LJ's beautiful books

By Joseph Coelho and Freya Hartas Published by Walker Books Ages 8 and upwards. Zombierella describes itself as a gory 'Fairy Tale Gone Bad' and is true to form! This Cinderella, for example, is named so because she wears her mother's ashes in a skull around her neck and instead of a Fairy Godmother, The 'Fairy of Death' turns her into Zombierella to go to the ball. And this Prince has fangs...  Not for very young traditional fairy tale fans, but those who love guts, gore and ghosts will enjoy this tale that includes dead animals, bugs and an actual foot instead of a glass slipper!  Amongst the gruesome details, the text is written in free verse and there are touching moments like when Zombierella is reunited with her (dead) horse and the creation of her ball dress from autumn leaves is beautiful:  " Zombierella looked spectacular, frozen in time..." The front cover is truly stunning - it stands out for me, and both Cinderella and Zombierella have beautif

By Elle McNicoll  Published by Knights Of Ltd. Ages 9 upwards This endearing story is about Addie, a caring, inquisitive and autistic girl. She sets about making a memorial for the women burned in her Scottish village during the Witch Trials, after learning about them at school. She feels that they were misunderstood, and, strongly relating to that, stands up both for these women and herself.  I was really drawn into this book, mostly by the character of Addie herself. I can relate to her passions and obsessions especially, my favourite quote of the book is about Addie and sharks: "No one likes them"...  "You like them. That's all that matters." I also love the scene where Addie talks to the cows: "Cows are naturally very nosy. They can't help themselves, they're extremely curious and far too trusting. But very good confidants." We are shown various negative attitudes towards autism through Addie's teachers, classmates and villagers - inclu