Secrets at St Judes: Drama Girl by Carmen Reid

(I'm loving the new style of covers!) 

January 2010, Corgi Children's

304 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Young Adult

Boarding school life, moderate level of teen romance, lying, sneaking out, parties, friends falling out, putting on a play (writing & acting), culture clash, some humour 

Summary from Random House Children's Books 

You'd think that being stuck in a stuffy girls bording school would mean life was dull and dreary, but this term the St Jude's girls are in for some serious drama!

Gina can't wait for her mum and friends to make the trip over to visit her from sunny California, but things don't exactly go to plan and she finds herself stuck in the middle of them and her new friends and hunky boyfriend. And things don't get better as the rest of her dorm-mates have their own dramas to deal with . . .

Niffy is not happy about her best friend and her brother becoming a couple - yuck! Min wishes she had the confidence to finally kiss her new boyfriend, and poor Amy is starting to do anything to look thin for the school play.

Will all the drama be resolved . . .?

Nayuleska's reason for loving Amy: I think she's my favourite character in this book because when she's low and gets one comment about her weight, she takes it the wrong way and starts on the twisty spiral of anorexia (there is a happy ending, but the pace of time passing seemed almost too quick to be realistic)

Is there another character who deserves a mention? All the girls are fun, but I enjoyed Gina's story line because her friends were diabolical in how they behaved to everything - life isn't all about luxury! 

How evil/nasty is the enemy? Distorted body image is evil and dangerous. Misunderstanding and friction between friends hurts everyone involved. 

Are there plenty of plot twists and surprises? With all four girls having their own storyline, there's plenty of unexpected events. 

One of my favourite parts was....right when Amy's eating problem was discovered, I felt so sorry for her, but was so happy that she would get some help. 

I think this deserves 8/10

Make sure you check out more about St Judes and Carmen's other books on her website. 

Suggested reads

Try other St Jude's books for more adventures with the four girls which include Jealous Girl

For more school stories, check out the Silver Spires series: School Friends: Party at Silver Spires.

The Taming of Lilah May by Vanessa Curtis

12th May 2011, Frances Lincoln
192 pages, Paperback
Review copy
Children's/Young Adult

Summary from Frances Lincoln.
Lilah's Anger Diary, March 26th
Anger levels: 11/10

I'm Lilah May and I'm ANGRY.
So angry that I'm about to be excluded from school, my parents can't control me, and only one person in the world understands me. And that's my best friend, Bindi.
I haven't always been this way. It all started with my brother Jay. And what no one realises is that it's all my fault.

I totally queue-jumped with this book. I adored her previous two books, Zelah Green: Queen of Clean/Who Says I'm a Freak?  and the sequel Zelah Green:One More Little Problem. As soon as I saw this, I sensed it would involve all aspects of emotion, exploring sides of society that aren't scented with roses. It's not even published yet. But it's one you definitely need to pre-order.

I haven't ever had anger issues. At least I didn't think so, not to the extent which Lilah gets mad. There's a deep rooted reason for that, linked to when her brother disappeared. Initially I didn't have a clue what happened to her brother, but slowly as Lilah revealed more information drip by drip, I had ideas floating around my head which eventually became concrete. I really enjoyed how I didn't find out the full reason as to why Lilah blames herself as the end. I wanted to capture in her a tight squishy hug and not let go until all the held in emotions were let out.

I think it was after half way through the book that I connected with Lilah on a deeper level than I had in the beginning. Anger isn't just kicking things and being violent. It has a unique mindset, one which it turns out I really related to in my teen years (like Lilah it was rooted in situations out of my control). I think it was more the not knowing of how Jay was which hit her hardest. She'd become like a little tank, strong on the outside, locking away everything inside herself. Or more accurately a rusty tank which held something very explosive inside, that made people handle her with care. It was beautiful to read how her father figured out a way to tame her - you could see the tenuous father-daughter bond start to grow (there were 2 methods used, both very sweet). I enjoyed watching her anger levels go up, then slowly go down again. Equally fun were the doodles on the pages - it makes it feel like her diary. Oh and watching how her family almost disintegrated, then slowly started to help themselves was also a pleasure to read.

Just as with the Zelah Green books, I enjoyed how there are other big issues explored - Lilah's closest friends (well, the only friends really) end up having their own problems too. Although their problems were preventable, and Lilah's wasn't (not directly), it is through the problems that Lilah realises she can interact with the world, that other people have problems too, even if their lives seem perfect on the surface. Her friends cause her heartache, but they are there when she needs them the most.

I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel, due out January 2012!

Check out Vanessa's other books on her website.

