NNFN2024: Tasty Tales

My first review for NNFN2024 is ‘Tasty Tales’, a fascinating book which offers ‘facts and fables about our favourite foods’. Each story explores the origin of a well-known dish, piquing the reader’s interest in countries and events from around the world which they might previously have been unaware of. It is a fascinating read - a book for school and home!

Using a light-hearted and engaging style, the stories are accompanied by the author’s bright, colourful illustrations which add much to the book’s appeal. A map at the beginning shows where in the world each food is from and a bibliography is included for those who wish to discover more. I really wish more children’s books would offer this! Some recipes to try are also offered on the author’s website which makes the book even more engaging.

‘Tasty Tales’ would be excellent to use for a series of assemblies. From locating places/ countries/continents on a map to developing general knowledge, they also encourage curiosity in the wider world and allow children to recognise the connections between people as they share these ingredients and dishes and deepen their understanding of others. It might also encourage children to try some foods which they might not have done otherwise!

Full of historical details and the wonderful legends which have developed about some of these foods, ‘Tasty Tales’ is a great example of the stories non-fiction books tell us!

Tasty Tales: Facts and Fables about our Favourite Foods

Anna Lena Feunekes

UCLan ISBN: 978-1915235923

Author, Anna Lena Feunekes, shared this video with us for NNFN2024.

The Seamaiden’s Odyssey

When a strange creature is rescued from the sea and brought to the marine sanctuary where Sasha works, she finds herself fascinated by the beautiful sea-girl, who is kept for scientific research and exhibited to a curious public. As Sasha spends time with ‘Marissa’ as she names her, the sea-girl eventually offers to tell her story in exchange for a promise.

I loved this story so much that I almost don’t know where to begin! Any book by Berlie Doherty is a real treat and ‘The Seamaiden’s Odyssey’ combines her magical storytelling with stunning illustrations from Tamsin Rosewell.

It is a beautifully told tale of love, longing, pride and grief, which captures the imagination and plunges the reader into the world of watery folklore and legend. The story which ‘Marissa’ shares with Sasha follows the tale of Merryn, who defies her father in a bid to find her own way rather than follow the path he has set for her. To tell too much of her adventures here would spoil the plot for others, but there is much to enjoy, much to reflect on, echoing like the seamaiden’s song long after the story has ended. The writing is evocative of traditional tales, mixing the familiar with the surprising and new, offering a deeply satisfying and poignant story.

Set against stunning blue backgrounds, silhouette work is used in the illustrations. Reminiscent of the work of Jan Pieńkowski, which I love, these add much to the magical appeal of the story, allowing the reader to give the characters face and form from their own imagination. Each is a work of art to be lingered over and enjoyed.

It is such a beautiful book, one to be gifted and treasured.

The Seamaiden’s Odyssey

Berlie Doherty, illustrated by Tamsin Rosewell

Uclan     ISBN: 978-1916747197

Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Hockwold

When they decided to retire, Hera chose to live in a little village called Hockwold-cum-Wilton with her husband, Zeus, King of the Gods. Gradually, they were joined by many of the other gods which is how Hannah Messenger, granddaughter of Hermes, and her friends ended up living there. On the day, Hannah gets her powers, something weird happens and the protections on the village which make it impossible for mortals to see anything ‘godlike’ going on disappear and all the Gods and their descendants completely lose their memories. Hannah, Dylan, Amy and Alastair alone can remember who and what they are. When the God’s objects of power start to go missing, they need to stop the thief at all costs!

Fabulously funny, ‘Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Huckwold’ is a brilliant read. It’s the sort of story I love to read aloud to a class, offering plenty of opportunities to ‘do the voices’ and one which is sure to have them moaning when you stop reading! It’s the sort of book where a burst of discussion, sharing ideas about what might happen next, thoughts about particular characters or just saying how much they are enjoying the story follows every session and children regularly ‘remind’ you that it’s nearly time to read!

