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New review: Gaspard the Fox by Zeb Soanes and James Mayhew

You may well have heard the story of Gaspard the fox. Author and broadcaster Zeb Soanes first encountered the real-life Gaspard at his home in London. The fox was injured and Zeb fed her till she recovered – forming such a bond that Gaspard became a regular visitor appearing at the sound of Zeb’s bicycle and even bringing her cubs to visit. Since then the fox now has her own Twitter page with over 5,500 followers. Which is probably one of the more random facts I’ve shared on my blog!

If you haven’t heard of Gaspard then I’m sorry I haven’t shared this book sooner, having been given a copy by the publishers Graffegg a while ago. We usually only glimpse foxes at night; they can seem ethereal and perhaps a little bit scary. But they really are beautiful animals and this story brings that to life in a joyful urban adventure, featuring illustrations by award-winning illustrator James Mayhew.

Gaspard the Fox by Zeb Soanes and James Mayhew

Come with Gaspard the Fox as he sets out one summer evening in search of super. One his travels he meets Peter the cat and Finty the dog who help him navigate the local canal with its colourful boats and people – some friendlier than others!

This is such a lovely story! Gorgeous illustrations bring each character to life and you cannot help but fall in love with Gaspard, Peter and Finty. A well-paced narrative shares each moment of Gaspard’s evening walk to find supper. Despite some of the tricky scrapes Gaspard gets into –crashing into bins, falling in the river, being chased away by people – he makes two brilliant new friends.

Peter the cat is rather wonderful persona; just as you imagine a cat to be. Finty is a clever little dog full of excitement. But it’s Gaspard who really wins your heart and when he finally finds his supper through the kindness of the man on the bicycle, you find a big warm smile on your face. Children will absolutely love this gentle story of urban adventure and next time they see a fox will wish it was Gaspard himself! I am looking forward to his next adventure!

Find out more at www.zebsoanes.com and www.jamesmayhew.co.uk

With thanks to Grafegg for my copy of this lovely book!

New review: The British Museum Board Books – two new titles!

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I have long been a fan of this lovely series, Early Learning at the Museum, celebrating the wonder of the world for younger readers through pairing amazing objects from The British Museum and simple first words. With two new titles published this summer, Around the World and Nature, there are even more opportunities to share fascinating artefacts with little ones and build their curiosity.

Around the World focuses on objects from different countries from Europe to Asia to Africa to the Americas. Nature features beautiful photographic images that will engage inquisitive toddlers with early learning concepts. I found myself captivated by the incredible array of items, each bringing to life a unique culture and the wonder of the natural world.

As with previous titles each book features a helpful index with explanations about the objects in the book and QR codes to help you find out more from The British Museum website. I really think this is a lovely series to celebrate everything unique about culture and encourage families with very young children to take an interest in the world around them, through books they all can enjoy.

Find out more at The British Museum and Nosy Crow.

With thanks to Nosy Crow for sending me these books to review!

New review: The Restless Girls by Jessie Burton illustrated by Angela Barrett

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I first came across Jessie Burton in my book group when The Miniaturist was chosen as our book to read just after it was published. The success of this, her first novel, speaks for itself – a number one bestseller, translated into 38 languages and adapted into a television drama; it’s an amazing read. I was therefore hugely excited when I heard that she had written her first children’s books which will be published by Bloomsbury on 27^th September.

I was instantly drawn to the idea of this story, having read The Twelve Dancing Princesses by the Brothers Grimm as a young girl. A modern take on this classic story was instantly appealing – especially on reading a quote from the blurb: “We’re not sticks of dynamite,” said Frida. “We’re simply excellent girls.” What a brilliant statement! The book is illustrated by Angela Barrett, who is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest illustrators. I read a proof copy, so haven’t seen the fully illustrated version but the glimpses of the artwork I have seen are beautiful.

The Restless Girls by Jessie Burton

For her twelve daughters, Queen Laurelia’s death in a motor car accident is a disaster beyond losing a mother. Their father, King Alberto, cannot bear the idea of the princesses ever being in danger and decides his daughters must be kept safe at all costs. Those costs include their lessons, their possessions and, most importantly, their freedom. But the eldest, Princess Frida, will not bend to his will without a fight and she still has one possession her father can’t take: the power of her imagination. And so, with little but wits and ingenuity to rely on, Frida and her sisters begin their fight to be allowed to live.

