BITE-SIZE BOOKS!
​snappy suggestions for good reads

    SNORT! BOOK REVIEWS

​Need a fix of funny? No problem. Because there's a new website that deals in nothing else. You will find funny book reviews, interviews with funny writers, news of new chuckle-worthy reads, plus features and giveaways. I'm running it with the hilarious Martin Howard, who wrote The Cosmic Atlas of Alfie Fleet,  Check it out - click here!
To set you on your journey to becoming fantastic humans I've started this page, where I'll list the books that I've recently read and liked. There should be something to get your teeth stuck into.
​Unless you're a vampire, in which case you may be disappointed with the texture.  

REVIEW LIST
books from A-Z

The 1000 Year Old Boy 
Boy In The Tower
The Boy Who Flew
The Boy Who Grew Dragons 
The Boy Who Hit Play

Charlie Changes Into a Chicken

Cheese From Dimension Pong 

​Cogheart 

​The Cosmic Atlas of Alfie Fleet 
The Day I Was Erased
Dragon Detective Agency: Catnapped

Dreaming The Bear
The Eye of the North
Floodworld
 
Guardians of the Wild Unicorns 
The House With Chicken Legs 
Hotel Flamingo 
Jelly by Jo Cotterill ​
Joe All Alone 
Just Jack 
The Light Jar  ​
The Maker of Monsters
The Many Worlds of Albie Bright 
Milton the Mighty
Murder in Midwinter ​
The Nothing To See Here Hotel 
Owen and the Soldier​
The Polar Bear Explorers' Club 
Scavengers
She Wolf 
Skeleton Keys Unimaginary Friend 
The Somerset Tsunami 
Wed Wabbit 
Where Do You Go, Birdy Jones  
Where The World Ends
Where The World Turns Wild 
Wranglestone 

YOUNGER MG

CHARLIE CHANGES INTO A CHICKEN by Sam Copeland (Puffin)

Pick this book and be prepared to laugh. Because yes, changing into animals is a funny idea in itself, but you don’t know the half of it. With jokes, ridiculous situations, hilarious extras (like Charlie being followed by love-struck pigeons), this story is imaginative, captivating, clever - a total joy… With his brother ill in hospital and his parents stressed, the last thing Charlie wants is to get into trouble. But Charlie discovers to his alarm that he changes into animals – all sorts of animals, and rather suddenly and at some very awkward moments. Moments that could cause TROUBLE. And turning into an animal doesn’t come without its own worries – such as what happens if he turns back into a normal boy (with no wings) at 10,000ft up in the air? But Charlie can't stop it if he doesn't understand why it happens in the first place... Luckily Charlie has some loyal friends who investigate the phenomenon – with science – and stick by him through thick, thin, hairy and slithery. But the experiments don't all go as smoothly as planned. Funny that.
For a longer review got to www.snortblog.com
Age: 7+ #funny #animals #jokes

THE SOMERSET TSUNAMI by Emma Carroll (Faber & Faber)

It’s 1616, and in a sleepy Somerset hamlet a wave of change is coming. First, a tsunami tears through the peace of the little coastal communities, and then a witch-finder comes to town and threatens to do the same… For a bunch of spirited kids who put their lust for life before rules and expectations, these troublesome events will set them on a dangerous path. This is the first Emma Carroll book I’ve read and I can see exactly why they’re so popular. Effortless story-telling, a neat page-turning plot, a sprinkling of history and characters with real character - you can see and hear them as clearly as if they were sitting at your table. I thought this book was utterly wonderful and involving; my fists curled in rage at the injustices of the rich men and their corruption, my teeth clenched as the witch-finder twisted words to make his accusations stick, and I smiled at the actions of the outspoken Fortune – a main character that defies the old time-worn template of femininity. Indeed, in this story there’s a little echo of As You Like It, which was written by Fortune’s contemporary, Shakespeare… To sum up: this is about a group of brave children daring to be different, celebrating their individuality and learning to stand strong during one of the most turbulent times in history – and it’s absolutely marvellous.
Age 7+ #history #witches #floods

