Autumn 2024
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Junior Book Reviews
A Riddle for a King
Mark Forsyth, illus. Matthew Land, pub. David Fickling Books
There are some books that, the moment you open them, you quickly discover that you are reading something extremely special. That is exactly how I felt when I opened this book, Mark Forsyth’s A Riddle for a King.
Philo is the main character, a young boy who is living with his aunt and uncle when somehow he manages to fall out of the human world only to end up in a parallel magical world. Once he is there he seems only to be able to get into the type of trouble that only he can get back out of! Trouble of his own making means a journey filled with lots of challenges along the way but he does manage to make a couple of new friends. When, and I don’t think this counts as a spoiler, he eventually makes it back to his world he starts to see everything and everyone around him in a different way.
Mark Forsyth has written this story to make the reader feel as if the book is talking directly to them and that the characters are including you in the storyline. It makes for lots of fun as you find yourself falling into the story. There are many funny parts in the book too, most of which will have you laughing out loud. And, as if that was not enough to enjoy, throughout the book there are riddles that you will need to work out with the characters so be prepared! With all this going on you’ll relieved to know the story runs at a good pace. You could even consider making this book a class reader to be read aloud! There’s something special about this book. Make sure to find yourself a copy.
Louise Ellis-Barrett
Badgers Are Go!
Susannah Lloyd, illus. Nici Gregory, pub. David Fickling Books
An odd title, a compelling one. After all aren’t you all now curious. Who are these badgers, how many of them are they and where are they on the go to?
Lulu Whifferton-Rear is a young badger who loves to scamper about woodland glades, listen to birdsong and daydream. Lulu loves to mind her own badgery business, but when she discovers that there are some important humans who are actually BOPs (Badger Operated Persons), she is thrust into the world of the Rumpington Academy of Badgering. Are you with me still, keeping up? This book is very funny and moves at a great pace. Wondering about this Academy yet? I know I was and Lulu is too, why would a young badger who loves the outdoors need to go to an academy? Well, it seems to have something to do with some special training she needs to undergo. Why? Can you keep a secret…? Okay then, listen carefully, she is being trained to take part in a Top-Secret mission to secure world peace.
When she reports for duty, Lulu worries that she’s not like the other badgers, who are all terribly keen, efficient and competent. Nevertheless, she’s determined to give it her best shot. She discovers that, for many years, badgers have been infiltrating the human world in the form of mechanical Badger-Operated Persons, or BOPs, in order to bypass human incompetence and get things done. This particular mission involves the deployment of the British Prime Minister (a BOP), who must persuade the world’s leaders to sign a global declaration of peace. However, not everyone wants an end to war, and a dastardly double agent intends to use an unwitting Lulu to sabotage the peace deal. Can Lulu overcome her fears and use her imagination, tenacity and courage to save the day?
This book was exciting to read, the illustrations are just as fun, the characters are crazy! I for one certainly hope it is the start of a series.
Helen Byles
The Boy in the Suit
James Fox, pub. Scholastic Children’s Books
A book of our times. A book for our times. The Boy in the Suit is hard-hitting. Be warned, there are some tough issues covered but in a sensitive way. It is important to be able to offer younger readers books which tackle tough issues, which look at the world around us and help them come to understand it, in their own way and in a safe way too. This is what James Fox is offering readers, don’t shy away from it. It’s an engrossing read.
This story is presented to the reader through the voice of ten-year-old Solo who is facing the daily humiliations of poverty. Then there is the crushing weight of responsibility that is far beyond his years, things a child should not be expected to have to take on. From the outset we are drawn into the story, and soon discover why Solo wears his suit. Moreover, we learn about his relationship with ‘Morag’ who is actually his mum. Solo is his name, and this is indeed how he sees himself in life. At school, he is very much alone and does not trust those around him. He is bullied by his classmates (and perhaps, it is hinted at, by his teacher), until new pupil Chetna arrives and becomes his first real friend. Yet the situation at home is worsening. The Big Bad Reds have taken over and life begins to spin out of control.