The twelve princesses of Kalia are stricken with grief, as their world falls apart after their mother’s death. Instead of finding comfort in their father, King Alberto, they find a man broken by grief unwilling to listen to their voices. Princess Frida can see the King’s grief is damaging the kingdom and she challenges her father, to no avail. Imprisoned in the palace in a room with no windows, no sunlight and none of their precious possessions, with only a portrait of their late mother to look at, the twelve sisters see no escape.

Late one night they discover a marvellous secret – a hidden door that leads them on the most magical journey of discovery through wondrous caves, over a deep lagoon, through forests and finally into a tree palace. Surrounded by exotic animals including a magnificent lioness, the princesses can hardly believe their eyes. That night they find their faith is restored and from then on they can become brave and fearless again, feeling alive, dancing each night away in their secret wonderland. It is only when their father keeps having to replace their shoes that he suspects something and uses all his cleverness to outwit his daughters. Princess Frida refuses to reveal their secret and driven mad with rage the King banishes her, proclaiming that whosoever can find the truth about his daughters will replace him as King!

I don’t want to spoil the story so I can only assure you it is a marvellous and fitting ending! I read this in one sitting, positively hooked on the fabulous fairytale world created. The Restless Girls is a wonderful reminder of the power of imagination to restore hope, full of character and brilliant observation throughout. Whilst the feisty and fierce Princess Frida may take centre stage, each princess has her own unique qualities and personality that shines through. They are after all just girls, as well as being princesses, which is brilliantly illustrated by a sparkling narrative full of love, wit and wisdom. The Restless Girls is absolutely one of the most enjoyable stories I’ve read this year; enough fairytale nostalgia to warm the heart, but with a modern edge that brings the tale right up to date. This is a really wonderful story to encourage all who read it to speak up for themselves, cherish their siblings and not allow anything or anyone to hold them back!

Find out more at www.jessieburton.co.uk and @jesskatbee . You can also watch a trailer of Jessie Burton introducing this gorgeous book here.

With thanks to Bloomsbury for sending me this book to review!

New review: Charlie Star by Terry Milne

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A delightful dachshund called Charlie is the star of a lovely new picture book published in hardback earlier last week by Old Barn Books, written and illustrated by Terry Milne, who was born and raised in South Africa. She has illustrated books with authors including Martin Waddell and Vivian French. Her daughter’s struggles with anxiety and repetitive behaviour led Terry to write and illustrate this story as a reassurance to children everywhere who might experience the same struggles.

“Charlie did everything the same, every day. He was afraid something terrible would happen if he didn’t.” When an emergency disrupts his routine, anxious Charlie discovers that change can be a good thing and open the way to something wonderful!

Charlie Star is a lovely story about a dachshund with a difference – he is a very anxious dog! On reading his story, you immediately want to pick him up and comfort him and reassure him everything is okay- even whilst he’s busy lining up his toys and doing tricks as part of his daily rituals.

Charlie is frightened that if he doesn’t do these things, everything will go wrong and like many people, uses these routines to keep his anxiety at bay. A simple narrative, accompanied by lively illustrations brings to life all of Charlie’s habits. As you would expect, life has a way of reminding us we are not in control and when Charlie’s friend gets stuck, even he has to be brave, forget his routines and join the rescue.

This is a really gentle story highlighting the way anxiety can take over, but also cleverly shows that change is not as scary as we think and in fact, can lead to wonderful things.

With a lovely ending highlighting the value of friendship, Charlie Star is a sweet story which is sure to be a hit with young readers. It would also work really well as a story to encourage discussion of anxiety and the issues around it.

Find out more at Old Barn Books.

With thanks to Old Barn for sending me a copy of this book to review.

New reviews: three great additions to your bookshelf!

