Into the Sideways World

 The quest to prove a mysterious creature exists takes Willa and her friend, Manny, into a cave one moonlit night. As the tide rises, they find themselves swept into an alternative world- a ‘perfect’ one where war and pollution are things of the past and everyone, including Willa’s family, seem to be happier versions of themselves. However, when they return, no one believes that their adventure took place and the contrast of their own world with a looming global conflict with the Sideways World becomes all the more poignant as they seek to prove it exists to those around them.

With a book like this, it is essential that a review does not give too much away so I proceed with that in mind! Willa and Manny are both outsiders in their world and find themselves drawn together. Each has their own problems- Manny has been in the care system, has never met his father and has no idea where his mother is. Willa’s family is constantly fighting, with the family business under threat and the possibility of her father being called up to fight in the next war an ever-present threat. Each engages the reader, provoking empathy as they deal with their ‘real’ lives and are thrust into the seemingly perfect sideways alternative.

The story offers thought provoking philosophical questions to explore and presents some fairly mind-boggling scientific theories and concepts making it an appealing read for those looking for a read which offers a challenge and something a little different. An engaging and absorbing read.

Into the Sideways World

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008333843

The Monkey Who Fell from the Future

The world in 2425 is a very different place. After a meteor struck the earth, technology has been lost and nature has reclaimed the land. London is now a hellish flooded wasteland, but a few cities, like Newcastle where Ocean Mooney lives with her Nanny Moo, still stand. When she meets Deucalion Smiff-known as Duke- and his monkey, Pierre, Ocean finds herself pulled into an adventure involving a 400-year-old computer tablet.

Meanwhile, in the present day, Thomas Reeve is coming to terms with the fact that his super-brainy cousin, Kylie, from Australia, has come to live with his family. Due to her invention, The Time Tablet, he finds himself on Andy and Des’s Ministry of Mystery, a television show which explores mysteries. But when the Time Tablet malfunctions, they find themselves in 2425 whilst Ocean- and Pierre- are in 2023 with only 24 hours to put things right.

From the prologue to the epilogue, ‘The Monkey Who Fell from the Future’ is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with much to enjoy. As readers have come to expect from Ross Welford, the plot is cleverly constructed with plenty of humour – and plenty to think about.

The world of 2425 has been skilfully constructed, with evidence of ‘The Wonder Age’ (as life before the catastrophic events of 2044 is known) blended into their daily lives, making Ocean curious about the past and the stories she is told, but happy with the life she leads with her Nana. As the story moves between dates, landmarks and locations are shown in contrast, layering what the children know of each period, showing Thomas and Kylie’s present as it will become in the future and Ocean’s present as it was in the past.

The story is full of wonderful characters, not least of which are Deucalion- ‘better known among me more hintimate acquaintances as Duke’, his Uncle, travelling showman, Monsieur Lumiere and Pierre the monkey whose Caravan of Astonishments is bursting with ‘the most miracu-laculous marvels of the Wonder Age’. Popular television presenters, Andy and Des, are sure to make readers smile as readers will recognise their thinly veiled alter-egos and the villain of the piece, Duke’s step father Pinker, is extremely easy to loathe!

Home- and what it really means- is central to the story as the children try to get back to where they belong, realising the importance of the people they have left behind. Ocean finds herself in ‘The Wonder Age’, but longs to be back with Nanny Moo. Duke has found a home with his uncle and Pierre, safe from his cruel stepfather. The future is not what Kylie and Thomas expected, making them appreciate – and want to save- the home they know.

Perfect for those looking for something a bit different, with plenty of humour and excitement, ‘The Monkey Who Fell from the Future’ is a great read!

The Monkey Who Fell from the Future

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008544744

Time Travelling with a Hamster

When Al Chaudhury discovers his (dead) father's time machine, he is set a challenge which involves going back to the 1980s. He quickly finds himself involved in breaking and entering, setting fire to a school, lying, stealing, and trying not to lose his hamster, Alan Shearer.

Time Travelling with a Hamster is a very clever story, combining lots of science, interesting facts, humour and a very well-plotted story. Full of twists and turns, plenty of adventure and wonderful characters, the book leads to a very satisfying conclusion.

