I Read, Therefore I Blog

Jack The Fairy: The Week The Bad Fairies Escaped! by Tom McLaughlin

2026-04-05T21:10:25Z

The Blurb On The Back:

When Jack accidentally magics his best friend Charlie through an inter dimensional portal and onto Lonely Island, he realises he might have broken one rule too many. Especially when he discovers that Lonely Island is a prison for ruthless Twinkle and her gang of bad fairies!

Tricked into releasing the bad fairies, Jack and Charlie must confess to Mum and Uncle Dave and enlist the help of the magical kingdom. Can they dodge Bonzo the Bogeyman’s snot missiles and stop Twinkle and her gang from taking control of the entire world?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

The third in Tom McLaughlin’s self-illustrated comedy fantasy series for readers aged 7+ is an entertaining if slim story about friendship that’s packed with jokes (including some laugh out loud one-liners) and the kind of gross situations that readers of this age enjoy. However, I wish there’d been some more development of Twinkle’s relationship with Jack’s mum and uncle because it would have given the plot more depth and drama.

JACK THE FAIRY: THE WEEK THE BAD FAIRIES ESCAPED! was released in the United Kingdom on 4 September 2025. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Cosmic Cadets And The Universal Uni-korn by Ryan Crawford and Rochelle Falconer

2026-03-08T22:32:43Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Gloria, the only human at the Cosmic Cadet Academy, is ready to make a splash. But on her first day, she ends up with the headteacher stuck on her shoe and is paired up with Razz, a cat-like alien who’s capable of throwing terrifying tantrums.

Determined to have a wild adventure, Gloria rejects their boring assignment and takes on the forbidden mission to capture a uni-corn, a creature capable of swallowing galaxies whole. Gloria may just get her wish for excitement … if she doesn’t accidentally destroy the entire universe first.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Ryan Crawford and Rochelle Falconer’s illustrated SF adventure for readers aged 7+ (the first in a series) has an energetic, fast-moving plot and bold, colourful illustrations. I liked that Gloria is difficult to like - impetuous, dismissive, and arrogant - because that’s not common in books for this age group but the world building does not hold together particularly well and it tries too hard to be quirky for me to want to read the sequel.

COSMIC CADETS AND THE UNIVERSAL UNI-KORN was released in the United Kingdom on 4 September 2025. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Planet Omar – Ultimate Rocket Blast by Zanib Mian

2026-01-25T21:06:27Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Prepare to blast off into space with Omar!

Omar and his friends need to make the best rocket* to win a competition - but someone is out to sabotage them …

This operation contains:
- Eight fish in puddles (the fish are really unlucky at Omar’s school!)
- Fizzy drink EXPLOSIONS
- A rocket scientist with the BIGGEST smile you’ve ever seen
- A set of VERY confusing triplets
- And one or two SUPERSPY MISSIONS

* 100% not powered by farts, well, maybe a little bit

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

The 5th in Zanib Mian’s PLANET OMAR series for readers aged 9+ is another fun read that combines humour with science and faith and is energetically illustrated by Kyan Cheng. Although the story is predictable, I like the way Mian incorporates Omar’s Muslim faith and how Daniel tries to control his anger issues/low self esteem with themes about the importance of friendship over winning plus there are enough fart jokes to keep readers entertained.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Ista Flit And The Impossible Key by Clare Harlow

2025-08-10T22:31:37Z

The Blurb On The Back:

A mysterious key unlocks a perilous adventure …

Face-changer Ista Flit has saved the magical town of Shelwich but her Pa is still missing.

His trail leads Ista to the Marsh Court, where a beautiful queen tricks runway humans into joining her endless revels.

The only way to rescue Pa is to venture inside, but as the Tide rises, so too does the Marsh Queen’s power. Can Ista, Nat and Ruby use their own magical Tide-blessings to outwit her, or will they all be lost forever … ?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

The second in Clare Harlow’s fantasy trilogy for readers aged 9+ (featuring Kristina Kister’s evocative illustrations) is a clever and gripping adventure about friendship and family set against the sinister Marsh Queen’s court. Ista remains interesting and resourceful and although I wish that there had been more between her, Nat and Ruby, the friendship that develops with Tamlin is believable. I am very much looking forward to the final book.