This hard-hitting story covers tough issues, including food poverty, poor mental health, bullying and separated families. It is a book which many will find they can see parts of themselves in. I admit the part I found it hard to believe was that children would be left behind on a class trip (I am a teacher) but much of the content is believable. A worthy read that I will be sharing with my Year 6 class.
Hayley Reeves
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Patrick Ness, illus. Tim Miller, pub. Walker Books
This hilarious adventure, with its hilarious title, is about a mismatched group of animals attending school together. The quirky cast includes monitor lizards, a wombat school principal, a wildebeest teacher, a pony, some egrets, a hawk in sunglasses and a nasty pelican who is the school bully.
To start with you may not be sure what you are reading, not sure that this is really a story, but something will eventually click as the silliness and wackiness kicks in. You will get the total chaos and crazy fun. Younger readers will probably relate more easily and quickly to the madcap mix of animal characters. It is imaginative and very funny with laugh out loud moments. More than that, it is downright brilliant and bonkers. The story is all about the characters. The main characters of Zeke, Daniel and Alicia are all likeable creatures. Each animal has its own personality, and each becomes a hall monitor. They must all impose order on arrogant lions, excitable seals and pandas. Can they save the school from being destroyed by the megalomaniac pelican, who is the villain and school bully? Can the monitor lizards protect the school from loads of outlandish threats?
This is more than just a crazy, hilarious and wild school story. The creatures have some sound advice and wise words to give. Issues faced every day by children are tackled with humour and in a sensitive way-bullying, intimidation, mental health problems, insensitivity to disabilities and appearance. There is clever handling of inclusion, depression and friendship all done in a funny way. It is both hilarious and at times a little absurd, but these real issues are dealt with in an age-appropriate way. This is much more than a school bully story featuring a bunch of crazy creatures. It is funny, simple, weird and sensitive all at the same time. Children will love the story, and it may even help them to come to terms with some of the everyday issues and problems they face at school.
Gary Kenworthy
The Colour of Revenge
Cornelia Funke, pub. Chicken House
From Cornelia Funke, the author of the multi-million copy selling Inkheart series, comes a brand new adventure that sees us returning to the captivating Inkworld, a place she created and has continued to develop. The series has a complex and intricately woven storyline, which sees ‘Silvertongues’ speak people into and out of books through the power of voice. It’s a novel twist on books about books, for booklovers, that sees no end of chaos ensuing.
In The Colour of Revenge, we see themes of retribution and vengeance in an all new form from the infamous Orpheus. In keeping with the themes of the world (or perhaps I should say worlds!) Cornelia Funke has created, our new form of magic revolves around not the words, but the illustrations within books. Orpheus seeks revenge in the cruellest of ways on our favourite cast of characters from Inkworld, trapping them in a book of his formulation. We follow the twists and turns of the story as those who have escaped the entrapment work tirelessly to ensure their companions’ freedom. This really explores themes of good versus evil and the grey areas in-between that characterise people’s actions. Jehan and Lilia make a powerhouse team, perfectly complement each other, working with a wider cast of characters to free their loved ones and put an end to the wicked ways of Orpheus.
I did find the writing style felt a little dated, particularly in some of the use of language (though this be in keeping with the previous books and author being a native German speaker). However, the storytelling and worldbuilding are the intricate work of a mastermind. Perhaps I am in the minority with this, but I found the original Inkheart books to be a bit too long. The lower page count really worked for me and ensured I could retain the complex storyline and bulging character list.
Hannah Bartleet
Evenfall: The Golden Linnet
Alexander Armstrong, illus. Tom Roberts, pub. Farshore
This fantasy novel centres around a character called Sam. He lives with his unwell dad in a small house by a busy main road. Strange things start to happen to Sam on the eve of his thirteenth birthday. He thought he was just an ordinary boy, but there is nothing ordinary about this adventure story. It is a story crammed with magic and danger, but also friendship and family, making sure we see the importance of both.
