Happy New Year for 2016

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CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2015

MY TOP TEN CHRISTMAS PICKS FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2015

1.A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES BY SARAH J. MAAS

Already a huge fan of her inaugural fantasy series The Throne of Glass which is inspired by Cinderella becoming an assassin imagine my excitement getting my hands on her new series A Court of Thornes and Roses. Based on Beauty and the Beast with a bit of Greek myth thrown in this blend off romance and adventure set in a darker, decadent fairy world will certainly raise the pulse of older teens. For Celeana fans the latest Queen of Shadows is out now. 

ISBN 9781408857861 PB £7.99 Bloomsbury

2.MY SECRET ROCKSTAR BOYFRIEND BY ELEANOR WOOD

A witty coming of age book that’s the perfect escape from impending homework. Geeky blogger meets wild child rockstar are all the ingredients needed for a witty contemporary love story. When Tuesday throws caution to the wind to sneek of to Glastonbury to meet the boy of her dreams things don't quite turn out as she expects it. Ps. Don't forget to read the hilarious inspiration for this story at the end, it seems fact is stranger than fiction.
Click Here For Full Review
ISBN 9781447277873 PB £6.99 Pan Macmillan
Ratings 5 Stars

3.TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE BY JENNY HAN

Lara has sent out love letters to five of her old crushes by mistake. How will they react? Especially when one is her sister's boyfriend. A novel about the pitfalls of first love, sisterly rivalry and coming of age. Combines the family dynamic of Little Women with the romance of films, Pretty in Pink and Ten Things I Hate About You. Engaging and heart warming for lovers of Rainbow Rowell and Stephanie Perkins.
ISBN: 9781407149073 PB Scholastic £6.99

4.A THOUSAND NIGHTS BY E.K.JOHNSTON

A richly embroidered tale of family loyalty, bravery and adventure. Based on Scheherazade, a young woman saves her sister by becoming the new wife of a demon king but how will she survive her imminent death? This is an empowering story showing that the mind can be mightier than the sword. Brimming with magic and myth this will sweep you away into an ancient desert kingdom with a bold and beautiful heroine. Epic.
ISBN: 9781447284116 HB Pan Macmillan £12.99

5.HOPE IN A BALLET SHOE BY MICHAELA DE PRINCE

An extraordinary true story of an orphan from Sierra Leon who on seeing a picture of a ballerina is determined to become one against all the odds. Adopted by an American couple Michaela had to deal with a new culture and racism whilst dancing but despite all the setbacks she broke the mould to fulfil her dream. This book is a triumph over extreme adversity. A must read whether your a ballet fan or not!
ISBN:9780571314478 PB Faber & Faber £7.99
FULL REVIEW HERE

6.THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE BY LEILA SCALES

A lot of teen readers will relate to Elise's feelings of being the outsider when she goes to a new school. How can she become popular whilst staying true to herself? Only when Elise discovers a secret warehouse party where she can DJ does she start to feel accepted as well as finding her own niche. Can she juggle her double life? Some great life lessons wrapped up in a coming of age story.
FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE
ISBN 9781447252832 PB Pan Macmillan £6.99

7.TRIAL BY FIRE BY JOSEPHINE ANGELINI

Angelini's first series Starcrossed was great but this really cranks it up a notch. Lily suffers life endangering allergies, has a schizophrenic mother and absent father. Calamitous events send her into an alternative world where Lily grows from a peace loving sensitive girl into a strong powerful witch. So many twists and turns in this book it had me hooked from the beginning. The second, Firewalker, is just out so you can binge read!
ISBN 9781509809875 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99

8.FROZEN BY MELISSA DE LA CRUZ AND MICHAEL JOHNSTON

A hybrid book mixing dystopian with fantasy. Think Mad Max meets X Men meets The Wild West! Nat is in Las Vegas hiding her special skills that are hunted and used by the brutal authority. The only way to survive is to find a mythical land called Blue with the help of mercenaries who harbour their own secrets. A unique mix of genres that sets it apart and is suitable for boys and girls.
ISBN 9781408334669 PB Hachette Children's Group £6.99
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW

9.THE SELECTION BY KIERA CASS

A dystopian story that will appeal to your inner Cinderella. Prince Maxim picks feisty heroine America but her first love is the unsuitable Astor. America is obnoxious and manipulative but later you warm to her feisty, honourable nature. It is this hot, cold appeal that will keep you reading. If you like reality TV, princes and fairytales with a little nip rather than bite this is the book for you. Hunger Games meets Pageant Queen! 
ISBN: 9780007466696 PB HarperCollins £7.99
4/5 Stars

10.SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE BY MARCUS SEDGEWICK

Marcus Sedgwick has set up a fascinating premise that will have you gripped from the start. Laureth is sixteen and blind so when she sets off to find her missing father with her young brother and his stuffed toy raven Stan you want her to succeed despite the odds. It makes us look at the world from different angles and appreciate the mindset of a girl who no longer wants to be invisible just to fit in. Thought provoking.
FOR FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE
ISBN: 9781780621340 Hachette Children's Group PB £7.99
4/5 Stars

My Top Ten Christmas Books for 9+ and confident readers

My top ten favourite books I reviewed in 2015 perfect for Christmas. Suitable for confident readers 9+. 

1.THE WOLF WILDER BY KATHERINE RUNDELL

High octane adventure set in snow bound Russia. A 'dark and stormy' girl called Feo fights for survival alongside a pack of wolves who's ultimate goal is freedom. Feo teaches tame wolves to fend for themselves but when the Russian Army threaten their very existence they must go on the run. A beautifully written modern day fairytale laced with Russian culture and folklore and evocative little drawings inside.

ISBN: 9781408862582  HB Bloomsbury Publishing £12.99

2.RETURN TO THE SECRET GARDEN BY HOLLY WEBB

A welcome return to one of my favourite classics is sure to weave its spell over a new generation. Set against the backdrop of World War Two it tells of a lonely orphan Emmie sent to Misselthwaite for safety. Whilst pining for her cat left behind in London there is a secret garden to be uncovered. The realities of war are never far away however heralding new beginnings and endings. This is an atmospheric, beautiful read I thoroughly enjoyed. ISBN 9781407144856 Scholastic HB £8.99

3.GRANDPA'S GREAT ESCAPE BY DAVID WALLIAMS

David Walliams, the young pretender to Roald Dahl returns with his irreverent humour to tease and torture his army of young fans. David's hotly anticipated new novel tells the story of the special bond between a small boy and his beloved grandfather who happens to be able to fly a spitfire plane. They both take to the skies to save the day immersing the reader in a rip roaring adventure over London. David's naughty sense of humour is perfectly captured by the drawings of award-winning illustrator Tony Ross. Out Sept 24th
ISBN: 9780007494019 HB HarperCollins £12.99

4.FIRE GIRL BY MATT RALPHS

An historical magical adventure about friendship, loyalty and bravery. Set in an alternative Cromwellian England Hazel, a young witch and her grumpy familiar, a dormouse called Bramley search for her kidnapped mother. She is forced to team up with two witch finders while trying to keep her true identity a secret. But will they help or betray her? Aimed at a younger audience, its great for boys and girls who are confident readers
FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE
ISBN 9781447283553 PB Pan Macmillan £6.99

5.RUGBY ACADEMY: COMBAT ZONE BY TOM PALMER

Well known for his much loved football books Tom now turns his attention to rugby with great success. School boy Woody uses rugby to help him stop worrying about his dad, who's an RAF pilot and in imminent danger. Boys who prefer contemporary stories will love this double dose of adventure, danger and excitement between father and son. NB. Barrington Stoke books are suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers also.
ISBN 9781781123973 PB Barrington Stoke £5.99