TIDE MAGIC: ISTA FLIT AND THE IMPOSSIBLE KEY was released in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2025. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Dragon Towers: The Ghostly Surprise by Pip Bird

2025-07-13T22:57:43Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Things get SPOOKY at Dragon Towers!

Dragon Towers is holding its super scary SPOOKYTIME festival and Theo, his friends and the dragons can’t wait for PERILOUS pumpkin-picking, FEARSOME midnight feasts and FRIGHTFUL fancy dress - but then they hear strange roars coming from the forbidden tower … is it an actual ghost dragon?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

The second book in this comic fantasy series by Pip Bird (a pseudonym for a collection of writers) for readers aged 6+ is an amusing affair with a lot of bum and fat jokes. David O’Connell’s illustrations add to the humour (I particularly liked how he gets across Wanda’s character) and I enjoyed the antics of the zombicorns. That said there are a lot of characters and I got some mixed up so a character list at the start would be helpful.

DRAGON TOWERS: THE GHOSTLY SURPRISE was released in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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What’s New Harper Drew? by Kathy Weeks

2025-06-15T22:00:24Z

The Blurb On The Back:

I’m Harper Drew and my life is completely beyond normal!

Current evidence:

1. My brother Troy … has a skateboarding vlog. But only owns half a skateboard.

2. My uncle Paul … has a diamond toe ring and is apparently a Hollywood movie producer. But no one has ever seen a film he’s made.

3. My dad … has just crashed the school minibus in front of a police officer.

And that’s before I even got started on my mum, my baby brother (the Prune) or the llamas on our disastrous family holiday …

Does anyone else have this much drama in their life?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Kathy Weeks’s debut humorous novel for readers aged 9+ (the first in a trilogy) has a good narrative voice and builds its funny scenes well while Aleksei Bitskoff’s energetic illustrations bring out the absurdity of Harper’s family and the situations that she finds herself in. My biggest criticism is that the family’s attitude to arriving on time for things triggered my anxiety and I would have liked a bit more normality to make it feel grounded.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Spy Agency Puzzle Book: Mission – The Hidden Hacker

2025-05-18T22:06:07Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Your secret mission, should you choose to accept it:

Save the world from chaos by unmasking the hacker threatening to shut down the internet!

Put your spy skills to the test with four areas of puzzling challenges from hidden words and codebreaking to logic and observation puzzles, before you take on your top-secret mission.

Hurry, this message will self-destruct in 3, 2, 1 …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

This entertaining puzzle book for readers aged 8+ works imagines that the reader is a secret agent who has to complete their training at Spy HQ before they go out in the field. It has a good mix of logic and graphic puzzles - certainly something for everyone - and is a good way of introducing young readers to puzzle solving techniques but the black and white illustrations prevent some of the visual puzzles from working quite as well as they should.

SPY AGENCY PUZZLE BOOK MISSION: THE HIDDEN HACKER was released in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2025. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Tidemagic: The Many Faces Of Ista Flit by Clare Harlow

2025-03-02T23:32:42Z

The Blurb On The Back:

On the misty streets of Shelwich, a strange magic rises and falls with the Tide …

When the waves are out, the magic is only a murmur, but when the water is high, anything can happen - and people have started to disappear. Rumour has it they are being snatched by monsters, but Ista Flit doesn’t want to believe that. Not when her own father is among the missing.

And Ista is a face-changer, able to take on the appearance of anyone she’s seen, making her the perfect detective. Teaming up with unexpected allies Nat and Ruby, who have both lost family too, Ista must delve into the hidden caverns beneath Shelwich to find her father before it’s too late …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Clare Harlow’s debut fantasy novel for readers aged 9+ (the first in a series and beautifully illustrated by James Mountford) is a vividly imagined, enjoyable story with solid characterisation, a great sense of place and an interesting plot. Itsa is a well drawn and driven protagonist uncomfortable with having to trust Nat and Ruby. The fantasy elements are thought-through and the cliff hanger ending ensures I’ll read the sequel.

