#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

Gifts for Mother's Day

Hello, hello my lovelies,

How are you all doing? I hope you are all staying fit and healthy.It's coming up for mother's day here in the UK so I thought I'd suggest some book inspired gifts that are not books suitable for any mum out there. I've tried to be a little different with some of them for added inspiration and I've put links on the title and the pictures for you.

1. Enid Blyton -  Five Forget Mother's Day

£12.74 from Getting Personal

• Written and illustrated in the classic Enid Blyton style

• Features the original Famous Five characters

Enid Blyton’s books are beloved across the world and with our Enid Blyton For Grown Ups collection, you can enjoy the original Famous Five characters as they take you on a journey to celebrate Mother’s Day. The book follows Julian, George, Dick, Anne and Timmy the dog as they try to show Aunt Fanny how much she means to them on Mother’s Day. You can create a unique gift by adding a name and a personal to be printed on the very first page. 

2.Miniature chocolate books

£10.50 from Not On The High StreetA selection of miniature chocolate books, handmade from white and milk Belgian chocolate. Box contains 8 chocolate books.Love reading? Love chocolate? Then these perfect mini chocolate books are a must.These novel little chocolate books, made of luxurious milk and white chocolate. are an ideal gift for the bookworm in your life. This edible library makes a super addition to the traditional book token gift, or as an extra special treat for yourself as you curl up in front of the fire with your favourite story!

3. Personlised book of memories

£37.47 from LoveBookTelling someone why they are special has never been this easy and fun! Each LoveBook is a custom made list of all those little reasons why you love or appreciate someone.

4. 100 Books scratch poster

£12 from Moonpig

The perfect challenge for all those book worms. This scratch-off poster lets them discover 100 of the best novels ever written, so they can keep ticking off their book-et list. 

5. A Book on One Page print

£34.95 from Not on the High StreetA whole book on one page.Yes, hard as it may be to believe, our designs contain the full text of the book.Where there are shapes in the design, the words wrap to the edges rather than being removed or shaded.The prints would make a great gift, either for a new baby or as a fantastic wedding gift.Our posters are printed on lush, satin finish paper with state-of-the-art printing technology. The text is pin-sharp and the paper non-reflective so you can hang and light it exactly as you wish.Move over Kindle…book club just got even more interesting.All fit a standard frame availble from most shops.

6. First Lines In Literature mug

£11.99 from The Literary Gift CompanyFeaturing opening lines of some of the greatest works of literature including "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times", "Call me Ishmael" and 22 more. Not many people can guess them all, but don't worry: there is a handy key on the base of the mug.

7. Pride and Prejudice candle

£15 The Literary Gift Company

A  hand-poured, classically scented soy wax literary candle inspired by the luscious gardens of Mr Darcy’s estate 'Pemberley' in Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. This fragrance captures the scent of the woods, lawns, and flower gardens of the estate featuring grass, woods, moss, orange blossom, rose and peony.

8. Book stud earrings

£12 from The Literary EmporiumA pair of tiny book shaped stud earrings made frm silver stainless steel and hard enamel. These fun little book earrings make an ideal gift for a book lover and are a subtle way of showing your bookish side. Packaged in a tiny gift box, these book earrings are ready to give as a gift.

9. Little Women gift set

£36 Literary EmporiumThe perfect gift for a book lover, our Louisa May Alcott gift set is based around Little Women and is sure to inspire any bookworms. Ideal for fans of Little Women and the March sisters, the classic literature gift set comprises a cotton tote bag, screen-printed with a page from the novel, an enamel pin or keyring, and a notebook. The set also comes with a Penguin Classics copy of the book itself, cloth bound with a stunning, hardback cover.

10. Classic of the Mpnth, Book Club Subscription

£39 from BookishlyThis unique book subscription features literature’s best loved classics, our exclusively designed dust jackets and a packet of luxury coffee or delicious themed tea. We take pride in putting together a beautiful, cohesively designed parcel that’s sure to delight any book lover.The Bookishly Editions are great reads and would look wonderful on any bookshelf. It’s the perfect book subscription gift that any avid reader will appreciate and a lovely way to treat yourself too!

So there you have it. 10 gift ideas for our lovely mum's on Mother's Day, for most price ranges.

Hope you like them. Let me know what you think.

Happy reading,

Ally xx

#SixforSunday

Hello, hello my lovelies,

How are you all doing? 

It's Six for Sunday time and the theme this week is 6 characters you'd like to be stranded with.