6.THE LAST WILD BY PIERS TORDAY

A futuristic adventure about the perils of climate change. Kester is an extraordinary boy who is the only one that can save the last animals on the planet from extinction. A gripping read for animal and adventure lovers. It's message is simple and clear, we can work together to save our beautiful planet or risk losing it for future generations. A cracking start to an epic quest from the winner of The Guardian Childrens Fiction Prize. 
ISBN: 9781780878300 PB Quercus Publishing £6.99

7.LEGACY OF THE CLAW BY C.R. GREY

Everyone that twelve year old Bailey knows has a bond with an animal who guides them but he hasn't found his yet. With a mythical tiger hunting the school grounds and dark forces surfacing can Bailey fulfil a prophecy without his? With colourful engaging characters in a setting appealing to Harry Potter fans, this is an enthralling beginning to a new exciting adventure series. Great for boys and girls who love animals and magic.
ISBN: 9781471401299 PB Hot Key Books £ 6.99

8.LISTEN TO THE MOON BY MICHAEL MORPURGO

Another riveting bitter sweet tale from the much loved author of War Horse. A girl is washed up on the shores of the Scilly Isles in World War One. But who is she and where did she come from? Inspired by the true events of the sinking of the Lusitania is tells the tale of love, loss and survival as Lucy's past is slowly revealed. The twists and turns in this moving tale will have some children and adults reaching for their hankies! What sets Morpurgo apart is that he is able to convey real life events through a fascinating story that educational and enjoyable without being preachy. My only niggle is that it is a little long for this age group.
ISBN 9780007339655 PB £6.99 Harper Collins

9.GOTH GIRL AND THE WUTHERING FRIGHT BY CHRIS RIDDEL

This sumptuous and richly decorated treasure of a book is every little girls dream gift. The metallic embossed cover and intricate illustrations on virtually every page are a delight. The third in the series we follow the continuing adventures of Ada and her friends as they struggle to solve a mysterious plot in Lord Goth's Dog Show. There are plenty of clever literary references such as Sir Walter Splott and Plain Austen that will appeal to adults and laugh out loud humour for the children. A real gem.

ISBN 9781447277897 PB Pan Macmillan £10.99


10.HOW TO FIGHT A DRAGONS FURY BY CRESSIDA CROWELL

So this is Hiccup last adventure! However his army of fans will not be disappointed. Hiccup is fighting to save the dragons along with a few familiar faces and there are some really touching moments alongside rip roaring adventure. The classic David and Goliath premise will appeal to all. Personally I am going to really miss Hiccup's dragon Toothless. If you have withdrawals check out the brilliant website at www.howtotrainyourdragonbooks.com for more games and stories.

ISBN: 9781444916584 Hachette Children's Group HB £12.99

Top Ten Christmas Books for Middle Grade Children and Young Readers

1. A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS BY MATT HAIG

CHILDRENS 8+

Have you ever wondered what Father Christmas was like as a young boy? Your wait is over! A modern day classic with adventure, snow, elves and an eleven year old boy called Nikolas who believes in magic. For fans of Dahl and Walliams this will add festive cheer to the whole family. The message it delivers is that being good is better than being rich. Special mention for the imaginative illustrations by Chris Mould

ISBN: 9781782117896 HB Canongate Books Ltd £12.99

5/5 Stars

2. PUGS OF THE FROZEN NORTH BY PHILIP REEVE
CHILDRENS 7+

The Race to the Top of the World! It comes around once in a lifetime, and the prize? Your heart's desire. Shen and Sika can't resist the chance to win, but competition is fierce.

The path to victory is littered with snow trolls, sea monsters, and a gang of particularly hungry yetis.

But Shen and Sika have something the other contestants don't have.

Actually, they have 66 other things; pugs to be exact.

That's a 264 paw-powered sled. Let the race begin! This beautifully illustrated story by the award-winning team of Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre will enchant fans of their previous books, 'Oliver and the Seawigs' and 'Cakes in Space'.

