Reviews from Another Life

I have been reviewing books for many years. Here you can search for reviews of other titles by the authors, illustrators, poets and publishers featured on my ‘Reviews’ blog.

Picture Book, Imagination, Breavement Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Imagination, Breavement Sue Wilsher

Ocean Meets Sky

Finn remembers his grandfather who used to tell him wonderful stories. To honour him, Finn creates a boat fit for a long journey, like the one they had planned together. After his hard work, he falls asleep and in his dream, a great golden carp comes to guide him on a magical journey until he wakes to his mother’s voice.

Everything about this book is beautiful. Beneath the dust jacket, golden images shine on a deep blue background, tempting the reader to explore further. In contrast, the jacket is dusky, muted tones, yet just as lovely.

The illustrations are fabulous. Finn leaves the sepia tones of his real life for the blues and greens of his dream land. The world Finn sails through is populated by many of the objects and pictures found on his Grandfather’s desk and around his room. The Library Islands are piled high with books, many of the spines revealing familiar and much loved stories, including ‘The Night Gardener’, also by the Fan brothers.

Finn travels through this land until he reaches a starry sky, full of hot air balloons, a Chinese dragon, submarines and ships of all shapes and sizes. The golden fish, who drooping moustache resembles that of Finn’s grandfather, swims towards the full moon who bears the face of Grandfather, smiling serenely as Finn says goodbye and is called home by a familiar voice.

Love and loss are beautifully explored in this wonderful story, through both the text and the delightful illustrations. One not to be missed.

Ocean Meets Sky The Fan Brothers

Lincoln Children’s Books ISBN: 978-1786032058

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Picture Book, Refugees, Hope Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Refugees, Hope Sue Wilsher

Wisp- A Story of Hope

Idris is a refugee child, living in a world of shadows and barriers. This is the only life he knows. One day, the Wisp arrives on the evening wind, unnoticed by everyone, but Idris. For those who hold it, the Wisp evokes memories, reawakening hope and joy. For Idris who has known nothing but life in this camp, there are no memories to stir, yet he realises that for him it offers promise of change, a promise for the future.

Breathtakingly beautiful, ‘The Wisp’ is an extraordinary picture book. Hope is at the heart of the story; whatever the wisp might be- a message, a story, a secret, protest, solidarity- it offers the dream of a better future as well as the joy of memories, the importance of preserving what makes each person individual.

Full of imagery, the language used throughout the book is as stunning as the illustrations.

A swelling sea of rememberings twirled on the air and shimmered in the breeze

Idris tasted the pull of the moonlight and explored the soft scent of new knowings.

The story challenges the reader to think about refugees as real people who have past lives and hopes for the future. It challenges them to think of the darkness of the ‘small, small world’ refugees live in. It challenges them to see the individual.

The illustrations are so evocative, cleverly using colour to mirror the mood of the story and those in it. The whole book is simply captivating and offers plenty of opportunity for discussions about refugees and hope for change.

Simply stunning.

Wisp: A Story of Hope

Zana Fraillon, illustrated by Grahame Baker- Smith

Hachette ISBN: 978- 1408350119

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Gorilla Dawn

Imara, a young girl abducted from her home village, and Bobo, the son of a wildlife ranger, are imprisoned by rebel soldiers in the heart of the African jungle. When the rebels capture a baby gorilla which they plan to sell, the children vow to return it to the wild and escape. Should the children get caught, the consequences would be terrible...

Gill Lewis writes with a passion for living things which shines through all of her books. 'Gorilla Dawn' is the most thought provoking and challenging yet, looking at issues of exploitation- of children, of the environment, of the planet. It explores the devastating effects of war and how the selfish demands of the West can destroy life elsewhere in the world.

Through the eyes of the children, the reader is challenged to think about their responsibility to the natural world and the need to protect it. Topics like deforestation, civil war, the atrocities and devastation of conflict could all be considered and discussed and children (and adults) might well be inspired to find out more about some areas- for example the illegal/ unethical mining of coltan and the violation of Human Rights.

