Some fab new books this Spring!

It's been a LONG time since we put a new review up on here.  Our excuse is that we've been too busy selling and reading books to write about them (poor excuse, we know!)

Firstly, friend of the shop and author/illustrator extraordinaire Frann Preston-Gannon has followed up her wonderful The Journey Home with the equally lovely Dinosaur Farm. Frann was a recipient of the Sendak Fellowship, and the reason for this honour is clear when you see her characterful and original illlustrations.

 Dinosaur Farm tells the story of a regular day's work for a farmer - rising early, working hard and caring for the the animals.  This is a farm with a difference though, and the livestock may not be quite what you expect!  This is a really lovely little tale, told with gentle humour and warm illustrations. Great for dinosaur mad little ones aged 3+

Weasels by Elys Dolan is one of our absolute favourites this year. If you're anything like us, you are probably unaware that the main pasttime of the common weasel is plotting world domination.  Told mainly through the brilliant pictures, we are shown a group of Bond-style weasels attempting to take over the world.

There is so much detail in the illustrations, and they are set off perfectly by hilarious little comments from the slightly haphazard weasels.  A deliciously funny book, with possibly our favourite line ever, "I'm entirely confident this huge drill will fix everything." How can you not love that?

Next time we'll be reviewing some of the titles for older children that we're loving at the moment, including the new Department 19 book by Will Hill and the hilarious new Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis!

A trio of thunderous picture books!

 

 Crunchy Croc!
Coco the crocodile is a croc who chomps on the wrong things. With the puppet finger attached you can show her the food she should be munching and crunching. The combination of Sam Lloyd's new paper collage artwork style and the toothy felt animal puppet mouth which can be rotated to chomp any part of the page create an irresistibly interactive reading experience.We recommend this book for children aged 2+ and is currently on sale for £12.99

Daisy's Big Dig!
The people who live in Daisy's street never ever talk to each other. But Daisy has a big plan to bring everyone together- a Digging party... move over David Cameron and the Big Society, Daisy is here to help instead! This lovely story of community spirit is an educational tool whilst incorporating a truly funny tale. Follow Daisy on her quest to host the biggest and best tea party with all her neighbourhood. Perfect for a gift for any children aged 5 or over and currently on sale for £11.99.

Starting School!
A classic tale which is sure to ease any youngsters nerves about to start school this coming September! This picture book, from the awesome Ahlberg pair, follows several children as they start reception class through the first term up until Christmas. Whilst written as a childrens story book it is excellently thought out and very perceptive.We recommend this book for children aged 4 and over, and is currently on sale for £6.99

Thyme Running Out!

Thyme Running Out, by Panama Oxbridge

Justin Thyme is a self-made billionaire living in a castle overlooking Loch Ness. The day he turns thirteen, he receives an anonymous gift: a fabulous watch with a puzzling message hidden on it. When he tells his father of his plans to build a time machine, the Laird of Thyme reveals tantalising fragments of past espionage and warns his son of a ruthless enemy keeping him under constant surveillance? At first, Justin fails to take Sir Willoughby seriously, but when a stranger arrives claiming to be his long-lost grandfather, Justin is wary - especially after his beloved Nanny insists the old man is an impostor. Suddenly, the race against time is on. Can Justin convert his vintage motorbike into a time machine, rescue his mum and discover the identity of their resident spy in less than a week ...or will the dreaded Thyme Curse claim another life?
This is exciting read is ideal for long haul journeys this summer, a book you won't be able to put down, with real suspense and high pace action!

Age Range: 9-12, £6.99, Paperback

Olivia's Fourth Installment!

Olivia's Enchanted Summer, by Lyn Gardner

Olivia's dreams of performing at Edinburgh Fringe Festival are about to be realised, where every summer performers put on plays, dance and tell jokes with this year being the turn of the magnificent Swan Circus. But Olivia's dream is about to turn into a nightmare as the circus ends up homeless, there's torrential rain and a theif in their midst who's dead set on stealing the spotlight! Can anything salvage Olivia's soggy summer into a truly enchanted one?
Another fab installment from Gardner, this fourth novel does not dissappoint! Full of the usual drama, both on stage and off, this summer sizzler is ideal for budding superstars!

Age Range: 9-12, £5.99, Paperback

Loyal to the End

Soldier Dog, by Sam Angus

Stanley feels invisible to his Dad, who hasn't been the same since the tragic passing of his wife and the emotional farewell to his eldest son, sent off to war. His only real companion is his Dad's prized Rocket. Determined not to be stuck at home with tensions rising between father and son, Stanley runs off to war, enlisting in the army to train as a messenger dog handler, and despite being far too young he's soon heading to France with a great Dane called Bones by his side. As the fighting escalates and Stanley experiences the horrors of war, he comes to realise that the loyalty of his dog is the one thing he can rely on. But his father hasn't given up on him, and extraordinary circumstances will bring them together once more ...
Similar to Morpurgo's 'War Horse', though heartwarming in its own right, this is certainly not one to be missed. A moving tale of loyalty and friendship that can be found in all shapes and sizes.