The plot offers a pacy adventure, a touch of mystery, plenty of humour and a tortoise called Dolio! Children are sure to be inspired to discover more about the Greek gods from the snippets which are threaded throughout the story and enjoy seeing the links between the gods and their descendants- for example, Hermes was the messenger to the gods (amongst other things!), explaining Hannah’s surname. Dylan’s poem is a great way of remembering who’s who in Zeus’s family tree and is sure to become a popular one to learn by heart!

Friendship, teamwork and trust are central to the story as Hannah comes to better understand both her family and friends as she seeks to save the objects sacred to the gods which are being stolen from houses around the village. I would love there to be more adventures for Hannah and her friends as this was such an enjoyable and engaging read!

Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Hockwold

Briony Pearce

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235978

Published on the 6th June 2024

The Library Mouse

Quill the mouse lives in a library where everyday he watches the faces of children enjoying story time and wishes that he could be an author one day. With the help of his friend, Leggsy the spider, he tries to get his story noticed- but with no success. However, just as he starts to lose hope, his dearest dream comes true.

There is so much to recommend this beautiful story! Starting with the setting, it shows a love of libraries, books and story time which is a joy to see. The illustrations show a wealth of book-ish wonder, the perfect backdrop to Quill’s dreams, and sure to encourage children to share stories of their favourite books- and libraries!

Quill himself is a wonderful character. With support from Leggsy, his spidery friend, his determination to share his story and fulfil his ambition to be an author is admirable. With each setback, he tries again until…but I won’t spoil the story for you! The illustrator shows a wonderful range of expressions on his little face as Quill experiences a whole range of emotions on his journey to become an author, encouraging empathy with his feelings as well as admiration for his tenacity as a mouse trying to be heard in the human world!

Told in rhyme, the text is a joy to read aloud, using some wonderful vocabulary. His ‘frisky friend’ Leggsy ‘jitterbugged by’, for example, whilst Quill ‘whisker-wobblingly wept’. There is so much here to explore and enjoy! Advice at the back of the book encourages children to have the confidence to write their own stories, finding their own way to share these. I am sure some will be inspired to make tiny books like Quill’s and create a library of their own!

The Library Mouse

Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O’Connor

UCLan ISBN: 978-1915235893

Published on the 4th April 2024

You can read my review of ‘An Artist’s Eyes’ here.

Pirate Academy: New Kid on Deck

In 2507, a new age of piracy has arrived. Water levels have risen and the Pirate Federation controls the oceans as well as running nine schools around the world- Pirate Academies. Each Academy will only take 15 students a year, the finest from the most famous, ferocious pirate families. Jacoby Blunt and Jasmine Peacock are two of the students in Barracuda Class, taking lessons in Knots, Sailing and Combat. But these are dangerous times to be a pirate and when Jacoby’s roommate, Wing, is removed from the school by his parents, a new student, Neo Splice, mysteriously appears to take his place. With him, he seems to bring peril from the outside world and Barracuda Class find themselves facing a new and very deadly enemy.

I have huge affection for Justin Somper’s ‘Vampirates’ series as my son read these avidly and we regularly went to hear Justin speak at festivals. These books were also really popular in school and we were delighted to be able to organise an event for ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ in 2015 with Justin and Huw Powell. With this in mind, I was very excited to discover that Justin had written the first in a new series and I was not disappointed!

‘New Kid on the Deck’ is engaging from the outset as the reader is quickly drawn into the lives of Jacoby, Jasmine, Neo and their classmates, their lives at the Pirate Academy, the importance of their ‘pedigree’ and the dangers lurking in the outside world. The characters- students and their teachers- are well developed, full of the flaws and complexities which make them engaging and encourage the reader to feel invested in their adventures.

Without wishing to give too much away, the plot concerned with family, friendship, loyalty, lies, adventure and ambition is really well-paced and its conclusion offers surprises and great potential for the future of the series. ‘New Kid on the Deck’ is sure to be as popular as the Vampirates books and will be a welcome addition to bookshelves everywhere!

