Book Review: Fledgewitch by Lian Tanner

Fledgewitch

A Dragons of Hallow book

by

Lian Tanner

Illustrated by Martina Heiduczek

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd April 2024

Series: Dragons of Hallow #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 352

RRP: $17.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: Fledgewitch: A Dragons of Hallow book

I am so glad I read Spellhound first. Although it isn't really necessary. If you have a copy of Fledgewitch and can't wait to read it there is some backstory. So jump right in!!

 

" Here are the Three Laws of Quill, carved in stone outside every town hall, and learnt by every schoolchild:
There shall be No Witches.
There shall be No Dragons.
There shall be NO SECRETS."

 

Our narrator from Spellhound is back with another enchanting tale filled with even more danger, magic and super cute characters than the first book. If that's even possible.

 

The book opens in the mountains of Quill with Brim living with her mum, dad and brother. She is taken away accused of being a fledgewitch and her parents are told she needs to be cured. Brim is sure she is not a witch, even if she has feathers growing from her elbows.

 

A young horned-glob named Snort (like a little calf) jumps in the car with Brim. Horned-globs are easily forgotten so Snort has no trouble venturing around as no-one remembers him. He wants to find the dragon, although he is terribly scared of them, to save his family.

 

This is another fast-paced immersive read. Brim and Snort are the cutest characters, they shake with fear but are courageous when the time comes.

Fledgewitch is a delightful tale of friendship, never giving up and using your powers for good.

 

Brim has her magic power in knitting. I loved this and wouldn't it be wonderful if it encouraged some children to try knitting themselves.

 

Bumbling laugh-out-loud villains and lots of jaw-dropping twists, which is something Lian does so well. I never see them coming.

Fledgewitch is a delightful story of family, love and working together. Championing commonsense, determination and perseverance.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮

 

Publisher recommended age 7 - 11 years 

My review of Spellhound

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Spellhound by Lian Tanner

Spellhound

A Dragons of Hallow book 

by

Lian Tanner

Illustrated by Sally Soweol Han

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th April 2023

Series: Dragons of Hallow #1

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 351

RRP: $17.99AU (paperback)

Source: own purchase

Review: Spellhound: A Dragons of Hallow book

"In a quiet corner of Hallow, far from cities and towns, roads and railways, walls and witches, there lived a family of Spellounds.

Of course you have never heard of Spellhounds. They are one of the Three Great Secrets of Hallow, a country that loves secrets almost as much as it loves green jellybabies."

Spellhound is a truly adorable and fun story that will be loved by children and adults alike. Delightfully narrated bringing the reader right into the story.

 

Flaxseed (Flax) is a minch-wiggin, a tiny tree-dwelling creature. She has grown up knowing she is 'the one' destined to save Minchfold from the dragon. Flax is a wonderful character, she is scared and doesn't want to be the one to save everyone. Luckily they hadn't seen a dragon for 100 years. Then she meets a Spellhound pup who says his parents were taken by a dragon and Flax knows she must help him find them. It's her destiny. When the time comes she shows great courage and intelligence. 

 

Spellhound is filled to the brim with adventure, danger and ever so endearing characters. This is a fast-paced novel that I am certain middle-graders will find hard to put down. Short chapters and cliff-hangers make this an engaging read.

There is a crossover into the human world of Harrow when Felicia, the 10 year-old Queen of Harrow, is introduced to the mix as she goes searching for the puppy she could hear crying in the night. The young trio must draw on all their courage to confront the dragon.

 

A giant magical pup, a tiny tree-dwelling animal, a 10 year-old girl and a talking sword take centre stage in this fantastical adventure story with danger at every turn, jaw-dropping twists, magic wielding enemies, nonstop humour and boundless friendship. 

My rating 5/ 5 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

 

 

 

Book Review: The Witches Council: Lily Halfmoon by Xavier Bonet

 The Witches Council: Lily Halfmoon #2

by

Xavier Bonet

translated by Marie Trinchant 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd April 2024

Series: Lily Halfmoon #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 80

RRP: $ 17.99AU (softcover)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Witches Council

The Witches Council is the fabulous second book in Xavier Bonet's Lily Halfmoon series.

In book one Lily finds out she is a witch and learns all about the Royal Library of Magic, all the different gems and magical spells.

 

In The Witches Council we are back with Lily and her friends GiGi and Mai for the biggest day of the year when witches all over the world get together to introduce their gems and guardians and learn new skills.

 

Lily is faced with a moral dilemma when she has choices to make about her future. This is also a story about the power of empathy and understanding how others feel.

 

The Witches Council is a fun and bewitching graphic novel with bright, eye-catching illustrations with journal pages, symbols and charts. There is plenty to pore over and readers will find new things as the book is re-read over and over again.

 

This is an enchanting book that is sure to delight the middle-grade fantasy enthusiast.

