This fits squarely into the dystopian genre, but it is misleading as at times it feels comfortable and paints a picture of a good life. There are many themes that run throughout this story including blended families, nature/farming, sustainability, conspiracy theories, racism and love - both romantic and familial.

It's a richly woven story which centers on Xavier - a warm, questioning lead character who loves Dungeons and Dragons, loves his family, and uses his skills to support his family. His growth and development throughout the book is central; and it is good to see this kind of strong but soft masculinity. 

It's not always a comfortable read, and questions are raised throughout, not all of which are neatly answered, but there is a solid ending so the reader is not left disappointed. 

Likeable characters make the reader want the best for them even if you're unsure what that is at times. The world is well created and it's tightly plotted. The chapters are not overly long which gives a sense of pace. A great read for teens. 

Reviewed by Alison Tarrant on 27th June 2025

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An exciting page-turner as we follow Tom into a new world both for him and for us - a world of spies and trained master criminals. It covers a lot of genres - obviously crime and spy novels but will also appeal to those who like boarding school stories and historical fiction with it's setting in an alternative Victorian world that is managed and manipulated by the Shadow Thieves. A wonderful debut that's wrapped up well but there's hopefully more to follow! Good for fans of Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl and Alex Rider

Reviewed by Natalie Wise on 19th June 2025

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A truly lovely story about two Sophies who are best friends despite an enormous age gap. Eleven year old Sophie is determined not to let Sophie the Elder be diagnosed with dementia and moved to a care home far away. The book gently explores how we perceive and interact with the important people around us and how we interact with change. There's a poignant "tale within the tale" as the duo's exploration of memory leads to revelations about her childhood in Poland. I love that young Sophie's emotions and opinions shift throughout the story, not only with regards to her beloved elder Sophie but with other characters too. Her journey to accepting people and situations as they are is very moving. 

Reviewed by Nikki Gray on 18th June 2025

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We join the marching band through various different environments including the city, a building site, jungle, beach and space! Watch out for wrecking balls, tigers and yetis...

Everyone wants to join the fun...even aliens in outer space! 

Bouncy rhyming and repetitive text, and fabulous illustrations with loads to look at - it's just really good, fun for storytime. A must have

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 11th June 2025

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What if you didn't make snot? What if your bones turned to jelly? What if you could take off your skin? This book has the fascinating (and frequently quite gross!) answers to these questions and more! The kinds of questions that young readers will want to ask are explained in a thorough and straightforward way, accompanied by quirky illustrations and an appealing layout. Perfect as a dip-in leisure read, this is sure to find a place on your shelves. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 11th June 2025

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A delightful and amusing story full of puns on fishy words, 'Calm down, clams, you might pull a mussel'. With lively illustrations and great momentum, kids will love the humour and antics.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 6th June 2025

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A great read covering multiple topics including the war, politics, and moral integrity. The characters are fabulous, and we really get to know them well and see them change as the story unfolds.  They are flawed, and we can understand why, and it's really satisfying to see how the goodness within them overcomes the fear.  Johnny is a really mean character and we dislike him from the outset, but he's clever and fools almost everyone around him because he is supposedly the helpful adult.  The friendship element is touching and there is great empathy amongst this group of wild boys.  The story is expansive but clear and it's a real page-turner. We don't know how Ronnie Smith is going to succeed but we know he will!  It's a brilliant read for boys.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 4th June 2025

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Mayhem ensues when a girl accidently brings a shark into the hotel swimming pool after swimming in the sea. Flip flops, snorkels and goggles aren't the only things that one little girl has brought with her on her summer holiday...

It's very silly but kids will love it and the rhyme works really well and is perfect for reading aloud. A fun summer read.

Reviewed by Debbie Bradley on 28th May 2025

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Unreservedly silly fun, with a big cast of oddballs and plenty of noises to make. Wonderful to read aloud, and would work great for one-to-one sharing or for a big group (if you don't mind it getting seriously loud). Deceptively simple and packed with little details to notice more and more of with each re-read. Fab!

Reviewed by Lucy Forrester on 26th May 2025

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Oh, my goodness. This book elicits so many emotions. It makes you angry and breaks your heart. But it also makes you laugh, uplifts you and makes you feel hopeful. A must have for any public or school library collection.

Reviewed by Debbie Bradley on 21st May 2025

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Secrets and lies are never a good combination especially when it involves parents. It's a gripping plotline, shocking in parts and the writing is such that you really want to find out Elias's reality, memory and the truth, especially when it involves his family and his therapist!  Traumaland is not what it first appears either as it's dark underbelly is slowly uncovered. It's a heavy theme and the author's experience of being a mental health nurse really comes through in the details. Not for everyone but it's a captivating read, ends on a cliff hanger with the possibility for more.

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 14th May 2025

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A lovely lyrical story combined with stunning atmospheric illustrations which explores themes of discovering nature in all environments even built up city areas. The child in the story moves from the countryside to the city and is saddened by the grey buildings and rainy streets. Her spirit continues to sink as she believes she has lost her connection with nature, but then a bird calls to her from the sky and leads her through the city streets to the river where she discovers natural sights that take her breath away.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 8th May 2025

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This fascinating and diverse book collects a range of lesser-known stories of heroism from the Second World War. Ranging from medics to spies to soldiers, the stories are thrillingly told and supported by plenty of contextual information. Ideal for supporting study and demonstrating the truly global nature of the conflict, the book also works as an enjoyable leisure read full of tales of bravery and courage. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 7th May 2025

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A joyful collection of life affirming stories with plenty of activities to inspire readers.  The contributors are varied and they give fascinating overviews of things that they love.  It's a great browser that's full of surprises and shows the breadth of passions that are out there to be had, whether it's watching old films, creating comics or learning new swimming techniques.  The illustrations are bright and appealing and the layout is pleasing.  This is a book to be savoured in special moments to revive spirits and learn something new.  A great addition to collections.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 1st May 2025

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A lovely story about making the walk home from school imaginative and exciting.  The children really just want to get home quickly, but then Uncle Jerome unexpectedly picks them up and persuades them to walk the long way home.  Uncle Jerome is fabulous and motivating, the kind of uncle that every child wishes for.  He understands how to pique the interest of a child and help them to open their eyes to the world around them, and then open their eyes wider to see the potential for magic and games.  The illustrations and bold and colourful and it's a perfect book for sharing.  This is the walk home we all must try to recapture to brighten our days! 

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 29th April 2025

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