LJ's beautiful books

By Lily Bailey Published by Orion/Hachette Kids Ages 9 upwards Out in June 2022 This book shows Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in the most detailed way I have ever come across in children's fiction. As a sufferer, I can relate to Ben from the first chapter, especially in relation to his compulsions and then later his assessment and therapy sessions. Ben is a really likable and relatable character. He also suffers from OCD which means he deals with stressful situations (or tries to prevent them) by avoiding certain colours or repeatedly counting or doing movements related to the number four. These compulsions take over his day and decisions. But everything starts to change for the better when he makes a new friend at school, April, who recognises the disorder in Ben, accepts him and encourages him to get help.  I love the early moments in this story when Ben is distracted from his compulsions/thoughts because he is having fun with April. They are glimpses of a life not controlled by ...

By Melinda Salisbury  Published by David Fickling Books Ages 14 and upwards I flew through this like one of the Furies themselves!  This YA novel hits the mythical and modern ground running, in an original and unusual combination. It is told from Corey's point of view and we really go through the chaos down to the Underworld with her. As she uncovers her powers, we see how much human emotions cross over - what makes a monster? Who deserves mercy? Gardening is a big theme, naturally, and I can relate to the joy in growing, in flowers, in creating. Oh and Corey is a vegan - LOVE! It is gripping. Unputdownable. Funny then dark. I loved it and am excited for others to read it. 

By Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber Published by Electric Monkey/Farshore  Ages 13 and upwards This book has such a brilliant opening... an undercover princess switch! With witches!  The following chapters alternate between the princesses, with surprises, reveals and laughs, as Rose and Wren each navigate the other's world - and the handsome men in it... Both girls face unexpected obstacles, through which we grow to admire Rose's bravery in facing them and are entertained by Wren's creativity in trying to solve them. The dual author choice really works in giving Rose and Wren distinct voices. And (slight spoiler) when Rose and Wren come together it is so exciting.... and there are some HILARIOUS moments, comedy in the chaos! This is a refreshing, funny, fantasy YA read with hints of The Princess Switch and Throne of Glass. I love the chemistry between Wren and Tor and the beautiful places Rose visits are easy to imagine. The journey Rose goes through to accept herself a...

By Jo Loring-Fisher Published by Frances Lincoln Ages 3 upwards There is so much to love about this picture book! The illustration throughout is stunning - especially the animals and the colours of the leaves. It makes you want to linger over the pictures after reading the text. I love how Sophy loves and responds to animals the most and that she learns her skills, both bravery and empathy, that way. But this story takes this even further and Sophy translates these skills into how she interacts with humans. A wonderful book - picture and message.    

By Tamzin Merchant  Illustrations by Paola Escobar  Published by Puffin Books  Ages 8 and upwards 'The Mapmakers' delves deeper into the magic and Maker world that we are introduced to in book 1. It is darker, but also includes cute fireflies! What a beautiful, beautiful cover - from the colours to Tudor houses! Cordelia's search for her father in this story (using the starlight map from book 1) not only reveals a river that responds to human commands - amazing - but crucially, a Secret Society of Mapmakers!!! This has an important connection to Merlin of Arthurian Legend - which I love! At the same time, an evil villain is let loose, causing storms and threatening ALL magical places. Cordelia needs to find a way to stop him and help the Mapmakers. Will the other Makers help her? Where is the vital secret map hidden? What is the winged monster appearing in the storms? Who is the mystery woman all in black? This all culminates in a riveting race for Cordelia to save magic ...

By Tamzin Merchant Illustrations by Paola Escobar Puffin Books Ages 8 onwards This standout story is colourful, magical, vivid and funny - with a sprinkle of historical fiction including King George and a Tudor mention of Henry VIII!  The language sparkles with the energy, hope and magic of the main character, Cordelia - the 'littlest hatmaker'. Her world of 'Makers' is filled with Mary Poppins-esque magic, told through gorgeous little details used to make the hats.   This story is full of mystery and suspense (where is Prospero Hatmaker? Will Agatha the Quest Pigeon come back? Who is stealing all the Maker's things for the King?). There are surprises around every corner and the writing is full of humour (my favourite line includes a donkey!). This is a wonderful story, packed full of imagination. I LOVE the focus on creating. This book carries this lovely, encouraging message:  'Everyone has the magic in them to make things.' Buy from  www.waterstones.com .

By Anna Currey Published by Oxford University Press All ages This book is a delight. Perfect for Christmas bedtime reading! Florian the Unicorn wants to find out more about Christmas and the coloured sparkly lights. Milly is in a different house for Christmas and looking for a friend. When Florian shows up in her yard (nods to The Snowman) friendship and cute Christmas mischief happens. I love Florian helping to decorate the Christmas tree and him eating straw from a nativity scene... A truly lovely read with vintage-style and watercolour illustrations - a new winter classic.