SKELETON KEYS: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND by Guy Bass (Stripes)

How I zipped through this tale of friends present, past and forgotten. Because that’s what it’s all about – keeping and believing in your friends. There’s a twist, of course, and the narrator is Skeleton Keys, a fantastic skeleton with a splendid vocabulary and keys on the ends of his fingers. These keys open doors to new places, even places that don’t have doors. In this book Skeleton Keys tells the story of a boy called Ben Bunsen, who finds his monstery imaginary friend - the Gorblimey - no longer in his head but right in front of him. In real life! So what happened to the other imaginary friends he had before?... You'll see. And if that wasn't exciting enough, with Skeleton’s curious keys Ben discovers a door to oblivion and behind it a clue to a family mystery. This has such a great ending, but you’ll just have to read it! There are great illustrations by the brilliant PETE WILLIAMSON – I especially love the booming and malapropping pirate, BeardBeard. He’s just one in a cast of brilliant characters that includes Daisy, with her head on back to front, the curiously cuddly Gorblimey and, of course, the dapper, clackety Skeleton Keys himself. This will delight younger middle-grade readers who like their adventures to come with a dash of wicked humour and a pinch of dark delights.    
​Age 7+ #spooky #funny #feelgood

MILTON THE MIGHTY by Emma Read (Chicken House)

This is a triumphant story, with all the superhero ingredients – threats, rescues, daring feats and of course the important ‘all is lost’ moment to make our character question whether he is up to the challenge. And any challenge is going to be particularly big when you’re a weeny spider, fighting for justice in a huge human world. Milton is a much maligned false widow spider – just one victim of an over-sensationlised news story about deadly spiders invading homes. With a pest control maniac on his tail, Milton must clear his name worldwide, for the sake of all spider species. This is a light, fantastically fun tale with lessons to be learned – you’ll learn about spiders, human nature, and how one small voice can make a big difference. And there's also a little something about the dangers of spreading lies on the web. Not the spider web. The other one. But there are spiderwebs in this too. Plenty of them. Great big magical glorious spiderwebs. Enjoy!
Age 7+ #spiders #fun #friends 

OWEN AND THE SOLDIER by Lisa Thompson (Barrington Stoke)

Owen’s dad isn’t around (I won’t spoil it by telling you why) and his mother is too upset to talk; school is tricky, too - it's hard to be confident when you're sad. But there’s a stone statue of a soldier in the park – a memorial – and Owen often finds himself sitting alongside it, chatting as if it were a friend, feeling his stomach unknot as he pours out his thoughts and feelings. But one day, the council decides that the crumbling stone soldier should be removed... No Way! Owen is determined that the soldier should never be forgotten, and embarks on a campaign to save it. But can he conquer his nerves and find the confidence to speak up? This may be a short book, but between its covers are rich and believable characters in a wonderful hearty story that looks at grief and consolation, and fighting for what’s important, no matter how hard.
7+ #grief #warmth #friendship

HOTEL FLAMINGO by Alex Milway (Piccadilly Press)

On a seaside strip called Animal Boulevard, The Glitz - a hotel with big profits and no heart - takes all the business. But when Anna inherits a nearby dilapidated guest house called Hotel Flamingo, she transforms it into a place that puts customer care before cash. With the help of some wonderful animals, Hotel Flamingo opens its doors and everyone is welcome - no matter their size, diet, habitat or reputation. This fun story about tolerance (the keystone of customer service!) is jam-packed with imagination and marvellous talking animals. Even the smallest cockroach has a big personality! If it were a fairground ride, it would be have to be the twirling teacups: sweet, gentle, magical. 
Age 6+ #animals #fun #colourful

CHEESE ​FROM DIMENSION PONG by
Gareth P Jones ​(Stripes)

This is book 6 in the Pet Defenders series, and if you're a fan of action and comedy, you'll love it. It reminds me of an old-time cartoon series called Dangermouse, full of jokes, ridiculous predicaments and characters that are dead serious about being utterly bonkers. My prediction is that this series will get picked up by television one day. But until it does, sit back, read and enjoy the jokes. This one's really cheesy.
Age 7+ #mad #funny #kidlit