• ISBN: 9780192734570 HB Oxford University Press £8.99
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3. ON A SNOWY NIGHT BY VARIOUS AUTHORS 
CHILDRENS 6+

A charming collection of animal winter tales by a selection of top childrens authors. Will the young Arctic foxes find food? Can a zebra help Santa? Perfect for little animal lovers everywhere and great for bedtime stories with its adorable illustrations. Also perfect for teachers to discuss in class and inspire creative writing stories before Christmas. Fascinating facts also in the back.
ISBN: 9781847156426 PB Little Tiger Press £5.99

4.THE STORM LEOPARDS BY HOLLY WEBB 
CHILDREN 7+

From best-selling author Holly Webb comes a charming wintery story just in time for Christmas. The countdown to Christmas has begun, and Isabelle is enjoying a family day out at the zoo. As her sister watches the penguins, Isabelle is the only one to catch a glimpse of a snow leopard, with its beautiful spotted silver-grey coat and long fluffy tail.

 Fascinated by these rare and endangered creatures, Isabelle tries to find out what she can do to help protect them. Little does she know she's about to be whisked into her very own magical snow leopard adventure, where a mother and her cubs are in danger... 

• ISBN: 9781847156075 HB  Little Tiger Press Group £8.99
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5.THE ABOMINABLES BY EVA IBBOTSON
CHILDRENS 7+

CHILDREN 8+

A hundred years ago, in the Himalayan peaks of Nanvi Dar, the daughter of an English earl is kidnapped by a huge hairy monster. In a secret valley Agatha Farley is introduced to a family of motherless yetis and devotes her life to their upbringing. She teaches them to speak, tells them stories and insists on polite manners.

But as the decades pass, tourists come to the mountains, a hotel is built and yeti-hunters arrive. Agatha knows that there is one place in the world where they would be protected - her ancestral home at Farley Towers. When a boy and his sister stumble upon her hidden valley, she knows she has found the courageous people who will carry out her plan.

The excited yetis are smuggled into the bridal suite at the hotel.

A freezer lorry is waiting to put them into semi-hibernation on the long trip home. But the baby yak that has fallen in love with the youngest yeti foils the refrigeration plan and they set off on a hugely entertaining road trip half way across the world.

In the Sultan of Aslerfan's kingdom the yetis release all the animals from his zoo. In the Alps they rescue a lost child in a blizzard.

In Spain, the yak creates chaos at a bullfight. But when they arrive in England, a terrible shock awaits them at Farley Towers...This early novel, never submitted for publication, contains all the trademark qualities that made Eva's subsequent books so successful; comedy, loveable and eccentric characters, perfectly-crafted plotting, and inspiring themes of tolerance, kindness to animals, and the defeat of cruelty.

• ISBN: 9781407133027 PB Scholastic £6.99

6.THE ENCHANTED SNOW PONY BY SARAH KILBRIDE

CHILDRENS 5+

Join Evie and Silver on a wintry adventure to see the Northern Lights at the Mid-Winter Ball.

There's so much to do before the Ball - sledging, making magical snow dresses and catching up with old friends.

Can Evie and her friends make it to the Ball and rescue one of the Queen's fairies on their way?

Turn to the back for pony facts and activities. With a free poster too!

• ISBN: 9781471121821 PB Publisher: Simon & Schuster £4.99

7.THE SNOW BEAST BY CHRIS JUDGE

CHILDRENS 5+

Beast has been robbed! And so has the whole village. Without tools the villagers can't put on their legendary Winter Festival, so Beast sets off to solve the mystery.

Discovering that a stranded Snow Beast is behind the robbery, Beast has to decide whether to help this odd-looking stranger

• ISBN: 9781783441143 HB Andersen Press Ltd £11.99
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8.THE BRAMBLY HEDGE COMPLETE COLLECTION

CHILDRENS 5+

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Brambly Hedge with this exquisite slipcased volume containing all eight well-loved, classic picture books.

The mice of Brambly Hedge made their first appearance in 1980 when the four seasonal stories were published.

Ever since, readers have loved exploring the miniature world of the hedgerow and meeting the families that live there.