Pirate Academy: New Kid on the Deck

Justin Somper, illustrations by Teo Skaffer

UCLan ISBN: 978-1916747111

Published 7th March 2024

NNFN2023: The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers

Like many young children, my son was fascinated by dinosaurs when he was little. We spent many happy hours at the Natural History Museum in London and the one in Oxford, collected hundreds of plastic models and books and could identify many different types! This fascinating and absorbing book would have delighted him.

Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor engage in a lively discussion about how old-fashioned T-rex is looking and how much he needs a make over. Together, they go on a journey of discovery to match his appearance to the most recent evidence. Notes alongside their conversation help to develop understanding and the use of ambitious vocabulary is something which young dinosaur lovers seem to thrive on and enjoy!

The combination of humorous banter, the illustrations which change in response to this and the abundant scientific information makes this a real winner of a book. Additional pages at the end of the book offer the ‘latest evidence’, reminding the reader that there are always more discoveries to be made! A brilliant addition to any bookshelf!

The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers

Dr Adam S Smith and Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Stieven Van der Poorten

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235596

You can read my review of ‘The Plesiosaur’s Neck’ here.

Blog Tour: Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree

Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree’. This story is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure with Wendington being an original, engaging protagonist. Many twists, turns and red herrings keep the reader guessing throughout whilst rooting for the young heroine as she makes her literal (and metaphorical!) journey. But who is Wendington Jones? Author, Daniel Dockery, tells us more…

Wendington Jones is an adventurer. A classic old-school, horse-riding, 1920’s boot-stomping anthropologist in training. But she’s a modern-day interpretation of what those explorers could have been in a better world. A kinder, more scientifically minded swashbuckler who’s still as daring, even if she’s a little too naïve about the way the world, and the people in it, really are. So when setbacks come, it’s up to Wendington’s indomitable spirit to get herself back up again, learn from her mistakes and forge forward. To see the world, and not destroy it in the process. The point of view, if the hero of 1999’s The Mummy had been Rachel Weisz’s bold, forthright librarian, and not Brendan Fraser’s wise-cracking, treasure hunter.

Setting it in the hopeful, if now ill-fated 1920s, puts Wendington in the age of discovery and at the forefront of Women’s suffrage. It’s a huge playground in which to throw a bold, engineering focused want-to-be adventurer. And while we don’t miss out on either the twisting plot or thrilling action, this is also a story of something else. The story of a young woman who’s lived her life entirely in the books she’s read and not the real world. Someone who thinks she’s ready for just about anything. Until her mother’s death brings Wendington’s whole world crashing down around her.

Wendington’s grief both drives and consumes her. This is also how a resilient, if bookish young woman, is forced to pick up the shattered pieces of her life and try to find a way to put them back together again. It is the same journey anyone who has been through intense grief has been forced to do so, through perhaps they had fewer people shooting at them while they did it. And like most young adults facing the tough realities of the world in front of them, Wendington has the tools to help herself, she just doesn’t quite know how to use them just yet. And it’s only through trial and error, doggedness and the kindness of others that she learns to walk again.

Courageous, analytic and practical when all else fails, Wendington’s an old school adventurer for our modern-day age. One with doggedness, brilliance and kindness running through her veins. A wit as dry as the Egyptian sands, Wendington’s got the taste for adventure, now all she has to do is survive long enough to find her next one. . .

 Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree Daniel Dockery

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235374

Published 6th April 2023

Many thanks to Daniel and the team at UCLan for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. ‘Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree’ is a great read- perfect for Y6 and above!

Winter’s Keep Launch

Last night, I went to Waterstones in Bath to join the celebrations for the launch of ‘Winter’s Keep’, the final instalment of the Weather Weavers trilogy. It was a lovely occasion, full of familiar, friendly faces- and lots of book-ish chatter!

Erin from Waterstones gave a lovely introduction and then Tamsin read a section from ‘Winter’s Keep’ to a captivated audience. There is something very magical about listening to an author sharing their work and Tamsin read beautifully, offering a tantalising glimpse into the pages of the final book of her series.