The children are individual, well drawn characters, allowing the reader to engage with them. Imara's role as 'Spirit Child' and her relationship with Kitwana, the baby gorilla, are particularly interesting.

This is a very touching, emotional story, but the message ultimately hopeful and the ending satisfying. The content and themes make it perfect for children at the 'moving on' stage who are looking for a challenging, but rewarding read.

Gorilla Dawn Gill Lewis

OUP   ISBN: 978-0192739179

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Fiction, Adventure, Nature, Younger Readers Sue Wilsher Fiction, Adventure, Nature, Younger Readers Sue Wilsher

Willow Wildthing

Whilst exploring the garden of her new house , Willow meets the Wild Things, a group of children. who invite her to cross the bridge and enter the Wilderness, a place where anything can happen. The Wilderness was once the garden and grounds of an old house that burned down and remains a ‘small patch of green in the grey concrete town’. For the children, the Wilderness is a place where ‘time stretched, rivers ran deep and giant forests grew’… a secret, magical place.

In the first adventure, Willow pursues the Wild Things when they capture her little dog, Sniff. She crosses the bridge and learns that the children need to borrow Sniff to track a monster which has invaded their camp. One of their group, Bear, gave chase when the monster snatched the Wild Thing’s doughnuts and has disappeared. The children hope Sniff can help them find him and so Willow and her faithful dog join them on an adventure to face the swamp monster.

In their second adventure, The Wild Things find another group of children, the Bark Skins, are in the Wilderness. They have taken Mouse, trapping him with the threat of the Ogre Tree, and demanding River Camp- the Wildthings’ base- in return for his freedom. Furious, the Wild Things declare war and decide to train the dragon who lives in the Dragon Gardens to help them defeat the enemy…

In ‘Willow Wildthing and the Shooting Star’, heavy rains have destroyed River Camp. Whilst camping in Raven’s garden, the children see three shooting stars fall into the Wilderness. Determined to find them, the Wild Things set off on another adventure.

The joy of being free to roam the countryside, getting muddy and making camps radiates from these stories. Exploring nature and being part of the great outdoors makes them a breath of fresh air and perfect for inspiring not only a love of reading, but a desire to share in the Wild Things’ outdoor activities. Each book has an activity at the end which is practical and fun for children to try.

There is so much to love about these stories. Sniff is a rescue dog with ‘one eye, wonky teeth and a brave heart’ who no one had wanted, but he is the perfect dog for Willow and is a real hero of these stories. The reader learns much about nature through the stories too. When Willow’s little brother finds a ‘dragon’ in their garden, his parents create a home for it in a tank, but Willow knows it needs to be released and pleads with her parents not to dig up all the overgrown bushes in their garden that form its home. Th threat litter poses to wildlife is also brilliantly highlighted in the third book- so much to think about and discuss.

Willow’s little brother, Freddie, is ill which offers another element to these stories, exploring her feelings about this and the impact that this has on her family. She longs for him to be well enough to join her in her adventures in the Wilderness and the strong bonds of family love shine through the books. This is highlighted by Rebecca Bagley’s wonderful illustrations, themed to the colour of the book’s cover.

These gentle adventures which celebrate the imagination and play, the power of nature and the love of family and friends are a real delight. Perfect for newly independent readers, as Guided Reading texts or for the joy of a shared story, Gill Lewis has worked her magic again!

Willow Wildthing and the Swamp Monster Gill Lewis, illustrated by Rebecca Bagley

OUP ISBN: 978-0192771759

Willow Wildthing and the Dragon’s Egg Gill Lewis, illustrated by Rebecca Bagley

OUP ISBN: 978-0192771766

Willow Wildthing and the Shooting Star Gill Lewis, illustrated by Rebecca Bagley

OUP ISBN: 978-0192771773

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A Wisp of Wisdom

A Wisp of Wisdom is a wonderful collection of stories from Cameroon.

