Book Review The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

by L.D. Lapinski 

WHEN 12-YEAR OLD Flick stumbles into a magical travel agency and meets Jonathan her world changes forever. Flick discovers she has a hidden talent for seeing magic others cannot and it enables her to travel to magical worlds through suitcases. but the world's are falling apart and together they must save them and find Jonathan's missing father. 

#themagicfarawaytree meets #drwho with a bit of Narnia. And I hope the author does not mind but it immediately reminded me of watching Mr Ben as he travelled to different parts of the world 🥰 this is a unique and exciting quest that children will be thrilled to explore. they will love all the imaginative worlds and eclectic cast and the children's growing friendships. It is a whirlwind tour that you will not want to miss. Brilliant. Can't wait for the next one 🥰

Book Description 

‘Assured, witty and inventive. This debut has “future classic” written all over it.’ – The Guardian

Pack your suitcase for a magical adventure! Perfect for fans of The Train to Impossible Places and The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club.

At the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, each suitcase transports you to a different world. All you have to do is step inside . . .

When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right suitcase. Then Flick gets the invitation of a lifetime: join Strangeworlds’ magical travel society and explore other worlds.

But, unknown to Flick, the world at the very centre of it all, a city called Five Lights, is in danger. Buildings and even streets are mysteriously disappearing. Once Flick realizes what’s happening she must race against time, travelling through unchartered worlds, seeking a way to fix Five Lights before it collapses into nothingness – and takes our world with it.

A magical adventure for 9+ readers that will take you to whole new worlds.

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SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW April 25-26 2020

This is my last column for the South Wales Evening Post but don't worry I will continue to post my childrens book reviews every week and highlight books on this book blog and across social media.

 Lots of exciting changes coming up so keep posted as I am re organising this blog so more easily navigated!

This week my children's book reviews in the South Wales Evening Post include a treasure hunt in the wilds of Wales for middle grade readers, a picture book about a free spirited dog in Rome, an activity book for autistic children and an epic Faerie fantasy for teens. Enjoy!

This is my last column

BOOK OF THE WEEK

WHERE THE WILDERNESS LIVES BY JESS BUTTERWORTH

CHILDREN 8+

Cara and her siblings must flee to the wilds of Wales when they discover a locked safe. Is a treasure inside? Who is chasing them? An inspiring quest interspersed with an enchanting fable, survival and nature facts plus one large dog. Children will relish their battle for survival as they try to reach their fathers home. An exhilarating and inspiring adventure full of empathy. Short chapters plus diary extracts make it perfect for reluctant readers and storytime. Thrilling.

Orion Books PB £6.99

I CAN DO IT! BY PATRICIA HEGARTY & HILLI KUSHNIR

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Young children will have great fun tying shoelaces, fastening buttons and more by using the step by step instructions and interactive elements. On each page children can learn and practice with different types of fastenings shown with sweet diverse characters. Perfect for little hands to practice dexterity. It makes teaching how to use fastenings less frustrating and more playful and thereby hopefully easier to learn and remember. Ingenious.

Little Tiger HB £9.99

AUTISM AND ME BY HAIA IRONSIDE & ELLIE O'SHEA

CHILDREN 7+

Written for children with autism this book will help them express their emotions through creative activities. It is packed with colouring, games to play and lots of ideas to think and talk about. It is written, designed and illustrated to be accessible by presenting uncluttered, clean and friendly layouts full of charming illustrations. It will keep the young entertained and focused. There is a list of helpful resources at the back. Inspirational.

Studio Press PB £9.99

THE QUEEN OF NOTHING BY HOLLY BLACK

YOUNG ADULT 12+

The compelling and seductive finale to the Folk of the Air series. Jude is the exiled Queen of Faerie in love with the wicked Prince Cardan. When her twin sister asks for help Jude agrees despite having to see Cardan again. Can she break a curse and save Faerie from ruin? An epic escapist fantasy which will thrill from start to finish. An enticing plot with beguiling characters you will remember. PB out July.

