Like the witches who lurk around the farms and villages of its version of Ayrshire, Hag Storm is a book that comes in many guises; it is a tense family drama, an engaging work of historical fiction, and a ghost story spooky enough to send shivers down your spine. While working in his father’s fields,... Continue Reading →

In our monthly fast feature, we recommend a page-turning new title in (roughly) 60 words. Sophia Duleep Singh may have been a princess, but her childhood was far from cosseted. She faced neglect, grief and insecurity.  This unsettled start became an extraordinary life, recounted in Saffy’s own words, from tea with a baboon, to being... Continue Reading →

We don’t get to review nearly enough books aimed at children at the start of their reading journey, so we were excited by the arrival of Princess Dangerous, which is part graphic novel, part chapter book and a great fit for those making the transition between picture books and longer stories. The story of talented... Continue Reading →

We love a story that turns convention on its head, and Scaredy Bat does just that – it is a picture book in which everything is a bit upside down, from the speech bubbles, to morning bedtimes, to the fact that Little Bat is scared of...the light. Set in an atmospheric woodland where three bats... Continue Reading →

The Four Treasures series follows the adventures of changeling Ailsa MacAra and her friends, as they battle to save the magical kingdom of Eilan Mor from dark forces. It is a gripping fantasy ride, with drama, folklore and plenty of romantic tension, but what makes the series stand out is its magnetic, convention-defying characters. If... Continue Reading →

There may be plenty of picture books about fairies, but it still isn’t easy finding stories that have that special something that makes little readers go “ooh!” The Fairy in the Kettle, by Pauline Tait, is one of few with the sprinkling of magic dust that we hope for.  Leona Rose is different from the... Continue Reading →

In our monthly fast feature, we recommend a new title in 60 words (or thereabouts). Young Amelie’s life changes in an instant, from playing hide and seek with family, to hiding alone in wartime France -- trafficking secrets that lives depend on. Her youth may be useful cover, but it won’t protect her -- in... Continue Reading →

Fifi is different from other crocodiles. She’s cute and fluffy, and even though she sharpens her teeth twice a day, her cuddly appearance means that no one takes her seriously. Fed up with teasing from her sisters, Fifi sets out to prove that she can be just as dangerous as them -- but things don’t... Continue Reading →