When Bess inherits her uncle's Odditorium, she encounters a magical train that takes her on an adventure to another world

This is a rollicking magical adventure that has a strong cast of very natty characters & a snappy plot that maintains momentum throughout. This first adventure is set in The Land of Halloween Sweets and features some out-there ideas - I will never feel the same about gummy bears again! Very scary!! A great new series

Reviewed by Diane Gill on 4th December 2023

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'Get into Art' is a great find.

Acts as a gentle introduction to an extensive variety of artists and movements with some guaranteed surprises for young and old alike - which is one of the factors that makes this title so appealing. It is rare to find a non-fiction book that has such clear leisure and curriculum topic appeal, and will have appeal to both children and the adults sharing the book with them. 

The detail included is impressive and this could act as a quick dip in first intro for younger readers, whilst working equally well as a title they can return to for many years - absorbing a little more of the detail each time.

There is also the added bonus of a home crafting activity at the end of each section for all aspiring little artists to explore the style shown hands on! A gem of a book. 

Reviewed by Anna Rushall on 23rd November 2023

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Tapping into the recent successes in women's football, this is a great new series which has a lot of appeal. Rocky is Roy of the Rovers sister and a football talent who has won a place to train at an elite sports academy in LA. There are many themes covered - navigating friendships, resilience, grief and sportswomanship. And poking mild fun at the American vocabulary around the game! Short sentences make it good for reluctant readers as well. A worthwhile series to invest in. 

Reviewed by Lucy McConnell on 15th November 2023

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Well drawn characters, and imaginative world building and immersive plot draw you in. Welsh setting is different, too. Cover could be better but worth promoting for teen readers.

Reviewed by  on 15th November 2023

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Exciting, fast paced and entertaining story, relatable characters, intrigue, mystery, magical creatures, plot twists and a fantastic message. This book has it all! Very satisfying and a great read that is definitely worth having.

Our reviewer said "Hard to put down -  I read it in 24 hours!"

This is a wonderful book to cosy up with, it will leave you wanting more and the message at the end is so important:

'normal does not exist.  Everyone is different, from the points of our fingers to the tips of our toes.  Being different is what's normal'

I really hope there will be a sequel!  A must read!

Reviewed by Stephanie Horton on 6th November 2023

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Very informative and entertaining. The writing style is humorous and engaging with lovely black and white illustrations which complement the text perfectly. Great as a leisure read.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 1st November 2023

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This brutal, brilliant book is the tale of Con, an unemployed youth in a grim Scottish 'treacle town'. So called because they are impossible to escape from given the intergenerational cycle of poverty, drugs and violence; Con sees a glimmer of hope for a different life when he discovers slam poetry. 

This compelling tale is told with pitch-black humour and an authentic voice. Con and his friends speak in a broad local dialect, initially tricky to decipher but once understood drawing the reader in further to the tale. 

Murder, suicide and shocking sectarian gang violence, not to mention very strong language punctuate this book but older teens and young adults should be hooked by this eye-opening look at lives not often written about. Sure to spark debate in schools and libraries, this is a must-have title. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 26th October 2023

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Great to see a new addition to this fun and appealing series. Loads of things to pore over, and it will definitely make you feel Christmassy! Sharratt's artwork is as vibrant and engaging as ever, and the mix of themes and ideas on each spread is wonderfully broad and creative.

Reviewed by Lucy Forrester on 18th October 2023

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Clearly written potted biographies of well-known, and not as familiar, influential Black people in Britain. The illustrations are charming and detailed and a real flavour of their lives are imparted. A great resource for classrooms and a vibrant addition to all biography collections.

Reviewed by Lucy McConnell on 17th October 2023

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An amusing and inventive tale of how Santa might get into houses across the world, with brilliantly expressive illustrations. The quizzical reindeer are a particular delight! The text perfectly captures the kind of questions young children will ask about Santa and may help parents answer tricky queries, extending belief in the magic of Christmas. An excellent seasonal read destined to become a classic of the genre. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 9th October 2023

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This sweet and magical tale of a princess who loves getting dirty, exploring the outdoors and collecting bugs is sure to appeal. Gravett's beautifully expressive illustrations work brilliantly with Morpurgo's lively text. Perfect for less-stereotypical princesses! 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 4th October 2023

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A fascinating book, written with humour, easy to understand and packed with valuable information.  It answers the question in the title succinctly and memorably.

It discusses evolution, DNA and migration in clear and accessible language making complex subjects easy to understand.  It's funny and appealing and has some terrible jokes in it!

A great addition to library shelves.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 29th September 2023

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Unlike so many celebrity titles, this is an example of genuine quality JF. Telling the tale of Linus a daring, loyal young swift, as he sets out on his mission to help win the war. The year is 1940 and Linus and his sister resolve to join the RBF (Royal Bird Force!) who are assisting the humans with the war effort. Their role? To identify and support the RAF in taking down enemy planes. Along the way Linus must grapple with the loss of his sister, the resistance of the falcons, and even spies within their ranks. Will he achieve his dream and lead the platoon?

Engaging characters, a unique take on WW2 and a useful undercurrent of important themes for the age group: loyalty, perseverance, identity - this is a story that has it all. There is also an important message about size not being something that should define you, and an encouragement to all young readers to avoid making face judgements. It would be a perfect text for PSHE based discussions, or for supporting a history unit in KS2, but would work equally well as a reading for pleasure text to share in class due to its warm and funny tone. There is plenty to discuss in terms of interesting vocabulary and varied sentence structure too. 

A must have!

Reviewed by Anna Rushall on 25th September 2023

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A boy from our non-magical mortal world joins with a girl in the hidden, magical world of the Archipelago to restore the stolen magic that is putting both existences into danger

Absorbing fantasy that intrigues and captivates from the very start. The main characters have real heart and you root for them all the way, and the plethora of supporting cast and mythical creatures add an extra level of depth and variety. Rundell's world building is exquisite, and her writing is as classy as always. A beautiful read that is hard to put down

Reviewed by Diane Gill on 18th September 2023

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A well crafted story with viewpoints from several characters, past and present.  Gripping from the start and very moving. A great read.

It's a story within a story told with an eloquence that keeps the reader hooked as they're led from past to present and back again.  The secrets are unravelled cleverly, the betrayals are surprising and the truth sets the characters free.  The bravery of Hannie, the guilt of Mila and the strength of Liv make for a harrowing, but exciting journey and remind the reader of the danger of those who believe that they are superior to others.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 18th September 2023

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