THE ISLAND THAT DIDN'T EXIST by Joe Wilson Reviewed by Sharon Tregenza

THE ISLAND THAT DIDN'T EXIST by Joe Wilson

Rixon is thrust into a dangerous situation and finds himself fighting for his life against a multimillionaire tech mogul on his super yacht.

Twelve year old Rixon is excited when he discovers his great-uncle has left him an island in his will. But the excitement turns to confusion when he finds that the mysterious island can only be found by using a special magnifying glass on an ancient map. Does this place really exist? Rixon sets out to find the answer and the mystery deepens when he meets the four children hidden there - away from the world and society. 

This book is a gripping story for Middle Grade readers. A fast-paced mix of mystery, humour and adventure with a thrilling denouement. I highly recommend it. 

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ASHA AND THE SPIRIT BIRD by Jasbinder Bilan. Reviewed by Sharon Tregenza

 

Asha's father must work in the city to provide for his family but they haven't heard from him in a while. When the money runs out and the wicked moneylender threatens her mother, Asha decides she must go in search of him. 

    With the help of her friend, Jeevan, and the protective presence of a beautiful bird (who Asha believes is the spirit of her dead grandmother) the adventure begins. 

    Set in India, this is a rich tapestry of a book. Strong characters and an exceptional sense of place is deftly interlaced with fantasy to create an exciting immersive story.  

    With its themes of family and friendship and enchanting descriptions its a superb read. And just look at that cover. Stunning. Asha and the Spirit Bird is the deserving winner of several awards.

Highly recommended for ages 9-12. 

• Paperback : 288 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1911490192
• ISBN-13 : 978-1911490197
• Publisher : Chicken House (7 Feb. 2019) 
• Reading level : 9 - 12 years
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WILDE by Eloise Williams reviewed by Sharon Tregenza

WILDE by Eloise Williams

Mystery, magic and witches - this was always going to be a book for me. I was drawn in immediately by the stunning cover and the blurb: being different can be dangerous.

       Wilde isn’t ‘normal’ so as much as she wants to, she doesn’t fit in. She’s also having to deal with a lot of changes – moving to a different town to live with her aunt, while her father is in the USA. A new school brings new problems and when weird things begin to happen to the cast of the school play, the finger is soon pointed at her.

This is an enchanting story of myth and legend set in an imaginary Welsh town. William’s prose creates a lyrical description of the rugged scenery – the perfect backdrop to merge the magical with the everyday.

The themes of courage, individuality and bullying are deftly interwoven in the story and a good dollop of humour and quirkiness adds depth and originality. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m sure you will too.

      A thrilling middle grade read in the fantasy genre.              

·       Paperback: 256 pages

·       Publisher: Firefly Press

·       ISBN-10: 1913102181

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Oh No, Bobo! by Donna David. Reviewed by Sharon Tregenza

This absolutely delightful picture book by author Donna David and illustrator Laura Watkins is pure joy to read.

Bobo, the monkey, wants a more comfortable sleep and goes in search of something cosy to rest on. Surely it's fine if he just steals a feather from this bird or pinches a little fur from this animal? But this endearing little chap soon learns an important lesson about asking permission first. 

This is a gentle, accessible book that teaches children about personal boundaries and consent without being in the least preachy. Watkins bold tropical colours and David's simple entertaining story are a perfect match. I loved this book. I'm sure it'll soon be on all young children's book shelves and in schools too.

"Oh No, Bobo!" is part of QED's "storytime series" and a Next Steps page at the back provides guidance for parents and teachers.

Paperback: 24 pages

Age Range: 4 - 6 years

Publisher: QED Publishing (21 April 2020)

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THE GIRL WHO WALKED ON AIR by Emma Carrol reviewed by Sharon Tregenza

THE GIRL WHO WALKED ON AIR

Young Louie Reynolds has been a part of Chipchase's Travelling Circus since her mother abandoned her as a baby. She feels alone and Mr Chipchase constantly denies her the opportunity to show off her considerable talent - on the tightrope. Would she be better off with the rival circus run by Mr Wellbeloved?

Louie is a troubled girl with a complicated backstory. Her loyalties are confused. Will she make the right choices or will she fall foul of the sinister Mr Wellbeloved.

This is a story of heroes and villains with a Victorian Circus as background. Blondin and the Niagara Falls tightrope walk has always been a source of fascination so the ingredients are all there and  Carroll mixes them with a deft hand. I've yet to read her "Frost Hollow Hall" but will certainly do so now. 

I enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it to children aged 8-12 and all discerning adults. A truly good read. 

    Paperback: 336 pages

• Publisher: Faber & Faber; Main edition (7 Aug. 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571297161
• ISBN-13: 978-0571297160

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SEAGLASS by Eloise Williams reviewed by Sharon Tregenza

SEAGLASS by Eloise Williams

Who doesn't love a good ghost story and Seaglass by Eloise Williams IS a good ghost story. 

Lark, a thirteen year old girl, is going through a bad time. A sick mother, a troubled sister and an estranged best friend leaves her feeling lonely and angry. A family holiday in Wales sounds like a good idea. But things get even more complicated when Lark, and her younger sister Snow, become entangled with a young ghost - a mysterious figure in a green dress. Who is she and what does she want with Snow?

The bleak setting of the out of season caravan park adds a spooky atmospheric touch as the story grows in suspense and tension.

'Seaglass' deals with the important themes of grief, discrimination and bullying while never digressing from the path of a 'gripping story'.

It's written mainly for Middle Grade but can be enjoyed by anyone. A thoroughly good read. 

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Press (12 Sept. 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1910080802
• ISBN-13: 978-1910080801
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'The Glass Spinner' by Lynne Benton - reviewed by Sharon Tregenza

THE GLASS SPINNER

When 12-year old William's mother leaves the family home, he is devastated. His father's bitterness increases and he decides to take William away on a "holiday".

Strange things start happening and they are centred around an unusual glass paperweight. William's life is about to take an interesting twist as dreams and reality mix and show him the possibility of a world within a world. Does he have the courage to enter that world and face the frightening villain? Can he help his father and will he find his mother? The answer to these and many more questions are found in this intriguing mystery.

The mix of fantasy and reality works well here and the characters are believable and sympathetically drawn. It's a great story in a well written classical style. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with the glass spinner.

And interesting premise well executed, makes this book an enjoyable read.  I'd definitely recommend it for 8 years up and for adults too.

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (18 April 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1530863414
• ISBN-13: 978-1530863419

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THE STARMAN AND ME by Sharon Cohen. Reviewed by Sharon Tregenza

THE STARMAN AND ME by Sharon Cohen

This book is an adventurous mix of science and history with a touch of magic thrown in for good measure. When Kofi first sees Rorty he’s not sure what he is. He obviously has special powers – so is he an alien? And why does he need help?
            

Kofi discovers that Rorty is being hunted by scientist who abducted him from a remote island. They want him for the chip that is inserted in his brain. It’s this chip that is responsible for his remarkable powers - it was invented as a source for good. Naturally the villains want it for nefarious reasons of their own. 

Narrated by Kofi, the story romps along at a good pace and a number of quirky sub plots keep the action flowing, but don’t distract from the main mystery. It’s a charming story that despite some truly emotional moments, never slips into the maudlin. The writing is crisp and intelligent and the characters well-rounded. I love the simplicity of the cover too.

I highly recommend this book for upper MG or lower YA. It’s also a great read for adults.

 

·       Paperback: 304 pages

·       Age Range: 9 - 11 years

·       Publisher: Quercus Children's Books (10 Aug. 2017)

·       Language: English 
·       ISBN-10: 1786540088

                                                                                        

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