The Devil's Triangle by Mark Robson

March 2011, Simon and Schuster
400 pages, Paperback (also available as an ebook)
Review copy Children's, thriller, 10+

Note: There is a minor spoiler in this review which gives away something that isn't reference in the book blurb. I'm putting it in smaller print so if you want to, you can skip reading it.

Summary from Simon & Schuster UK
The Bermuda Triangle has cast a shadow over Sam and Niamh Cutlers' lives since their mother vanished nine years ago. Her whereabouts remains a mystery and every year they return to the Florida Keys with their father, Matt, who is obsessed with solving the haunting puzzle.

But Sam is bored with lazing around by the pool while his father hunts for the truth. Craving excitement, he and his friend, Callum, "borrow" Matt's boat. At first it's great fun, but when they find themselves marooned in a terrifying land, the boys realise they too have fallen victim to the Triangle's mysterious effects. Can they find a way home, or will they be lost forever?

*waves book in the air* This is amazing! I know I say that about a lot of books - I feel privileged that I read so many good ones - but it really has a wow factor. I admit the cover is ok. It does give an indication of what the book is about, but it's not one I adore. But a book is rarely all about the cover. It's the delights which are inside it that I'm keen on.

Things I love in a book (and does the Devil's Triangle have them?) (I hasten to add most of the criteria here are for thrillers. I like a wide range of books which have different criteria.)

• Strong female lead
• Yes. Two points of vieew of Niamh and Sam. Both are equally important and play a crucial role.
• Lots of action 
• Yes!!! Chock full of it, with danger around most turns, some obvious, some subtle. Sometimes the characters know about it, sometimes they don't (and honestly speaking, I'm not sure which is more tense for me)
• Lots of plot twists
• Yes. Come on - intelligent raptors who are into nuclear power? That's a neat concept. 
• Lots of emotional moments
• Yes. I wanted to cry at quite a bit. My heart got tangled both for Niamh and Sam, who both go through so much. I was so proud of them at some moments too. There's a lot relating to the close ties of twins, to lost/missing relatives, to looking after loved ones and also losing them. 
• Evil enemies
• Definitely yes. Hello - raptors? Thanks to a famous dinosaur film, I'm really scared of them. The idea that they are sentient, well, they are worse than evil humans!!! 
• Plenty of on the edge of the seat moments
• Yes. So much is going on that every other sentence something new happens. In some ways I was more worried for Niamh than Sam, because although Sam's life is in danger more, at least he's not on earth (the same one) where Niamh and her father are getting in trouble with the authorities
• Imaginative 
• Yes (see previous raptors' comments), 

I've always been intrigued by the Bermuda triangle (especially when my uncle used to go there on holiday, and come back safely). I love the concepts of what is causing the strange occurrence, although I'm pretty sure there are more twists in the next book (out in the autumn!). 

This one without question gets 10/10. 

No! by David McPhail

7th April 2011, Frances Lincoln
Hard back, review copy
Children's

Summary from Frances Lincoln 
No. No? No!
A little boy sets out to deliver a letter, witnessing acts of war on the way. But when he encounters a bully by the post-box, he decides that enough is enough.
Almost wordless, but speaking volumes, No! dramatises conflict and its alternatives in a language that is accessible to everyone, young or old: beautiful paintings, executed with profound feeling and an artist's vision and wisdom.
No! is the author's expression of hope that the playgrounds of the world, big and small, will soon become safer and friendlier for all.

Having read a few other books about stubborn children, I wrongly presumed that's what this book would be about. I confess to picking it up and reading without looking at the press release sheet or the back cover (a habit I frequently have now - I like to dive straight in!). So initially as I read through the book I thought 'huh'. As in 'this is an odd book'. At the moment I prefer vibrant colours, none of which are in the subdued pages. I don't mind some misery, but there is a lot as the boy faces horrific hardships for a child (suitable for a war-torn country). When I reached the end, my first conclusion was that I wasn't keen on the book.

But then I realised that was unfair. I'd had an incorrect view of what the book was about, which made me view the book in a distorted light. Understanding what the book is about meant that it made sense. There's a reason why there aren't vibrant colours. It isn't that type of book. It is portraying the reality faced by so many children in the world, who are caught up in wars and battles that have nothing to do with them. I think that this is a good way to show children how life can be for other people their own age, to help explain what happens in the wars and battles. Children hear those terms all the time on the news, and wonder what it's all about. Although what happens to the boy isn't very nice, at the end there is some happiness and evidence of compassion. Good things begin to happen. It's endorsed by Amnesty International, which isn't a surprise given the book's content.

I give this book 8/10.

