Planet Omar- Ultimate Rocket Blast- Zanib Mian & Illustrated by Kyan Cheng

I’ve been a fan of Zanib Milan’s Planet Omar series since an early proof of the first book. A blend of prose with interjections and highly illustrated ‘Tom Gates’ style bits from Kyan Cheng makes this a playful whimsical series.  There is something gentle and sweet about the way she depicts the mindset and wobbly …

21% Monster by PJ Canning

What started off as a fun adventure thriller, 21% Monster by PJ Canning turned into something beautifully inclusive, existential and empowering with its subtle commentary on the ways we are different, whether it physically, neurologically or indeed our experiences are what make us powerful not only as individuals but as a species.  Fans of Alex …

Chameleon Dad Author Feature: Debbie Thomas on Writing for Children

When Little Island Books contacted me about Chameleon Dad, the latest middle grade adventure from Debbie Thomas I was sold on the blurb alone and agreed to help support this book which looks at some incredibly powerful themes and situations but with the gentle hand of writing for middle grade. A tale that looks at …

DreadWood by Jennifer Killick

Today I'm one of three stops on the mega celebration blog tour for Jennifer Killick's DreadWood! I’ve been a huge fan of Jennifer’s writing for some years, she is a literal diamond of contemporary storycraft with a twisted element whether turning her hand to unfortunate superpowers, mysterious disappearances or tween horror , Jen is a …

The FCBG Childrens Book Award- Anisha: Accidental Detective by Serena Patel

When I first reviewed the debut Anisha novel, I knew that Serena Patel had created something special, and with the publication of each book, both Littlefae and I have been swept away in these young reader mysteries that explore so much more than the social or interpersonal problem presented, and yet capture the very real …

The Puffin Portal Vashti Hardy illustrated by Natalie Smillie

You may have guessed that I’m a huge fan of Vashti Hardy’s writing and she’s a wonderful person too ! The Puffin Portal is the sequel to her first collaboration with Barrington Stoke The Griffin Gate, a tale that blends the Hardy-verse of STEM steeped societies and steam punkery into it in accessible form for …

Midnight Magic- Michelle Harrison and Elissa Elwick

Black cats and magic for early readers? Midnight Magic by Michelle Harrison and Elissa Elwick is the PERFECT book for any little one with the call of wonder in their soul. Midnight Magic is such a joyful and positive depiction of magic and wonder with a twinkling dose of mischief to keep the giggles.  I …