The book features an ancient secret society. They are The Order of the Evening and they must rise again after being dormant for decades. Sam doesn’t only have to deal with them, he must also deal with the mysterious Seal of the Golden Linnet, uncover family secrets, face deadly enemies and complete perilous journeys. He must unlock his true powers. And… There is a powerful magic, which in the wrong hands could destroy the world. This magic can be found at the heart of the lost palace. Guess where Sam has to go?
The plot is inspired by the ancient history of the northeast of England. There are some lighter moments, but it is mainly a thriller with adventure and dark moments. The story features ancient magic, secret societies and dangerous enemies. Sam’s world is blown apart when he learns that his family was once at the centre of a secret society, one that had long protected the world. A powerful enemy is closing in, destroying all in its path. Only Sam can stop this. Time is passing. Sam holds the future of the world in his hands.
This is a fantasy adventure that has everything-secrets, clues, artefacts, a gripping storyline and lots of twists and turns. Who can Sam really trust?
Gary Kenworthy
The Haunting of Fortune Farm
Sophie Kirtley, pub. Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Sophie Kirtley’s third book is set in Northern Ireland where she grew up. It’s a thrilling story buried deep in Silent Valley, a secret place beside a lough, or Irish lake. Difficult to access and perfect for family holidays. An archetypical location for mysterious, supernatural goings on and action-packed adventure.
We join Edie and her brother Pip with their mother as they travel to visit their paternal grandmother with whom they used to spend the holidays. After their father died they haven’t seen Lolly for a long time. Mum is dropping them off so that she can attend a conference which could have important ramifications for her future career, hopefully making life easier, and Mum less like “a balloon blown up too full.” Leaving behind a reluctant Edie and a super excited Pip to explore their new home for the next few days.
Viking history, a famous sword, several ghosts, kennings, runes and - horror of horrors - the Viking warrior Ivarr the Restless now make an entrance disturbed into action by Edie’s curiosity and subsequent interference. The nub of the matter is this missing sword called the Story Sword, once found in Silent Valley, and then lost, along with a diary, located by Edie in a secret hiding place in Fortune Farm.
Things are not all they appear to be at Fortune Farm. Settling in proves difficult. Lolly enjoys Pip’s company but not Edie’s. Why could this be? The ghosts of past history at Fortune Farm soon reveal themselves helping Edie to figure it all out, ultimately with the help of Lolly.
Avoiding hidden grief by simply chatting is the underlying message to the reader, rather than burying emotions in the subconscious mind. The storyline is then interwoven into Viking culture, where the dead live on with the living. Memories are less destructive if they are openly acknowledged by those left behind. They can provide strength. Edie is saved from a dangerous situation when she recalls her father’s words and actions. Pip is extricated from Ivarr the Terrible’s grasp by memories of his dad. A gripping read for any 7-12 year old. It’s well written and sensitively handled with a powerful message about healthy emotional survival after the death of someone close. An ideal book for school discussion groups.
Elizabeth Negus
Heartseer: The Tale of Anise Star
Rowan Foxwood, pub. Usborne
Sometimes you open a book and magic simply spills out. Heartseer: The Tale of Anise Star is one of those books. This delightful debut from Rowan Foxwood delivers the most wonderful magical setting along with a brave and resourceful heroine, and a whole cast of magical and believable characters.
Following the death of her beloved mother and having been separated from her older brother, Sage, whilst he’s away on his apprenticeship, Anise finds herself living alone in Patchwork House in the White Wood, with just her daemon-dog, Wolf, for company. As a Heartseer, like her mother before her, Anise has the rare ability to see the daemons and deities that live around them and her job is to help humans and daemons live happily together. A letter brings the heart-breaking news that Sage will be staying in the Capital by order of the High King and Anise finds herself a custodian of the evil Mr Babbit, the banker, who has evil plans for Anise, Patchwork House, and the woods surrounding it. Together Anise and Wolf embark on a perilous journey to the Capital to find her brother and to ask the High King for help. Along the way they are joined by a young mandolin-player, Robin, and an intriguing fox deity, Whin.