Family relationships are at the heart of this story, particularly those between the male figures. Without wishing to give too much away, the relationship between Al and his father is cleverly explored and developed. Al's grandfather, Byron, is a delightful character who adds much humour and love to the story.

A challenging read, this will appeal to anyone who likes a read that keeps them on their toes and offers plenty to think about.

Time Travelling with a Hamster

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008156312

Paper Planes

Mia and Ben are best friends. They live next door to each other and do everything together, but the thing they most enjoy is making paper planes. But one day, Ben tells Mia that his family are moving far away. They swap planes before saying goodbye, but each is lonely without the other. In anger, Mia destroys Ben’s plane, but is brought comfort in a dream where the two meet, flying their planes together. The following morning, a parcel arrives from Ben, asking for her help to complete a plane he has made by adding wings. So although they were not together, they could still make planes and still be friends.

This is such a delightful story in so many ways. It is a story about the warmth of friendship, the joy of sharing a hobby and the wonder of nature. It is also about the pain of separation- the frustration and misery of being apart from that best friend. Ultimately, it is a story of hope- their friendship survives despite the distance and they realise they can continue to share their interests. It is gently told, but all the more poignant for this

The illustrations are wonderful, perfectly depicting the friendship between Mia and Ben, their emotions and the changing seasons. Muted colours are perfect for the mood of the story and there are many details to enjoy, including the dogs whose feelings mirror those of the children perfectly. Quite simply, it is a delight from cover to cover!

‘Paper Planes’ is a beautifully illustrated, poignant tale of friendship and creativity.

Paper Planes

Jim Helmore, illustrated by Richard Jones

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471173875

Perdu

Perdu is a little dog with nothing but an old red scarf. He is lost and alone and so makes his way to the city in search of somewhere to call home. But the city is busy and noisy and frightening for a little dog on his own. Will he find a safe place and someone to love?

This is such a beautiful story which captures a deep sense of loneliness and longing for a home. Perdu (French for ‘lost’) is small and vulnerable, instantly inspiring empathy as he makes his solitary way first through the countryside and then through the city. His sense of isolation is emphasised by the stunning artwork, but the sharp eyed will notice that someone is paying attention to Perdu. A little girl in a red bobble hat has spotted him and keeps trying to draw her mother’s attention to him. She shows patience and kindness, returning his lost red scarf when he is distressed and at last, Perdu has found his safe place.

The illustrations are simply stunning, making this a wonderful story to linger over and explore the other stories being told. Perdu becomes increasingly forlorn as he searches until he curls up in ‘a scared little ball of worry’. The final spread also shows him curled up, but this time safe in a cosy basket of his own by the little girl’s bed. The story makes the perfect starting point for conversations about homelessness and loneliness as well as animal welfare.

‘Perdu’ is a delightful, heart-warming story to share and enjoy again and again.

Perdu Richard Jones

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471181269

The Plesiosaur’s Neck

We made our way through many dinosaur books when my son was little, but ‘The Plesiosaur’s Neck’ manages to offer a fresh approach to this much loved subject. The book introduces Poppy the Plesiosaur and seeks to explain the purpose of her extremely long neck. Accompanied by Alfie Ammonite and Bella Belemnite who tell plenty of jokes, the rhyming narrative text explores lots of scientific theories whilst concluding that no one is really sure.

Fact boxes are found on each page, giving additional information. It is a fascinating read with plenty of appealing illustrations by Adam Larkum which really develop the personality of each creature. A Spotter’s guide at the end of the book encourages the reader to focus on each spread, locating Cretaceous creatures. A useful glossary at the end explains many of the technical terms included in a child friendly manner.

Perfect for sharing with little ones, dinosaur enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys exploring scientific theories, ‘The Plesiosaur’s Neck’ is an essential addition to any collection of dinosaur books.

The Plesiosaur’s Neck

Dr Adam S Smith and Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Adam Larkum

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1912979424

Real-Life Disasters

From the team that brought us ‘Real-Life Mysteries’, ‘Real-Life Disasters’ is an engrossing read which explores the facts behind some real life disasters like the sinking of the Titanic, the Bermuda Triangle and the Black Death.