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This week I have enjoyed reading these three great middle grade reads featuring time travel, magic and funny moments galore! A Chase in Time by Sally Nichols is a time slip novel with great characters and a fast paced plot. A Tangle of Magic by Valija Zinck is a wonderful adventure with a brave heroine and Just Jack by Kate Scott features a lovely young chap trying to fit in. All three books would make great additions to your bookshelf, whether at home or in school.

A Chase in Time by Sally Nicholls

Alex Pilgrim is always up for adventure, so he’s super- pleased when he and his sister Ruby, fall through their aunt’s mirror into 1912. Racing around in a scarily dangerous car, being permanently grubby and even catching a criminal or two is great fun! Now they just need to find a way home….

A thoroughly enjoyable time-slip adventure, A Chase in Time is a great read with a good mix of humour, excitement and danger. Spending a school holiday at their aunt’s family home, which is full of wonderful heirlooms from around the world, Alex and Ruby discover the mirror that has stood in the hall for years is a time portal. A dramatic start to the story means that Alex and Ruby must get to grips with time travel and solve the mystery of the missing Newberry Cup – which will not only help their family in 1912 but will also save their aunt’s magnificent home in their own time! Full of historical detail and some wonderful, humourous observations about how different life was in 1912, there are moments of poignant reflection as Alex and Ruby realise that in a few short years the first world war will begin. The lovely cast of characters have very English eccentricities, enlivening the engaging plot. I particularly enjoyed the romance between Alex and Ruby’s distant relatives Atherton and Miss Flynn. Add to this some fantastic illustrations you have all the ingredients for a great read!

With thanks to Nosy Crow for sending me this book to review.

A Tangle of Magic by Valija Zinck

Penelope has always been…well….different. For one thing, she has grey hair, even though she’s only ten. But when she wakes up to find her hair has turned the brightest, wildest, most BRILLIANT shade of red, she realises magic has entered her life. Strange and amazing things start to happen. Could it all have something to do with her father, who disappeared years ago? Penelope won’t stop until she finds the tangled, magical truth about who she really is….

A Tangle of Magic is a quirky, magical and inventive tale with gorgeous cover art. Stories about magic are great fun, especially when they centre on the discovery of hidden magical powers and this story is no exception! It features a determined and feisty heroine Penelope, who knows she’s different. Living with her Mum and Grandma and Coco the cat, she couldn’t possibly have realised just how different until her hair turns red, marking the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. Hearing others thoughts before they say them, having conversations with the road (yes, the road!) and even learning to fly, Penelope discovers she’s got magical blood. Her mother had always hidden this from her, hoping to keep her safe, but she finally tells Penelope her father had magical powers. Helped by her Grandma giving her a secret book of spells and one of her best friends unwittingly giving her clues to her father’s whereabouts, Penelope sets out to discover not just the truth about her father, but the truth about herself too. With some exciting plots twists and gentle humour, Penelope makes a charming heroine who you are rooting for throughout. Themes of friendship and family bring together an engaging narrative that middle grade readers will enjoy.

With thanks to Chicken House for sending me this book to review.

Just Jack by Kate Scott

Jack knows all about trying to fit in. Since Dad left, Jack and his Mum have moved house five times. But it’s hard work pretending to be someone he isn’t and Jack misses having a friend. Until Tyler comes along, Tyler is clever, funny and inventive. And he might help Jack figure out how to be…Just Jack.

Jack is about to start School Six and with his Sherlock Code at the ready, he is determined to fit in but not stand out. Surrounded by unpacking and mess at home with his Mum, Jack sets his sights on making sure he doesn’t get too close to anyone just in case they have to move again. However, Jack hasn’t banked on the appearance of full-of-life Tyler bounding into the classroom, who he realises could be his ideal friend. Told with sensitivity and humour, the story explores how Jack deals with making new friends, confronting the pain of his parents divorce and finally being true to himself. He is an instantly lovable chap and you can’t help but be moved by his observations and the situation he finds himself in. Many young readers will identify with the difficulties of friendship and family described and the cast of characters who bring the story to life. A perfect balance of humour and heart, Just Jack is a truly enjoyable and moving read, with great illustrations by Alex Gunn.

With thanks to Kate Scott for sending me this book to review. Just Jack is published by Piccadilly Press.