THE DAY I WAS ERASED by Lisa Thompson (Scholastic) 

Maxwell often misbehaves, but he reaches a troublesome all-time low when he ruins a very special school event. Feeling sorry for himself, he wishes he'd never been born. 'Poof!' (enter the magic) - he gets what he wished for. At first this not-existing thing is  a shock, but Maxwell uses his insight to weave a little wisdom into the lives of those around him. And he realises how much he cares - for all of them. Including Monster, his dog, who will die if it doesn't exist to save him... If only he could get back, he'd be loyal and thoughtful, he'd make everything better. But he can't - not before he solves the intricate mystery of how he vanished in the first place! This has all of Lisa's trademarks - a good story which goes deeper than than words. As with her other books, there are scenarios and issues many would recognise, tackled as always with compassion, humour, refection and intelligence. 
Age 7+ #disappearing #family #dog

THE NOTHING TO SEE HERE HOTEL
by Steven Butler
(Simon & Schuster) 

If  you're looking for a glossary of crazy names and beasts and a slap-stick show of silliness, this one is for you. A simple story younger readers will be able to follow, just so long as they have a smattering of Troll.
Age 7+ #monsters #fun #kidlit

JUST JACK
by Kate Scott
(Piccadilly)

In Jack's world, nothing is certain - where he will move to next and go to school, why his Dad left and what the future holds... To cope with the constant uncertainty, Jack has given himself a protective shell. But then Jack meets Tyler.  Tyler is super-confident, an inventor and creator, and he could be a forever friend if Jack can let down his self-defence. This is a gentle story with punchy characters (that challenge Jack's view of life and himself), and sub-plots that address the hidden angst of kids. Lots of funny moments, and great inventions!
Age 7+ #inventions #friends #kidlit

THE BOY WHO GREW DRAGONS
by Andy Shepherd
​(Piccadilly)

The first couple of pages had me giggling like a popping-candy-laced fruitcake, but it quickly settles into a warm and easy-going tale of a boy who discovers a dragon plant and befriends one of its fiery fruits! This story is more cuddly than scaly, and is bound to put pet dragons top of young kids' wish lists. Oh, and they'll be a run on dragon fruit. Warn your supermarket.
Age 7+ #family #fun #kidlit

DREAMING THE BEAR by Mimi Thebo​(OUP)

Excuse me while I just take a minute to get over reading this book... ahem. Thank you. Right. THIS BOOK with its brilliant simplicity gets right to the heart of a story about a girl and a wild bear. There are moments of suspense, sadness, love and loss. It focuses on a few characters and a small but powerful plot that's guaranteed to stay with you. If you love the wild, the unknown, the impossible... you don't need to dream. Just read this book.
​Age 7+ #adventure #nature #kidlit

MID-RANGE MG

DRAGON DETECTIVE: CATNAPPED by Gareth P Jones (Stripes)

If you like your crime fiction hard-boiled, your detectives smoking and your cases intriguing, then go no further! This story is packed full of dodgy characters and shady dealings, although the only smoking you’ll see is the kind that comes hand-in-hand with a dragon. Dirk Dilly, a mountain dragon and a detective with a fire problem (that being, he sets light to his office), is about to get wrapped up in a case that involves missing cats and a headstrong girl called Holly. I can’t and won’t give it away, but the story is super imaginative and so bursting with fun that I scoffed this quicker than cinnamon roll. Dirk, with his hard shell and soft underbelly, is so silly (no, not silly, he hates being called silly) – is so humorous, and it’s his dialogue and a nifty little plot that will keep kids turning pages. There is plenty of comedy throughout – a funny word here, a ridiculous situation there and absurd characters absolutely everywhere – so prepare for laughter. Quickly followed by cries of delight when they discover there be sequels.  
​Age 7+ #dragons #funny #mystery