World of Happy by Giles Andreae book reviews Part 4 (final part)

The reviews I'm doing for Claire here, until the end of April will be about the World of Happy books. These books will be published in April. Egmont very kindly set me the whole set (that was a huge surprise!). They are such wonderful books, full of messages that readers of all ages can relate to. It's aimed at children 3 years and older, but I think deceptively simple messages are ones that everyone should know about. I've decided to review these in parts because the messages in all of them are really important and valuable. I love the simple and uplifting illustrations with their funky colours. I didn't realise that these books were short animations on CBBC channel! How cool is that! For Part one which looks at The Little Penguin, Two Monkeys and The Elephant and the Spider click here, for part two which looks at Planet of the Bears, Cow Party & The Knitting Gorillia click here, and for part three which looks at The Ministry of Niceness, The Dog Machine and The Dance of Wallowy Bigness click here.

This is the final part, concluding the last four books in the series. I hope you've enjoyed learning about the books as much as I've had reading them and passing the messages along.

The Pink Cricket

4th April 2011, Egmont
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Children's

Summary from Egmont

Two things are true about crickets: they are GREEN and they play the VIOLIN.

So when one cricket said he was a DRUMMER, all the other crickets LAUGHED. (He was also PINK.)

"Crickets can no more play the drums than FISH can play football... PINKY!" they jeered.

And so begins a story about FOLLOWING your DREAMS - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

People are friends for all different reasons. Often friends share a common ground, whether it's a hobby or something they enjoy doing. All of us have dreams. Some of us don't know what the dreams are yet, they are hiding away waiting to be discovered. Some of us know our dreams, and they require a lot of hard work. People might not think that it's worth while chasing a dream. Personally this is very true for writing. Writers work so hard on their books, with no guarantee that they will get published. But it's worth all the hard effort, and it's important not to give up even if most people think you're wasting your time. Find at least one person who will help support you as you chase your dream, and in time you'll get there.

A story about Following Your Dreams. My name is ........ and my favourite things to do are........................

Tortoise Football

4th April 2011, Egmont
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Children's

Summary from Egmont

The tortoises were playing FOOTBALL yet again.

But then one tortoise kicked the ball the wrong side of the river.

"It's over," wailed one. "For WITHOUT football, what reason have we left to LIVE? Oh, MISERY! Oh, ME!"

And so begins a story about TEAMWORK and FUN - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

I'm not a fan of football, but I still enjoyed this book. Most of the tortoises felt the world ended when the ball was out of reach. That is an exaggeration: even if we can't have something for a while, there are other things to do and a solution to the problem. One of the tortoises had the inspiration for the solution. Getting the ball back was great fun, and as a result the tortoises have a stronger friendship.

A story about Playing Together. My name is ............ and my favourite games to play are ................

The Thanking You Sharks 

4th April 2011, Egmont
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Children's

Summary from Egmont

The GREEDY sharks swam swiftly through the water, consuming every little fish that came their way.

And after each sweet morsel, these sharks would BELCH as loudly as could be.

But then one shark declared, "I don't mean to cause TROUBLE but what if, after every meal, we all said THANKING YOU instead."

And so begins a story about GOOD MANNERS - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

Manners cost nothing, and mean a lot to people. Sometimes it feels that the time when manners mattered has passed, because often people forget them and don't see that being a problem. Being rude isn't the way to get on with people. Saying those little words, which aren't complex, gives others an idea of what type of person you are. Someone who remembers manners is more likely to be thought of kindly than someone who doesn't use them. Thank you has so many implied meanings. It's a short way of thanking someone for all they've done, for taking the time to lend a hand to someone else. This book encourages using manners and sharing them with the world.

A story about Good Manners. My name is .............. and polite words I am good at using are...................

The Lovely Whales

4th April 2011, Egmont
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Children's

Summary from Egmont

There was once a time when whales were rather small. But, long ago, there were two whales who CHANGED their kind for good.

"I LOVE you," said the gentleman, "I do."

"I love you MORE," the lady said right back.

Now, something ODD began to happen. At every declaration of desire, each whale became a little BIGGER than before.

And so begins a story about LOVE and HAPPINESS - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

I've said in an early part of this series that love makes the world go round. It really does. There are lots of different types of love. Love of friends, families and strangers. It's a cute story about how the whales grew bigger by saying they loved each other. We don't grow taller that way, but we do flourish when those we care about show that they love us. They don't have to say it out loud. It can be said by a hug or a smile. We can tell we are loved by the food the make us, the way they listen to how our day went, or the gifts they may give us occasionally. Be sure to show your love for everyone as often as you can!

A story about Love and Happiness. My name is ................ and some of the people I love are......................