In this collection the mice have many adventures, but they always have time for fun and relaxation too.

Whatever the season, and whether they are by the sea, in the High Hills, or simply at home by the fire, there is always someone ready to lend a helping hand.

Contains: Spring Story, Summer Story, Autumn Story, Winter Story, Poppy's Babies, Sea Story, The High Hills, The Secret Staircase

• ISBN: 9780008147815 HB HarperCollins Publishers £35

NB. ALSO AVAILABLE ARE THE INDIVIDUAL STORIES SUCH AS OUT THIS YEAR IS THE BRAMBLY HEDGE COLLECTION CELEBRATING ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY  WHICH CONTAINS ALL THE STORIES OF THIS DELIGHTFUL COLLECTION. 

• ISBN:9780001837119  £7.99. WHICH ALSO MAKES A WONDERFUL GIFT AND STOCKING FILLER. 
• I FOUND THESE ILLUSTRATIONS MAGICAL AS  A CHILD AND STILL DO NOW. 

9.SQUISHY MCFLUFF SECRET SANTA BY PIP JONES

CHILDRENS 5+

Ava and Squishy are back and this time their adorable chaos hits Christmas preparations for Mum, Dad, baby Roo, the local Christmas fete and much, much more...In her letter to Santa, Ava only has one wish.

Will she get what her heart desires on Christmas day?

Rising star Pip Jones continues to give her quirky twist to everyday experiences in this warm and humorous series.

The jaunty rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud, and Ella Okstad's gorgeous, distinctive illustrations will help more confident readers learn to read by themselves for the first time.

• ISBN: 9780571302567 PB Faber & Faber £5.99

10.OLD BEAR'S BEDTIME STORIES BY JANE HISSEY

CHILDRENS 3+ 

A new picture book to treasure featuring beloved characters from the Old Bear series. The endearing illustrations will continue to enchant a new generation of children. Gentle soothing stories full of delightful adventures, old friends, theatre, the seaside and a circus make it the perfect book to share with little ones before they go off to the land of dreams. A beautiful present suitable all the year round from Christmas to Birthdays and Christenings.

NB. THIS HAS A MIX OF LEVELS FOR READING FROM SIMPLE POEMS TO LONGER STORIES SUITABLE FOR UP TO 5 OR 6+ WHICH IS WHY I ALSO WANTED TO ADD IT TO THIS LIST!!

ISBN:9781910706152 HB Salariya Book Company Ltd

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Top Ten Christmas Picture Books for Babies, Toddlers and Children up to 4+ for 2015

My Top Ten Picture Books for Babies, Toddlers and Children up to 4+ years for  2015.

1. ROBINS WINTER SONG BY SUZANNE BARTON

From the award winning author illustrator of Dawn Chorus comes another beautiful tale of the changing seasons through the eyes of a young Robin. His friends are all disappearing because Winter is coming and he doesn't like the sound of 'him' at all! But soon Robin is enjoying the new season with new friends. I love Robin's courage in the face of change. Stunning illustrations using mixed media which will delight little nature lovers. 

ISBN: 9781408859148 HB Bloomsbury Publishing PLC £10.99

5/5 stars

2.ELLA BELLA BALLERINA AND THE NUTCRACKER BY JAMES MAYHEW

CHILDRENS 4+

The perfect introduction to a festive favourite and a treasure for little prima ballerinas everywhere. This is one of a delightful series, written and illustrated enchantingly by Mayhew, that explains famous ballets through a a young dancer, Ella Bella. This time she twirls into a magical world of dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Some great ballet facts are at the end, especially useful if any kids are going to see the ballet on stage.

ISBN: 9781408314081 PB Hachette Children's Group £6.99

5/5 stars

3.OLD BEAR'S BEDTIME STORIES BY JANE HISSEY

A new picture book to treasure featuring beloved characters from the Old Bear series. The endearing illustrations will continue to enchant a new generation of children. Gentle soothing stories full of delightful adventures, old friends, theatre, the seaside and a circus make it the perfect book to share with little ones before they go off to the land of dreams. A beautiful present suitable all the year round from Christmas to Birthdays and Christenings.