My rating 5/ 5 🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄

 

Book Review: Footprint by Phil Cummings

Footprint

by

Phil Cummings

Illustrated by Sally Soweol Han

 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 27th February 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 24

RRP: $24.99AU (Hard Back)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

Review: Footprint

Footprint is a beautiful reflective picture book teaching children to discover the beauty of the world around them and to care for the environment.

Children will be awed by the charming and detailed illustrations of the delightful fauna and flora that inhabit our world and for parents it's a chance to slow down and reflect on the simple pleasures of life.

Footprint is an enchanting picture book for younger children and older children will understand the message of conservation and caring for the environment behind the lyrical prose.

Sally Soweol Han's mixed media art work is a stunning addition to this contemplative and calming picture book.

 

 My rating 5 / 5 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

Publisher recommended age: 5 - 10 years

My recommended age: 3+ years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Cargo's Furry Friends! by Paul Dekmetzian

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo's Furry Friends!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 10th February 2023

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #4

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26 (soft cover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Cargo's Furry Friends

Cargo's Furry Friends is another beautifully illustrated picture book in the Cargo series. In book #4 we are introduced to Paul and Cargo's pets. Coco the golden Cocker Spaniel, Poppy the Cavoodle, Carmen the fluffy white cat, Percy the shiny black cat and Olivia a sandy-coloured Groodle. When they are all together there is lots of fun and even a little mischief!

 

Spend the day with the pets as they do some important jobs around the yard and have fun playing together. Beautifully illustrated with full colour spreads and an engaging storyline.

 

Cargo's Furry Friends is an uplifting and positive story about friendship. It's a lovely, fun read that will be enjoyed by all children, especially those who love trucks and animals. 

 

All books in the Cargo series can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. There are even matching colouring in books to purchase.

 

My rating 5 /5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

Publisher recommended age: 4 -9 years

My age recommendation 2 - 9 years

 

 

 

 

Book Review: The Most Amazing Thing by Ian Hayward Robinson

 The Most Amazing Thing

by

Ian Hayward Robinson

Illustrated by Matt Shanks

 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 27th February 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $19.99AU (hardback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Most Amazing Thing

Come along with Henry as he discovers the most amazing thing of all!

 

Henry is stuck in the house with nothing to do. His mother suggests he draw something, something amazing. One by one he asks members of his family what the most amazing thing is. 

 

'Life,' says his sister.

'The mind.' says his brother.

'The universe,' says his father.

 

These are all amazing, but are they the MOST amazing thing?

 

Philosopher and primary school teacher Ian Hayward Robinson adds this enchanting children's picture book to his already impressive string of achievements. 

The Most Amazing Thing is delightfully illustrated with colourful full page mixed-media spreads throughout. Illustrations filled with wonder and humour that will spark the imagination of young readers as they follow the story to find that they are unique and one of a kind which truly is The MOST Amazing Thing.

 

Recommended age: 4 - 7 years

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: Licence to Rock: Jawsome 2 by R. J. Timmis

Licence to Rock: Jawsome 2 

by

R. J. Timmis

THERE'S AWESOME AND THEN THERE'S.....JAWSOME

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: Albert Street Books

Series: Jawsome #2 

Publication date: 20th February 2024

Genre: Junior Fiction / Humour

Pages: 272

RRP: $15.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

Review: Licence to Rock: Jawsome 2

Rebecca Timmis from Mertales fame now has a new series for kids that like a little more danger and a little more action in their books.

 

Jawsome 2 - Licence to Rock is so much fun, pure escapism for kids.

Two books in one! In the first story Finley and his band need to foil an evil plot by mean anglerfish who intend to shrink the sun.

In the second story Finley must overcome his fear of playing the wrong notes and slam out a tune to save the entire town from turning into zombies and being taken over by killer whales.

 

Lots of fun and action. The play on words will be enjoyed by the children and the adults reading to them. With many of the words resonating more with parent readers. ie: Cosmopolifin magazine, Michael Jackfin, Stranger Fins and Beverly Shells 90210.

 

Finley and crew are very modern, civilised fish with phones, computers and internet.

 

Extensively illustrated throughout, Jawsome really is awesome! If you like a bit of silly fun wrapped around fast-paced action and danger, you will love the Jawsome series. 

Recommended age 6 - 10 years

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: Team Trouble! by Eddie Woo & Dave Hartley

 Team Trouble!

by

Eddie Woo & Dave Hartley

Illustrated by Mitch Vane

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Imprint: Pan Australia 

Publication date: 28th June 2022

Series: Whodunnit, Eddie Woo? #2

Genre: Junior fiction / Middle Grade / Mystery

Pages: 204

RRP: $14.99AU (paperback)

Source: Won 

 

Review: Team Trouble!

Eddie Woo Super Sleuth is ready for action and mystery. With a mind for maths and a nose for adventure, he is about to skateboard into ... danger.