Each disaster is clearly and concisely explained before it is further explored in a ‘disaster dossier’, including eyewitness accounts and maps showing the location of the event. The text encourages the reader to consider different theories, exploring the evidence and looking at how some newspapers reported information incorrectly. New vocabulary is introduced with each section and these are gathered together in a glossary at the end of the book.

Illustrated throughout, each section is clearly presented and easy to navigate, offering an absorbing read.

‘Real-Life Disasters’ would be an excellent addition to any book corner or library.

Real-Life Disasters

Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker

b small publishing ISBN: 978-1912909278

Real-Life Mysteries

'Everyone loves a good mystery...' and this book is full of them. From monsters of the deep to crop circles, plenty of unexplained, real-life cases are investigated, offering the evidence so the reader can make up their own mind.

Each 'case' is set out on a double page spread, with key vocabulary is explained in 'weird', 'spooky' or 'monster' word boxes. Some are well-known mysteries like the existence of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster whereas some are lesser known- like the apparition at Versailles or cases of spontaneous human combustion.

The spread which follows each case considers the 'evidence', offering theories, witness statements and illustrations. The authors carefully offer no answers, just pose questions and challenge the reader to come to their own conclusions.

The harder concepts are carefully explained and there is a comprehensive glossary at the back to clarify unfamiliar terms. The History curriculum says 'Teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.' 'Real-Life Mysteries' certainly encourages the reader to do all of that and offers a great starting point for finding out more about any of these intriguing mysteries or others which are suggested. 

A great read for the curious or the lover of mysteries!

Real-Life Mysteries  

Investigated by Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker

b small publishing      ISBN: 978-1911509080

A Turtle’s View of the Ocean Blue

With a sea turtle acting as guide , ‘A Turtle’s View of the Ocean Blue’ offers a fascinating look at the ‘five big blues’ and the essential role they play. There is so much to learn here, all presented in easily digested sections, using child-friendly language. Starting with the location and importance of the oceans, each one is then introduced in more detail. Waves, tides and currents are the next focus, with each element being explained clearly with diagrams and illustrations to support.

The book continues to look at ocean habitats, ‘wonders’ and the threats the oceans face. A comprehensive contents and index make it easy to navigate the book for research and a glossary explains terms not explained in the body of the text. The book offers not only an excellent tool for children, but great support for the non-specialist teacher with the KS1 Geography statement-name and locate the world’s seven continents and five oceans- and various elements of the KS2 curriculum. The book is also perfect for dipping in and out of for finding out about wonders like St Elmo’s fire and fog ‘tsunamis’.

Books like this one are key for teaching children the research and note making skills they need to be able to apply their writing skills across the curriculum. Children are often presented with the vastness of the internet for research with no guidance as to the many skills which are need to sift through layers of information , often resorting to flicking from one site to the next in the vain hope of finding something they can copy. Carefully chosen books allow teachers to develop much needed skills in the knowledge that what the children are trying to find out is actually contained in the material they are being offered. Everything from the early skills of using a contents and side headings to those required to interpret diagrams and graphical devices can be tackled using books like this one.

Beautifully illustrated, ‘A Turtle’s View of the Ocean Blue’ is perfect for navigating and wondering at every aspect of our oceans.

A Turtle’s View of the Ocean Blue

Catherine Barr, illustrated by Brendan Kearney

Laurence King ISBN: 978-1786279095

The Secret Life of Bees

Buzzwing the honeybee takes everyone on a guided tour of the world of bees . Not only does she welcome the reader into her hive, but Buzzwing also introduces bees from all over the world. A fabulous celebration of bees and the amazing role they play in our lives, ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ even includes bee tales from around the world.

Buzzwing explains the roles taken by different bees in her hive and gives lots of details about bee anatomy. I had no idea that bee eyeballs are hairy! Buzzwing then shows everyone inside the hive and how bees make honey. The information is presented in short accessible sections with plenty of illustrations and diagrams.

There is so much to be learned about bees in these pages, showing just how fascinating their ‘secret’ lives are. ‘Buzzing Around the World’ looks at different types of bees - there are about 20,000 in the world- and how they differ. One thing I really like is the inclusion of a number of bee related stories from around the world- the tradition of telling news to the bees and the Aboriginal story of the lady of the moon, for example.