ISBN:9781910706152 HB Salariya Book Company Ltd
5/5 stars

4.IS IT CHRISTMAS YET? BY JANE CHAPMAN

A little board book with a soft squidgy cover perfect for preschoolers who keep asking that familiar question, Is it Christmas yet? Featuring only a Daddy bear and his son it will appeal to single parents as well. I really like, leading up to the big day, that they work together to avert disaster making the little bear forget about what day it is when it actually arrives! Very appealing in the run up!
ISBN: 9781848691513 HB Little Tiger Press Group
5/5 stars

5. BLUE PENGUIN BY PETR HORACEK

A heat-warming fable about a friendship and belonging from the award-winning illustrator Petr Horacek. "I feel just like a penguin," says Blue Penguin. "But you're not like us," said the other penguins and they left him all alone. Poor Blue Penguin. Will he be able to convince the other penguins he is one of them after all? A moving and beautifully illustrated story from Petr Horacek, an illustrator described by the Washington Post as "the thinking tot's Eric Carle".
ISBN: 9781406358285 HB  Walker Books Ltd £11.99
5/5 stars 

6. THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER! BY BEN MANTLE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

This story surrounds the classic dilemma of what to give when you've forgotten someone's present. We have all been in this quandary and this delightful tale puts those agonises and stresses into perspective. Bear has forgotten Squirrel's Christmas present and predictably panic and disaster follow. A gentle tale of friendship, appreciation and imagination. From the best selling author of The Best Birthday Present Ever!
ISBN: 9781447284000 PB Pan Macmillan £5.99
5/5 Stars

7. ALIEN'S CRAZY CHRISTMAS BY AMY SPARKES

PICTURE BOOK 4+
This picture book had me in fits of laughter. What happens when aliens arrive on earth and try to understand Christmas? Chaos ensues as they return to recreate festivities on their planet but they get everything mixed up. Pants stuffed with holly, turkey on top of the tree and Santa is on the warpath looking for his missing reindeer! Punchy, rhyming text with bold, energetic illustrations. Ho! Ho! Ho!

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• ISBN: 9781407161471 PB Scholastic £6.99
• 5/5 stars
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• 9. THATS NOT MY PENGUIN BY FIONA WATT

A GORGEOUS ADDITION TO THE THAT'S NOT MY SERIES. CUTE PENGUINS ARE ALWAYS A HIT!!

A gift set containing a touchy-feely board book designed specially to appeal to babies and toddlers, with brightly coloured illustrations and simple, repetitive text .

Accompanied by a luxurious, soft penguin toy which has been created specially based on Rachel Wells' illustrations.

• ISBN: 9781474903943 Mixed Media Usborne Publishing Ltd £14.99
• 5/5 stars

NB. ALSO LOOK OUT FOR 

1.CHRISTMAS ISBN: 9780746056592,  A CLOTH BOOK 

2.FATHER CHRISTMAS ISBN: 9781409544890 A BATH BOOK

 BOTH BY FIONA WATT PUBLISHED BY USBORNE AND GREAT FOR THE VERY YOUNG 

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10.THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS BY CLEMENT C. MOORE

A PERENNIAL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC WITH NEW ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARK MARSHALL

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse ...It's Christmas Eve and the whole house is sleeping - all except one little boy, woken up by the jingle of bells and the clatter of reindeer hooves on the roof.

As he tiptoes downstairs, who will he find? Mark Marshall's captivating illustrations places a little boy at the heart of Clement C Moore's classic Christmas poem.

This bright and bold picture book is a perfect Christmas gift for young children - and a great way to introduce a new generation to this iconic poem.

With a magical, glittery cover!

• ISBN: 9781848959125 PB Publisher: Little Tiger Press Group £6.99
• 5/5 stars
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