Tamsin was kept very busy signing books until the evening came to an end. These wonderfully magical adventures, intertwined with myths and legends, are a fabulous read- highly recommended- and ‘Winter’s Keep’ brings them to a very satisfying and compelling conclusion. Congratulations to Tamsin on an excellent book and a lovely launch event!

Winter’s Keep Tamsin Mori

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235053

Published 3rd March 2023

You can read my review of The Weather Weaver here.

Blog Tour: The Octopus, Dadu and Me

I am absolutely to be starting my Blog Tours this year by being part of this one for ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me’. I freely admit that I shed more than a few tears over this one and really recommend it as an excellent read, but also as a book to support those who find themselves in Sashi’s situation.

In this post, Lucy Ann Unwin shares her Top Five Books to help children relate to an older generation- excellent choices one and all- and I would like to suggest one of my own, ‘Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge’ by Mem Fox. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is a little boy who lives next door to a nursing home. When he finds out that his special friend, Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper, is losing her memory, he tries to discover what a memory is and help Miss Nancy find hers once more. It is the most delightful story, showing the warmth of a ‘cross generational’ relationship and the special bond which can be formed.

Top 5: Books to Help Kids Relate to an Older Generation

In The Octopus, Dadu and Me I’m celebrating one of my favourite relationships — between children and their grandparents.

You can never take too much time thinking about what things might be like from an older person’s perspective — whether it’s a grandparent, neighbour, family friend, or just someone you happen to meet — I think these books really encourage that…

1.     The Tale of Truthwater Lake, by Emma Carroll

This book reminds me of when you see black and white photos from the past that have been re-coloured. Stories set in historical periods can feel like those monochrome pictures: safely assigned to “The Past”.

The magic of The Tale of Truthwater Lake is that a girl from the near future actually becomes a girl from the past … she sees through her eyes, uses her body, feels her feelings and learns from her strength. Like those coloured in photos.

2.     Bad Nana, That’s Snow Business!, by Sophy Henn

For younger readers, you can’t do better than Bad Nana. She has long been a favourite in our house and I fully aspire to be just like Bad Nana if I ever have grandchildren of my own!

The joy here is that Bad Nana is just a brilliant character full stop, and as far away from stereotypes as you could hope. In this particular book of the series, she gets bit carried away with her passions and makes as many bad choices as any child protagonist might!

3.     Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu, by Maisie Chan

To start with, it’s not that instinctive to feel empathy for Wai Gong — main character Lizzie Chu’s grandparent and carer — as he’s not doing a very good job at looking after her. But Lizzie loves and cares about her wai gong, so we do too.

As the story goes on, the reader can’t help but feel for him as his grief and dementia combine. But it’s also a joy to see his enthusiasm in the things he loves, and his love and pride for Lizzie is incredibly moving.

4.  Grandpa Frank's Great Big Bucket List, by Jenny Pearson

This book is just hilarious and joyous, and takes a refreshingly direct approach to helping kids relate to an older generation, while being packed full of charm, humour and adventure. There’s even a chapter called: “Never Underestimate Old People”.

At the end, it includes a quiz about impressive old people and things you can do to help the older generations in your community.

5. Wished, by Lissa Evans

At the start of Wished, characters Ed and Roo are bored at the prospect of spending time with their elderly neighbour Miss Filey… they marvel at her ancient telly and her assumption that “WiFi” is a type of biscuit.

In the end, the transformation in their relationship is a total joy as through the book we see Miss Filey — Rosanna — as the fully rounded character she is, with a fierce sense of adventure, hopes and dreams still to achieve and friendships still to make.

I hope you enjoyed the list! I like to think The Octopus Dadu and Me would fit here too. Dadu means the world to my main character Sashi. When he develops dementia, her world starts to unravel.

She projects how she thinks her dadu must feel, alone in a care home, with how an octopus must feel, trapped in a tank — which is why she tries to set the octopus free. Hopefully, by the end, she’s gained a greater understanding of each of their lives, and how she can love and help them best.

