Schools & Libraries Book Reviews

Name: Lorraine Ansell
18 June 2024;

Genre: Fantasy

Cass leads a sheltered life living on her family farm, working hard with her older sister Mary but also able to roam free and enjoy the countryside. Soon it is time for her sister to be married to a man chosen by their father, something Cass fears for herself, and on the morning of the wedding...

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Name: Donna Burkert
17 June 2024;

Genre: Adventure

Max continues his madcap magical adventures in Stephen Mulhern's third book in the Max Magic series, Max Magic: The Incredible Holiday Hideout. In this adventure, readers will return to the crazy world of Max as he learns to juggle his learnt magic skills with the special magi...

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Name: Emma Nelson
17 June 2024;

Genre: Fantasy

Magicalia: Race of Wonders by Jennifer Bell is a spellbinding new novel that whisks readers into a vibrant world of magical creatures and epic adventures. The story follows young Bitsy, whose life is upended when her father is kidnapped by a giant, purple 'hamstoceros'. With t...

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Name: Louise Gahan
17 June 2024;

Genre: Mental Health & Wellbeing

The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk is a poignant story about friendship, perseverance and kindness. Everyone knew that a big, fierce troll lived in the cave. 'Leave me alone!' It would shout. So everyone did. Everyone, that is, except one young boy. Through the power of art and...

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Name: Amanda Shipton
14 June 2024;

Genre: Mystery & Detective

Andy Seed has partnered again with the experts at the British Museum to create this wonderful book to immerse children in the wonders of the Olympics. Perfectly timed, with the Paris Olympics just around the corner this is certain to be a hit with children of all ages. Andy has included...

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Name: Donna Ritchie
14 June 2024;

Genre: Magical Realism

Alyssa is not having a good time at the moment. Her mum and dad are going through a tough time which could possibly mean that a divorce is on the horizon. Alyssa has just finished Year 6 and the prospect of starting high school is a worrying aspect. Added to which, she must spend the summer ho...

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Name: Donna Ritchie
14 June 2024;

Genre: Personal Growth

Bird Boy is a beautiful book from Catherine Bruton, the author of No Ballet Shoes in Syria. Home schooled for two years, 12-year-old Will lives with his mum in a tower block. His life is complicated. Will's mum has issues with her mental health and doesn't like to go outside....

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Name: Jen Bevan
14 June 2024;

Genre: Fairies

The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile is another hit from Julia Donaldson. Children will love listening to the story of a tooth fairy visiting animals. What would you give an animal in exchange for a tooth? This little blue fairy has to visit three animals but, on her way home, sh...

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Name: Amanda Shipton
14 June 2024;

Genre: Adventure

Marv and the Pool of Peril is the next amazing book from Alex Falase-Koya. Early chapter book readers will immediately identify with the excitement of going to a friend's party and for Marvin, this friend is called Joe. Joe's birthday party is at the waterpark. This creates a...

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Name: Amanda Shipton
14 June 2024;

Genre: Funny Stories

Knight Sir Louis and the Kingdom of Puzzles, the third book in the wonderfully humorous series by Brothers McLeod, is fantastically interactive. Filled with familiar characters from the first two books, the chaos continues. Children will have a brilliant time completing...

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