TIDEMAGIC: THE MANY FACES OF ISTA FLIT was released in the United Kingdom on 11 February 2025. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Interdimensional Explorers – Alien Apocalypse by Lorraine Gregory

2024-06-02T16:34:59Z

The Blurb On The Back:

If the fate of the multiverse was in your hands, what would YOU do?

Eleven-year-old Danny is Apprentice Caretaker of a super-secret Interdimensional Lost Property Office. It’s not an easy job, but luckily Danny has best friend Modge and cousin Inaaya to help him out!

But then a very special star is stolen from the vaults. If Danny doesn’t get it back, the whole universe is in danger. Buckle up and get ready for a rocket ride across the cosmos and an adventure like no other!

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

The second in Lorraine Gregory’s INTERDIMENSIONAL EXPLORERS humorous SF series for readers aged 9+ is an entertaining, fast-paced, action-packed read with lively illustrations by Jo Lindley. I emphasised with Danny’s insecurities as to his friendship with Modge and Inaaya and his worry about losing them as they grow apart. The plot has plenty of twists and turns and there’s a wider series suggestion that someone at Centralus is a secret baddie.

INTERDIMENSIONAL EXPLORERS - ALIEN APOCALYPSE was released in the United Kingdom on 14th March 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Follow Your Dreams by Katherine Mengardon

2024-05-22T21:56:43Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Discover …

100 inspiring and extraordinary jobs

Why not become a cat behaviourist?

Or a rollercoaster engineer?

How about a coral reef gardener?

Find out what’s involved in these incredible careers and meet the real people who followed their dreams and are doing these jobs today.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Katherine Mengardon is an education expert on neurodiversity, play and creativity and the author of several non-fiction books. This useful book for readers aged 9+ suggests 100 jobs grouped around whether they are interested in: animals, art, maths, the environment, music, gadgets, performance, sports, fashion and writing. I enjoyed the interviews with some people who do these jobs but would have liked more information on education requirements.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS was released in the United Kingdom on 28th March 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Outside In Nature Poems by Daniel Thompson

2024-05-12T20:47:30Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Inspiring poems to connect with nature

This collection of 50 poems will spark a love of nature, bring calm and happiness and let the outside in.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Daniel Thompson is a poet, storyteller, filmmaker and musician. This collection of 50 poems for readers aged 7+ (beautifully illustrated by Julia Murray) themed around nature all show Thomson’s enthusiasm for the subject, with several poems working well. However the majority use rhymes that are overly strained and threw out the rhythm and I thought it was a shame that other forms of poetry weren’t used to show young readers the variety of forms.

OUTSIDE IN: NATURE POEMS was released in the United Kingdom on 11th April 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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You Are An Artist by Aurélia Durand

2024-04-07T21:26:06Z

The Blurb On The Back:

If you’ve ever wanted to know how to find your creative style and build your brand but didn’t know who to ask, full-time artist Aurélia Durand’s got you covered!

Inside, discover Aurélia’s path from art school student to internationally recognised artist, inspired by questions she is regularly asked, Aurélia shares how she did it, the lessons she and her artist friends have learned along the way, and how you an start your creative journey.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Aurélia Durand is an illustrator and artist. She draws on her own career in this book for readers aged 12+ to provide guidance on how to start and sustain a creative career, including looking at how to get inspiration and how to build a brand. Although Durand’s autobiographical sections are too bland and lacking in detail to be useful, she is strong on branding and self-promotion and I liked how she focused on the business part of creativity.

YOU ARE AN ARTIST was released in the United Kingdom on 18th January 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Beano – The Day The Teachers Disappeared by Craig Graham and Mike Stirling

2024-03-24T21:45:21Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Every story needs a hero - this time it’s YOU!

It’s your first day at Bash Street School!

You can’t wait to become an awesome Bash Street Kid, but something weird has happened …

All the teachers have DISAPPEARED!

The battle is on to answer one question: what should they do with the school? Make new friends and decide what YOU want to do in this epic new adventure where you’re the main character.

YOU RULE THE SCHOOL!

