Jasper and Scruff Take a Bow

Jasper and Scruff are very excited about the ‘Reach Fur the Stars’ talent contest. Scruff plans to appear as ‘Scruff the Sensational’ and hopes Jasper will join him in his magic act. Jasper, however, has different, more refined, plans. The Sophisticats are also determined to get their paws on the Grand Prize and it soon becomes clear that something suspicious is going on. Can Jasper and Scruff team up to save the show?

This is the third adventure for Jasper and Scruff and their very endearing friendship that proves opposites attract. Scruff is full of boundless enthusiasm enthusiasm, throwing himself into everything he does. Jasper is far more cautious, considering his appearance and what others might think of him. But their friendship endures- Scruff never holds a grudge and Jasper can’t help but love his messy pal! When Scruff wins a place in the final, he is quick to include Jasper and so they are both ready to foil the dastardly deeds that are spoiling each performance, but one.

The story is generously illustrated with fun, colourful pictures throughout and the story is full of humour. It would make an excellent read aloud, but is also perfect for newly independent readers with an achievable amount of text on each page and plenty of interesting vocabulary. There is plenty to engage with in the story as well. Children would enjoy learning some magic tricks (perhaps not sawing each other in half!) or putting on a talent show of their own. Making experimental milk shakes (maybe not salty vanilla!) would also be great fun!

Full of fabulous illustrations, ‘Jasper and Scruff Take a Bow’ is another magical adventure for this loveable duo!

Jasper and Scruff Take a Bow

Nicola Colton

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788952545

Jasper and Scruff

Jasper the cat has everything he could want- a lovely home in a fancy apartment building, a fabulous collection of patterned bow ties and a library of books arranged by colour. But what he really wants is to be a member of… the Sophisticats, a society of exceptional felines. When they accept his invitation to a dinner party, he is thrilled and knows this is his chance to impress them. However, when out shopping for the party, Jasper bumps into Scruff, a boisterous, drooling puppy who follows him home. As a result, Jasper’s carefully prepared evening does not go according to plan, but everything turns out for the best in the end.

This is a delightful, heart warming story about the importance of real friends. For all their self importance and supposed airs and graces, The Sophisticats soon show their true colours and it’s clear that the over-enthusiastic, scruffy pup who followed him home is by far the better friend for Jasper. Although Scruff disrupts Jasper’s ‘purr-fect’ life, he actually enriches it beyond measure and his creativity and energy make him just the right kind of friend.

Perfect for newly independent readers, ‘Jasper and Scruff’ is also an excellent story for starting discussions about friendships and what the ‘right’ friends might look like. It reminds us that we should give others a chance and that opposites really can attract. It’s so important to remain open to new experiences- and to new friends!

Full of delightfully quirky illustrations, ‘Jasper and Scruff’ is a delightful book which is bursting with humour and joy.

Jasper and Scruff

Nicola Colton

Stripes ISBN: 978-1788950695

The Eye of the North

Emmeline is convinced her life is in danger. Clutching her satchel full of things to keep her alive, she makes her way through life, ready for anything! One breakfast time, she receives a letter from her parents which changes everything.

Put on a ship to sail to Paris where she would find safety, Emmeline meets a young boy called Thing, a scruffy stowaway, and an unlikely friendship develops between them. Chased by the criminals who kidnapped her parents, Emmeline is caught and taken to a villainous scientist, who is determined to summon an ancient creature from the icy depths of the north...

Desperate to save his new friend, Thing seeks help from a secret organisation and sets off in pursuit. 

What follows is an amazing story, combining the adventures of Emmeline and Thing as the one races to save the other. Fast paced and exciting, the book is peppered with fantastic characters and magical creatures, making this an enchanting read. 

Thing is a wonderful character. Haunted by his past, he is loyal and resourceful- a perfect companion for Emmeline, whose upbringing and experiences have made her more reserved and cautious. Rich, atmospheric language describes the settings beautifully and Emmeline's world comes vividly to life. With dangers at every turn, this will appeal to those who love fantasy and adventure.

The Eye of the North       Sinead O'Hart

Stripes Publishing      ISBN: 978-1847159410

The Rules

Amber is used to hiding. Having been trained by her father- a prepper- to survive any eventuality, she is now using these skills to escape from him and his claustrophobic and increasingly frightening set of rules. Now placed at boarding school after spells in foster homes, when Julie, her social worker, excitedly tells her they have located her father and have a letter for her from him, Amber knows it’s time to go on the run. But how can she stay ahead of the person who taught her everything she knows?

Gripping from the first page, ‘The Rules’ tells Amber’s story by alternating between the past and the present. The story is permeated with a sense of menace as the reader gains a greater understanding of what ‘the rules’ mean to Amber, building the tension as she tries desperately to stay safe.

The ending is masterful- and essential that it is not spoilt by any hints or careless comments. Suffice it to say, this is a book not to be missed with compelling characters and an edge-of-the-seat story line.

A tense, challenging read, ‘The Rules’ is one not to miss.

The Rules Tracy Darnton

Stripes ISBN: 978-1788952149