Thank you so much to Lucy Ann Unwin for this excellent post and to the team at UCLan for inviting me to be part of the tour. ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me’ is a gorgeous book, perfect for encouraging empathy and understanding, perfect for paving the way for conversations, perfect for enjoying. It really is a must read- make sure you do!

The Octopus, Dadu and Me Lucy Ann Unwin, illustrated by Lucy Mulligan

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235039

Blog Tour: Stand and Deliver

Highwaymen are often glamorised in literature and film as dashing figures on horseback, upholding the values of Robin Hood, stealing from the rich if not giving to the poor! However, many were bloodthirsty and violent rather than gentlemanly and gallant. Philip Caveney’s character, Tom Gregory, was inspired by the exploits of Gentleman Jack Sheppard, a notorious robber in the 18th century whose ‘spectacular escapes from various prisons, including two from Newgate, made him the most glamorous rogue in London’.

‘Stand and Deliver’ is an exciting romp of an adventure, full of colourful characters and daring deeds, and I am delighted to be able to share part of Chapter Two for my stop on the Blog Tour. You’ll be desperate to know what happens next…

CHAPTER TWO

In which we meet the orphan, Ned Watling, assistant to Tom Gregory, and learn how they first met.

A short distance from the cave, Ned was collecting firewood. He was fifteen years old and currently employed by Tom Gregory. Actually, when he thought about it, employed wasn’t really the right word. As far as Ned was aware, employed people received a wage for their efforts. All Ned got in return for his toil was a place to lay his head for the night, and his meals, which he was obliged to prepare himself. Oh, he had also received some promises.

Tom had repeatedly assured him that somewhere down the line, Ned would receive a handsome payout for his services – but the highwayman was very vague about when that time would actually come. And Ned had been working for him for nearly two years now. Before the cave, there’d been other hideouts: mouldering rooms in various towns across the country, abandoned warehouses and, for a few months, even the ruins of an old monastery near Chelmsford. Tom would ply his trade for several months, until too many people came looking for him, and then he would be obliged to move on. The cave had been their lair since early spring and, as the weather had steadily warmed, so Tom’s robberies had become more frequent, more daring. When Ned had first met Tom and been invited to enlist with him, he hadn’t fully understood what he was signing up for, but since he had come to work for the highwayman, he had learnt one thing above all else. Tom Gregory was unpredictable.

Oh, when he was in good humour, he could be jovial company, no doubt about it. He was always ready with a quip or a hearty song. But Ned had found to his cost that Tom also had a darker side. And one thing the highwayman hated more than anything else was to be kept waiting.

“Ned?” His voice echoed through the forest with an urgent tone. “Where the blue blazes are you?”

Ned began to run, plunging frantically through the undergrowth in the general direction of the cave. The last thing he wanted was to put his master into one of his moods.

“Here, Master Gregory!” he yelled. He burst into the clearing in front of the cave, dropped the big bundle ofbranches he’d been carrying and ran to catch hold of Black Bill’s bridle. Tom glared down at him for a moment.

“Where were you?” he asked.

“Just gathering firewood,” Ned assured him. “You remember, I told you it was running low?”

“Yes, fair point . . . but I expect you to be here when I return.” Tom swung himself down from the saddle and strode towards the cave, his sack of booty slung over one shoulder. “Fetch me a tankard of ale, lad, my throat’s parched!”

“Right away, Master Gregory!” Ned started towards the dense screen of bushes where the barrel of ale was stored, then hesitated as Tom shouted something else.

“And get that horse unsaddled and fed, while you’re at it.”

“Er . . . yes. Of course.” Ned hesitated, unsure of which task to do first. Black Bill eyed him warily and snorted, as if warning that he didn’t like to be kept waiting, either. Ned turned back to the horse and started to unbuckle his saddle.

“Ned?” Now Tom’s voice echoed from within the cave. “Where’s that ale?”