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

This CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE style novel is the first in an illustrated series for readers aged 8+ by Craig Graham and Mike Stirling. It’s a lot of fun, giving readers the chance to hang out with Dennis and chums and offering laugh out loud moments while fleshing out Walter and his flunkies. My only complaint is Vivian Truong’s Manga-style approach to the characters’ eyes, which took my out of the experience (although otherwise work well).

BEANO - THE DAY THE TEACHERS DISAPPEARED was released in the United Kingdom on 4th January 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Queerbook by Malcolm Mackenzie

2024-03-10T22:21:47Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Queerness is everywhere.
It always has been, and it always will be.

Queer people have been finding ways to fly their flags for centuries. Only problem is, it hasn’t always been from the rooftops for everyone to see.

Queerbook is here to help you discover the bits of gay culture you never knew you’d missed. It’s here to tell forgotten LGBTQ+ stories. It’s here to set you straight (ahem) on the LGBTQ+ terms you’ve seen lying around but might not have pinned down yet. It’s here to lead you through the magical portals of queer film, books, music, art and much, much more.

Wherever you are on your journey of discovery, this book is for you.

Are you ready?
Queer we go …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Malcolm Mackenzie is an award-winning author, editor and journalist. This entertaining and informative YA book is a good summary of LGBTQ+ history and culture with lively illustrations by Emily A Foster. Despite being broad in scope there’s inevitably a personal element to the choices here and I wondered if there could have been more contemporary LGBTQ+ people/culture but it’s still a great introduction for any teens interested in queer culture.

QUEERBOOK was released in the United Kingdom on 1st February 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Little Experts – Superhero Animals by Chris Packham

2024-03-08T21:08:26Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Little Experts is an unmissable non-fiction series that will empower and inspire a new generation of experts.

Get up close to nature with Chris Packham CBE and encounter the amazing animal superheroes that will help us save the world - from ants and bats to sharks, wasps and dogs.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Chris Packham is a naturalist, conservationist and TV presenter. This entertaining book for readers aged 6+ (part of the LITTLE EXPERTS series and superbly illustrated by Anders Frang) does a great job of showing the diversity of life on Earth, including vultures, the humble worm and even wasps. Packham’s enthusiasm shines through and it wouldn’t surprise me if this book leads to a new generation of naturalists and conversationists.

LITTLE EXPERTS - SUPERHERO ANIMALS was released in the United Kingdom on 1st February 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Little Experts – How To Build A Home by George Clarke

2024-02-29T20:33:11Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Little Experts is an unmissable non-fiction series that will empower and inspire a new generation of experts.

Get designing and building with architect and TV presenter George Clarke. From marvellous materials to future technology - discover the stories behind our homes.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

George Clarke is an architect, writer and TV presenter. This book for readers aged 6+ (part of the LITTLE EXPERTS series and strongly illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng) is intended to inspire young readers to become architects, builders and designers of the future but despite Clarke’s enthusiasm for the subject, the book lacks focus, darting between different subjects like materials, sustainability and 3D printing.

LITTLE EXPERTS - HOW TO BUILD A HOME was released in the United Kingdom on 1st February 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Healthy Mind Happy You – How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health by Dr Emily Macdonagh

2024-02-25T22:48:03Z

The Blurb On The Back:

What is anxiety, and how can you manage it?

How can you understand and express your emotions?

Why do we experience low mood, and what can we do to help?

Dr Emily’s reassuring guide is filled with tips, techniques and useful information to help you maintain good mental health while growing up.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Emily MacDonagh is a doctor who practices in the National Health Service. This is a well-intentioned book aimed at helping readers aged 9+ to understand and express their emotions and the impact of hormones as they grow older. Although there is some solid, practical advice, the tone is a little patronising at times and the illustrations by Josefina Preumayr and Ana Sebastian are pretty flat and uninspiring (albeit with good representation).

HEALTHY MIND HAPPY YOU: HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH was released in the United Kingdom on 18th January 2024. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Meet The Maliks: The Cookie Culprit by Zanib Mian

2024-01-28T23:05:03Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Welcome to the unpredictable world of the Maliks!