Sometimes change happens in the silence between heartbeats. Sometimes it follows in the footsteps of strangers. But sometimes change comes blowing on the wind...

Each of the twelve stories has been written by a different author- except Geraldine McCaughrean who has written two. This means the book is a delightful mix of styles and voices.

And if you learn anything from this story, maybe it should be to think twice before judging even the grouchiest of grumps- and at least thrice before lending a single coin to a terrible trickster tortoise.

There are tricky tortoises, chuckling crocodiles, cunning monkeys and a whole host of other animals in this wonderful collection. I think my favourite is Lucy Christopher's Why the Rat-Mole Stores Groundnuts- but I change my mind with each reading.

Without Promise, Mole would never have learned that being brave and considerate, even to those she was scared of, meant that everyone, really, was saved.

Each story stands on its own, but there is a wonderful sense of the diverse environment and the rich tradition of storytelling which they stem from. This is a fabulous collection for home and for school, for independent reading and for sharing!

A Wisp of Wisdom: Animal Tales from Cameroon

Lucy Christopher, Abi Elphinstone, Adele Geras, Elizabeth Laird, Sarah Lean, Gill Lewis, Geraldine McCaughrean, Tom Moorhouse, Beverley Naidoo, Ifeoma Onyefulu, Piers Torday

Illustrated by Emmie van Biervliet

Lantana     ISBN: 978-1911373063

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Fiction, Refugees, Music Sue Wilsher Fiction, Refugees, Music Sue Wilsher

A Story Like the Wind

Adrift on the wide ocean in a flimsy boat meant for pleasure, not rescue, a group of strangers huddle together. Each has their own story. Each is clinging to the hope of freedom.

Cradling all he has left, Rami feels lost. As his fellow travellers share their stories and try to share their meagre possessions with him, Rami refuses, saying he has nothing to offer in return. But he has the case he is cradling to his chest which contains a violin...

'Too fragile. Too intricate. Too beautiful. Suspended silence from some other world.'

And so Rami offers music and story with their power to heal and their gift of hope.

I cried as I read this book. That Gill Lewis is a powerful storyteller is no surprise, but in 'A Story Like the Wind' her lyrical writing coupled with the beauty of the illustrations and the poignance of the subject matter left me breathless.

As Rami shares the 'first story' of his instrument, remembered 'in the grain of wood of its body, in the tautness of its strings and in the scroll of its neck', the personal stories of those in the boat become entwined with it. As he plays, his inspiring tale of standing firm in the face of oppression and injustice offers each of them hope and the determination to keep the song of freedom alive.

The illustrations are fabulous. Each one is a real work of art, complementing the beautiful text in the telling of both the stories of the refugees and the traditional Mongolian tale of the origin of the horsehead violin.

If you only read one book this year, make this the one.

A Story Like the Wind

Gill Lewis, illustrated by Jo Weaver

OUP     ISBN: 978-0192758958

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Fiction, Nature Sue Wilsher Fiction, Nature Sue Wilsher

Swan Song

Permanently excluded from school, Dylan and his mother are forced to move to live with his grandfather in a tiny Welsh village. Initially, things are difficult- his mother and grandfather are not close and Dylan finds himself without the distractions of games consoles and the Internet. However, things start to change when his grandfather takes Dylan out on a fishing trip and shows him the whooper swans. The peace and beauty of nature helps to restore his sense of wellbeing, but will it be enough to help him when new challenges arise?

Beautifully written, ‘Swan Song’ is a celebration of the healing power of nature. It also sensitively explores mental health issues. Dylan found the transition to secondary school very difficult and struggled to cope with the pressure he felt from the expectations of work. The story acknowledges how friendships change during the transition years as some try to ‘reinvent’ themselves and others can feel left behind as they see their friends move on. As so often happens in real life, Dylan’s behaviour became increasingly challenging as he felt more and more out of control. The curt dismissal of the head at the opening of the book is not my experience of this situation: it is a very long road to this point and one which we work so hard to avoid.