“Oh, er . . . coming Master Gregory.” Ned abandoned the saddle and turned to run towards the bushes. Halfway there, he stepped on a length of broken branch, which swung upwards and smacked him in the face. He stood for a moment, dazed, holding his stinging nose, tears filling his eyes.

“NED!” The anger in Tom’s voice jolted him back to his senses. He ran to the bushes, pulled them aside, grabbed a tankard and thrust it beneath the tap of the ale barrel. Dark liquid slopped into it, and he kept filling it until the froth foamed at the brim.

He glanced nervously over his shoulder. Tom was sitting on a chair in the gloomy interior, inspecting the booty that he’d just stolen. He lifted his head and gave Ned the glare, the one that he always gave shortly before he really losthis temper.

“For pity’s sake, boy, are you bringing that drink or what? I’m about to die of thirst here!”

Ned turned, started back towards the cave and tripped on a tree root, upending the tankard and spilling its contents down the front of his shirt. He hit the ground, the impact knocking all the breath out of him, and lay there for a moment, thinking that surely to heaven there must be a better way to spend his life than this.

In that moment, he recalled how he had first met the man that people called The Shadow.

Many thanks to the lovely people at UClan for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. Make sure you look at the other posts to find out more about this colourful historical adventure!

Stand and Deliver Philip Caveney

UClan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235411

Meet Jennifer Claessen

Jennifer Claessen’s novel, ‘The October Witches’, is a wonderful mix of mayhem, magic and Arthurian legend, making it the perfect read for this (or any!) time of year. I was lucky enough to meet Jennifer at Cheltenham Literary Festival earlier this month. Her warmth and enthusiasm for books was infectious- and I was delighted when she agreed to join me on the Bookshelf today!

1.       Perhaps an obvious question to start with, but- are you a fan of all things witchy and Hallowe’eny?

Yes! I love all things witchy and always have done. But I’m not a big fan of truly scary stuff – horror films especially anything gory really give me nightmares still. And I remember being terrified of the 90s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches (if you know, you know, that one scene scared a lot of kids!). So I prefer kitsch and cute witches rather than horrifying ones. When I do school visits, we also talk a lot about sexism and racism and how that has shaped what we think of as a ‘witch’.

And yes, I love Halloween, again, less for the genuine spooks and more for the magical feel October has. I love costumes too and having a mini Halloween party. I’ve got a super sweet tooth and could eat chocolate literally all day so that might be why I like trick & treating so much!

2.       Your wonderful story, ‘The October Witches’, is full of references to the Arthurian legends. Are these stories you grew up with or ones you have ‘found’ as you got older?

I LOVED the Disney film of The Sword in the Stone but even when little it always struck me that there were no women in it except for Madam Mim (who, it must be said, is an iconic witch too and I tried to pay tribute to her in a particular scene in The October Witches!)

The Arthurian legend in The October Witches actually has a slightly odd source though. Just before having the initial ‘what if’ idea (what if there was magic just for one month?!) I’d finished reading Jamaica Inn by Daphne DuMaurier in which poor Patience Merlyn has a bleak fate. I loved that name (the virtue name, the spelling of Merlyn with a Y) so had it on my mind. And when I started to think about October magic, I knew I wanted Patience Merlyn, still a very patient lady in my book, to have a better fate! And the rest of the aunts sprang from there too because once you’ve got one virtue name, you’ve got to have lots!

As I started to write myself, I went back to T.H.White and reread The Once and Future King and enjoyed it so much. I’ve obviously cherry-picked bits to steal and my ‘King Arthur’ is more of a punchline to a joke than a character but I love a good research project so went quite deep into the myths too. I love how they withstand so many retellings, I think we’ll be writing and rewriting them forever.

3.       Clemmie is a very endearing, relatable character. Is she based on someone you know- or are there elements of yourself to be found in her?

