The front cover is eye-catching and the illustrations striking but as well as being lovely to look at, the contents do deliver. The tales are short, engaging and it's a great way of introducing classical music to young readers. There are links for individual famous music pieces that could be played in the background as you read each story. Good for reluctant readers, as a different approach and would be great as a dramatic storytime session. Could also be used to inspire creativity/craft session. A useful book to add to collections

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 20th November 2024

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This has been pitched by the publisher as a gender-flipping re-imagining of Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. It is gripping from the outset with tense pacey action that really has you hooked, a feisty female lead with which you feel every blow and betrayal, strong cultural references that enhance the sense of place and setting, and a buzzing, well-developed plot with plenty of ups and downs. A harsh, gritty but excellent debut, Emily Varga is an author to watch

Reviewed by Diane Gill on 13th November 2024

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This book is arranged as a guide to different UK habitats, showing the changes seen across each season. The beautiful illustrations clearly show the plants and animals that young readers are likely to spot at different times of the year, and most types of habitat are covered. Ideal for consulting after a hearty walk for those who enjoy naming the things they're seen, or it would work equally well as an armchair browser to inspire adventures. Anything from the National Trust and Nosy Crow partnership is of high quality and this book is no exception. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys the natural world. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 13th November 2024

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When the extended Gristle family are summoned to their ancestral home by Ignatious Gristle, family patriarch and extremely unpleasant individual, they don't expect to hear he is getting married. Things take an even more surprising turn when he is murdered in the middle of the night. With a snowstorm trapping the family in the old rambling house, and the sole telephone out of order, it falls to the youngest member of the family to uncover the circumstances of this murder mystery. 

With a wonderfully eccentric cast of characters and a conveniently isolated, pre-war country house setting, this book is a pitch-perfect take on the golden age of crime. In Edna Gristle readers have an irrepressibly curious and very amusing narrator and the plot is full of twists, turns and red herrings enough that the eventual conclusion is highly satisfying. Fans of Robin Stevens and Enola Holmes should really enjoy this first volume in a promising new series. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 6th November 2024

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Bryson could make any subject interesting, and this has been really well adapted for a younger audience to enjoy. There's something interesting on every page and it would be useful for language and British history topics, but equally works as a good leisure NF title, too.

Reviewed by Debbie Bradley on 30th October 2024

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It's a wonderful, imaginative read with distinct and likeable characters. The writing style is ideal for the story, enabling the reader to create clear visuals, and the use of repetition is amusing.  This is a great novel for reading aloud to children and they will never look at a snowman in the same way again.  It touches on bullying and fear, but at its very heart is a 600-year-old love story.  This is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold and dark winter's night.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 23rd October 2024

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Seventeen-year-old Neon is about to have sex with his girlfriend, Aria, for the first time. In 24 seconds to be precise. He's hiding in the bathroom, nervous, wanting to do everything right. In this moment he reflects on key moments in his relationship so far and his memories draw the reader into his wider world of supportive friends and family. This is a powerful, thoughtful, sweet & romantic tale, that's in written in an accessible, authentic style with really well crafted, engaging characters. 

Reviewed by Laura Hayward on 23rd October 2024

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A fabulous romp through the history of the humble toilet, revealing a chain of events that brings the reader up-to-date with how today's loo came to be, with lots of yukky stuff on the way.  There's cartoons and jokes and fascinating facts to share with friends.  It has great text, amusing illustrations and plenty of laughs.  Perfect for any reluctant reader and essential for library shelves.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 16th October 2024

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This starts as a lost toy story that turns into a magical adventure. There is a dreamlike element which will raise discussion with young readers - did the fox appear or was it a dream? As would be expected from the author, the illustrations are wonderful and offer lots of little details that really bring the whole to life. A wintery treat.

Reviewed by Natalie Wise on 16th October 2024

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Themes including being a foundling/orphaned, bullying, racism, neglect, isolation and loneliness are all highlighted successfully and against the stark, harsh backdrop of 1950's coalmining in the Yorkshire Dales. Even though Birdie is an orphan, she possesses a real sense of self-worth which is challenged when she goes to live with her white relatives in a small all white community. The empathetic thread that runs throughout the book is highlighted when Birdie doesn't understand why people in the community are treating her differently and her chance discovery of Mr. Duke the pit pony and their instant connection brings courage to both of them. It's a gripping story and easy-to-read, the acts of kindness by strangers and between Birdie and Mr. Duke are particularly heartfelt. 

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 9th October 2024

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A very funny story, will read aloud well and children will love it. The story encourages children to practice their art skills and also gives examples of different artistic impressions of tigers that could inspire art projects. Children will enjoy the silliness and the little bit of magic created by the author knowing what they are thinking about! Something a bit different and it works really well here.

Reviewed by Natalie Wise on 9th October 2024

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This is a fabulous, tender and poignant novel which grips you immediately. Solo, the protagonist is relatable and endearing and his sensitive voice manages to leave the reader both laughing and crying at the same time. The plot delves into themes of poverty and mental health in an engaging way. Wonderful!

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 8th October 2024

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A magical adventure that weaves together several myths to create a strong and exciting story about a young girl finding a new way in the world after having to move home.  The friendships are well developed and the history of the characters intertwine with the myths to unravel the secrets of the island that she has moved to.  Blair is a feisty character who thinks she knows her own mind but soon discovers the errors of her thinking.  It's a cosy and enjoyable read that keeps the reader gripped and wanting more.  A great read.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 25th September 2024

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In a dystopian future, a young girl sets off on a daring mission into a surrounding forest when the spyglass her community depends upon is stolen by a mysterious stranger

Another stunning partnership from the Hardinge/Gravett that presents a richly imagined fantasy world & a resilient heroine who meets her challenging world head on. The picture book novella format is unusual for the teen market but is well worth promoting, and would make a good class reader for KS3 or even for gifted and talented top JF.

Reviewed by Diane Gill on 20th September 2024

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A delightful and entertaining rhyming story about being seen, heard and accepted, however small you may be. Tiny McToot is a small but determined character who dreams big despite his size. Colourful and detailed illustrations makes this an engaging visual experience, complementing the narrative beautifully. It delivers a powerful lesson about self-confidence, resilience and determination. An absolute pleasure to read aloud.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 18th September 2024

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