The relationship which develops between Dylan and his grandfather as they bond over their admiration for the swans is very touching. His grandfather’s non-judgemental approach and the trust he shows in his grandson help restore Dylan’s sense of self worth and he is able to relax, finding a sense of calm. This is enhanced by the beauty and tranquillity of their surroundings. Nature has also helped Dylan’s grandfather come to terms with the loss of his wife.

Gill Lewis shines when describing the natural world- her love of nature sings through every line. The threat to the swans’ habitat in the story and the action taken by the community underline the importance of conserving and protecting these spaces. There is so much packed into this short story- it is a joy to read. Another Barrington Stoke triumph!

Excellent for using in guided reading, there is so much to discuss and explore in this book. ‘Swan Song’ is a sensitive, thoughtful story, full of nature’s healing power.

Swan Song Gill Lewis

Barrington Stoke ISBN: 978-1781129548

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Fiction Sue Wilsher Fiction Sue Wilsher

The Weather Weaver

Stella is excited to be returning to Shetland for the summer to stay with her Grandpa, even though her parents are leaving her whilst they work. But nothing is as she remembers. Her Gran’s death has changed her grandfather and there is little for her to do. However, everything changes when she meets Tamar, an old lady who lives on the island because Tamar is a weather weaver. Having caught her own cloud, Stella begins to learn this ancient craft, but when the Harken, a sea witch, threatens the island, Stella finds out what being a weather weaver really means.

Wonderfully atmospheric, ‘The Weather Weaver’ is a fabulous adventure, perfect for reading aloud and exploring in depth. The story builds at a pleasing pace, with wonderful descriptions of a place full of myth and magic and the beauty of nature. Stones absorb all sorts of things…our connection to the world around us is beautifully celebrated, reminding us to pause, pay attention- and enjoy.

Stella is a great character, fallible and flawed, but warm, determined and full of family love. Her little cloud, Nimbus, is a true delight- bursting with personality and charm- who wouldn’t want a friend like that? When the final conflict comes, both find reserves of courage and perseverance, working together to keep danger at bay. Stella is also open to understanding that things are not always as they first appear, prepared to give second chances and listen to others, even when others are not.

The story also deals sensitively with grief and loss, showing her Grandpa’s pain and how he tries to cope with this and protect his loved ones.

‘The Weather Weaver’ is an immersive read, with much to recommend it. I hope there will be more stories about Stella and Nimbus to come.

The Weather Weaver Tamsin Mori

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1912979455

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Fiction Sue Wilsher Fiction Sue Wilsher

The Hungry Ghost

Reluctantly leaving her ill mother in Denmark, Freja is sent to live with her father and his new family in Singapore. She arrives during the month of the hungry ghost, the month where ancient spirits are said to roam the earth and people must leave offerings to their ancestors so that they will not be haunted. Struggling to fit in, with guilt at having left her mother and living somewhere so different, Freja finds freedom exploring Bukit Brown, a place she later discovers is a disused Chinese graveyard. She also discovers that a mysterious girl she keeps seeing is a ‘hungry ghost’ and soon Freja is caught up in a search for the girl’s identity which is tied up in secrets from the past.

‘The Hungry Ghost’ is a highly evocative read, rich in description and giving a strong sense of both place and culture, seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story. Bukit Brown is so vividly described that on searching for photos of the cemetery, you feel as if you are looking a pictures of a place which you have visited. Other places are also full of life and colour with the author obviously drawing on personal experience. A very useful glossary of terms is included at the end of the story, deepening understanding without detracting from the narrative.

The characters are very well developed. Freja’s mix of emotions are sensitively explored as she struggles with her feelings towards her father’s new family and guilt at having left her mother. In searching for the truth about the ghostly girl, she learns much about herself, her family and uncomfortable truths about the colonial past.

‘The Hungry Ghost’ would make an excellent guided reading book for children needing a challenge. It goes without saying that care would be needed when considering issues of loss and mental health, but the richness of culture, the mystery element and the evocative writing offer plenty of opportunities for discussion, research and writing as well as a wonderfully rich vocabulary to explore.

