Book Reviews

Ernest by Catherine Rayner

Published: September 2009. Book review by: Anna

Ernest is huge. Well, he would be, he’s a moose. The problem is that Ernest is SO huge that he doesn’t fit into his own book! However hard he tries, however much he shimmies, squeezes, squidges or squodges, he just can’t make it. Luckily, Ernest has a clever little friend who realises that if Ernest doesn’t fit the book, they’ll just have make the book fit Ernest!

A lovely story, beautifully told with Catherine Rayner’s award winning illustrations.

Age range 3+ £10.99 Hardback

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Published: December 2009. Book review by: Anna

Luce is scared and confused. One minute she was going to a nice, normal school, had a nice, normal boyfriend and considered herself to be (mostly) nice and normal. After being involved in a tragic accident, which she still doesn’t understand, Luce finds herself at Sword and Cross School. This is certainly not a nice OR normal school, but one for delinquents, criminals and worse. Luce can’t begin to imagine how much worse, or what she’s getting herself into when she falls for intriguing bad-boy Daniel. She can’t help digging deeper into Daniel’s secret past, but will she be able to cope with what she finds?

Fallen is the first in a four-part series, and a great new addition to the increasingly popular ‘Paranormal Romance’ genre.

Age range 12+ £9.99 Paperback

Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch

Published: August 2008. Book review by: Anna

It is difficult to do this book justice with a description, it really is a book you need to read to appreciate. Essentially a book about death and bereavement, this is not a picture book for the very young, as some of the illustrations have nightmare potential for little ones. That aside, this is an incredible book, with beautiful illustrations and somehow manages to address a difficult subject with sensitivity, warmth and even a touch of humour.

Originally published in Dutch, and recently translated into English, ‘Duck, Death and the Tulip’ is set to be a classic, and deservedly so.

Age range 7+ £10.99 Hardback

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Published: October 2009. Book review by: Anna

Nora Grey has never been particularly interested in boys - she’s always been perfectly happy in the company of her best friend Vee. When Nora’s gorgeous new biology partner, Patch, arrives on the scene however, he makes a very big impression. Nora knows that Patch isn’t a regular high school student, but after a series of terrifying encounters with a masked stranger, she begins to wonder if he is actually dangerous. As much as she tries, Nora can’t keep away from Patch, but will her obsession lead to disaster?

From vampires and werewolves to fallen angels, the Young Adult genre is going from strength to strength, and ‘Hush, Hush’ keeps up the high standard.

Age range 12+ £8.99 Hardback

One Smart Fish by Chris Wormell

Published: January 2010. Book review by: Anna

Millions of years ago, life for a fish was pretty dull. Especially for one particular fish. He was so clever (more than all the other fish in the ocean put together), that he had run out of things to do. He had mastered chess, learned to draw fantastic pictures and put on wonderful plays. There was one thing he was missing out on though, the chance to walk on the land. Being such a clever fish, he came up with a plan. Can you imagine what happened when One Smart Fish crawled out of the sea and walked on the land?

This new title from the award-winning Chris Wormell is a really clever introduction to the story of evolution, and is perfectly accompanied by his striking illustrations.

Age range 5+ £10.99 Hardback

Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Published: May 2009. Book review by: Will

Percy, son of Poseidon, is back to battle against Kronos, Lord of the Titans, who is attacking New York City. Percy must fight for the fate of the world, whilst also fighting an ancient prophecy that predicts a not-so-happy birthday when Percy turns 16.

Full of action, adventure and laughs, the latest Percy Jackson is a fantastic combination of ancient and modern. This adventure will have your heart racing and send your imagination wild. If you haven’t yet set foot into the amazing world of Percy Jackson, you must start this journey soon. Though, be warned, you may not be able to stop once you begin. Yes, it is that good!

Age range 9-12 £12.99 Hardback

Scat by Carl Hiaasen

Published: October 2009. Book review by: Will

Scat tells the story of Nick and Marta as they try to find an explanation for the mysterious disappearance of Mrs Starch, their biology teacher. Missing in the swamps, with a wild panther at large, leaves them slightly worried about their teacher! However, as soon becomes clear, things are not quite as they seem.

This cleverly written and funny novel is a great read for both teenage boys and girls. The exciting and mysterious plot will catch you at every turn, with the wit and genius that makes Hiaasen such a brilliant author. This is a great book that draws you in further with every page.

