joins their class, a group of children try to befriend him. They soon learn that Ahmet is a refugee and has been separated from his family. None of the grown-ups seem to be able to help him, so the friends come up with a daring plan, embarking on an extraordinary adventure.

2. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson & illustrated by Alex Scheffler

Synopsis:

"A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood. A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good."

Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when a quick-witted mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake ...and a hungry Gruffalo! Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's The Gruffalo is an undisputed modern classic and has become a best-selling phenomenon across the world with over 13.5 million copies sold. 

This award-winning rhyming story of a mouse and a monster has found its way into the hearts and bedtimes of an entire generation of children and will undoubtedly continue to enchant children for years and years to come. No home should be without The Gruffalo! 

3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Synopsis:

Life isn’t much fun at number four Privet Drive, at least not for Harry Potter, living under the stairs in a cupboard full of spiders, but all of that is about to change. On the eve of Harry’s eleventh birthday the letters start arriving; letters written in emerald green ink on yellowing parchment with an unmistakable letter H on purple wax seals. Because Harry Potter is no ordinary boy, he is the boy who lived, the wizard whose name everyone in the magical world knows and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin and life for Harry Potter will never be the same again.

So pick up your broomstick, have your wand at the ready. Waterstones invites you to Join Harry as he discovers the magical world for the very first time at the start of this incredible, multi-award-winning series.

This is where the magic begins!

4. Matilda by Roald Dahl

Synopsis:

It’s a funny thing about mothers and fathers. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful

That might be true of most parents, but for Matilda Wormwood, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Matilda’s parents hardly notice her at all; they’re much more interested with fiddling customers at Mr Wormwood’s second-hand car business, playing bingo or eating their dinner in front of the TV. Even at school it’s not much better, the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull is a fearsome gorgon of a woman who likes nothing better than throwing small children out of the window at the smallest provocation.

Matilda is no ordinary child though; Matilda is something special and she’s had enough with the grown-up’s bullying ways. With the help of her wonderful teacher Miss Honey, Matilda might just be able to change things for the better.

Waterstones invites you to meet marvellous, magical Matilda and watch as she shows that, with a little ingenuity, even the smallest people can make a big difference.

It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.

Now the magic of Roald Dahl is brought to life in these new illustrated paperback editions from the imagination of Quentin Blake, Roald Dahl’s own favourite illustrator. With brand new, bold cover designs and Blake’s quintessential pen and ink drawings these are classic editions for every generation to enjoy.

Roald Dahl was a spy, ace fighter pilot, chocolate historian and medical inventor. He was also the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and many more brilliant stories. He remains the world's number one storyteller.

5. Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

Synopsis:

It was a dark, blustery afternoon in spring, and the city of London was chasing an old mining town across the dried-up bed of the old North Sea.

So begins Mortal Engines, launching Philip Reeve's brilliantly-imagined steampunk creation, the world of the Traction Era, where mobile cities fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic future.

Set thousands of years in the future, in the aftermath of the Sixty Minute War which destroyed the civilisation of the 21st century the Mortal Engines series is a modern masterpiece, blending science-fiction, adventure and wonderful strangeness.

Airships storm the skies whilst deep in the oceans submarines lie waiting for prey. In this dangerous landscape the cities and their anti-tractionist enemies race to capture the remnants of perilous technologies to put to use. 

6. The Outlaw Varjak Paw by S. F. Said

Synopsis:

Having saved the city cats from a fate worse than death, Varjak Paw finds himself the elected and popular leader of a new gang - a gang that supports freedom and kindness for all. But will the pressure take its toll on this brave yet sometimes naive cat?

Soon the city erupts in an all-out gang war as the evil Sally Bones attempts to control the lives of all cats. Horrified and outnumbered, Varjak and the others must fight for their freedom or die trying; can Jalal's Way really be the best way?

7. Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

Synopsis:

Told in the voice of Private Tommo Peaceful, the story follows twenty-four hours at the front, and captures his memories of his family and his village life - by no means as tranquil as it appeared.

Full of vivid detail and engrossing atmosphere, leading to a dramatic and moving conclusion, Private Peaceful is both a compelling love story and a deeply moving account of the First World War.

8. Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell

Synopsis:

Join plucky heroine Sophie, her eccentric guardian Charles, and her intrepid orphan allies on the rooftops of Victorian Paris, as they encounter suspense and adventure that will keep kids of all ages on the edge of their seats right to the heartwarming end.

My mother is still alive, and she is going to come for me one day. Everyone thinks that.

Sophie is an orphan. Found floating in a cello case and swaddled in a Beethoven score, she is the only recorded female survivor of a shipwreck on the English Channel. But Sophie remembers seeing her mother wave for help...

Charles, a fellow survivor and an eccentric scholar, finds Sophie and brings her home to his London bachelor flat. Raised in a quirky home filled with music, words and love (though questionable diet), Sophie grows into a free-spirited tomboy with a taste for Shakespeare and the unshakeable belief that anything is possible. And you should never ignore a possible.

So when the child welfare agency in its bureaucratic wisdom threatens to send Sophie to an orphanage, the optimistic girl and her odd guardian flee to Paris on a quest to find her mother, starting with the only clue she has - the address of the cello maker.

Secured in an attic to evade the French authorities, Sophie escapes through the skylight and meets Matteo and his network of rooftoppers - homeless urchins who tightrope walk above the busy streets below, dining on pigeons and snails alongside the gargoyles and bell tower of Notre Dame. Together they set out on an unimaginable adventure, scouring the city for Sophie's mother before she is caught and sent back to London - and most importantly, before she loses hope.

9. The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson

Synopsis:

STRICTLY PRIVATE. KEEP OUT ON PAIN OF DEATH.

I'm Tracy Beaker - have you heard of me? I'm stuck in The Dumping Ground just at the moment, but I'm sure my Mum will come and get me soon. A certain Justine-Hateful-Littlewood has stolen my best friend Louise but I don't let it get me down. I never cry. Ever. I've done a bit of screaming and stamping in my time mind you ... I like eating birthday cake. And Smarties and Big Macs with French fries and strawberry milkshakes. I also like story writing. This is a story all about me - so I know you'll enjoy it!

10. You're a Bad Man Mr Gum by Andy Stanton

Synopsis:

'Completely hilarious . . . kind of The League of Gentlemen for kids' Zoe Ball Shabba me whiskers! It's a bold new look for Mr Gum, the best-selling cult classic, ready for a new generation of nibbleheads. `It's time for action,' said Mr Gum to nobody in particular. `Nasty action.' Good evening. Mr Gum is a complete horror who hates children, animals, fun and corn on the cob. This book's all about him. And an angry fairy who lives in his bathtub. And Jake the dog, and a little girl called Polly. And there's heroes and sweets and adventures and EVERYTHING

So there you have them. I have to make 2 confessions here. 1. Don't shout at me it's just my opinion, but I'm not a fan of Harry Potter. There, it's out in the open. 2. I've not heard of Mortal Engines. I must put it on my TBR though as it is obviously a great book.

Voting opened today at 5.30pm and closes at midday on 2nd March. You can vote on the Blue Peter website here.

So hard to choose just one ... I don't know who I'm going to vote for yet. Do you?

Happy reading,

Allison xx