A thought-provoking, moving story, ‘The Hungry Ghost’ offers an excellent read.

The Hungry Ghost H S Norup

Pushkin Children’s ISBN: 978-1782692690

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Poetry, Imagination Sue Wilsher Poetry, Imagination Sue Wilsher

Saturdays at the Imaginarium

Meanwhile I’ve slipped into a secret side room,

locked the door

and imagined

the Imaginarium.

(Well, who did you think

runs this whole show!)

An imaginarium is a ‘place devoted to the imagination’ - an excellent way of describing this creative and thought-provoking collection of poems. All manner of ideas and thoughts are explored here in a seemingly random collection of fabulous wonderings and reflections.

There are so many poems worth commenting on, pondering over and enjoying. Some are very direct, written almost as a challenge, whilst others are softer, like whispers. All are enjoyable and engaging.

A Word of Advice, Sunshine’ and ‘The Nameless’ are two of my favourites. As well as appealing directly to me, my inner-teacher knows that these would be wonderful for sharing with and inspiring a class. ‘Eight, Maybe Nine, Magicians You Never Knew About’ is fabulous- a beautifully observed reflection, perfect for discussing and for using as a starting point for developing children’s own ideas on who and what in this world might really be magical.

The poems play with words and ideas, often honing in on the everyday, but considering them with a quirky eye and plenty of originality. Various types of poems are used, including a ‘liwuli’, a form I had never heard of, but plan to explore further. There are helpful notes about this form included at the end of the book.

There are illustrations throughout in black and white by Jude Wisdom and a delightful colour spread in the centre. These are as imaginative as the poems!

‘Saturdays at the Imaginarium’ is a wonderful collection of poems to explore again and again.

Saturdays at the Imaginarium

Shauna Darling Robertson, illustrated by Jude Wisdom

Troika Books ISBN: 978-1912745128

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Fiction, Adventure Sue Wilsher Fiction, Adventure Sue Wilsher

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

Little Tiger     ISBN: 978-1847159410

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Fiction, Adventure Sue Wilsher Fiction, Adventure Sue Wilsher

The Children of Castle Rock

After her mother died, Alice Mistlethwaite has become increasingly withdrawn, constantly reading and writing stories only Barney, her father, is allowed to read. As he is an actor and often away from home, Aunt Patience decides it would be best to sell their home, Cherry Grange, and send Alice to a boarding school in Scotland. Although Alice protests, she finds herself arriving at Stormy Loch, a school with very different ideas about education. 

When she receives a mysterious package from her father with strict instructions not to open it, but to take it to a remote island, Alice seizes the opportunity the Great Orienteering Challenge offers to deliver it...

An adventure story in the tradition of boarding school favourites, 'The Children of Castle Rock' is a great read with lots of action and interesting characters. Stormy Loch offers the perfect setting for the children to escape the adult presence and allows the adventure to develop in the wilds of remote Scotland- beautifully described, leaving the reader longing to visit!

Although an adventure, the story is really focused on relationships- those between children and those with parents. Alice adores her father, choosing to ignore his shadier side and the choices he makes until events force her to realise that he should act like the grown up in their relationship and put her well being above his. Fergus, an extremely clever boy who Alice has become friendly with, is struggling with his parent's acrimonious divorce and Jesse, another friend, feels over shadowed by his older brothers whose confidence and talents make him feel inadequate. There are also some interesting moments in the relationships between these very different friends as the story progresses. 

'The Children of Castle Rock' has much to recommend it for children moving on to more challenging reads. Natasha Farrant has allowed her children to swear in the story as they most likely would do, but has chosen to use asterisks to make this more palatable for adults! (It is very obvious what they would be saying!) A great story with great characters and an unusual ending- what more could you ask for!