Maysa and Musa Malik are twins who are TOTAL OPPOSITES. But when their cookies for a baking competition at the mosque are destroyed, can they become an UNSTOPPABLE DETECTIVE TEAM?

Look out for: - a floor made of LAVA
- An arch-nemesis called SLIME-AH
- Detective Inspector Norman a.k.a Musa’s best friend
- And a VERY big, out-of-control spiralling LIE …*

* Did we mention that Maysa can be a bit of a drama monster?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Zanib Mian’s new mystery for readers aged 7+ (illustrated by Kyan Cheng) features fun protagonists and Maysa’s insecurity that Musa has other friends than her is well done. I also enjoyed how their Muslim identity is central to the story, as it’s a great way of learning about their faith but as the first in a series this needed more telling to establish backstory (especially Maysa’s antagonism with Slime-ah) and the mystery itself is a limp.

MEET THE MALIKS TWIN DETECTIVES - THE COOKIE CULPRIT was released in the United Kingdom on 31st August 2023. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Trixie Pickle Art Avenger – Toxic Takedown by Olaf Falafel

2024-01-20T23:29:46Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Sick and tired of school show-offs?

Mean girls ruining your day?

A mysterious illness sweeping your town … ?

Being the world’s only arty ‘sort-of-superhero’ is never boring. I’ve got a lot on my plate: as well as making comics with my best friend, Beeks, and attempting to avoid the MEAN girls, I’m also trying to work out why EVERYONE seems to be getting sick. Maybe some artistic inspiration from Botticelli will help me get to the bottom of the mystery …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Olaf Falafel’s self-illustrated funny novel sequel for readers aged 8+ is a genuinely hilarious affair that combines Trixie’s love of art with her desire to get revenge on those who have wronged her. I particularly enjoyed the mini fact files on artists and how Trixie incorporates them in her pranks while her cynicism is very entertaining. I hadn’t read the first book but will rectify that mistake and I hope there is more in this series.

TRIXIE PICKLE ART AVENGER - TOXIC TAKEDOWN was released in the United Kingdom on 4th May 2023. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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My Name Is Sunshine Simpson by G. M. Linton

2023-12-31T19:19:35Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Meet … Sunshine Simpson

Sunshine’s larger-than-life Grandad is always telling her to get out and find her own adventures, but unfortunately BAD LUCK has a habit of coming her way.

Her new friend Evie is fast becoming a FRENEMY, her home haircut is a DISASTER, and the school showcase is so STRESSFUL! Everything seems to be going wrong! Especially with Granddad getting older every week.

Sunshine needs to find her voice, but can she break through the clouds to stand tall, stand proud and show the world she can SHINE?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

G. M. Linton’s debut novel for readers aged 9+ (illustrated by Fuuji Takashi and Emily Bornoff and the first in a series) is a sensitively written book about learning who you are and what’s important to you while also dealing with the difficult topic of illness, death and grief. I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on Sunshine’s Jamaican heritage and her and her family’s pride in their identity and I look forward to reading more of her adventures.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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I Love The Seasons – Summer by Lizzie Scott and Stephanie Fizer Coleman

2023-12-31T00:59:00Z

The Blurb On The Back:

I Love The Seasons - Summer

What do you love about summer? Do you enjoy the long days and playing outside? Perhaps you like summer foods like ice creams?

In this series explore the many different things to love about the seasons and find to how they affect plants and animals. With beautiful illustrations and simple text, the books give younger readers a great introduction to what happens during the seasons.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Lizzie Scott is a writer and editor of non-fiction books for children who particularly loves plants, animals and the environment. Stephanie Fizer Coleman is an experienced children’s book illustrator who loves illustrating birds. This is a beautifully put-together book (part of a series) for readers aged 5+ that explores different aspects of summer and invites readers to think about what summer means to them and what they like about it.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Unequal Planet by Anna Claybourne

2023-12-30T19:22:33Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Unequal Planet

If everyone on Earth was equal, we would all have the same standards of living, opportunities, wealth, health and other factors that make our lives different. But this isn’t the case, the world is not an equal place and many people experience great inequality in their lives.