As the story unfolds Foxwood skilfully leads us into a fantastical yet believable world full of daemons, deities, and a whole host of other magical beings and objects. Facing dangers such as a deadly poisonous ink monster and the cunning Magpie Queen, Anise soon learns that it's not just the daemons of the White Wood she must save, but all the daemons of the world.
Mystical, compelling and steeped in folklore, this spellbinding story is reminiscent of the tales of Neil Gaiman, and with a wonderfully interwoven message: the paramount importance of balance within the natural world, seems set to become a classic. As the plot twists and turns, it keeps you turning the pages, guessing who can be trusted whilst also subtly addressing issues such as friendship, trust and respect for others.
The bonus of a beautiful cover design and glorious chapter headings from illustrator Katarzyna Doszla simply adds to all that is truly wonderful about this book. I for one shall return to it and cannot wait for the authors next tale.
Tracey Corner
Midnight Treasure
Piers Torday, pub. Hachette Children’s Books
In the war between the immortals and the mortals, the mortals lost. Now the immortals want to vanquish them forever, heralding in an eternity of darkness. To do so they must find the Midnight Treasure by midnight on Spectre Night. Tibor, due to celebrate his thirteenth birthday on Spectre Night, when he will finally become a full-grown werewolf, is the only one with the gift to find the treasure.
There is however treachery in the White Prince’s realm. Baron Ambrus, a mighty and influential vampir has shown Tibor and his best friend Roza, a vampir transformed into a black Alsatian, great kindness. The Baron adopted Tibor and Roza from the orphanage in the Town of Terrible Children, bringing them up in luxury in his House of Gold. The wizard and scientist, Professor Kira Halim seems to be conspiring against Baron Ambrus, harbouring an ancient festering animosity, yet she also seems to be someone the Baron trusts. The Baron sends Tibor - so Roza goes along as well - with the Professor to the White Prince’s Palace and the Hollow Ball, joining the other hunters of the Midnight Treasure.
Perhaps Tibor and Roza are too naïve. They are little more than children, having no memory of their parents and circumstances by which they came to be in the orphanage that the Baron saved them from: Roza cannot even remember how she was transformed into a dog, only knowing she is a vampir. Midnight Treasure therefore is a sinister tale of rediscovery, of them finding a past whose vague memories haunt Tibor’s unconscious mind and appear fleetingly in his dreams. Tibor is a restless, unsettled character, acting on instinct without fully thinking it through, whereas Roza is loyal, warning Tibor of impending danger and lies and when he ought to take care. Like Tibor and Roza, the reader is for much of the story shrouded in the lies spun by others.
Midnight Treasure is truly an epic adventure as the fate of all immortals and mortals depend upon Tibor’s quest to find the treasure. What Tibor finds and what he does will either bring light and life or night and death. The world of the Claw and the Age of Darkness rests on his young shoulders.
Simon Barrett
Popcorn
Rob Harrell, pub. Bonnier Books
A simple and intriguing title offers us a far from simple but very intriguing story. Its narrator is a boy called Andrew.
Andrew suffers from anxiety, and this burden is interwoven through the narrative. There are some great illustrations, and something known as ‘The Anxiety Files’ which are cartoon depictions of his physical and psychological responses to these stresses. He uses a ‘Popcorn Meter’ to chart his feelings from ‘chillin’ to ‘poppin’ depending on how he is feeling that day. Andrew makes use of other coping strategies too, ones that he has learnt to help with his OCD and anxiety. He lives with his mum in a cramped apartment, and his grandma has Alzheimer’s so is also staying with them. Andrew is effectively mourning the loss of his bubbly grandma to this condition as she gradually forgets who he is. Everything definitely seems stacked against Andrew who is a sympathetic character we really want to see achieve peace and happiness. He is simply trying to get through the day and get a good school photo for his mum, but things keep getting in the way, such as bullying classmates, cartons of juice and science experiments gone wrong.