WHERE THE WORLD TURNS WILD by Nicola Penfold (Stripes)

Juniper and Bear know they don’t belong in the city – a sealed, safe place from the deadly ticks that have already wiped out much of mankind. They belong out there, in the wild. It’s in their nature and their blood. And their blood is what will put them in danger, not from ticks, but people. It carries precious immunity from the disease, and they must escape before they become laboratory rats. Back into the wild. They haven't been there since they were tiny, but in city-captivity they've educated themselves with books and hand-me-down stories - is it enough to arm them for the journey? A vast rewilding project has turned the countryside into a dangerous, sometimes savage terrain that will challenge even the wildest at heart… This book is beautifully written, gentle (with a few thorns), with in-depth world building that draws you in, allowing you to explore the what-ifs, before exposing the cracks. It’s a story of two halves – two adventures, two environments, two goals. And two children who don’t give up. I won't reveal any more. You'll have to go and hunt it out yourself.
Age 8+ #nature #adventure #wild

THE HOUSE WITH CHICKEN LEGS by Sophie Anderson (Usborne)

What did I think of this book? Put it like this: it is wonderful, magical, mysterious, marvellous and if anyone had wanted to steal it from me mid-read, they’d have had to kill me first. Sounds macabre, but get used to it, because this is a softened twist on the Slavic folklore of Baba Yaga, a 'crone' who guides the deceased from the living world to the stars and lives in a house with chicken legs... In this telling, Marinka lives with her grandmother, Baba Yaga and all her life has known nothing but the guiding ceremonies and her pets and playthings. It used to be enough, but Marinka is getting older and more curious about what's outside. But there is never time to explore and make friends when you live in a house that, without warning rises up on its chicken legs and runs to new lands – not that Marinka would be allowed to, as she is bound by Yaga rules, forbidden to go beyond the fence. Marinka's curiosity, determination and longing soon turns to disobedience, and her defiance starts to upset the cycle of life and death. With her house sick and her own future uncertain, she must put it right before it's too late. This story explores what it means to live and to dream, and to settle for the reality in between. There are some subtle lessons in responsibility and compromise tucked into its folds, but it's the tale's wonderful characters, intricate worlds and rich traditions that linger. It is simply exquisite story-telling.
#7+ #death #life #love #friendship   

THE 1000 YEAR OLD BOY by Ross Welford (Harper Collins)

Welcome to the perfect tale! It’s exciting and thoughtful, and so convincing you could truly believe that walking among us might be Neverdeads – people who can live forever... But back to the story of the wonderful Alve. Or 'Alfie'. Alve is a Neverdead boy who has travelled the centuries with his dear mother and trusty cat, but after a terrible accident finds himself all alone. Living forever suddenly seems a very lonely place and he longs for normality; for a life followed by death. And for friendship.  But who is going to be friends with a boy who looks odd, talks strangely and has intimidatingly good general knowledge? Who is going to believe that he’s 1000 years old? It turns out that neighbours, Roxy and Aiden might just give him the benefit of the doubt. With them on his side, Alve sees there is a way to become normal again - to age like every other kid, to grow up and grow old. But time is running out - people are asking questions, and an enemy of the past is catching up with him... The writing is warm, light and funny in places, and intensely moving as we sense the undercurrent of sadness of losing loved ones and living life with no destination. The pacing is perfect, the characters are brilliantly observed, and I would not be surprised if this book lived forever. 
Age 7+ #history #friends #thrill

GUARDIANS OF THE WILD UNICORNS by Lindsay Littleson (Kelpies)

This beautifully-written tale, set against the majestic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, explores themes of friendship and compassion. And unicorns. Not rainbow cartoon unicorns - real ones: huge, fierce and fast, with gleaming sharp horns and ... Well, I'll let Lewis and Rhona tell you the rest. It all begins when these two troubled eleven-year-old friends go on a school trip to an outward bound centre, where they quickly discover the creatures they once thought imaginary are very real, and in very grave danger. Dodging the beady eyes of their teachers and the bullets of someone keen to keep them away from the magical herd, the kids need to find every last ounce of stamina and determination if they are to fulfil their destiny as Guardians of the Wild Unicorns and  protect the beasts from certain death. This book is easy and fun, but filled with tension, magic and thrill, great characters and excellent dialogue (with a sweet smattering of Glaswegian dialect). I loved it.
Age 7+ #unicorns #adventure #thrill