UNEQUAL PLANET looks at the reasons behind global inequality - from where people are born, to their income, to the impacts of climate change, and suggests some positive, practical solutions to this complex and challenging issue. It also explores what we can all do to help make the world a more equal and better place.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Anna Claybourne is an experienced writer of non-fiction for children. This is a solidly written book for readers aged 9+ that’s part of a series about issues related to the planet and explains what inequality is and how it can come about. Claybourne breaks down complicated ideas in an unpatronising way, but while it generally gets the balance right there are times when it’s a little over-simplified and too broad.

UNEQUAL PLANET was released in the United Kingdom on 10th August 2023. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Clarity Jones And The Magical Detective Agency by Chris Smith

2023-12-29T19:11:56Z

The Blurb On The Back:

”Never eliminate the impossible.”

When Mutt gets a job as an apprentice at the leading detective agency in the realm of Rillia, he’s not expecting to work with ex-princesses, snow gnoblins, and the most notorious assassin of the White Hand Clan.

And he’s definitely not expecting to be thrown in the deep end on the agency’s toughest and most dangerous job yet - the Mysterious Case of the Vanishing Jester …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Chris Smith’s humorous fantasy mystery for readers aged 9+ nods to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett and features warm, comic-style illustrations by Kenneth Anderson. Although the culprit is easy to guess, the wry, knowing narrative voice and the way Smith weaves the various plot lines and incorporates backstory and information through segments entitled a Traveller’s Guide to Rillia is very entertaining so I would definitely read a sequel to this.

CLARITY JONES AND THE MAGICAL DETECTIVE AGENCY was released in the United Kingdom on 25th May 2023. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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The Art Of Being A Brilliant Teenager by Dr Andy Cope and Amy Bradley

2023-12-10T22:11:04Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Living your best life.

Dear reader. This blurb is different. Instead of going on and on (and on) about how amazing the book is, it’s a reminder of how amazing you are. But growing up can be a bit brutal so you sometimes forget!

Being your best self.

The simple truth is this: the very best version of you can deal with life’s challenges, setbacks, twists and turns. In a world where there’s a lot of talk about “living your best life” ad being your “best self”, The Art Of Being A Brilliant Teenager shows you how.

- Tap into your resilience, positivity and confidence
- Learn how to get out of your own way
- Create great habits that will last a lifetime
- Un-learn bad habits
- Calm your mind, reduce your anxiety, STEP UP
- Create a positive ripple effect

Welcome aboard. Expect the unexpected! Bring an open mind and a sense of humour. Oh, and maybe a pen.

ONE LIFE: OWN IT!

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Dr Andy Cope is a professional trainer, teacher and author with a passion for motivation and positive psychology. Amy Bradley is an experienced illustrator of children’s and YA books. Brimming with positive messages, this is a useful guide for pre-teen readers on how to make the most of their teenage years and really encourages them to interact and make the most out of it (which the design of the book and illustrations facilitates).

THE ART OF BEING A BRILLIANT TEENAGER was released in the United Kingdom on 5th October 2023. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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Castle Rock Mystery Crew by Vicky McClure and Kim Curran

2023-10-07T21:29:56Z

The Blurb On The Back:

Meet
Jase
Tyrone
Kinga
Harri
and Sherlock the dog

They’re the clue-crackers and dynamic detectives of the CASTLE ROCK MYSTERY CREW.

Jase is spending the holidays at a caravan park with his auntie and grandma. He’s sure it’ll be a boring few weeks, but then he teams up with a new crew of friends to uncover who is behind some mysterious thefts. When the finger of blame starts to point at the kids, they must find the true culprit to clear their names and see justice done!

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Vicky McClure’s adventure mystery for readers aged 9+ (written by Kim Curran and illustrated by Alan Brown and the first in a series) is well-meaning and sensitive in incorporating people with dementia within the story. The pacing works, the mystery well drawn and I liked the friendship that develops between the Crew but the marketing is a great example of why I don’t like celebrity children’s novels and as such I am not sure I would read on.

CASTLE ROCK MYSTERY CREW was released in the United Kingdom on 11th May 2023. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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