Eddie and his friends Rusty and DT are back in Team Trouble with more messages to decipher and codes to crack.

 

In this book Eddie and friends must find a way to stop the nursing home from closing down to make way for a coal seam gas plant. The team uses maths to decipher a coded message left by one of the nursing home residents.

 

Lots of action and plenty of danger as the trio come across a bird smuggling operation run by money hungry developers. When the trio gets kidnapped they are rescued by the most unlikeliest people.

While trying to thwart the baddies the team must also practice for the Triple Threat Quest which involves singing, maths and skateboarding, with the best team being crowned the winners.

Plenty of humour and great sketches by Mitch Vane make Team Trouble an engaging read.

Middle graders will enjoy the team challenge, sense of adventure and danger.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommended age: 7+ years

Book Review: The Gruffalo Special Edition by Julia Donaldson

 The Gruffalo

25 years special edition

by

Julia Donaldson

illustrated by Alex Scheffler

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Imprint: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication date: 9th January 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $14.99AU (paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: The Gruffalo

Join Mouse as he comes face to face with a fox, an owl, a snake and  .... oh help! Oh no! A Gruffalo!

 

The Gruffalo is an enchanting story about a very clever little  mouse who outsmarts his predators.

 

What is better than a copy of The Gruffalo?

A copy of the 25 years special edition with a shiny gold cover!! 

It's the same enchanting story that we have read and loved in a shiny new edition for the next generation to enjoy.

Comes with bonus material from Julia and Axel. Plus ideas for Gruffalo cupcakes and how to make the full cast of characters from wooden spoons. The last page features music and words to the Gruffalo song and a QR code to hear the song.

The Gruffalo has become a classic in children's picture books.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommended age: 3+

Book Review: Smoke & Mirrors by Barry Jonsberg

 Smoke & Mirrors

by

Barry Jonsberg

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 30th January 2024

Genre: Young Adult / Junior Fiction

Pages: 272

RRP: $19.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Smoke & Mirrors 

Barry Jonsberg writes heartfelt stories that cut to the core of serious issues and Smoke & Mirrors is no exception. With themes of fractured families, alcoholism, cancer and voluntary assisted dying Smoke & Mirrors could be a sombre read but Jonsberg adds humour to lighten the story.  

 

Grace cares about two things, magic and her grandmother. They share a sharp sense of humour and Gran can give back as much as Grace dishes out.

Grace doesn't trust anyone and when Simon offers to help her become a social media star and earn money from her magic act she doesn't trust him either but is prepared to take his help, at arm's length.

 

Smoke & Mirrors is a heartfelt story about a teen trying to find her place in the world. Grace's family have suffered a tragedy and instead of helping each other they have each turned inward blocking their loved ones out. 

When Gran is diagnosed with a terminal illness Grace volunteers to be her carer.

 

Reading Smoke & Mirrors as an adult I found the story heartbreaking, however I feel the targeted age group would connect more with the magic, how amazing and determined Grace is and how restorative her friendship with Simon is.

 

I loved the way Jonsberg revealed the twists subtly, a few words spoken, easily missed.

 

The publisher's age range is 10 - 14 years. I might be a little cautious but with the topics explored I have recommended an age range of 12 -16 years. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast by Karen Foxlee

The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast:

Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters #3

by

Karen Foxlee

Illustrated by Freda Chiu 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 3rd January 2024 

Series: Miss Mary-Kate Martin's guide to Monsters #3

Genre: Middle Grade (Junior fiction)

Pages: 288

RRP: $15.99AU (paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast

The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast is book 3 in the Miss Mary-Kate Martin's guide to Monsters Series.

Mary-Kate is looking forward to a nice quiet holiday with her grandmother in a nice quiet castle. What she doesn't know is her grandmother is taking her to a World Society of Monster Hunters conference.

 

The series revolves around the adventures of Mary-Kate Martin and her monster hunting family. Armed with her trusty notebook and a bag of lucky items Mary-Kate and new found friends Millicent and Simon embark on a quest to solve the mystery behind the ear-shattering howls and the break-in in the castle kitchen.

Foxlee challenges the ideas of good and evil as Mary-Kate endeavours to understand and save the Bonkillyknock Beast.

Exploration of themes such as friendship, courage, teamwork, anxiety, honesty and curiosity offers a captivating reading experience for young readers in this fast-paced and hair-raising story.

Mary-Kate is a young girl with anxiety issues who works hard to push past her fears using coping mechanisms she has put in order to calm herself.

 

" Mary-Kate closed her eyes. She needed quiet and calm and a neatly written list in a soothing colour."

It was fun to follow the three friends as they worked together to solve the mystery.

Readers of the series will love this new addition. Newcomers can rest assured it reads well as a standalone however once your young reader has finished they will be eager to obtain the previous two books.

Publisher recommended age 6 - 10 years

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