The author warmly presents relationships, and sensitively shows how difficult living with anxiety can be. The novel is funny and moving, and Harrell’s bringing to life of the central friendship is really well written. The portrayal of surviving family stress and middle school through the child’s perspective would make great reading for children and families coping with anxiety, but really, anyone interested in people would enjoy it.
Steph Robertson
Shadow Creatures
Chris Vick, pub. Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Family memories and Norwegian history are the inspiration for Shadow Creatures, which recounts the experience of a village during the Nazi invasion of Norway.
Tove and Liva are two young girls when the German troops invade Norway. They live in a fishing village with their parents and their older brother Hakkon. At the news of the invasion the men of the village leave to fight the invaders. Soon, tight rules are established in the village by the occupiers. Agna, an older girl, displays her rebellious streak, which is at the same time feared and admired by the two sisters. Despite their mother’s efforts, Liva in particular is drawn to Agna and becomes involved in her adventures, until one day she joins her as part of the local recruits working in a prisoner’s camp in a nearby island. Becoming increasingly conscious of the evil at play, Agna and Liva try to convince Hakkon, who now collaborates with the resistance, to help the prisoners. Events take over however and an act of rebellion causes Agna in particular to pay its consequences.
While the pressure on the Nazi invaders grows in Europe, and the fate of Norway is uncertain, Agna, Hakkon, Liva and Tove do what they can to protect their loved ones and to follow their ideals.
Chris Vick’s story illustrates the hardships suffered during the war in Norway, but also illustrates the bravery and resilience of many of its inhabitants. Some, like Hakkon, joined the resistance network called Milorg. Others chose civil disobedience as a way to hinder the invading forces progress. Skilfully narrated and with plenty of tension to keep the readers hooked and sufficient focus on some characters to show how war affected all in so many ways. This is a book which will help lower secondary pupils learn more about the past, and about our future. A book I think we might be seeing featured in many shortlists.
Laura Brill
Witchspark
Dominique Valente, pub. Usborne
Magic, mystery, friendship and resilience.
Eglantine lives in the magical house of Huswyvern situated in the seaside town of Felixstowe, Suffolk. But this is not Felixstowe as you know it! Great Britain is now known as the Magic Isle after a great volcano released a substance called Isle Spark which, as well as awakening magical creatures from stone, turned some people magical too. Eglantine's mother was a witch but sadly Eglantine failed her magical test. Now her uncle, with the evil Whistlewitch by his side, has kidnapped Eglantine's father, holding him to ransom, to gain ownership of the house, Huswyvern. But Hus and Eglantine, and her faithful dragon Arthur, are determined to not let this happen.
In London, Princess Victoria as a member of the royal family is not allowed to possess magic. However, things are getting out of hand as her witchspark is activated and she begins to unwittingly cast spells, including freezing people and turning back time. She is desperate for the magic to be bound to avoid being found out. Both girls apply to Miss Hegotty's course for Aspiring (and ungovernable) Witches who send lessons - reminds me of an online course - to help them get started. But they need more. Will they find each other in time?
This is a great adventure story with great characters and humour. The house, Hus, is hilarious and it would be amazing to live in a place like this, where you are woken up with a shake and the rooms are decorated to suit your mood (to name but a few of its assets). Eglantine is a brave and determined young lady who has to fight for everything and has her faithful dragon Arthur to help. Princess Victoria is helped by the brave servant Eoin and his rat Lord Byron (do look for the poetry reference).
It is a fun magical adventure full of hope when all seems lost. I loved it and look forward to passing it on to the children in my class.
Hayley Reeve