Age range 9-11 £9.99 Hardback

Pastworld by Ian Beck

Published: October 2009. Book review by: Sue

Ian Beck’s first foray into teenage fiction will appeal to children fascinated by Victoriana and tales of Jack the Ripper. Pastworld is a life-size re-creation of 19th Century London where visitors from the present year 2048, go to visit. Caleb and his father, who has more than a little to do with the origins of the park we discover, are drawn into a murder mystery neither could have predicted. Pacy and atmospheric, this will appeal to both boys and girls.

Age range 11+ £10.99 Hardback

Boom! by Mark Haddon

Published: September 2009. Book review by: Annie

While bugging the school staff-room Jim and Charlie overhear some of the teachers talking in a very strange language. They end up going a very long way to solve the mystery… This very funny adventure was originally published in 1992 as ‘Gridzbi Spudvetch’, and has now been revised by the author for the 21st century. Mark Haddon is the author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which won the Whitbread Book of the Year, Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and the Booktrust Teenage Fiction Award. Boom! is for a younger audience aged 7+.

Ages 7-9 £10.99 Hardback

The One That Got Away by Josh Lacey

Published: June 2009. Book review by: Annie

The Misfitz are Ben and his irritating elder sister, his annoying half-sister and his weird step-brother, thrown together for the summer holidays in a cottage in the country. When Ben is accused of stealing strawberries from the garden of Quarryman’s Cottage he lies in wait to catch the real culprit, leading the team into a much bigger, more dangerous adventure. This is the first in a new series of Famous Five type adventure stories for the 21st century. Josh Lacey is the author of Bearkeeper and the popular Grk books.

Ages 8-11 £5.99 Paperback

It's a Secret by John Burningham

Published: 1 June 2009. Book review by: Sue

Have you ever wondered what your cat gets up to when he disappears for the night? Well, Marie Elaine has, and so she decides to tag along with her cat Malcolm when he sneaks out one night wearing his best outfit. What she discovers is a delightful story full of quirky characters (keep an eye out for the gang of hoodie-wearing dogs!), alongside John Burningham's fantastic illustrations. This is a real treat for adults and children alike, and a great story to read together.

Ages 3-5 £11.99 Hardback

Flood and Fang by Marcus Sedgwick

Published: 12 March 2009. Book review by: Annie

Glorious gothic humour from this popular author writing for the first time for a younger age group. Narrated hilariously by Edgar the raven, who is trying to warn amateur scientist Lord Valevine, his wife Minty, and their children ten year old Cudweed and his gorgeously gothic big sister Solstice, about The Thing that lurks below Otherhand Castle (not easy if you can only utter a few raven words such as ‘Rurk!’ and ‘Kawk!’). The spiky black and white (of course!) illustrations complement the text perfectly. This is the first in The Raven Mysteries series.

Ages 8+ £7.99 Hardback

The Sandfather by Linda Newbery

Published: 5 February 2009. Book review by: Annie

Excluded from school, Hal is sent to stay with his aunt in the seaside town where his mum grew up. Maybe this is his chance to find the father that he has never met – but he doesn't even know his father's name. The supporting characters, including Aunt Jude and her artist lodger Don, and Czeszka the Polish girl that Hal meets on the beach, are really well-drawn, and have their own intriguing stories. A compelling read set firmly in the present.

Ages 9+ £6.99 Paperback

Shop Cat by Linda Newbery

Published: 30 January 2009. Book review by: Annie

Business in Hattie’s uncle’s toy shop is looking up–could it have anything to do with Twister, the mysterious tortoiseshell cat who just arrived one day, and stayed? And are the odd couple who visit the shop but never buy anything shoplifters–or is there another, more surprising explanation? A warm, reassuring story perfect for bedtime reading or for early readers. There are now four titles in Linda Newbery’s Cat Tales series, with more to come.

Ages 5+ £3.99 Paperback

Bob's Best Ever Friend by Simon Bartram

Published: 1 September 2008. Book review by: Annie

At last, another story about the wonderful Bob, who first appeared in 2002 in the award-winning Man on the Moon (a day in the life of Bob). Bob's feeling bored and lonely. He thinks his life is very mundane (although we know better!). What he needs is a best ever friend – but where on earth can he find one? Look closely at the pictures – you might spot more than Bob does! A warm and witty story from one of our favourite children's illustrators.