The Children of Castle Rock    Natasha Farrant 

Faber      ISBN: 978-0571323562

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Fiction, Adventure Sue Wilsher Fiction, Adventure Sue Wilsher

Voyage of the Sparrowhawk

Having started life in an orphanage, Ben is delighted when kindly Nathan adopts him and fellow orphan, Sam. Together, they live a happy life on the Sparrowhawk, Nathan’s barge, until Sam is wounded fighting in WWI and Nathan is killed when he travels to be with him. Threatened with the prospect of having to return to the orphanage, Ben is determined to find his ‘brother’. Lotti has plenty of reasons to to be unhappy. After her loving parents were killed in an accident, her ghastly uncle and aunt have moved in to her home and are making her life misery.

Their lives collide when Lotti rescues a badly treated dog by stealing it and hides on the Sparrowhawk. As events unfold, they hatch a plan to sail across the channel to France to search for Sam and so their adventure begins…

This is classic storytelling, offering plenty of tension, lots of adventure with love, friendship and laughter mixed in. I loved every page!

Lotti and Ben are wonderful characters- so different, but balancing each other perfectly. Their friendship develops as the story progresses and they know that they can rely on one another. Their dogs are also well rounded characters, adding plenty of humour and pathos! Many other characters add to the flavour of the story as they help or hinder the children on their quest- Lotti’s uncle is up there with the most despicable baddies whilst Frank is wonderful!

The courage and determination of these children is a joy to read about, coming to a satisfying conclusion. The devastating impact of war is felt as the children travel though France, but they face each challenge together and show that family can be created in any form where love, trust and companionship are found.

‘Voyage of the Sparrowhawk’ is a stunning read, beautifully told. Extremely satisfying, it’s a must read!

Voyage of the Sparrowhawk Natasha Farrant

Faber ISBN: 978-0571348763

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Fiction, Horror Sue Wilsher Fiction, Horror Sue Wilsher

Crater Lake Evolution

Although more than five months have passed since Year 6 went on their trip to Crater Lake, Lance and his friends are still reeling from the experience. The transition to secondary school has seen been hard and the friends are no longer as close as they were. However, when reports of a explosion at the university leading to the escape of a mysterious creature and a town-wide curfew, Lance knows he and his friends need to work together once more to save Straybridge from a deadly enemy.

Sometimes a sequel fails to live up to the expectation, but that is not the case with ‘Crater Lake Evolution’. Jennifer Killick writes pacey, gripping adventures, full of suspense, but which are also infused with a keen sense of humour, taking the edge off the scary moments.

The plot is really well developed, referring to events at Crater Lake, but not to such an extent that having read book one is essential. Bringing the danger to threaten their own town adds an extra frisson of excitement to this story as family members change and are directly exposed to peril. Friendship is very much at the heart of the story, with team work and trust once again saving the day.

The tricky phase of transitioning to secondary school is explored really well in this story. The friends have grown apart as they are facing this next stage, leading to insecurities and misunderstandings. As the children re-group to face this new threat, they are forced to face some of these problems and share feelings about peer pressure, jealousy and anxiety- reassuring for those in a similar situation.

An excellent sequel, ‘Crater Lake Evolution’ is a deliciously dark adventure, mixed with humour and heart.

Crater Lake Evolution Jennifer Killick

Firefly ISBN: 978-1913102647

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Fiction, Horror Sue Wilsher Fiction, Horror Sue Wilsher

Crater Lake

On their way to Crater Lake, a brand new activity centre, Lance and his Year 6 class mates are shocked by the appearance of a blood-stained man who stops their coach, muttering warnings about the centre. The lack of camp staff when they arrive is also disconcerting, but that is nothing to the nightmare that follows. On this school trip from hell, don’t ever fall asleep…

Compelling reading, ‘Crater Lake’ is full of sudden frissons of fear and excitement. Jennifer Killick has managed to capture the dynamics of Lance’s class very well with its different groups and alliances yet she also shows how people are not always what they first appear and should not be instantly judged. Each of the group have been hiding something from the others and as their experiences draw them closer, they find comfort in sharing these with each other.