West of the Moon by Katherine Langrish

March 2011 (UK) 1st May 2011 (Australia), Harper Collins Children's
Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Harper Collins 
An epic and action-packed fantasy adventure that weaves together Norse legends, shadowy creatures and an unforgettable hero.

When Peer is orphaned he is taken by his wicked uncles to live at their foreboding mill in the shadow of Troll Fell. Here he meets beautiful and spirited Hilde and after a terrifying encounter with the sinister creatures who live below the fell the pair form an inseparable bond. They are thirsty for adventure, so when a Viking longship docks at their village, they decide to set sail for Vinland – a mysterious place across the perilous sea. But are the ship's captain and his sword wielding son really honest sailors? What creatures lurk in the shadows and forests of the new land? And will Peer and Hilde ever return? Spanning years and continents and filled with brilliantly imagined characters and creatures, this is gripping, atmospheric fantasy at its best.

I've seen Katherine on twitter a few times, said hello, and I think we've both said something on each other's blog (I think it's Katherine who likes Elizabeth Goudge's The Little White Horse book as much as I do, a novel written in the early 20th century, which has since been turned into the film The Secret of Moonacre - or something similar. The movie takes a huge creative license on the book, but it's good if you forget the book. Some parts are a perfect interpretation). I promise I have a point with this. My theory is if nice people like at least one of my favourite books, it's quite probable that I will enjoy their work.

Initially it took me a little while to get into West of The Moon. I confess it's because it took a little time for the female protagonist, Hilde, to play a role. I know that I'm not as prejudiced as male protagonists as I used to be (I used to refuse to read books with them in!), but I still relate more to the females. As soon as Hilde arrived, I was hooked. Peer is very unfortunate in who his family is, but thankfully the horrible uncle will get his comeuppance. Unfortunately, the uncle will bring great misfortune and worry down on Peer. This isn't a happy, fluffy bunny books. Trust me - trolls are not in any way cute. They are freaky. I confess that when I got to the part of the troll baby who sang/spoke in verse, I nearly shut the book forever. I had a major freak out at that part, the part which shows how troll babies are very different to human babies. I knew it was building up to something, I hadn't figured on getting quite so engrossed in the book. So it's a good thing that I was terrified. It was because I sort of 'know' Kath a little online which made me face my fears, reason that it must be the worst point of the book (for me), and carry on reading. Plus there was that not so small point of wanting to know what happens next!

The imagination in the book is phenomenal. It's not just the trolls, where they live, how they trick people, and how much of a menace of society they are. It isn't the joy Peer gets when relieved from his family hardship, only to face more problems and trials. It isn't solely the strength within Hilde, how she cares passionately for her family - even the adopted members - or even how she eventually cares for Peer. It isn't Hilde's mother who is quite a force in her own right. It isn't the super scary villains who have me very glad I didn't read this after dark. It's all of those things, and many more that made this such a great read. All of my emotions were engaged - some at scarily high levels, I cried a bit, I smiled a lot. I sat with a cushion nearby not quite believing what I read.

It is a hefty book (over 600 pages) but don't let that put you off. It is divided into three parts, with an overall story arc as well as individual ones for each part. I learnt a lot about Vikings. I loved all the detail about how they gathered food, how the men went off on adventures (idiots), how easy it was to lie about what happened when men went adventuring, how hard life was, the small joys. The real vikings didn't have the aid (most of the time) of the Nis, who is a real help in the home when he isn't sulking. They didn't have trolls to deal with, although some of the different races they met may have looked like trolls. The book covers the topics of families, friendships, exploration, differences between people, greed and love. There is something for everyone. If, like me, you get frightened easily, only read this book in daylight.

Find out more about Katherine & her books on her website.

I give this book 9/10.

For a read about vikings, check out Daughter of Fire and Ice by Marie-Louise Jensen

Angel's Story and Cosmo's Story by Amy Watson

28th April 2011, Red Fox

112 pages (both), Paperback

Review copies,

Children's Paperback

Book Blurb for Angel's Story 

She may be a tiny, pure-white, fluffy kitten but Angel does NOT live up to her name! After Kelly and her family adopt Angel from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, they discover this mischievous moggy is total trouble...

Angel loves tripping people up, leaping out at Dad from the airing cupboard and generally being a naughty nuisance! When Mum cooks a roast dinner for all the family, will Angel be able to resist tucking in first? 

I like how these stories show the darker side to pets (no I don't mean the dark side of the force in Star Wars...) Pets are cute, adorable and funny, but they can be a little naughty too. All cats are good at tripping up owners, especially when it's time for food. Mine does it all the time!  What was interesting was that Kelly's brother, who deals the most with the family dog gets quite upset because as a consequence of Angel being in the house, initially Joey the dog is unsettled. Additionally Kelly learns that she needs to check with her parents if something can be used as a toy - it didn't harm Angel, but her mother wasn't best pleased when a ball of yarn was used during their play. 