THE MAKER OF MONSTERS by Lorraine Gregory (Oxford)

Lord Macawber has been building monsters, assembling the remains of dead beasts and breathing life into them using necromancy. But when Macawber dies and the terrifying, blood thirsty Monster Army escapes the castle, no one is safe. As it descends on the nearby Domed City, the castle's odd-job boy, Brat, knows that he has to do something - fast! He knows exactly what they're capable of... Flanked by his own good monster friends – and a human one he picks up on the way – Brat sets off to warn the city. But not only is he followed by the hideous monsters, Brat is dogged by his own sense of helplessness. Can he - good for nothing - really save the Domed City? This is a story of bravery and self-belief, played out by tremendous characters. And there's a message of course: that we are all far more than just the sum of our parts. The final twist is perfect. 
Age 7+ #monsters #magic #thrill

THE EYE OF THE NORTH by Sinead O'Hart (Stripes)

I have just emerged from this book feeling as thrilled and satisfied as if I'd just seen the year's best movie. Heart-racing as Raiders of the Lost Ark, but with all the homeliness of a traditional kids adventure, The Eye of the North is packed with crackling descriptions, thumping action and tremendous characters, so clear-cut I feel like I know them and could invite them for tea. With old-time explorers, steampunk travel, Narnia-style wonder and dare - and perhaps a touch of Oliver Twist, too - this book ticks lots and lots of boxes. And there's a final scene that convinces me that this must be optioned for film, for I will be dreaming of legendary beasts and how to conquer them for a long, long time. 
7+ #kraken #danger #adventure

THE POLAR BEAR EXPLORERS' CLUB by Alex Bell (Faber & Faber)

With a main character name like Stella Starflake Pearl, you just know that this story is going to sparkle with magic. But don’t think for a moment it’s all glitter and no guts. While there are spells, fairies, unicorns and miniature penguins, there’s a solid streak of adventure and a steel rod of feminism at its centre. There's bravery and self-discovery, and a whopper of a message that, yes, girls can be explorers - or whatever they want to be! With a great crew, dynamic dialogue and some laugh-out loud moments (some of my favourites being the explorers' obsession with moustaches and the singing cucumbers) this ice-bound ship is full of warmth and wit. If there were to be a successful marriage of The Chronicles of Narnia and Alice in Wonderland, this would be it. Old world charm charters new territory, and it's terrific.
Age 7+ #magic #adventure #icelands

THE COSMIC ATLAS OF ALFIE FLEET by Martin Howard (OUP)

This story is relentlessly silly. Packed with ridiculous people and predicaments, and not shy of a fart joke, there is no doubt that it’ll get kids giggling. Grown-ups, too –  Blackadder and Monty Python moments abound (perhaps some Mad magazine to boot). But just as important as the funny stuff is the wonderful, carefree celebration of the imagination. The author's evident joy in writing this is infectious! The story focuses on a Alfie, a poor boy who thinks he's enrolling for a day's work, but finds himself travelling the cosmos  and embarking on quests alongside a motley crew of exquisitely hilarious personalities. There’s vain elves, tough negotiations in the dragon's den, explosions, deadly foes... And a very satisfying ending. It’s packed with fab illustrations, glorious maps and lots of extra bits to giggle at.
​In summary: this is serious fun.
Age 7+ #cosmos #fantasy #comedy

THE BOY WHO FLEW by Fleur Hitchcock (Nosy Crow)