The book is full of colourful, engaging illustrations and some pages have things to find on them, encouraging close exploration. The final page offers ideas for how to ‘be a bee friend’, showing how to help these amazing insects who make the world ‘a sweeter place’.

The Secret Life of Bees

Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Vivian Mineker

Words and Pictures ISBN: 978-0711260498

A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars

Saved as a baby from a terrible shipwreck, Sante lives with her adoptive family of Mama Rose and her circus performers and a golden eagle named Priss. They live ‘off the grid’, roaming from country to country, performing as they travel and, although hard, life is good. With Cat- wild and feisty knife thrower- and Cobra- snake charmer and her possible future husband- Sante is the star of the show.

A ‘mind whisperer’, Sante can tune into the thoughts of others and has a mystical connection with those who died in the wreck she survived, the unquiet dead in search of peace. When the children rescue a young girl called Scarlett, tension mounts as they become mixed up with evil, and past and present collide.

No synopsis of this book can even begin to do it justice. It is the most original, amazing read, painful in places, but beautifully written. Haunting brutality and exploitation contrast starkly with the magical and supernatural.

Quite simply- this is one you must read.

A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars

Yaba Badoe

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1786695482

The Hippo at the End of the Hall

Receiving an invitation to the mysterious Gee Museum 'containing the wonderful works of nature and curious works of science', Ben is intrigued by the message: Come now or come never! Despite his mother's reluctance for him to go, Ben is drawn to the museum where he finds the exhibits come to life and are desperate for his help as the museum in under threat from a property developer. Ben is their last hope at saving the museum, but has he come in time?

Reminiscent of museums like the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford or Snowshill Manor in Gloucestershire, the Gee Museum is a celebration of the wonderful nature of museums- items people have collected together which are fascinating, mundane, beautiful, rare or curious. The story encourages you to value and explore these places and Helen Cooper has drawn on her love of museums and items she has discovered to create the Gee Museum. Sengi is based on an exhibit in the Natural History Museum in Oxford, the hippo from the Peabody Museum in Boston and Flummery from the Tring Natural History Museum.

The story is beautifully told, using a rich vocabulary and entwining folk tales into Ben's narrative. There is much to explore and enjoy here with the story offering many opportunities for inspiring a range of writing and challenging children to explore the carefully chosen vocabulary. 

Bursting with beautiful pencil sketches, 'The Hippo at the End of the Hall' is a charming, exciting read, perfect for engaging the most reluctant reader.

The Hippo at the End of the Hall       Helen Cooper 

David Fickling Books    ISBN: 978-1910989753

Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case

Emily Lime is back! St Rita’s School for Spirited Girls has a new headmistress, Miss Woolley, whose previous school, Wolfridge Manor, has a a reputation for extreme discipline. However, the changes she brings are not the ones expected and her decision to do away with library systems and assistant librarians does not go down well with Emily Lime, Daphne or George! Determined to keep an eye on their new head, the trio sign up for a trip to the art gallery which throws them headlong into their new mystery- who stole one of the paintings and how are they going to prove that the school handyman, Mr Thanet, is innocent?

Every bit as enjoyable as the first mystery, ‘Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case’ is a cracker! Nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted in as the Assistant (and Assistant Assistant) librarians pick their way through clues and red herrings to solve the case.

Dave’s dry sense of humour captures the ‘St Trinian’s’-style chaos and romps of the St Rita’s girls perfectly, although the scenes in the library made me feel quite weak! The story is full of larger than life characters - George , Daphne and Emily are of course centre stage and as unique as ever. Emily Lime remains one of my favourite book characters- completely obsessed with books and reading, oblivious to social niceties, impatient with anyone or anything that comes between her and a book!

Perfect for those looking for something a little different, ‘Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case’ is a brilliant read.

Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case

Dave Shelton

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788451031

The Book Case: An Emily Lime Mystery

After an 'unfortunate incident' at her old school, Daphne is on her way to St Rita's, a girls' boarding school. Being a bookworm, she is delighted to be offered a post in the library which is where she meets the unique, quirky Emily Lime, the librarian's assistant, who just happens to be a crime solving genius. Daphne also meets George- the only boy in the school. With strange things happening around them, the three find themselves teaming up to solve the mystery.

