It's time to walk to school and mum wants the children to get there on time. But what Mum doesn't realise is that the hill is in fact the tummy of a sleeping giant and it's important to tread carefully when the floor turns to lava! It's just as well Mum has these two Brave Explorers with her.

This is an utterly charming tale with a warm, humorous feel and some lovely imaginative touches as the everyday walk to school is filled with fantastical adventure and magical creatures. This would be a lovely sharing read.

Reviewed by Laura Hayward on 10th July 2024

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At Peters we think it's important to highlight new authors and illustrators, and titles which may not neccessarily be on people's radar with our books of the week. But sometimes you just have to highlight an established author when they're at the top of their game, too. This book really just does not put a foot wrong - a joyous celebrations of dogs and friendship. It's beautiful.

Reviewed by  on 10th July 2024

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An ideal read whether you're a cat or a dog lover, this energetic and expressive picture book will have you laughing out loud. A disdainful cat tells the reader why dogs are the worst - but when disaster strikes who comes to her rescue?!

With punchy text, lively illustrations and an amusing conclusion, this is a great read and would be lots of fun at story times. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 8th July 2024

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Mab and Elk are best friends, who found each other as young girls playing in a maze and are now drawn into the most intense kind of teen friendship. They share jokes, secrets and a bond so deep they think it can survive anything. But then a single tragic event changes everything, and neither girl will ever be the same again.

A beautifully written, utterly devastating account of female friendship, growing up and grief, this book is a stunning return to teen fiction for Jenny Valentine. From the sticky heat of a city summer to the heartbreak of loss, the author captures every moment of this story brilliantly. Not only are the two protagonists, Mab and Elk,  superbly realised but the rest of the characters leap off the page too. Without giving too much away this book will leave readers gasping back tears at the twist of an ending. Highly recommended for teen readers. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 26th June 2024

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A joyous celebration and appreciation of being you and all the possibilities that are in front of you on your life's journey. A touch of the 'circle of life' but it's much more than that. Incorporates family heritage, particularly children from mixed-raced parents (the author is using here own family experience here) and how there is much abundance in the family/heritage. Beautiful illustration accompany the rhyming text which is simple, a lovely momentum and sort of reads itself, so very easy reading.  This title would be excellent for build self-esteem and confidence in children as it's not heavy or authoritarian, just a straightforward, life-affirming, enjoyable read. 

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 26th June 2024

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Banjo and Finlay were as close as brothers until a misunderstanding in their group home three years ago. Now both are adrift in Glasgow - Finlay juggling his nursing studies, supporting himself and trying not to fall in love; Banjo struggling to control his anger and pursue a relationship without letting anyone see his real feelings. The blunt, choppy writing style make take some getting used to, but at its heart this is a tender tale of love and friendship with two extraordinary characters. McDonald is obviously familiar with both Glasgow and its inhabitants, making for authentic and powerful use of language and location. The characters are so well-drawn that readers will be rooting for their happy ending and then pressing this book into the hands of everyone they know. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 24th June 2024

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A lively and enjoyable little mystery, told in upbeat rhyming text that would read aloud wonderfully. The illustrations are rich with expression and find every opportunity for humour, which is likely to raise a smile from adults as much as children. And in the background there is a valuable message about prejudice and justice that could be used to lead to important discussions. Wonderful and versatile.

Reviewed by Lucy Forrester on 24th June 2024

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The illustrations are bold and bright and the rhyming text is exactly right!  A wonderful book to share with babies, toddlers, colleagues, friends, at story times, in office meetings, in doctor's waiting rooms!  An infectious book that makes you smile and eager to spread the joy.  Sally Symes and Nick Sharratt are a great team and never disappoint.  Many of the characters look familiar - have we seen them in other books?!  It's a quality board book packed with oodles of fun.  You need this book in your library!  Make space for the joy!

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 12th June 2024

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Strong Percy Jackson/Artemis Fowl influence but a stonking adventure with a feisty heroine & irresistible supporting cast that bring the relentless action to life. Beautifully realised with perfect touches of humour. Sparkling debut well worth having

Reviewed by Diane Gill on 7th June 2024

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A wonderful guide to the outdoors, with Tulip as your escort.  The illustrations are bright and joyful and the snippets of information about the trees and plants are useful and interesting.  The pages are full of colour with plenty of things to look for on walks.  It's a really enjoyable romp through nature.  And just when you are full of the abundance of the habitats in the UK, it moves on to explore different habitats around the globe.  It's an inspiring read and is sure to encourage children to pay more attention as they play outdoors and discover the wonders of the natural world.  

This is a gem of a book with magic within its pages to be shared and enjoyed.  A great purchase for schools and libraries.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 5th June 2024

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A touching yet heartwarming story about overcoming grief and the healing power of nature. Tough themes of mental health, loss, grief and refugees are  tackled into a pitch perfect narrative, and although it's an emotional read, it sensitively conveys the impact of trauma on children and their potential to heal through telling their own stories.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 30th May 2024

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A challenging topic that Barr meets head on, with utterly convincing characters and a narrator who is by turns sympathetic, pitiable, frustrating and loveable. Her struggle to recognise her abusive relationship for what it is and to deal with her past as she moves forward can stand as support for those who have been in similar situations, or as a warning flag for those who may be vulnerable. Beyond that, it's a truly innovative and thrilling read, that interweaves fantasy and reality deftly.

Reviewed by Lucy Forrester on 28th May 2024

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A timely look at a pivotal moment in World War II. The story really brings to life the human sacrifice and impact of war and how this has an affect across generations. Perfect for WWII topics as the story is accompanied by facts and photos of Dunkirk and the D-Day landings. Accompanied by Michael Foreman's wonderful illustrations, this would make a good class read and would raise many discussion points

Reviewed by Natalie Wise on 22nd May 2024

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In a future world where giant mechanical animals called Constructs fight and are driven by human crews, a young teenage boy with a prosthetic arm is separated from his Wolf Construct and must survive with a new crew of similarly lost youngsters

Very reminiscent of Mortal Engines but aimed at a younger readership. Imaginative world-building and a gripping plot are boosted by strong, inclusive characters that engage the reader's sympathy, and challenge feelings of worth & belonging throughout. First in a trilogy, well-worth having

Reviewed by Diane Gill on 20th May 2024

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An amusing story that readers will relate to in many ways. Filled with tween angst , family issues and friendship pushed to the limits. Priya is reeling from the loss of her Grandma Ba who was her best friend and confidante. Without her Priya has nobody to ask for advice. As a comfort Priya starts to wear a bracelet given to her by her grandmother, and that's when things start to change. 

Priya cannot lie any more to keep everyone happy and this causes much hurt and heartache for her friends and family. She can't remove the bracelet either! Is this Grandma Ba guiding her from beyond the grave? Can she learn to tell the truth and be honest without hurting her friends and family?  

A fun filled family/friend issues story with a serious message that many children will relate to. The insight into the family beliefs about not airing your dirty laundry in public is interesting and issues surrounding neurodivergent family members is touched on too. A book worth a place on library shelves.

Reviewed by Dawn Franklin on 15th May 2024

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