Open this book and you’re instantly sucked into a yesterworld of grime and crime, set on the wobbly, cobbled streets of old Bath. It tells the story of Athan, a poor boy who is robbed of his one leg-up in life, when he discovers his mentor, the great inventor Mr Chen, has been murdered. Someone was after the plans for his flying machine... But it is Athan who is now in possession of Mr Chen’s desirable blueprints, and they could change his life for the better - if he manages to stay alive, that is. Because the murderer is on his heels, breathing down his neck, right behind him at every turn, threatening to hurt everything he loves... Athan is forced to skitter and skid across ice-crusted rooftops to avoid the grasp of the terrible man in pursuit. But the murderer is not working alone and the net is closing in… This is an un-put-down-able story with vivid descriptions and characters so grotty, you’ll be reaching for the soap. Especially the murderer; meticulous and cruel, he’ll send shivers down every book spine on the bookshop shelf.
Age 7+ #rooftops #thrill #flying

WED WABBIT by Lissa Evans
(David Fickling)

First off, let me tell you - you will NEVER have read anything like this before. This is Alice in Wonderland stuff, although a lot funnier and with fewer rabbit holes, despite there being a large rabbit involved. Prepare to snort your way through the adventure, but don't think it's just funny without foundations. This book will make you go ha-ha and then oh....I see. 
​Age 8+ (all the way up to adults) #sidesplitting #clever #kidlit

SHE WOLF by Dan Smith (Chicken House)

​In this tale of ice and fire, a Danish Viking girl called Ylva (pron. eelva) seeks revenge for the murder of her mother. Angry and scared, and accompanied only by her dog, Ylva crosses snowy bear- and wolf-filled landscapes, seeking the killer whilst trying to stay alive. She trusts only the codes of her Viking  upbringing and listens only to the voices in her head. But nothing is as it seems... And the ending is just WOW. Ylva is a highly original heroine – fierce and fearless, but fragile, too – and the story is exciting and atmospheric, celebrating and challenging myths and superstitions, with lashings of battles. And snow. Lots of snow. Prepare to shiver.
​Age 8+ #vikings #wolves #revenge

BOY IN THE TOWER by Polly Ho-Yen (Corgi)

I didn't read the blurb on the back - I just jumped right in, and this book did not go where I expected. A boy called Ade lives in a tower block with his mother, who after suffering trauma starts to disappear before his eyes as she is swallowed up by depression... and then... The everyday blends into sci-fi-esque peril, as everything Ade has ever known begins to crumble. Literally. London is falling down. Giant plants are consuming the city's bricks and concrete, causing buildings to topple. It's Joe All Alone (Joanna Nadin) meets The Triffids (my favourite thing ever), with a touch of War of the Worlds and even a speck of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. More importantly it's a fascinating look at the meaning of community and coming together in the face of adversity. Most of the characters are adults, which is rare in kidlit, but they are superb - you'll never forget them. Much like this brilliantly original (yet somehow familiar) story. Age 7+ #disaster #friendship #plants

THE MANY WORLDS OF ALBIE BRIGHT by Christopher Edge (Nosy Crow)

Oh, you're going to love this one. In the story of a boy who has lost his mother, there is emotion, yes. But there's solid science, too. Fact supports the fiction, and fantasy what-ifs sit happily alongside accessible descriptions of the most famous scientific theories. And long after the story is finished you'll be left wondering if anything is possible... For Albie, it's searching for his mother through space and time, in myriad worlds. For you, it might simply be finding a worthy enough follow up to this book. And you're in luck. If you love Quantum Banana Theory, you've only just begun to explore the universe...
Easy to read, despite the physics! It's the perfect springboard for curious minds.  
Age 6+ #science #parallels #adventure  

JELLY
by Jo Cotterill
(Piccadilly)

Anjelica 'Jelly' Waters is the 'chunky' class clown, always putting herself down to make others laugh. Her friends think she's happy, but her poetry shows otherwise. And when her mum's new boyfriend puts one of her poems to music, Jelly realises her own tune has to change. With some great characters (l love Jelly, herself) and recognisable scenarios, this is a thoroughly absorbing story. It's easily accessible too, but ready to challenge young readers with plenty of interesting themes - e.g, sexism, self-esteem, prejudice and, key to the story, honesty.
​Age 8+ #identity #honesty #kidlit