Book blurb for Cosmo's Story

Cosmo may look like a tiny tiger with his tabby stripes and bright green eyes - but he definitely doesn't act like one! Shy and timid when Megan meets him at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, he loves to lick clean, nuzzle and look after his new owners. 

When a baby bird tumbles from a tree in the garden, can this most gentle and caring of cats help return the bird to the nest? 

Cosmo has a much more even temperament than Angel does. Meghan and her family have to give him extra gentle treatment so that they don't startle him. He's quite an intuitive cat to have looked out for the baby bird - my cat would have had it for dinner. I nearly had tears in my eyes through laughter the moment that I read Cosmo's head went round in circles as he watched the washing machine work - that's exactly what my cat did the other night with something else going round and round, and it's the funniest thing ever! Highly cute too. 

For both books

I was delighted to see that there were finally cat books in this series. I'm not really a dog lover. I understand the antics of cats better, which makes the books funny when I read them. I sit there thinking 'Belle does that'. I felt it was good that although Meghan wanted a kitten from a friend, her parents explained they were getting a rescue cat. Please do get rescue cats when you can. Our cat is a rescue cat, and no one really wanted her because she'd had a hard start to life. Just as with the dog books (which I didn't explain in this week's review) both the books have tips on looking after dogs and cats, as well as puzzles at the back of the book. 

I give these books 8/10. 

Take Me Home by Melissa Wareham

January 2011, Red Fox

160 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's

Summary from Random House Children's Books 

Melissa Wareham always wanted to work with dogs - and got her first job at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, cleaning out the kennels! Over the years she met thousands of lost pets, including mongrel Tulip, who liked to ride solo on the 159 bus, stinky Pepe le Pew who was in dire need of a bath, and Benjamin the lurcher, chosen to greet the Queen when she visited the Home.

It's a joy to read when people work hard and end up in their dream job. Melissa's enthusiasm and joy is clear. Even though her first job is hard work, full of muck and not pleasant for the nose, she doesn't care. She's so happy to be looking after her favourite animals. I needed lots of tissues for when she reunited lost dogs with owners, when she cared for dogs then had to hand them over, when she got her very first dog. This is a positive book showing hard work and the right attitude will get you everywhere, as well as a great insight into life at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

I give this book 9/10.

Check out reviews from Monday 11th April 2011, and Friday 15th April 2011 which will have tales based on dogs and cats from Battersea (links to follow)

Huey's Story and Stella's Story by Amy Watson

28th April 2011, Red Fox
112 pages (both), Paperback
Review copies,

Children's Paperback

Back of book blurb for Huey's Story 
When Hannah starts at a new school, all the other girls are in firm friendship groups and she feels left out and lonely. Mum and Dad know that a puppy would make a perfect pal for Hannah, so they take her to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home where she meets Huey the husky. 


With his ice-blue eyes and cheerful character, Huey makes Hannah forget about her tough time at school. Can Huey charm her classmates so that everyone can be friends together? 

I love husky dogs. They are good at their job when they are used to pull sleds. They look cute, sort of like wolves (who I think are beautiful creatures). Huey is perfect for Hannah, they have so much fun together and he really helps her smile when she's feeling down. He does help her make friends in the end, but I was a little disappointed that the reason for Hannah being ignored by a girl wasn't explained. They just made up and nothing else was said. The enthusiasm of Hannah for Huey gives the story a great feel good factor.

Back of book blurb for Stella's Story 
Cara is sad when she breaks her leg and can't join her best friends on their summer holiday. To cheer her up, Mum takes her to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where they meet Stella, the gorgeous and gentle Staffordshire bull terrier puppy. 


Stella goes everywhere with Cara - including to a birthday party in a park!   But one day she bounds onto a bus and is carried away before Cara can join her. Will Cara ever be reunited with her runaway puppy?

This does have a fair amount of humour, but I was laughing at the cover, because in The Winx which I'm currently watching, Stella is a fairy with long blond hair who likes yellow and orange clothes! I really felt for Hannah because I once broke my ankle, and being stuck at home tends to a person rather grumpy. Stella goes a long way in cheering her up - until she vanishes. My stomach turned over at that scene, because I once lost a zebra finch out of it's cage in my room. Losing a pet is horrible. Cara didn't realise it, but I guessed that her mother would know which steps to take to try and get Stella back. Even though I knew what the ending would be, I still had tears in my eyes. You can't beat a good reunion!

