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

#FirstLinesFriday

Hello, hello my lovelies,

I hope you are all staying safe and well.

So today I thought I would take part in First Lines Friday again which is run by Becky's Book Blog.

This is what you have to do:

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?

• 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 ...

My name is Hazel Wong and I never expected a murder on my summer holiday - but then nothing about the English seaside was as I'd imagined it.

Any ideas?

It was the World Book Day book by Robin Stevens, The Case of the Drowned Pearl.

Synopsis:

While on a seaside holiday with their friends George and Alexander, the Detective Society discover the body of famous swimmer Antonia Braithwaite - nicknamed The Pearl - on the beach.

Everyone presumes that she drowned accidentally - but how could such a famous swimmer have struggled to swim?

Even more mysteriously, three guests at the girls' hotel all wanted Antonia dead...

Can the Detective Society solve this mystery? Or will they sink under the pressure?

I hope you enjoyed that. 

Happy reading,

Allison xx

x

Oh No Bobo! - review

Hello, hello my lovelies,

I hope you are all well.

Today I have another review for you.

Oh No Bobo! by Donna David. Illustrated by Laura Watkins
Due to be published 21.4.20



Synopsis:
Join Bobo the Orangutan on his quest to find the perfect pillow and ensure a good night's sleep.

Bobo is sure one of his jungle friends will be able to help. He plucks a feather here and a tuft of hair there but only causes upset! Bobo is left despondent and still without a pillow. But when Elsie the elephant enthusiastically strokes Bobo and wraps him up in her trunk in an effort to play, Bobo gets very upset indeed. Will Bobo and Elsie both learn and important lesson about asking permission? 

Beautifully illustrated, QED's Storytime series introduces young children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories. Featuring charming animal and human characters, the books explore important social and emotional themes like friendship, gratitude, perseverance and overcoming fears. A Next Steps page at the back provides guidance for parents and teachers.

Review

This is a beautiful book. I actually felt quite broody as I wanted a little child in my lap to read this to! 

Bobo is a baby orangutan who can't sleep very well because his branch is a bit uncomfortable. We travel with him as he swings through the jungle meeting different animals that he wants to use as a pillow. Needless to say, those animals aren't too keen and definitely let him know about it! I have to admit I did chuckle when the slow loris bit him. I could just imagine a little one laughing out loud at this. 

Finally Bobo meets Elsie, a baby elephant who finds herself in exactly the same position. She can't sleep either! Unfortunately, or fortunately you could say, she gives Bobo a taste of his own medicine.

This is a gorgeous book. The illustrations are vibrant and really sell the story. I love the final picture of Bob with his mum, it would make a lovely print in a child's bedroom. The story is beautifully told, with short sentences making the it easy to read aloud, follow along, or for children to try to read themselves. Lovely repitition means the children can join in with their predictions too.

A beautiful bedtime book where, as Bobo and his mum snuggle together at the end, so can you and you child or grandchild as you put them to bed after.

Alternatively, this could be easily used in an EYFS setting. There is a page at the back with some ideas for teachers which is a lovely touch. If anyone does Talk For Writing in their setting, this would be perfect for that. 

A super picture book.

Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I hope you enjoyed this review and I have tempted you to go and buy a copy.

I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me this copy for my honest review.
I would also like to thank QED Publishing, Donna David and Laura Watkins.

Happy reading,

Allison xx

The House of Hidden Wonders - Review

Hello, hello my lovelies,

How are you?
I'm actually off work today but not because of the dreaded virus. I hope you are all safe and well.

So today I am reviewing The House Of Hidden Wonders by Sharon Gosling.



This is due to be published 02.04.20

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? 

Review
To start, Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities in the Uk. I've only been there twice and both times I fell head over heels in love with it. I love the juxtaposition between the old and new architecture, the vibrancy, the history, the people, the accent and everything else associated with it; so I was already excited to read this knowing it was set deep in Victorian Auld Reekie. 

Add in a strong female protagonist who strives for the best despite adversity and we're on to a winner. Zinnie, the eldest of 3 sisters has a strong mother role where, despite living hand to mouth in the slums, wants the best for her siblings and will do anything to make sure they are all ok. Sadie, the next sister down is quiet and demure with a love for botany and the medicinal properties of plants. Lastly, there is Nell. The youngest sister and one who takes ill through the poor living conditions. The relationship between the sisters is extremely powerful and shows the bond they all have. They will do anything for each other and anything to stay together. Zinnie knows they don't live well but knows it is her duty to look after them. She wants the best for them but understands she can only do what she can. However, that doesn't mean she rests on her laurels and accepts things for what they are. In fact, quite the opposite.

She has a friendship with a young Arthur Conan Doyle and between the 2 of them, they seem to feed off each other. He understands Zinnie knows the streets of Edinburgh like the back of her hand. Zinnie knows that he is a learned man who is inquisitive and won't stop at what is there before him. If he feels there is more to something than the obvious, he and Zinnie almost think aloud together in a search to unravel a mystery.

Also in the book is another very powerful, strong lady called Lady Sarah Montague. How I would love to be her! She is widowed and has travelled extensively around the world on her own and intends to keep going, much to the dismay of the gentlemen around her who think a lady should be doing no such thing! Lady Sarah puts these men swiftly back in their place. She is an endearing character and one who takes an instant liking to Zinnie, albeit she is a street child,  knowing she is a friend of Conan Doyle. 

Then we have Dr Sophia Jex-Blake. Again another female character and as it turns out, another factual person from the time. I'm not going to spoil it here and tell you her history as I think it will be interesting for you to find out, as I did, when you get to the end of the book. I must admit, the author really has done her research and I love this aspect of the book, mixing fact with fiction. Delicious!

Then there is the bad guy. A supposedly American freak show owner who isn't all that he seems. As you read the book, you take an instant dislike to him and that's all down to the power of the writing.

Finally there is one more girl who I'm not going to say anything about. All I will say is that I cried when I found out about her. I'll leave that little nugget with you.

This was an absolutely fantastic book and one that I will definitely be buying. Suitable for upper key stage 2 as there are some darker themes, we follow Zinnie as she takes us on a rip-roaring adventure to solve her own Sherlock Holmes style murder mystery. You are thrown straight into the story from page 1 and to be honest, as I was reading, I forgot it was even a middle grade book. I was so engrossed that I needed to read and read until every little twist was put into place. 

This is a story of sibling love; a love for someone no matter what they look like, be that in race or disability. The bond between people through adversity to not only make the best of what they have but also stand by their morals and fight for justice and what is right. There is the history of the underground streets and a glimpse into life as it was then, yet just down the road, the rich lived with their staff.
I can already say with confidence, that this will be one of my best books of the year. I'd highly recommend this to anyone, adults and children alike who want an adventure that draws you straight in and you can get your teeth into.

Without hesitation, this gets ...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  5 stars!

I hope this review has inspired you to read this.

I would like to thank NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book for my honest review. Also Little Tiger Press Group and Sharon Gosling.

Happy reading.

Allison xx