MURDER IN MIDWINTER
Fleur Hitchcock
​(Nosy Crow)

A proper murder mystery! After witnessing something sinister in London's crowds, city girl Maya finds herself whisked off to the safety of her Aunt's home in the remote wilds of wintry Wales. She learns to get to grips with her awkward cousin and his stubborn horses, while managing her own fear of being discovered. This book ticks along; as it ticks faster and faster, so does your heart. Maya is not safe. Be prepared for mild fear and to close the book when you've finished feeling as if you've been properly thrilled. 
Age 8+ #thrill #page-turning #kidlit

​JOE ALL ALONE
by Joanna Nadin
(Little, Brown)

​Imagine if your parents went away on holiday without you. No parents - cool, right? Hmmm, maybe not. In this story Joe understands what it's like to be truly alone, and if you think that could never be a bad thing, just read the book and get back to me. This is beautifully written - it tumbles excitement with fear, friendship with hardship; but don't worry, hope is always a day away. 
*now a BBC Children's series (but read the book first!)
​Age 8+ #brilliant #moving #kidlit

​THE LIGHT JAR
by Lisa Thompson
(Scholastic)

​Okay, so before The Light Jar came the highly acclaimed The Goldfish Boy but for me, this is the one that ticked all the boxes. It's atmospheric, hovering somewhere between hard reality and soft-focus dreamland, as a boy who is on the run with his mum finds bravery. Or perhaps bravery finds him. It's full of charm and 'glowing' with fantastic characters - and every one, everyone, has their own story of acceptance and of finding inner strength. 
​Age 8+ #touching #dramatic #kidlit

OLDER MG
NEW!
​YA

SCAVENGERS by Darren Simpson (Usborne)

So … what can I tell you about Scavengers? I’ll start by saying that I’ve never read anything quite like it. And also that it’s absorbing, involving and brilliant. It’s not really a story, but a chance to live inside one, and I’d suggest this is for readers who like to take time to get to know their surroundings. Page by page, you are drawn into the world of a boy called Landfill and his carer, Babagoo. They live in a dump, a walled-in world of sharp edges, softened over time by nature. Life is hard - they must scavenge the rubbish tips to survive - but there is a comfort in routine and rules, not to mention an abundance of animal friends to play with and snuggle up to at night… But is it all what it seems? Naturally, you’ll start to ask questions about Landfill’s past and his future, and the trustworthiness of Babagoo's character, and no doubt you’ll make your mind up as you get to know them better. But then you’ll change your mind again. Because this is about the many perspectives of truth, and how they change depending on where you’re standing. I feel as if I can’t do this book justice in a short review. But if you’re curious and love world-building, interesting characters and deep life questions, then this is for you. From my perspective, it’s magnificent.
Age 9+ #worlds #discovery #life

​WRANGLE-STONE by Darren Charlton (Stripes)
​
Wranglestone – a lake island community in North America, survivors of a deadly plague and keeping it that way. Only,  their way of life is about to be threatened. Yes, by the herds of Restless Ones intent on devouring human flesh, but also by change. As the lake freezes over, it brings nightmares, suspicions and truths, and cold fact exposes the tender underbellies of its inhabitants… It tinkers with the undead theme under a suffocating blanket of snow,  but this remarkable story is so much more than just another Zombie-fest: twisty, original and packed with message (not preachy, just probing). Wrapped inside a masterclass in character and tension lies an exploration of what it is to be human (my favourite theme), toying with how we handle things such as political correctness, refugees, primal fear, impulse and love... And whether this is a romance with a side of Zombie, or Zombie with a side of romance matters not. All we need to learn is that love may sometimes break us, but it can make us, even save us when it seems there is only darkness ahead. There are sequels afoot and I can't wait to read more of this writer's homely style, which emits warmth with an a-ha! crystal clarity, every word delivered with precision aim. I’ve said it and I’ll say it again, Darren Charlton is Annie Proulx after dark. Enveloping and sharp.
Age 13+ #romance #horror #HumanNature