I give both of these books 8/10

The Amazing Mrs Pepperpot by Alf Proysen and Hilda Offen

February 2011, Red Fox Picture Books,
56 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Children's, Paperback

Summary from Random House Children's Books
Mrs Pepperpot has a problem - a huge problem - she shrinks! And when she shrinks she finds herself in all sorts of trouble...

Poor Mrs Pepperpot has shrunk again and she's set her heart on going to the bazaar. But with a clever disguise and a cunning plan, she's soon dancing rings around the ladies at the fair!

Puss can't wait for Mrs Pepperpot to shrink so she can whisk her away on an adventure. It's a hair-raising journey, but brave Mrs P is soon rewarded with some very special treasure indeed.

I remember reading Mrs Pepperpot stories when I was little, although I had forgotten how she became little. These two new stories were a delight to read. I enjoyed how good she was at baking, and how determine she became. It was interesting how when she was little in the first story, how people and animals behaved when they couldn't see her. There's a big feel good factor at the end of the first adventure. As for the second, although I don't encourage revenge or wrecking people's property, it was nice that ladies got what they deserved. It isn't fair when some people who aren't so nice boss other people around. You don't want to mess with Mrs Pepperpot! I love this style of illustrations, they are cheery and add an extra element to the story.

This childhood favourite hasn't changed over the years, and I give it 10/10.

World of Happy by Giles Andreae book reviews Part 3

The reviews I'm doing for Claire here, until the end of April will be about the World of Happy books. These books will be published in April. Egmont very kindly set me the whole set (that was a huge surprise!). They are such wonderful books, full of messages that readers of all ages can relate to. It's aimed at children 3 years and older, but I think deceptively simple messages are ones that everyone should know about. I've decided to review these in parts because the messages in all of them are really important and valuable. I love the simple and uplifting illustrations with their funky colours. I didn't realise that these books were short animations on CBBC channel! How cool is that! For Part one which looks at The Little Penguin, Two Monkeys and The Elephant and the Spider click here, and for part two which looks at Planet of the Bears, Cow Party & The Knitting Gorilla click here. 

The Ministry of Niceness

4th April 2011, Egmont

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's

Summary from Egmont

In the Land of Cats, it was the COOLEST cats who ran the town. And the Ministry of Coolness made the laws.

However, there was one cat who was just... NICE.

The Nice Cat went about his business with a SMILE upon his face.

And his niceness began to spread.

And so begins a story about SPREADING HAPPINESS - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

As a cat lover, this book automatically gets my vote! It teaches that you don't have to be at the top of society or have the best things to have fun. Being in tune with yourself, smiling and being polite to others leads to a harmonious society. Often kindness is in the little things, which can make a tremendous difference if people are having a bad day. 

A story about Spreading Happiness. My name is............. and I made someone happy when.......................

The Dog Machine

4th April 2011, Egmont

32 pages, Paperback 

Review copy 

Children's 

Summary from Egmont

The World of Dogs was run with great EFFICIENCY. There were MACHINES for every kind of task.

And the most brilliant was the one that dealt with all the BUSINESS that a dog might leave behind.

But there are many different KINDS of dog and one machine could not ACCOMMODATE them all.

And so begins a story about CELEBRATING OUR DIFFERENCES - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

Although we're all people, we are all unique. Sometimes you wouldn't think that with the way people can try so hard to fit in and be like others. Sometimes the differences are small, sometimes they are quite big. Being noticably different isn't always easy to deal with. This book shows that it doesn't matter what the differences are, being different is actually very normal! This one is going to a great friend, who lives half a world away from me, who loves dogs and currently has very cute puppies! 

A story about Celebrating Our Differences. My name is ................. and special things that make me different are...................

Dance of Wallowy Bigness

4th April 2011, Egmont

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's

Summary from Egmont

There was once a hippopotamus who dreamed of being able to dance with GRACE and BEAUTY.

However, when she tried, she could barely lift her BOTTOM off the ground and her stomach WOBBLED most uncomfortably indeed.

"Come now," said a passing crocodile. "Perhaps you are simply trying the WRONG dance. What kind of dance would be YOUR dance... and YOUR dance ONLY?"

And so begins a story about being BEAUTIFUL INSIDE - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

In a world where image appears to be everything, it is extremely important for everyone to know it isn't what they look like, but who they really are. You can look amazing but be miserable and not be yourself. If you have confidence in who you are, and are happy with yourself, you'll actually glow very brightly in the world, and people will notice you for who you are. It can take a while to find that confidence, but once it is found, it is relatively easy to hang on to. 

A story about Being Beautiful Inside. My name is ..................... and things that make me happy are...............