Age Range: 9-12, £5.99, Paperback

Granny Grabbers: Whizz Bang World

Granny Grabbers: Whizz Bang World, by Charlotte Haptie

Imagine being told you can't eat ice-cream? Or that you can only play with toys that teach? How about having parents that make you revise all day long for the Worldwide Junior Extreme General Knowledge Competition? Sounds awful to me, but thats exactly what Delilah Smart has to do, every day of the week! And with parents far too busy to look after her, she's placed under the care of a childcare robot! Although, this could be exactly what she needs to save her from a life of boredom! Granny Grabbers is determined to teach her all about FUN! But when Happy Home Robotics send in Nanny Deluxe it looks like Delilah's days of eating chocolate cake for breakfast, playing on trampolines and ordering pets of the internet are about to be over....But not without a battle!
This new title from Charlotte Haptie is fun and fearless for boys and girls, bringing together the perfect amount of mischief and mayhem, ideal for a summer read and cetainly one for the school bookbag!

Age Range: 5-8, £5.99, Paperback

The Disasterous Little Dragon!

The Disasterous Little Dragon, by Gillian Johnson

Ever heard of a dragon that can't breathe fire? No, me either....But let me introduce you to Bartholomew! He's been rushed to Monster Hospital by his fierce Aunt Madge as he's got a terrible case of smoke inhalation as he just can't seem to master the art of fire breathing! Can four naughty children - Sylvie, Dylan, Carolyn and Tom - help him, without getting cooked to a crisp by terrifying Aunty Madge? Maybe they can, if there's a princess involved ...
Filled with quirky illustrations, this fun new title from the first in the Monster Hospital Series is remeniscent of Dahl's early novels for young readers! I strongly recommend for tiny tearaways that are just begginning their love of reading, as this will surely keep them glued throughout!

Age Range: 5-8, £4.99, Paperback

Pea's Book of Best Friends

Pea's Book of Best Friends, by Susie Day

When Pea Llewellyn's mum publishes her best selling novel "Mermaid Girls", life as she knows it is all about to change! An exciting new move to London brings about a new city, new bedroom all to herself in the attic and even a new, kind of cool, school uniform! Pea actually quite likes her new life, but every day she is met by an empty seat next to her in class...In the absence of volunteers, Pea is going to have to acquire herself a new best friend!
This charming book highlights the ups and downs of starting a new school, finding your feet and the search for new friends. Pea is a fun and chatty narrater, a great new book for early readers!


Age Range: 5-8, £4.99, Paperback

A Straight Line to My Heart

A Straight Line to My Heart, by Bill Condon

School is finally over, but so is the summer and this means Tiffany has to make some important life decisions. She wants to stay on at the local paper but does she have what it takes to be a real reporter? Then she meets Davey, the only boy who's ever shown interest, could he be the one? Follow Tiffany anwer all these questions and more in this touching and often funny novel in which we learn alongside the protagonist that sometimes words just aren't enough.

Age Range: Teenage, £7.99, Paperback

Theodore Boone: The Accused

Theodore Boone: The Accused, by John Grisham

Theodore Boone is the thirteen year old who knows more about the law than most adult lawyers. He certainly never expected to be the victim of crime himself. But then his bike is vandalised, he's attacked while doing his homework and, worst of all, framed for a robbery. With all suspect fingers pointing towards him, the police start leaning on him hard. What if he's found guilty? His dreams of being a lawyer would surely be shattered.....In a race against time, aided by his renegade uncle Ike, Theo sets out on a mission to track dow the real fellon and reveal the true motivation behind the crimes...
This face paced mystery is a real pager turner, leaving the reader eager to discover the truth along with the charistmatic protagonist. Something to sink your teeth into this summer!


Age Range: Teenage/ Young Adult, £12.99, Hardback

Angel Dust

Angel Dust, by Sarah Mussi

Serafina is one of God's brightest angels, sent to Earth to escort the soul of gangsta Marcus Montague to the after-life. Nothing out of the ordinary for her, but one look at him undoes her. Bound to hell and showing no signs of repenting, how far will she go in order to save him. And what will her love cost her?
An urban love story with a twist, this really is a fantastic page turner! With all the vampire themed teen novels presently out, this is a refreshing new insight into forbidden love for a developing audience!

