Strangeworlds Travel Agency

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

Flick has recently moved to a new house in Little Wyverns with her parents and new baby brother, Freddy. Whilst exploring the village, she comes across a tiny, squashed-looking shop called The Strangeworlds Travel Agency. She finds herself invited to become a member of The Strangeworlds Society and is amazed to discover that each of the suitcases on display in the shop leads to another world. With Jonathan Mercator, Head Custodian, Flick is able to use the cases to explore the multiverse. But everything is not quite as it seems…

I loved this book so much! The idea of travelling through suitcases to lots of different worlds is so appealing and the story is fresh and exciting! Lapinski’s world building is second to none and each location fizzes with life and detail. There is much still to learn about this multiverse and its inhabitants and hopefully, there will be more adventures for Flick as she explores different worlds and Jonathan continues his search for his father.

Flick and Jonathan are wonderful characters- very different, but each well rounded. Jonathan neglects to tell Flick the whole truth, leading to trouble, but friendship wins through in the end and these two make a team to be reckoned with. Nicc is another appealing character, resilient and daring.

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency is an excellent read, full of magic and adventure. This is a must read to share with my class as soon as I can. Top marks for this one!

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency: The Edge of the Ocean

When an urgent summons arrives from the world of The Break, Flick and Jonathan leap into action- and the right suitcase- and go to offer assistance. Pirate Queen Nife, her crew and all the other people and creatures who live there are in grave danger as their world is shrinking. Somehow, Jonathan and Flick must find a way to sail ships and squeeze giant mer-people through a suitcase to save them- before it’s too late.

Here at JAB HQ, we adored the first book in this series so much and have thoroughly enjoyed introducing our classes to this amazing world and its characters. ‘The Edge of the World’ is no disappointment, being every bit as exciting and magical as the first.

Flick is now a fully-fledged Strangeworlds Travel Agency member and comes into her own in this adventure, taking the lead as Jonathan battles with his emotions after some news about his father. Her initial distrust and jealousy of Avery, Jonathan’s cousin, who joins them on this adventure, quickly develops beyond bickering and together, the three make a formidable team. Jonathan’s duel with Captain Burnish is wonderful, adding humour as well as action.

A sense of impending danger is maintained throughout this story, keeping a tight feeling of suspense and tension. It is not clear whether they will be able to save all the inhabitants of this world and Flick experiences real personal conflict about the possibility of leaving some behind. It is wonderful to see her triumph. The importance of friendship, family and support is woven through the story, but is so poignant when Flick needs it most.

The concept of the travel agency and its suitcases is an absolute gift to teachers looking to inspire children to write. It offers the perfect framework for a voyage and return story where the most magical and creative worlds can be invented while writing additional adventures. Children (and adults!) love these stories and the worlds they inhabit!

This second visit to The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, ‘The Edge of the Ocean’, is every bit as enjoyable as the first, offering a compelling, exciting adventure. Can’t wait for the next one!

You can read my review of ‘The Secrets of the Stormforest’ in the main reviews section.

The Missing Bookshop

Milly never misses a story time at Minty's Bookshop. The owner, Mrs Minty, might be a bit creaky, but she knows about every book in the world and can always find something for Milly to read. Like Mrs Minty, the bookshop is showing signs of age and Milly worries that it might have to shut. To her horror, she arrives one day to find Minty's Bookshop closed and soon it is for sale. But Milly comes up with a plan. Can she save the bookshop?

This is a delightful story about the importance of stories – and the shops that sell them. The value of Mrs Minty and her shop to the local community who no doubt take her for granted until faced with her loss reminds us all of the independent bookshops we all know and love and the booksellers whose invaluable advice keeps us returning- something to discuss with children in terms of local libraries as well as bookshops!. Milly is a sweet little girl with a warm caring nature who is a pleasure to read about.

Full of lovely colour illustrations, 'The Missing Bookshop' is a heart warming story, perfect for reading aloud and sharing.

The Missing Bookshop Katie Clapham, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788950428

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds

Zaiba is enjoying her cousin, Samirah’s Mehndi party at The Royal Star Hotel with her family and friends around her. She is also enjoying the opportunity to hone her detecting skills with the help of her little brother, Ali and her best friend, Poppy. Things get even more exciting when a mystery celebrity arrives at the hotel and the trio decide to use their sleuthing skills to uncover their identity. When the celebrity’s dog and diamonds go missing, there is real detecting to be done…

Set against the background of the traditions of the Mehndi party, this is an excellent detective story with plenty of colour and mystery. The children are a wonderful bunch, each bringing their strengths to the detecting team. Zaiba is a brave, determined and kind child whose ambition is to be like Eden Lockett, her favourite fictional detective, and live up to the memory of her Ammi- her mother- whose handwritten annotations to the stories make Zaiba feel connected to her. Ali is bright and full of life and Poppy bubbles with fun and enthusiasm.