Ages 4+ £9.99 Hardback

Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

Book review by: Lorna

The final instalment of the captivating Inkheart trilogy finds Dustfinger dead and the evil Adderhead still in control. The book that holds his death between its pages is still intact, although slowly rotting, and evil reigns the land. Life in the Inkworld has been far from easy as Meggie and Mo found out after being magically drawn into the pages of the book in the events of Inkspell. They are now living and breathing it's story. Can Meggie and Mo rewrite the words and force the story to take a new direction? And will we see the return of Dustfinger? Inkheart the movie is soon to be released starring Brendan Fraser as Mo, Helen Mirren as Elinor and Paul Bethany as Dustfinger so make sure you read the trilogy before then!

Chicken House Ltd., £12.99. Available now

Oath Breaker by Michelle Paver

Book review by: Lorna

Oath Breaker is the fifth book in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series following the exciting adventure further with Torak and Renn. Set in the ancient past where people live in Clans and evil spirits stalk the land Torak must face fire, war and grief as he follows the Soul Eaters into the Deep Forest to avenge the death of his friend. It is a story about keeping promises, and the true cost of vengeance. Others in the series: Wolf Brother, Spirit Walker, Soul Eater and Outcast.

Orion Publishing Ltd., £9.99. Available now

Nation by Terry Pratchett

Book review by: Pip

Set in a parallel world not dissimilar to our own, Nation follows the story of Mau, a young man whose world is swept away by the tidal wave that hits his people's island, and Ermintrude Faishaw, the only survivor of the British ship that the wave carries into the heart of the jungle. With excitement in the form of mutineers, cannibals and enigmatic gods as well as Pratchett's all-pervading humour and some surprisingly deep themes, Nation really is a book for all ages.

Random House, £16.99. Available now

The Kiss of Death by Marcus Sedgwick

Book review by: Rachel

The Kiss of Death follows Marko, a young boy who journeys to Venice to track down his missing father. His only lead exists in the form of a fierce girl, Sorrel, and her father, a once brilliant man being consumed by madness. Waiting for them in the dark alleyways is the Shadow Queen, a terrifying adversary, threatening to take over Venice. Written in Sedgwick's naturally readable prose, this novel is very difficult to put down. Combining elements of the Gothic with a convincing portrayal of eighteenth century Venice, anyone who enjoys a good mystery and a touch of the supernatural with thoroughly enjoy this novel from the ever popular author.

Orion Publishing Ltd., £9.99. Available now

Waterslain Angels by Kevin Crossley-Holland

Book review by: Annie

Ten year old Annie and eleven year old Sandy are drawn into the mystery surrounding the fourteen angels that disappeared from a church roof back in the time of Cromwell. Were they destroyed, stolen, or simply hidden to protect them from the raiders? The innocent detective work of the determined pair soon turns dangerous as they find they are not the only ones searching for the valuable artefacts. The atmosphere of the lonely north Norfolk salt marshes in the 1950s is the suitably spooky backdrop to this traditional, gripping mystery story.

Orion Publishing Co., £9.99. Available now

Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons by Ann Rinaldi

Book review by: Sue

In 1761, Phyllis Wheatley was kidnapped in Senegal and sold as a slave to the wealthy Wheatley family of Boston. The family discovered that Phyllis was a bright girl and had a talent for writing poetry. Phyllis was groomed and educated by the family and experienced a life far superior to most other slaves. She was still however a slave and not technically a free person. Ann Rinaldi successfully weaves the true story of Phyllis, against the troubled relationship between England and America during this period of history. Phyllis went on to become the first published African American woman poet. A perfect choice for Black History month.

Walker, £5.99. Available now

Exposure by Mal Peet

Book review by: Sue

Sports journalist Paul Faustino has a third outing in the world of South American football. A clever take on the Othello story, a star footballer is wrongly implicated in a scandal and his life careers out of control. Certain parallels with real life football stars and their wives, give this book a resonance with which readers will identify. Mal Peet is a master storyteller who writes with pace and excitement. Perfect for teenagers and adults.

Walker, £7.99. Available now

The Princess' Blankets by Carol Ann Duffy

Book review by: Emily

Well known poet Carol Ann Duffy has turned her hand to children's picture books with excellent results. The story tells of a young princess who is constantly cold. Many have tried and failed to warm the princess with no success, until one day a young man comes to visit to cure her with magic which ends up having disastrous consequences. A delightful picture book, beautifully illustrated by Catherine Hyde, perfect as a gift for any young girl.

Templar Publishing, £14.99. Available now