Oh thank you, that’s so kind of you to say. I think her main characteristics at the beginning are her self-consciousness, her loneliness and her frustration with her family, all of which definitely come directly from me! I wanted her to go on a ‘journey’ of overcoming that embarrassment she feels, how silly magic is from the outside… but I don’t think she’s quite finished that journey yet. I’m proud of her though, she’s trying so hard to be kind like her mum. I would definitely be an awkward witch; I find absolutely everything embarrassing. But I’m trying to learn to put myself out there anyway!

4.       If you could have any magical ability, what would you choose?

That’s so tough. Flight. The ability to speak and understand all languages. Extraordinary empathy. Way, way more time than we get on this Earth. I don’t know! Time is important though I think – my witches only ever have temporary magic and how long you have your power for changes everything. If I only had one day of magic, I’d want no one to be hungry, at all, just for that one day. Just that perfect level of satisfied full. I think it would be amazing to see the effect of that.

5.       You can only recommend ONE book to young readers. Which book would it be -and why?

WHAT A QUESTION! Matilda by Roald Dahl maybe? The Northern Lights by Philip Pullman? Diana Wynne Jones! Frances Hardinge!

Maybe I have to leave novels alone and if I can only choose one go for something like Eric by Shaun Tan. I find picture books very powerful and some make me cry every time. Eric is stunningly beautiful and I think I could read it every day and still find new things in it.

6.       What can you tell me about the next book we can expect from you?

Just as I write this now I’ve had new and exciting news but it’s not shareable yet. What a terrible thing to say, sorry! But I’m Writer in Residence at Abney Park, a cemetery-arboretum which is one of my very favourite places in the world. It’s magical and I’ve written a book about it that I’d love to find a home one day. So maybe that? But I have a lot of ideas.

7.       And lastly- and most importantly according to my niece- what is your favourite cake?

Your niece sounds like a very wise person. I eat a lot of cake, it’s an important part of my job as a writer. When carrot cake is good, it is the best thing ever. I love a cream cheese icing. And any cake with pumpkin in has got my vote.

A super light sponge too – I’m not a very good baker so I really admire this. I had a matcha sponge cake in Japan that I still think about sometimes. When I bake myself, my chocolate cakes are ok (not Bake Off levels, but edible!). I make Nigella Lawson’s chocolate Guinness cake and when it won 3rd prize at one of my street’s parties, I was chuffed to bits!

And Dutch cakes are very, very good. Their tarts are called ‘vlaai’ and there are so many delicious ones. Dutch apple cakes have a pastry almost like shortbread, I can’t even describe how amazing it is warm with lots of cinnamon sugar and cream.

Thank you so much, Jennifer, for answering my questions. I have added Abney Park to my list of places I must visit- I had a quick look at their website. It looks fascinating and the perfect place to inspire a book or two! Your cake recommendations have given us plenty of ‘food’ for thought too!

You can find Jennifer on Twitter and Instagram @Jclaessen_

Autumn Moonbeam Dance Magic!

Autumn Moonbeam loves dance and gymnastics so when she discovers that Sparkledale Dance Academy has places on their competitive dance team, Black Cats, she is desperate to try out. But Autumn is worried that she won’t be good enough to make it in to the team and her anxiety is made worse by the fact that her neighbour, Severina Bloodworth, is also trying out for the team. With the support of family and friends, Autumn finds the confidence to attend the auditions, but will everything go according to plan on the day?

Full of magic, dance and friendship, this is a little book that really packs a punch! Autumn and her family- her twin, Zephyr, brothers Mordecai, Toadflax and baby, Knotweed, mum, Ghostly Gran and various pets- are a wonderful bunch and her slightly chaotic, very crowded home might not be the ideal place for her to practise her dance moves, but it is a loving and supportive place. Readers from big families will no doubt empathise with Autumn and her desire for some space of her own whilst recognising this sense of love and togetherness.

Another thing readers are sure to empathise with is Autumn’s feelings of self doubt and anxiety. However, her determination to try something new and not give up at the first hurdle shows how perseverance and determination- with a little support from friends and family- can pay off and have positive results. Autumn’s strength of character and good nature are also shown in how she deals with Severina.