Come back in two weeks time, when on 20th April I'll be reviewing the final four books in this awesome series: The Pink Cricket, Tortoise Football, The Thanking You Sharks and The Lovely Whales.

World of Happy by Giles Andreae book reviews Part 2

The reviews I'm doing for Claire here, until the end of April will be about the World of Happy books. These books will be published in April. Egmont very kindly set me the whole set (that was a huge surprise!). They are such wonderful books, full of messages that readers of all ages can relate to. It's aimed at children 3 years and older, but I think deceptively simple messages are ones that everyone should know about. I've decided to review these in parts because the messages in all of them are really important and valuable. I love the simple and uplifting illustrations with their funky colours. I didn't realise that these books were short animations on CBBC channel! How cool is that! For Part one which looks at The Little Penguin, Two Monkeys and The Elephant and the Spider click here.

Planet of the Bears

4th April 2011, Egmont

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's

Summary from Egmont

The Bears had all the STUFF they needed. Yet they still wanted MORE.

But then one Clever Bear said, "Look! Our planet's DYING! I think the STUFF is killing it, my friends."

"But Bears NEED STUFF," the Bear's all cried.

"Then why are you not HAPPY?" the Clever Bear replied.

And so begins a story about KINDNESS and JOY - an uplifting little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

Materialism can be a huge downfall in our time. There's always a newer, better version to buy. I'm not saying that we shouldn't buy anything. That's not the aim of this book either. The point is to be aware of the world around us. Using electricity, buying things has an impact on the environment. As long as we give something back to the planet, there's no harm in buying whatever we want. Our planet is precious, and it deserves to be pampered. I loved the concept of the heart of the planet in this book. 

A story about Looking After Our World. My name is............ and I think the world would be happier if.......... 

Cow Party

4th April 2011, Egmont 

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's

Summary from Egmont

A party was announced to find the King of Cows a QUEEN.

The lady cows all said, 'We MUST look GORGEOUS! Let's paint ourselves as BRIGHT as we can be!"

But there was ONE cow who remained... just BROWN. "I want the king," she said, "to KNOW me as I AM".

And so begins a story about LOVE (and DANCING!) – a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

Cows have a special meaning to me. Besides from seeing them most days on my way to work, a dear friend of mine is cow mad. She's going to get this book! The message of this book is to be yourself. If you try to be like other people, you aren't being yourself and you usually don't feel comfortable. Finding out who you really are takes time, and a lot of courage, especially if what makes you you makes you stand out from the crowd. But that's why true friends will like you, and your future partner/husband/wife. Try not to be a sheep, following what everyone does without thinking whether you want to be that way. 

A story about Love (And Dancing). My name is.......... and my favourite dancing songs are.....................

The Knitting Gorilla

4th April 2011, Egmont

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's 

Summary from Egmont

After six beautiful daughters, the Big Gorilla finally had a SON.

"You will grow up to be BIG and FIERCE, just like your daddy!" he said proudly.

But the Little Gorilla grew up to be... small... and gentle... and not like his daddy at all.

And what he liked doing most... was KNITTING.

And so begins a story about BEING YOURSELF - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

I love this book for many reasons. It has a purple colour theme. It is about knitting, which is a hobby I enjoy. Unusually it is about a boy who knits. Males do knit, but it's not as common as females knitting. I think this is really important because it shows that not everyone matches up to people's expectations. That doesn't mean they aren't any good - they excel in the skills that they develop over time. Sometimes parents have an idea of what their children will be like, but the outcome can be quite different. 

A story about Being True To Yourself. My name is.......... and things that make me who I am are.................

Come back in two weeks, when on 6th April I'll review The Ministry of Niceness, The Dog Machine, and The Dance of Wallowy Bigness! 

World of Happy by Giles Andreae book reviews Part 1

The reviews I'm doing for Claire here, until the end of April will be about the World of Happy books. These books will be published in April. Egmont very kindly set me the whole set (that was a huge surprise!). They are such wonderful books, full of messages that readers of all ages can relate to. It's aimed at children 3 years and older, but I think deceptively simple messages are ones that everyone should know about. I've decided to review these in parts because the messages in all of them are really important and valuable. I love the simple and uplifting illustrations with their funky colours. I didn't realise that these books were short animations on CBBC channel! How cool is that!

The Little Penguin

4th April 2011, Egmont

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's

Summary from Egmont 

There was once a little penguin who was FRIGHTENED of the water.

"This is no way for PENGUINS to behave,' said his father.

"Be gentle," said his mother, "for ALL of us have fears that others may find hard to understand... Come, Little Penguin. Come into the WATER with me".

