LJ's beautiful books

By Katie and Kevin Tsang Published by Simon & Schuster  Ages 8 and upwards  'He and his friends were the ones claiming that humans and dragons could live together peacefully, yet here was a dragon destroying Buckingham Palace in a rampage.'  Book five, the finale of this Dragon Realm series, is here - and the stakes are higher than ever! The Dragon Realm has fallen into the Human Realm, world leaders want to capture and exploit the dragons and a dangerous pack of dragons want to remove all humans. Billy and his friends just want peace and dragon friendships like theirs, but they learn this might not be possible: '... most humans see dragons as something they can tame or claim, not as creatures that they can live alongside.' Instead they search for a new home for the dragons, which involves invoking the ghost of the first dragon that ever existed, which leads to danger, frustration, adventure, superpowers and a twist that will change the world forever....  Althoug...

By Katherine Rundell and Sara Ogilvie Published by Bloomsbury  Ages 4 upwards  "... he took off at a gallop down the street. There were a few adults on the pavement, but they were all looking at their phones: adults rarely notice things." In this story, Gabriel the zebra is lost after his parents have been taken by the villain Mr Spit. Gabriel finds a brave little girl, Mink and through speaking to her in pictures, asks her for help. She comes up with a plan, with the help of Rainbow the dog, to find them. They learn that zebras aren't the only animals Mr Spit has taken. Can they rescue the zebras and the other animals all on their own?  This tale is funny, witty, has a brave heroine, animals talking AND a spectacular ending. I love the animals communicating with each other and with Mink, that different species help each other and the message that wild animals should be free. Rundell's adventure reminds me of Roald Dahl and my favourite illustration, apart from Ogilvi...

By Katie and Kevin Tsang Published by Farshore Ages 5 and upwards Super cool inventor Suzie finds herself not only sucked into a space TV show, but into outer space itself! But weird things are happening to planets and creatures - can Suzie help to save the universe? Expect to be entertained by cheese planets, space rabbits, moon-stealing mysteries and Spaceman Jack's smoulder! The writing is really funny and Tommy the space lizard is SO cute. This story is both fun and inspirational - Suzie looks for solutions in every problem. I love how imaginative Suzie is. I think she's a great role model -  not just in terms of diversity but her positive attitude and creativity. Paired with a dazzling cover and vivid illustrations, this is a whacky, wonderful space adventure that all children will enjoy. 

By Aisha Bushby Published by Farshore Ages 9 and upwards 'Adventures sound rather exciting, I know. Most stories will tell you to seek them. But the sorts of adventures I went on were bothersome, repetitive and exhausting.' In this story, Hazel moves to England from Kuwait, which triggers visits from ominous fireflies that come when she experiences anxiety. At the same time she is learning about fairytales at summer school. They are so much like her firefly adventures that Hazel suspects she may be in a fairytale and she needs to find a way out... Hazel's real life and fairytale lore merge and mingle with each other so cleverly in this book. And, although described using fantasy elements, I can relate to the call, compulsion and frustration of following the fireflies, as well as the need to stand up to them, as a fellow sufferer of OCD. Their tasks are such a unique and yet relatable way of describing it. This story reads like a eerie fairytale itself, whilst exploring fair...

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...