The story is littered with clues to follow, making it fun to read and perfect those who love a mystery. A secret staircase, a labyrinth, overheard conversations… all lead to our detectives solving the mystery- and still being able to enjoy the party! It’s a fabulous read with plenty of lovely illustrations throughout.

‘Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds’ is a vibrant, fun read, full of family love and friendship as well as offering a good mystery to solve. Can’t wait to read her next adventure!

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds

Annabelle Sami, illustrated by Daniela Sosa

Stripes ISBN: 978-1788952064

Pizazz and Pizazz vs the New Kid

It’s not easy being a superhero- particularly when your superpower is SO embarrassing. Having to wear the same outfit all the time and not being able to miss school despite having been up all night fighting baddies also make the whole ‘super’ thing a bit of a nuisance. Pizazz’s parents are super-busy and her sister super-annoying, but her aunty Blaze is great for good advice and support.

Having to move and start a new school is also tricky. Her little sister, Red, who is super at everything, is thriving and finds making new friends easy, but not so Pizazz. Red ends up on the school council; Pizazz is given the role of eco-monitor. But when the local park is threatened, Pizazz has a chance to be super…even if it means everyone finding out about her incredibly embarrassing super power!

Sophy Henn has a wonderful way of bringing her characters vividly to life through text and through illustration. For all her super powers, Pizazz is so easy to relate to, overcoming very un-super issues like changing schools, making new friends, trying to fit in and feeling somewhat less super than the rest of your family. The comic strip sections of the story add much to the story in terms of action and fun, making the book doubly appealing to children who enjoy comic book action as well as a great book.

The story is permeated by the gentle humour Sophy is so well known for, but ‘Pizazz’ also has strong messages about the importance of community action and protecting the environment. Friendship, family and self belief are also important factors in the story which would make an excellent read aloud!

Sophy Henn’s super power is writing incredibly accessible, entertaining and brilliantly illustrated books and ‘Pizazz’ is no exception!

Pizazz Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471193989

Pizazz is back! When a new kid called Jett starts at school, Pizazz decides to befriend her as not only does Pizazz know what it’s like to be new somewhere, but Jett is a super. Things go from bad to worse when leader of The Populars, Serena, gets involved and decides there should be a ‘super-off’! What could possibly go wrong?

I love Pizazz. It is so easy to identify with this well intentioned, big hearted, self conscious, clumsy superhero. Constantly comparing herself to others and finding herself wanting, Pizazz had hoped to be Jett’s buddy and save her from the scorn and ridicule frequently heaped on Pizazz by The Populars. Being rejected by a fellow super makes her doubt herself even more and Pizazz feels she has no choice but to take up the super challenge even when she feels sure she will fail.

Ultimately, however, good sense triumphs and Pizazz finally realises that the Serenas of this world can only hurt us if we let them. Sophy’s reassuring and empowering message is bundled up in plenty of eye-rolling, lots of action and heaps of humour, but it shines through loud and clear for anyone who might need to hear it.

Sophy also allows the reader to see things from Jett’s point of view as Pizazz is offered words of advice from her Aunty Blaze, Uncle Titanoooooo (yes, it does have that many ‘o’s!) and her friends. The comic strip sections add so much to the story, making it pacey and accessible and Sophy’s illustrations are always a joy.

I cannot recommend these books highly enough! Sophy Henn truly is ‘Super Sophy’ and hopefully, there will be many adventures for Pizazz to come!

Pizazz vs the New Kid Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471194153

Wild

The wild wolves tease brothers Wolfie and Wilfie for not being growly or scowly, scary or snarly enough. They do not want to be pressured into following the pack, but want to stay true to themselves. When the pack pounces on Granny and her basket of pies, the brothers bravely come to her rescue and proudly stand up for what they believe in.

Perfect for starting conversations about peer pressure, ‘Wild’ shows how dangerous a ‘pack’ mentality can be. The ‘wild’ wolves swoop in on those who are different, mocking them and intimidating them. Wolfie and Wilfie’s fear is clearly shown as they are surrounded by the bigger, intimidating wolves, demanding empathy. The illustrations offer a brilliant starting point for using role play techniques for exploring the feelings of the brothers, but also for those members of the pack who are not as comfortable with what is going on. Discussions exploring strategies to use at these times could then follow, with younger children offering Wolfie and Wilfie advice.

The story also challenges the idea that the wild wolves can take whatever they want, whenever they want it and shows that Wofie and Wilfie deserve their pieces having behaved and helped by collecting the berries. Another much needed message!

Perfect for starting discussions and challenging thinking, ‘Wild’ is an empowering story about staying true to yourself.

Wild Annette Demetriou and Dawn White

illustrated by Ryan Sonderegger

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339050