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