The reader soon comes to realise that there is far more to Lance than meets the eye, trusting him to lead the group to safety and overcome the dangers of Crater Lake. There are some great moments of humour mingled throughout the story to lighten the tension which are much needed!

This is a read-in-one-sitting, keep-the-lights-on-at-bedtime thriller of a story which is perfectly pitched for our Moving On Category. Just unsettling enough, it is a pacy and exciting read with much to recommend it!

Crater Lake Jennifer Killick

Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1913102203

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Picture Book, Humour Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Humour Sue Wilsher

I Really Really Need a Wee

Bush Baby is having a wee emergency. At the jiggly stage of desperation, she tries hard to think of things to take her mind off the subject, but to no avail. She searches for somewhere discrete to relieve herself, but there is nowhere to go…What is she to do?

What a delightful book! Bush Baby’s dilemma is one which many little (and not-so-little!) ones will recognise and empathise with. It is perfect for encouraging discussions about that last trip to the loo before going out, reminding children of Bush Baby’s troubles! Although I have referred to Bush Baby as ‘she’, gender is never specified, making it easy for any child to relate to her fate!

The rhyming text is bouncy and full of energy as poor Bush Baby wriggles and jiggles, trying to contain the urge as it grows stronger. Duncan Beedie has done an amazing job of capturing both the facial and bodily expressions of desperation, managing to make Bush Baby completely adorable as well as uncomfortable!

Here on the Bookshellf, we are huge fans of both members of this dream team’s work and ‘I Really Really Need a Wee’ combines their talents perfectly. I can see this becoming a firm favourite both at home and in schools up and down the country! Fabulous fun!

‘I Really Really Need a Wee’ is a gorgeous book, beautifully illustrated and bursting with laughs!

I Really Really Need a Wee

Karl Newson, illustrated by Duncan Beedie

Little Tiger Books ISBN: 978-1788817851

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Fiction, Time Travel Sue Wilsher Fiction, Time Travel Sue Wilsher

The Infinite

Elle Bíbi-Imbelé Ifíè is a Leapling. Born on the 29th February, she also has The Gift: she can travel through time. On her twelfth birthday, Elle and a group of students, including her best friend, Big Ben, leap to 2048 on a school visit to the Time Squad Centre. It quickly becomes apparent that things are not as they should be and other Leaplings have been going missing. Having received a message from the future, Elle soon realises that not everyone can be trusted…

What an excellent book! Original, quirky, pacey, intelligent…it was a one-sitting read- and I can’t wait to read her next adventure.

Elle is an amazing character. She is autistic and the author has done an amazing job of explaining how she views the world, her relationships and her obsessions. As the story is told through her voice, it is perfect for building empathy and understanding. I have taught many children who would recognise themselves in both her and Big Ben- and would benefit from the experience.

The plot is something I don’t want to say too much about as everyone should read this book and I would hate to spoil it for them by giving too much away. The story is well constructed and thought provoking with environmental themes and the idea that simple actions really can make a better future.

Richly written and inventive, ‘The Infinite’ is a stunning story with much to recommend it.

The Infinite Patience Agbabi

Canongate ISBN: 978-1786899651

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Picture Book, Environmental Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Environmental Sue Wilsher

Wild is the Wind

Cassi releases the swift she has nursed back to health and watches as it joins its fellows, beginning their long journey across the world. As they migrate, these tiny creatures witness dramatic landscapes and vast expanses of water. When Kȗn sees the birds arrive, he is delighted as he knows summer is coming. Having nested and raised their young, the swifts fly again, taking summer to Cassi.

This is such a special book. ‘The Rhythm of the Rain’, a celebration of water and the essential part it plays on the planet, introduced the reader to Isaac and Cassi, connected by the journey Isaac’s jar of water made across the world. ‘Wild is the Wind’ opens with Cassi as her little swift is about to embark on its migration, the tiny bird connecting her to Kȗn in another land. The wind in all its guises plays a part at every stage of the flock’s epic flight- changing the face of the earth, carrying scents on the breeze, whipping white horses on the waves…Each spread is a masterpiece, full of detail, colour and life. There is so much here to inspire and enjoy, with many stories waiting to be told. This is a book to treasure and return to again and again whether alone or with others.

