Book Review: Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by L.M. Wilkinson

 Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria

by

L. M. Wilkinson

illustrated by Lavanya Naidu

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: Albert Street Books

Series: Bravepaw #1 

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Pages: 192

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by L.M. Wilkinson is the first in a new fantasy series for young readers.

 

Titch, a young mouse, is enamoured with the legend of Bravepaw - the bravest mouse who ever lived. She loves to swing her sword and pretend to be a warrior.

 

Her mother tells her they don't need warriors as there are no monsters anymore. However, when the monsters return, trying to suck all colour and heart from their world, Titch, along with her friend Huckleberry, must draw on all her courage to defeat the curseworms and save the villagers.

 

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria is the most endearing tale. The book opens with a map and a prophecy which had me immediately engaged. This story has action, danger and suspense in bucketloads. Titch is the cutest protagonist I've seen in a long time and you can't help but love her.

 

This enchanting tale is about friendship, bravery, believing in yourself and doing the right thing by others. 

Filled with adorable characters, from the lovable Titch and her faithful friend Huckleberry to the oh so cute little Dollop. I'm excited to read the next book to see what adventures and dangers await this little trio as they venture on their quest to heal the heart of Alluria.

Large print and enchanting illustrations by Lavanya Naidu make this suitable for even the youngest readers.

Content: mild battle scenes

               not so scary monsters

My rating 5 / 5 🐭🐭🐭🐭🐭

Recommended age: 5 -12

Publisher recommended: 7-11

 

Book Review: A Leaf Called Greaf by Kelly Canby

 A Leaf Called Greaf

by

Kelly Canby

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 4th June 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: A Leaf Called Greaf

A Leaf Called Greaf is an invaluable resource for parents and educators which explains, in gentle terms, the changing nature of grief and sadness after loss.

 

We do love Kelly Canby's books with her lyrical prose and whimsical pictures and A Leaf Called Greaf is another heartwarming book to add to our favourites shelf here at Little Squirrel's Bookshelf.

 

Bear is grieving, his brothers and sisters have left him, and he is all alone. Bear becomes attached to a soft green leaf and takes it everywhere with him. He names it Greaf and finds comfort in its company.

As time goes by Greaf starts to wither and crumble and no longer gives Bear comfort so Bear starts to let it go. One morning Bear wakes and Greaf is whisked away on the breeze and Bear is ready to face a bright new day. Bear's journey will give children a helping hand to understand big emotions in a child friendly setting.

Kelly Canby's expressive illustrations pair with meaningful and lyrical text to deliver a heartwarming story of the phases of grief.

 

I think, with a little guided explanation, A Leaf Called Greaf can help children understand their feelings of sorrow when a beloved grandparent dies or moves away,  or the passing of a much loved pet.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🥬🥬🥬🥬🥬 

Recommended age: 3 - 8 years

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/a-leaf-called-greaf/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Scorpion's Curse (Sky Dragon #8) by Anh Do

 Scorpion's Curse

by

Anh Do

illustrated by James Hart

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 30th July 2024

Series: Sky Dragon #8

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 200

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Scorpion's Curse

Scorpion's Curse is another fast-paced and adventure filled story in the Sky Dragon series.

 

When Amber is asked to help rid a town of a scorpion plague she doesn't hesitate to accept and Amber and Irene are on the next plane to Toroc. 

 

As Amber tries to understand where the scorpions are coming from she finds herself in a life or death situation and time is running out.

 

Scorpion's Curse is a suspense filled ride as Amber must manoeuvre through a labyrinth of traps chased by the evil Scorpios.

Amber is a fabulous hero for middle graders to admire. She is smart and brave but is not without fear.

The evil money-hungry men from MineCorp make another appearance in Scorpion's Curse this time they have stolen precious artefacts, gold and gems.

 

Scorpion's Curse is a compelling plot driven adventure with an engaging protagonist and a villain that adds humour as well as suspense. 

 

These books are an easy read, they flow well and the plot line isn't taxing. Filled with pages of detailed monochrome comic style illustrations that add a visual comprehension to the story.

Each book has its own mini story and resolution but I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full picture. 

 

recommended age 8 - 12 years

My rating 5/ 5 🦂🦂🦂🦂🦂

 

Book Review: Breaking Pointe by Chenée Marrapodi

 Breaking Pointe

by

Chenée Marrapodi

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Genre: Tween 10 - 14 years

Pages: 288

RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback) 

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Breaking Pointe

Breaking Pointe is an inspiring story about friendship, dancing and holding onto your dream.

 

Breaking Pointe is the second book by Chenee Marrapodi featuring the students of the Perth Ballet Academy. The first book is titled One Wrong Turn.

 

Valentina is worried that her parents can't afford the dance fees and she may have to give up her dream.

 

Amelia is not coping, she is tired and can't seem to focus. When she collapses and is rushed to hospital a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis shatters her world. Will she have to give up dancing?

 

Marrapodi includes themes of cultural differences, the pressure of elite dancing and the complexity of friendships when they are in competition against each other.

 

I loved that Chenee Marrapodi portrays the type1 diagnosis so accurately. From the point of view of Amelia who felt like it was a life ending diagnosis to the point of view of her parents who fretted, panicked and over reacted. Having an adult child with T1 I could relate to it all.

 

Breaking Pointe is an invaluable resource, not only for children who have been diagnosed with T1 but also their friends and teachers.

 

Breaking Pointe is a story that teaches empathy and understanding about cultural differences and living with a chronic condition.  

 

Breaking Pointe will be particularly enjoyed by girls and boys who love to dance. 

My rating 4 / 5 🩰🩰🩰🩰