Hot Key HB £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 21-22 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting sci-fi middle grade adventure, a charming board book exploring farm life plus two more middle grade reads including a collection of classic stories featuring brave girls and an insightful road trip across the south in America 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE BIGWOOF CONSPIRACY BY DASHE ROBERTS

CHILDREN 9+

Twelve-year-old UFO-obsessed Lucy Sladan is investigating unexplained disappearances in her home town Sticky Pines. She teams up with a strange thirteen-year-old boy called Milo to uncover the mystery. But what happens when they discover a huge hairy creature! A quirky cast of characters and bizarre occurrences will keep the kids hooked. A hilarious and exciting new sci-fi series that has a wide appeal. Stranger Things meets The Goonies.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? ON THE FARM BY MARIA PERERA & KATE WARE

BOARD BOOK 3+

Explore a farmyard with charming peep-through pages and layered landscapes. Children will love spotting and counting the different animals, vehicles and food on each page. It is also peppered with facts. Find out what a baby pig and cow is called. Count how many chicks are on the page. The bold colours and sturdy pages are perfect for curious fingers. A great way to occupy an hour or two.

HB Little Tiger £7.99

FAVOURITE STORIES OF COURAGEOUS GIRLS BY VARIOUS

CHILDREN 8+

A wonderful collection of inspirational stories about brave girls who face up to fear and fight against unfairness. Children will be introduced to some of the best-loved heroines in children's' books. From Jo March cutting her hair to raise money to Anne of Green Gables saving her friends life. Each chapter has an introduction before the satisfying extract. This is a lovely gift to share on Mothers Day and will encourage children to explore the classics.

Hodder PB £6.99

CLEAN GETAWAY BY NIC STONE

CHILDREN 9+

Eleven-year-old Scoob and his Grandma are going on a spontaneous road trip in her new camper van across America. Armed with the Green Book showing the 'safe' places for African Americans Scoob soon learns nothing is what it seems. When the past meets the present, family secrets are exposed Scoob is getting more of an education that he realised. This entertaining road trip is a heartwarming and thought-provoking family drama that highlights prejudice in American history.

Knights Of PB £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 22-23 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade historical adventure, an exquisitely illustrated picture book, a dark and dangerous middle grade fantasy adventure and a thrilling and topical teen drama set in the world of olympic gymnastics. 

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE HOUSE OF ONE HUNDRED CLOCKS BY A.M. HOWELL

CHILDREN 9+

Helena and her parrot Orbit are swept off to Cambridge where her father is appointed clock-winder to the wealthiest man in England in 1905. But the house of one hundred clocks is haunted by many mysteries. Can Helena work out its secrets before time runs out? An atmospheric and intriguing tale laced with science and social change against an Edwardian backdrop. A modern fairytale with family love, loss and the healing power of friendship at its heart.

Usborne PB £6.99

THE ANTLERED SHIP BY DASHKA SLATER & THE FAN BROTHERS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

An inquisitive fox, Marco sets off on a seafaring voyage with a crew of hungry deer and courageous pigeons in this enchanting tale of friendship and adventure. Can Marco find the answers to his questions? How deep does the sun go when it sinks into the sea? Why don't trees talk? Children will adore diving into the exquisite and fanciful illustrations of Marco's odyssey. The detailed artwork is sublime. A stunning gift to be treasured.

PB Lincoln Children's Books £7.99

ORPHANS OF THE TIDE BY STRUAN MURRAY

CHILDREN 9+

When a mysterious boy washes in with the tide the citizens believe he's the Enemy. A God who creates chaos. Only Ellie, a fearless young inventor believes he's innocent. Can Ellie prove who he really is while keeping her own dangerous secret? Readers will submerge themselves into a mythic and dark world atmospherically illustrated by Manuel Sumberac. The gothic overtones and themes of friendship and loyalty will suit fans of Philip Pullman and Frostheart.

Puffin PB £7.99

BREAK THE FALL BY JENNIFER IACOPELLI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Audrey dreams of swinging her way to Olympic glory. A gold medal will be worth all her aches and pains. But when her trainer is accused by a fellow gymnast of the unthinkable her team starts to fall apart. With pressure mounting can Audrey hold her nerve until her final dismount? A powerfully told novel about one girl's determination to push herself to the limits. A topical and insightful drama for fans of gymnastics and athletics.