Ooh this is a tricky one but I've had a good old think and this is what I have come up withL

1,  Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird
Atticus encompasses everything that I stand for - equality for all regardless of race and religion and was prepared to go to court to defend someone of another race, wrongfully accused of a crime.

2. Liesel Meminger from The Book Thief
A book lover who helps to hide a Jewish boy from the Nazi's during the war.

3. Tilly Pages from Pages & Co. Tilly and the Bookwanderers
I mean, who wouldn't want to go inside their favourite book!

4. Sophie from the BFG
How I'd love to meet the BFG and go on an adventure with him.

5. Paddington Bear
I'd love to bumble along, eating my favourite sandwiches (not necessarily marmalade), unwittingly causing chaos as I go yet have no clue about it.

6. Cinderella
Ok I'd skip the first part of the story and jump straight to marrying the prince!

There you have it. What do you think?

If you'd like to play along, then pop over to alittlebutalot and follow the themes with Steph.

Happy reading,

Allison xx

The Unadoptables - review

Hello, hello my lovelies, 

How are things? Have you done much reading?

I read The Unadoptables by Hana Tooke a little while ago now and just haven't got around to reviewing it. So here we are!



This is due to be on the shelves 14th May 2020.

So I have to get this off my chest first and foremost ... I freaking loved this book!! Without a doubt is the best book I've read this year so far. I will definitely by buying a hard copy as I had a kindle version. 

This is the story of Lotta, Egg, Milou, Fenna and Sem, The Unadoptables. So called as they weren't left for adoption in the 'normal' way. They landed at the Little Tulip Orphanage under the watchful eye of the matron, Elinor Gasbeek. She is quite a tyrant and particularly loathes these 5. Desperate times call for desperate measures and she agrees to sell the children to a Scrooge-like character in order to cook the books and make it look like she is able to re-home all her little adoptees. 

I say Scrooge like but he more reminded me of Fagin I think. I just pictured Fagin's picture each time he appeared in the book. Adventures start when the children realise all is not as it seems and make their bid to escape.

Each child has their own backstory and each is just as heartwarming as the other. I felt an instant affinity with the children, almost understanding their turmoils and began willing them to make the right choices. I loved the fact that they all had a different talent which enabled them as a group to be self sufficient.

The main part of the book follows Milou and her quest to find her parents. She keeps a notebook in which she writes all her theories and clues she uncovers along the way as she desperately tries to not only find her family but also establish why she was left at the orphanage in the first place. She feels there must be a reason which would explain in a positive way as she can't believe that her parents would do such a thing unless something terrible had happened.

There are laughs and adventures along the way. Set in Amsterdam, homage is played to the frozen canals and ice skating, tulips, windmills and bicycles. All those things synonymous with Holland.

The writing is lovely and flows at a quick pace. The adventures are well written and I found myself quickly turning pages, longing to find out what happens next.

I thought this was an adorable book and one that would be suitable in an upper key stage 2 classroom, so maybe for children from about 9 onwards. I would have liked to have read it to my class (year 3) but I wasn't sure they would understand some of the underlying themes.

This book is about life, love, the past, the future and the journey between. 

I will easily rate this book 5 stars.

Let me know your thoughts about this book. Were they the same as mine? I'm biased with my opinion but I'm interested to hear what you think too. Treat yourself when it's published and buy a copy. You won't be disappointed!

Happy reading,

Allison xx

Book Haul

Hello, hello my lovelies,

My what a weird week this has been. We've had a corona virus scare at our school, reporters the lot so it hasn't been the most normal week. I went shopping yesterday and needed toilet roll. Not one roll on the shelves!!! People are panic buying when there is no need. Normal healthy hygeine rules apply.

Anyway, I finally managed to get to Lakeside Waterstones to pick up my signed edition of A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison. I couldn't make it to the actual signing but managed to get a dedicated copy put aside for me.

I'm so so happy!!

Whilst there, I also picked up another signed book. This time, it is Katherine Rundell's new one, The Good Thieves.

I've not read this one but if any of her previous books are to go by, this is bound to be good.

'Normal' purchases were The Highland Falcon Thief, Starfell and Evernight. I was also tempted to get another edition of Frostheart as I loved the split cover and sprayed edges but just couldn't afford it. Sad times I know.

Here is the complete haul. One happy reader here!

Have you had any great purchases lately? Link me to them. I'd love to see.

Happy reading.

Allison xx