Full of fabulous characters, 'The Book Case' is a brilliant read. The school could be compared to St Trinian's in its cast of larger than life pupils and staff. Evidence of failed chemistry experiments, chaos in lessons and midnight feast raids on the kitchens create a fantastic impression of what this school for 'Spirited Girls' is all about! The irascible Emily Lime is just brilliant- her wonky glasses and beret, her 'sour expression', her complete lack of comprehension that anyone might not like books, her outrage when one is damaged- all build a very quirky, individual and unlikely 'Holmes' figure for the story. George- the only boy at an all girls' school- is an unexplained mystery in himself who explains much of the craziness to Daphne (and the reader). 

The story romps along at a pleasing pace, littering the path of the reader with clues about the mysterious goings on until it reaches its conclusion. It is very well written with lots of wonderful description. George, for example, is described as having 'an odd smell about him, of something faintly exotic but distinctly unpleasant; his hair was enthusiastically berserk.' 

Feeling at times like a tongue in cheek Malory Towers, set at some time like the 1930's, 'The Book Case' is a rompingly good read, with lots of black and white illustrations throughout. Spiffing really!

The Book Case - An Emily Lime Mystery     

Dave Shelton

David Fickling Books       ISBN: 978-1910200544

Malamander

Proud of his job of ‘Lost and Fouder’ at the Grand Nautilus Hotel in Eerie-on-Sea, Herbert Lemon does his best to reunite lost belongings with their rightful owners. However, when a girl - Violet Parma- appears declaring he is the only one who can help her, Herbert finds himself drawn into solving the mystery of Violet’s missing parents. The trail seems to lead them to the legendary Malamader, a monster supposed to lurk on the shores of their town. Is the monster real and is it responsible for the disappearance of Violet’s parents?

With vivid descriptions and plenty of action, this is a brilliant fun-filled adventure. Herbert and Violet are wonderful characters. Herbert is loyal and conscientious and find plenty of courage when it’s most needed. Violet is impulsive and keen on action and together they make a dynamic pair as they set about solving the mystery.

Eerie-on-Sea is created with such imagination! I love The Book Dispensary and all the colourful characters who inhabit the town, like Jenny Hanniver and the wonderful Erwin, the dispensary cat. The eccentricity of the town’s inhabitants and locations adds greatly to the charm of the story, absorbing you into its world.

With wonderfully wicked villains and the mysterious Malamander, this is a brilliant story. Read it now!

Malamander Thomas Taylor

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406386288

Rebel Animals at Risk

Our planet is home to a vast array of fascinating and extraordinary creatures. Sadly, many are on the edge of extinction. ‘Rebel Animals at Risk’ introduces the reader to amazing creatures from every continent and ocean, with each section illustrated by illustrators from around the world in their own unique style.

The book tells the stories of over 60 real-life creatures. A map at the start of each section helps the reader to locate where each comes from and a fascinating introduction to that area, the creatures that live there and the challenges that they are facing. A wonderful range of creatures is included, both well-known and lesser- known. The ‘wildlife wins’ for each region are also listed, celebrating the successes and offering an encouraging, positive note.

There are so many fascinating tales here such as that of mischievous Veeti, the European mink who lives at Ranua Wildlife Park in Finland or Whiskey, the Numbat who was born at Perth Zoo. Both these creatures are playing an important role in the conservation of their species as well as raising awareness. Each story could lead to further research about that particular creature or that breed. The book contains suggestions for further reading or film to watch as well as ideas for how to take action to make life better for endangered animals.

A clear contents, comprehensive index and glossary make the book perfect for research, allowing the reader to readily locate information. There are also sections about the author and each illustrator. Packed with information about conservation and entries on individual creatures, ‘Rebel Animals at Risk’ would make an excellent addition to any classroom or library!

Rebel Animals at Risk

Kimberlie Hamilton , with illustrators from around the world

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702300110

Rebel Cats!