PB Hodder £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW FEB 1-2 2020

This week my children's book reviews include informative, entertaining and empathetic books for Children's Mental Health Week.

Great to share with the family or in school to start meaningful discussions about mental health. 

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WORRYSAURUS BY RACHEL BRIGHT & CHRIS CHATTERTON

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic but before long he starts to worry. What if he hasn't brought enough to eat? What if he gets lost? What if it rains? Can Worrysaurus chase away his fears and still enjoy the day? This charming rhyming story is perfect to share with children and discuss their worries in a light-hearted way. The thought-provoking story and emotionally charged illustrations are a delight and will help relieve youngsters every day concerns.

HB Orchard £12.99

LETTING GO! BY DR. SHARIE COOMBES & ELLIE O'SHEA

CHILDREN 7+

A mindful activity book to help children come to terms with bereavement and family separation. Children can colour and doodle their way to being happy, calm and confident. They can learn to use creativity to combat negative feelings and understand it's ok to give yourself time to heal and deal with issues. The activities will help children gain a different perspective and allow them to share their feelings. A essential series which demonstrates the healing powers of art.

PB Studio Press £9.99

BUTTERFLIES FOR GRANDPA JOE BY NICOLA DAVIES & MIKE BYRNE

CHILDREN 8+

Grandpa Joe loves butterflies. But since Ben's granny passed away he has lost interest in everything and just wants to watch TV. Can Ben ignite Joe's interest in butterflies and in life? A heart-warming tale of empathy and dealing with grief. It highlights the importance of family and looking out for one another. It also conveys the importance of nature and mental health. A lovely story to share and ideal for school book clubs. Dyslexia friendly.

Barrington Stoke PB £6.99

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH? BY DR LUCY MADDOX

CHILDREN 10+

What are mental health problems? How do we know what's healthy or not? This slim and accessible book will answer a child's questions and more. Written by a clinical psychologist it explores a range of mental health topics and explains how to keep in good mental health. This includes personal stories, the effects of social media and the importance of staying physically fit. An informative book perfect to share for Children's Mental Health Week.

HB Wayland £13.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JAN 25-26 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a magical middle grade tale, an entertaining  board book about vehicles, a middle grade space adventure and a thrilling fantasy for teens. 

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

TIGER HEART BY PENNY CHRIMES

CHILDREN 9+

When a young chimney sweep, Fly saves a tiger from an evil collector they form a bond and embark on a quest to find the truth of her royal birth. A magical tale that will whisk you away to exotic lands of cursed rubies. An inspiring tale about family, the importance of friendship and freedom. Beautifully written full of rich detail that draws you in with an entertaining and striking cast. Oliver meets the Jungle Book.

PB Orion £7.99

WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO DRIVE... BY ROSAMUND LLOYD & RICHARD MERRITT

BOARD BOOK 3+

Discover an awesome array of exciting vehicles in this early learning board book. It is perfect for curious little fingers. Follow the road sweeper picking up rubbish, the ambulance helping people of the aeroplane taking off to far-flung places. The bold illustrations capture the hustle and bustle of life on the road or in the skies. Behind lots of fun flaps, children can find out fascinating facts about their favourite vehicles and discover new ones.

Little Tiger HB £ 6.99

ORION LOST BY ALASTAIR CHISHOLM

CHILDREN 9+

When catastrophe strikes the colony ship Orion in deep space it's up to thirteen-year-old eth and her friends to bring them home. They must navigate treacherous and uncharted territory with a heavily damage s ship while encountering mysterious alien species and space pirates. Who can they trust? An exciting sci-fi adventure full of twists and turns. Perfect for fans of Star Trek and Lost in Space.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

INFINITY SON BY ADAM SILVERA

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Brothers Emil and Brighton are caught up in a war between a group of vigilantes, the Spell Walkers and specters who steal the essence of magical creatures. One brother has the power to end it all. The other will stop at nothing in his pursuit of glory. Brotherhood, love and loyalty will be put to the test. But who will escape the fight unscathed? A heart-thumping epic fantasy for fans of X-Men and Shadowhunters.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99