FLOODWORLD by Tom Huddleston (Nosy Crow)

Ah, this is just the sort of adventure I like: a world, but not as we know it; kids with guts; villains who are, let’s just say, not so clear-cut. It’s the future and the seas have risen and London is underwater, save the rich in the city, kept safe behind huge walls that hold back the sea. Outside the walls in the Shanties – made of temporary structures and the tips of tall submerged buildings – is where the story starts, with an Oliver Twist-type tale of Kara and Joe, kids scratching a living by salvage and theft for their boss. Then come the Mariners, pirates with a reputation for murder. After getting caught up in a Mariner-and-MetCo (private police force) chase, Kara and Joe find themselves on the Mariners’ ship out at sea. It’s an incredible hi-tech boat, with more than mindless thugs on board. The Mariners are fighting a worthy cause - they want to make the world a better place. But what's right and what's wrong depends on the person looking at it, and depends on who's in charge. This book twists and turns, with characters that are intriguing and complex, and while their actions lead to bodies and blood being splattered all over the place, not one of them is straight-forward evil. Floodworld is clever and quick, and an exciting introduction to the world of campaigns and politics in a watery land that isn't impossible to imagine..! I would love to see more underwater scenes, so my webbed fingers are crossed for a sequel.  
#8+ #pirates #fights #floods

THE BOY WHO HIT PLAY by Chloe Daykin (Faber & Faber)

This is different. It's out there. Just... Just don't open the book and expect anything to be obvious. Let it take you on the ride. The story is of a boy called Elvis who, along with his adoptive dad and his friend, go looking for his mother. In this twisty-turny tale, they are hindered by one person who is trying the kill them and another who is stalking them in the shadows. And the reason why? You'll just have to read it. It's brilliant. The words are lyrical, and sometimes the narration goes a bit haywire, just like Elvis' brain flips, but even when it gets confusing, surreal or peculiar, keep going - because just like Elvis' journey, the end is so worth it. It's also very funny. I snorted aloud (that's right, snorted)! I would advise this for kids who already like reading and want something juicy and new.
Age 9+ #adventure #thrills #sounds

COGHEART by Peter Bunzl (Usborne)

Finally got to read this tockingly good tale. Set on land and in the sky and driven by steampunk grime and glory, this story of courage, daring and discovery is absolute perfection. Every element is as precise as clockwork in a plot that's thick with extraordinary characters, detail and heart-stopping moments. It's not shy to explore danger and threat, so hold onto your seats and take the first zepp into a thrilling read.  There is some challenging language, which is great for the more enthusiastic, adventurous reader. This is a truly timeless story!
Age 9+ #steampunk #adventure #excitement

WHERE THE WORLD ENDS by Geraldine McCaughrean (Usborne) 

Read this in big wholesome chunks and you'll soon find yourself immersed in the (based-on-truth) story of  a group of boys lost for months on a craggy Scottish island. The intricate writing drip, drip, drip-feeds fear and discomfort until you're right there, face in the sea-spray, salt-stained and hungry for something other than sea birds. It's an astounding tale of survival in a hostile and brittle environment, and how the human spirit confronts physical and mental strain. For very confident readers. 
Age 11+ #survival #loyalty #kidlit
​*winner Carengie Medal 2018

WHERE DO YOU GO,
​BIRDY JONES?
by Joanna Nadin (Little, Brown)

Good things come to those who wait - and if you take your time to fall into step with what may be an unfamiliar dialect (Leeds) and conversational style, then you will be richly rewarded. This is a properly great tale of home, homing birds and belonging. Much of it is dialogue and, somehow, brilliantly, without lengthy descriptions and scene-setting, it is drenched in atmosphere. The characters are tangible (and fantastic), the pace is page-turning, and the story is full of heart - *sniff* - what's that? Nothing, just something in my eye... *sniff*.
​Age 9+ #pigeons #discovery #kidlit  
​*released July 12th.