And so begins a story about BRAVERY and TRUST - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

Life isn't easy. There are so many things which are frightening, which other people do without thinking twice. I could understand the Little Penguin's fears - they are ones I'd have if I was him. His mother points out the happier side of the water, focusing on the positive which always outweigh the negative. It's hard to be brave on our own, but with someone supporting us, just as the Little Penguin had his mother, we can take those scary first steps and be successful. 

What I like about all the books is that at the front it says what the book is about, and then gives space for the reader to write about the theme of the book. I'll give the example for each book

'A story about being brave. My name is ...............  and I did something really brave when..........' 

Two Monkeys

4th April 2011, Egmont

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's

Summary from Egmont

There were two monkeys who grew up TOGETHER. One was a prince, and one his servant boy.

But, as the Prince grew older, the Queen decided that he should keep more PRINCELY company.

"I love you MORE," the lady said right back.

And soon the Prince FORGOT his first and TRUEST friend.

And so begins a story about TRUE FRIENDSHIP - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

They say love makes the world go round - so does friendship! Without friends, well, life is a very dark place, as the Prince finds out when the Queen gives a command which makes his so called friends disappear. True friends will always be there for each other, even if they get ignored for a while or treated badly. 

A story about True Friendship. My name is............ and my best friends are called .........................

The Elephant and The Spider

4th April 2011, Egmont 

32 pages, Paperback 

Review copy 

Children's 

Summary from Egmont

There was once an elephant who was most TERRIFIED of spiders.

If she even came NEAR a spider, she would shriek and HOP in a most UNBECOMING manner.

"This will not DO," said the ELEPHANT one day. So she took a JOURNEY into HERSELF.

And so begins a story about COURAGE and HOPE – a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.

World of Happy... because life is FUN!

Fears. All of us fear something. Some of us fear more things than others (my list is rather long!). It can be a fear of a creature, an object, or an event/circumstance. To others the fear may seem irrational, but to the person it is a huge deal. Fears can't always be conquered, but when they are faced there's a wonderful sense of achievement. 

A story about Overcoming Your Fears. My name is .............and hard things I am proud of doing are...........

Come back in two weeks time, when on 23rd March I'll be reviewing Planet of the Bears, Cow Party & The Knitting Gorilla!

Gladiator: Fight For Freedom by Simon Scarrow

This is the first book in a brand new series! I'm rather eager for the next one.

3rd February 2011, Puffin
Hardback, Review copy
Children's (12+)

Summary from Penguin

Rome, 61 BC

RECRUITED as a gladiator, young Marcus Cornelius Primus faces a new life of brutal training, governed by strict rules, as he learns the skills of an elite warrior.

But Marcus cannot simply forget his past. His father lies murdered by soldiers and his mother has been kidnapped and forced into slavery. Marcus is determined to find his father's old commander, Pompeius the Great, to seek justice for his family and set his mother free.

Yet, unbeknown to him, Marcus is hiding a life-threatening secret. And if the Romans discover it, there will be no escape . . .

I've read and enjoyed a Roman historical from Simon before (The Legion). I was eager to read a series set in a similar era for younger readers. In some ways I preferred Gladiator. I think there's a little less emphasis on description of weapons/politics/who's who. That's not to say there isn't any description - there is, but just enough to keep the reader informed and intrigued, not so much that I started to skim read.

One great thing about the book is that it takes a while for Marcus to be in a position where he becomes a gladiator. I kept thinking 'this is it' only to turn the page and find it was it. And when the moment came it was hard hitting, especially when he got separated from his mother. His desire for revenge lands him in a little bit of trouble, but actually much less than I'd expected. He has great courage within him to keep pursuing his goal, even when the future gets bleaker and bleaker. He isn't stupid, he knows not to rush into some fights, although he still does have the impatience of youth. I adore how the book ends, and the kind of life that waits Marcus. If anything he will be in more danger than he was while training to be a gladiator. It was pretty tough with the risk of death he flouted the rules. He nearly did die when someone set him up with a crime. Plus he makes an enemy within his class without even doing anything.

Possibly the one thing which I both love and hate equally, is the secret that Marcus is hiding. Little is spoken of it until near the end. Even then, nothing gets revealed (either that or I really missed something!). I really hope there is further revelation in the next book, although I'll be reading it for more than that reason alone. From the summary I would have thought that I'd find out at least part of the mystery in this book.  Overall I really enjoyed the book. There's plenty of action (not all of it pleasant, definitely a good book for blood-thirsty readers), and a great deal of character development. The level of detail in the historical environment is high, and clearly shows Simon knows this area of history. Bearing in mind that not a lot is revealed about his secret, I give it a 9/10.