The text is lyrical, making it a pleasure to read aloud. But it is also full of detail and places to pause and discuss. The migration of the birds, the wind’s role in the formation of different landscapes, in seed dispersal, in power generation, its caprices and extremes- all facets of the wind are found here. There are so many phrases to linger over and explore- perfect for any lover of language!

Absolutely stunning, ‘Wild is the Wind’ is a wonderful book to treasure and enjoy. Simply beautiful- I cannot recommend it highly enough and hope there are many more books like this yet to come.

Wild is the Wind Grahame Baker-Smith

Templar ISBN: 978-1787417854

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Picture Book, Environmental Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Environmental Sue Wilsher

The Rhythm of the Rain

Playing in his favourite pool on the side of his favourite mountain as the rain starts to fall, Isaac empties his jar of water into the flow of the stream and follows as it flows down the mountainside, past his house and on through the country and through the city. As the river joins the ocean, Isaac, now in his little boat, wonders where his little jar of water will go now. The story continues following the water as it becomes part of the water cycle and eventually ends up with Isaac in his mountain pool once more.

This richly illustrated book explores the never ending path a drop of water takes and the connections it makes on its journey. The flowing prose celebrates the beauty of water as it moves - its moods and rhythms depicted by carefully chosen language, offering much to discuss and enjoy for the reader.

The story is a celebration of water and all that it gives to everything on ‘our blue water-world’. The clouds release their ‘gift of water’ in a country ‘far, far away from Isaac’s pool’ where it is much needed. Wherever it goes, plants and creatures of the land, sky and sea welcome it, reminding us of how essential water is to our well-being.

This celebration of water is continued in the fabulous illustrations which adorn each spread. Rich colours reflect the different moods and motion of the water as it meanders calmly, tumbles playfully and rolls wildly. Vibrant and absorbing, each is a mini masterpiece.

Perfect for enjoying, ‘The Rhythm of the Rain’ could be used as a way into work on rivers or the water cycle. It could also be used to inspire poetry and descriptive writing. Just beautiful!

The Rhythm of the Rain Grahame Baker-Smith

Templar ISBN: 978-1787410145

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Non-fiction, History, Biography, Arctic, Explorer Sue Wilsher Non-fiction, History, Biography, Arctic, Explorer Sue Wilsher

Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story

Orphan, Matthew Henson, runs away from his violent step-mother to find a new life in New York. Hard working and determined, young Matthew manages to find work in a cafe. Listening to the sea going stories of characters like Baltimore Jack, Matthew embarks on a life at sea as a cabin boy and ends up accompanying Captain Peary on his adventure to ‘discover’ the North Pole. In spite of being the first of the party to reach their goal, Matthew was given no recognition on his return to America.

This is a fabulous account of one of the unsung heroes of history. Having battled against the odds, Matthew Henson’s achievements were unacknowledged during his lifetime and are little known today so this very readable book is an essential addition to libraries and classrooms. The significant contribution made by the Inuit, who gave their expertise and support to the exhibition, and Matthew’s positive relationship with them are also highlighted in this stunning book.

On their return, Peary was celebrated for his achievements and received many accolades whereas Matthew was overlooked despite the fact that much of their success was due to his expertise. This uncomfortable truth offers the perfect starting point for discussions about racism and the importance of telling everyone’s story- not just that of those who fit a particular narrative.

This is an extremely satisfying read about a fascinating character with plenty of challenge in terms of content and vocabulary. It would make an excellent guided reading book and is an essential addition to topic boxes or book collections to enhance work on a number of topics.

Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story

Catherine Johnson, illustrated by Katie Hickey

Barrington Stoke ISBN: 978-1781128404

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