Furthermoor

Since his sister, Evie, died in an accident, Bren has been struggling. His family life has fractured and each day at school is made a misery by Shaun, who constantly torments him. Increasingly, Bren withdraws to Furthermoor, an imagined world reached when he picks up his sister’s watch, where Evie is still alive. Here, he feels safe until the arrival of the sinister Featherly, forces Bren to confront his deepest fears and face the real world once more.

Darren Simpson is well known for his thought-provoking stories and is not afraid to tackle challenging topics. ‘Furthermoor’ explores loss and how grief impacts those left behind. Bren’s family is devastated by Evie’s death and Bren’s anguish is almost palpable as he struggles to cope not only with his own loss, but change in his parents. In Furthermoor, he comes alive, shaping the world to his and Evie’s needs and feeling in control once more. The contrast highlights the way in which he tries to numb his daily existence by withdrawing. However, Featherly’s invasion of Furthermoor begins to destroy the safe haven Bren has created, forcing him to confront reality and begin to heal.

Bren is also on the receiving end of a targeted campaign of bullying and humiliation by Shaun. Here again, Darren Simpson taps into raw emotions, writing with great empathy and sensitivity, but not shying away from harsh reality. The differing approaches of Bren and new boy, Cary, to Shaun’s actions offers much to discuss.

Darren’s writing is always full of description and detail, bringing both the real and imagined world to life. ‘Furthermoor’ is perfect for those looking for a challenging, thought-provoking read.

Furthermoor Darren Simpson

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474976701

Publishing 3rd March 2022

Darren’s other books, ‘Scavengers’ and ‘The Memory Thieves’, are also excellent books, well worth reading!

The Thief Who Sang Storms

The island of Morovia is shaped like a broken heart. It is home to Linnet, an alkonost, one of the bird-like people with magical songs who inhabit the island. Three years previously, alkonosts and humans had lived peacefully together on the island, but a tragic event, which killed the queens of Morovia and Linnet’s mother, has caused a time of fear and division. The magical alkonosts have become objects of suspicion and have been driven into exile by Captain Ilya, leader of the royal guard, known as bogatyrs, who has taken charge as the Crown Heir Vasha is too young to rule.

Linnet and her father, Nightingale, now live in the Mournful Swamps, but she wants nothing more than to restore peace and harmony to her island, hoping that her magical song will be the answer to Morovia’s problems. But her magic hasn’t arrived and when Nightingale is captured, Linnet must find another way to mend the broken heart of her home.

Sophie Anderson is well-known for her powerful and moving stories and personally, I think this is her finest yet. Her characters are always well developed, easy to empathise with and full of life, set in well developed worlds.

This story is deeply poignant as Linnet struggles with her own pain, as well as her father’s ‘cloak of grief’, at the loss of her mother. However, throughout the story, she comes to realise that those we love are always with us in the memories we carry. Themes of friendship, love, unity and hope are also woven throughout the story as Linnet and her friends face the suspicion and division deeply rooted in their society. I defy anyone not to shed a tear or two as the story builds to its climax.

There is so much that I could write about ‘The Thief Who Sang Storms’, but it would be awful to spoil such a magical, beautiful story for anyone else. Suffice it to say that this is now one of my firm favourites which I can’t wait to share with children everywhere!

The Thief Who Sang Storms Sophie Anderson

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474979061

Published 31st March 2022

The Very Merry Murder Club

Packed full of fabulous stories, this is an amazing collection of thirteen wintery mysteries.

Each story is written by a masterful story teller and each has its own distinctive flavour and style. Edited by Serena Patel (author of the ‘Anisha, Accidental Detective’ series) and Robin Stevens (author of the ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ series), the book is perfect for dipping in and out of -or devouring in one sitting. A whole host of incredible authors have contributed to the collection including Annabelle Sami, Roopa Farooki, Elle McNicoll and Benjamin Dean, creating a delightfully diverse and imaginative range. A couple of my favourites are the following!

E L Norry’s ‘No Piste for the Wicked’ is brilliant piece of detective work, full of suspects and clues. Luca has only been at Grosvenor High for a month when he and his class mates head off to Italy for a skiing trip. But instead of enjoying the snow, he finds himself solving a murder. Addicted to the mysteries of Hercule Poirot, Luca is resourceful and determined, observing everything and skilfully piecing the crime together.

In ‘The Frostwilds’, Dominique Valente presents a fascinating and atmospheric mystery. Frostine is determined to save her sister from the fearsome Gelidbeast, roused when Frostlaw is broken, to snatch children from their families. Frostine’s courage and quick thinking save the day as she unravels the mystery of the beast and the power it wields over her people.

Each story is compelling and unique, offering very different periods and landscapes as the backdrop, but each encapsulating the essence of the mystery story. Although festive in tone, ‘The Very Merry Murder Club’ would make an excellent guided reading text for children in Year 5 or Year 6 as they offer plenty to discuss and explore whilst enjoying the style and approach of a range of authors. The book is illustrated throughout with black and white picture which add to the atmosphere. I particularly like the way each chapter starts with a picture of a ‘Top Secret’ folder, containing the story to come.

Sure to engage and entertain, ‘The Very Merry Murder Club’ both introduces children to a wealth of writers and offers an excellent selection of mysteries to solve.

The Very Merry Murder Club

Edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens

Farshore ISBN: 978-0755503681