Cats are wonderful creatures and ‘Rebel Cats’ is full of stories, facts and famous felines. The book has been illustrated by a range of artists, each bringing their own style and personality to the work.

Some of these rebel cats are quite well known. The story of Mrs Chippy (who was actually a male cat!) and his time on the Endurance with Shackleton is familiar to those of us who have used William Grill’s ‘Shackleton’s Journey’ and many people have seen Doorkins when visiting Southwark Cathedral (myself included!).

Musical cats, Hollywood stars, marvellous mousers and furry heroes are all included here. As well as being enjoyed in their own right, many of these mini-biographies could be used as the basis for story writing as the lives led by these cats are amazing! Other books, like ‘Tibs, the Post Office Cat’ by Joyce Dunbar, could be used alongside this book- Tibs is mentioned on page 49 in the ‘Mighty Mousers’ section.

The cat-ographies are interspersed with fascinating feline facts. There are suggestions for how to help cats in need, ‘spooky cats’, information about cats ‘from nose to tail’ and a ‘Puss in Books’ section. There is also a useful glossary and ‘Rebel Cats’ timeline.

Beautifully illustrated in a range of styles, ‘Rebel Cats’ is a fabulous treat for anyone who loves cats.

Rebel Cats! Brave Tales of Feisty Felines

Kimberlie Hamilton

Scholastic ISBN: 978-1407192604

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

Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy

Half-Indian, half-English, Rosina has had to move to England where she is miserable. Her father took her from India when her mother died and she misses the palace she lived in and her aunt, Rani-K, the queen of their kingdom. Things take a dramatic turn when Rosie learns that her father is a spy for the British government and she stows away on a plane to be with him. Finding herself in Nazi occupied France, Rosie needs to be on her guard if she is to help her father with his mission- and survive.

Courageous and loyal, Rosie is an excellent heroine. Left reeling by her mother’s death and angry and confused by her father’s apparent lack of grief and concern for her wishes, Rosie is determined to find out what he is doing, launching herself into the heart of danger. Smart and capable, she is keen to learn the ‘skills’ of spying and quick to take action when needed.

The story does not shy away from some of the harsh realities of life in occupied France, exploring the role of the resistance and the risks they faced in opposing the Nazis. There is tragedy within the unit Rosie’s father is leading and tough decisions have to be made, considering ‘the greater good’.

Rosie’s mixed heritage of her Indian mother and English father also introduces the role of the British Raj in India, the struggle for independence and Gandhi’s non-violent teachings, sure to encourage readers to further investigate this part of history. I wonder whether the final version of the book might include some suggested reading material as there is so much to learn from (as well as enjoy in) this story. I believe this is the first in a series of adventures for Rosie and I look forward to seeing what she gets up to next!

Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy

Sufiya Ahmed

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801990059

A Recipe for Trouble

Alice Éclair might only be thirteen, but she is also an expert pâtissière and France's youngest, keenest spy. For the past year, she has been receiving cryptic messages and puzzles to solve and, although she does not know who they are from, she has her suspicions - which are realised when a final code leads her to a secret meeting.

Alice learns that all the puzzles have been to train her in espionage in the hope that she will undertake a mission to uncover a cunning enemy agent.  Alice sets off on this dangerous assignment aboard France's most glamourous train, posing as a pastry chef. But soon everyone on the train is under suspicion and Alice must use all her baking skills and her cunning to crack the case.

There is much to enjoy in this adventure, Alice Éclair, Spy Extraordinaire! Alice is a wonderful heroine; resourceful and intelligent, yet fallible, she launches herself into her investigation with enviable energy and enthusiasm. There are twists and turns a-plenty and scatterings of red herrings as Alice engineers opportunities to investigate her fellow passengers.  The reader learns to crack codes and can test their own sleuthing skills as the mystery develops - only to be surprised by a sudden shock! There are some tense moments along the way as Alice finds herself facing peril as well as baking pastries.

The story offers plenty to discuss with its Parisian opening, attitudes to women and 'serving' classes and, of course, its many cake references. With a new adventure, A Spoonful of Spying, on its way, Alice is sure to become a firm favourite.

Alice Éclair Spy Extraordinaire: A Recipe for Trouble

Sarah Todd Taylor

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839940958