The illustrations are delightful. The dance pictures capture the joy and excitement of dancing with magical touches and are sure to appeal to readers. You can even follow the step by step pictures to help you copy Autumn’s audition dance routine! There is so much to enjoy in this slender book which is sure to be a magical success! A second book in the series is coming out later this year!

Autumn Moonbeam Dance Magic!

Emma Finlayson-Palmer, illustrated by Heidi Cannon

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1912979769

The Light Hunters

Since a Monster killed his family, Lux Dowd lives with his grandfather in the town of Daven. Light Hunters used to battle these monsters, saving people until a terrible mistake turned them against Light and those who use it. However, Lux has a secret. He can wield Light and is being trained by his grandfather in secret. When his friend, Maya, is wounded in an attack, Lux uses the Light to heal her, exposing his secret and attracting the attention of a sinister stranger. Lux finds himself drawn into the world of the Light Hunters where he becomes a member of Squad Juno and soon finds himself facing not only Monsters, but also those who would use his powers for evil.

Action packed and full of energy, ‘The Light Hunters’ is an excellent book. For me, it was a one sitting read as I found myself completely absorbed into the story and invested in Lux, hoping things would work out well for him!

Dan Walker’s world building is excellent. From the outset, the reader is aware of the threat posed by monsters and the existence of the mysterious Light Hunters who used to protect his town, but have since been rejected by the townspeople, gathering all the necessary details effortlessly as the story develops. Vivid descriptions bring the setting to life as Lux travels from his home to Dawnstar, the Light Hunters’ HQ and the pacey plot keeps the reader fully engaged as Lux discovers more about his light-wielding powers and with his new found friends in Squad Juno, rises to the challenges Monster hunting brings.

Friendship and family loyalty are at the heart of the story. Lux’s affection for his grandfather is very touching, adding some emotional moments amongst the action. ‘The Light Hunters’ makes an excellent read for those who love fantasy and I’m already looking forward to the next in the series!

The Light Hunters Dan Walker

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1912979103

Three Girls

"We just want to show that friendships forged here are the real deal. Genuine. Built to last. That sort of thing. For the brochure. Do you mind?"

Their school may be making them pose together for photos - but Minnie, Lena and Alice are not friends. And they have other things to worry about. Minnie - The Athlete: her whole life has been sport - but what if that's not all she wants her life to be? How do you even start to change your future all by yourself? Lena - The Princess: she has always resented being in Minnie's shadow - so when a freak accident changes all of her arch-rival's plans, Lena has a chance to become Queen Bee at last. But is ruling the school all she dreamed it would be? And then there's Alice - The Really Tall One. Alice has friends already, she's even got her eye on a potential crush - but she's also got a secret. And that secret is about to bound into all three girls' lives and change them forever.

I absolutely loved this book. You know you are reading something special when you find you cannot put it down and ‘Three Girls’ did just that for me! Told from the viewpoint of each girl in turn, the story skilfully explores relationships and how these change and develop over time.

My favourite character, Alice, is brilliant. Although she seems to be navigating a happy path through life, she constantly faces comments about her size- ‘Big Alice’, ‘the Really Tall One’- and has a feeling that she no longer shares the same interests as her friends. Her initial attempts at running are hilarious and anyone who has taken a similar challenge on a whim will ruefully laugh along with her as she battles through. In contrast, Lena is completely caught up in her obsession with being the best. She comes to re-evaluate her long-term friendships, realising that people can change and grow apart. As other friendships open up for her and develop, she realises how easy it is to misjudge and misunderstand others. It is great to see how she develops as a person as she relaxes. Minnie’s accident, which is the catalyst for all the changes, not only encourages her to reconsider her future but her long-term relationship as well.

‘Three Girls’ is an incredibly accessible, enjoyable read with much to recommend it. I’d love to read more about these girls!

The Girls Katie Clapham

UCLan ISBN: 978-1912979806

You can read my review of ‘The Missing Bookshop’ by Katie in the ‘Reviews from Another Life’ section.