Age Range: Teenage, £6.99, Paperback

Fun Games for your Little Monsters!

Pom Pom Monster Salon

This cracking little book is all about releasing the inner creative beauty of young ones. From an exciting array of 5 coloured sets of yarn creatures including the bouncy Beehive Betty and her sister, the marvellous Polka Dotty can be created. Included is 85 yards of acryllic yarn, a styling comb, itty-bitty bows, silly teeth and eyes, punch-out accessories and much much more, all to help your little ones master the art of pom-pom making. 

Age Range: 8+, £8.99, Activity Book

The Most Amazing Thumb Doodle Book!

The Most Amazing Thumb Doodle Book

Possibly the best book we have ever had in the shop (in my opinion)... The ink pad, the pen, the instructions and the inspiration are all included in this marvellous creation, all you need to add is the fingers. Learn to draw monkeys, fish. bugs, rock stars, mountain climbers, and more. It really is the greatest thumb book ever created. Hands down!

Age Range: 6+, £6.99, Activity Book

Fun Girlie Activities!

Things for Girls to Make and Do

This delightful book is packed with princesses, mermaids, fairies, hearts and flowers. What more could a young girl want? There's hundreds of wild and wicked things to make to keep your little princess busy, including fluttering fingerbugs and your very own princess door sign. From the princess sash to the funky summer basket your little girl will be the talk of the town! 

Age Range: 5+, £7.99, Paperback

Mr Gum!

Mr Gum and the Goblins, by Andy Stanton

Mr Gum is back! In this third hilarious story, read by Andy Stanton, Mr Gum and the hideous Billy William the Third are once more mucking things up for everyone. They're scheming and hatching their bad plans up on Goblin Mountain. Can the brave travellers make it past the Three impossible challenges of Goblin Mountain and save the town from a fate worse than something very bad indeed? This CD tells an epic tale of courage, valour and plain idiocy! We recommend this 1 hr 15 min story for children aged 5-8 years and is currently on sale for £6.99... well worth a buy!

Age Range: 5-8, £6.99, Audio CD

Angelina Ballerina

 The Angelina Ballerina Story Collection, by Katharine Holabird an read by Finty Williams

Yes you guessed it, the infamous Angelina Ballerina makes our review list. This wonderful and classic collection of stories encompasses Angelina's dreams of stardom and fame. She's a delightfully stubborn and optimistic young mouse, who's determined to be the greatest ballerina in Mouseland. This 1 hour audio collection encompasses a world full of joys and problems that all children know and relate to; from jealousy and friendship to rivalry and performing thrills, Angelina's life is always exciting!

Age Range: 2-6, £6.99, Audio CD

Michael Morpurgo's Classic Collection

The Classic Collection, by Michael Morpurgo

This wonderful collection includes 3 amazing tales from the master of storytelling; The Dancing Bear, The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips and Alone on a Wide Wide Sea. Over 10 hours of listening will keep you poised on your seat to absorb the latest genius writing of Michael Morpurgo. From the horrific tales of World War 2 to the struggles of an abandoned bear cub who's adopted by a lonely orphan child, this collection is truly gripping. The perfect accompaniment to a long car journey or as a thought-provoking piece of literature for your child.

Age Range: 9-12, £14.99, Audio

Fun Activity Books!

Are We Nearly There Yet?

This fun-filled activity book is sure to keep any bored child content on a long and tiresome journey. From puzzles to complete, things to spot and colour, this book really could'nt get much better. If you're fed up of the dreaded question "are we nearly there yet?" then this book is the rememdy to your problem. 

Age Range: 5+, £5.00, Paperback

Uncle Trev and his Whistling Bull

Uncle Trev and his Whistling Bull, by Jack Lasenby

Uncle Trev is the kind of Uncle we all wish we had grwoing up! Rife with stories about the animals on his farm and the many mishaps he found himself in, each tale brings about laugh-out-loud comedy and unbelievably stupendous incidents! (Have YOU ever heard of a whistling bull?!?)

This is a turly charming tale, hilarious to read and a fantastic gift idea for developing readers! Never a dull moment from Jack Lasenby's latest novel, a true teller-of-tales!

Age Range: 9-12, £6.99, Paperback

Secrets of the Tides

Secrets of the Tides, by Hannah Richell

Every family has secrets; some small, some funny, some big, some harmful. Others are so terrible that they must be hidden away from the ones you love... If they ever came out it would surely tear a family apart. And the Tides are a family full of secrets.

Upon returning to Clifftops, the rural family house high on the Dorset coastline, youngest daughter Dora is keen for a fresh start and a new beginning. But can long-held secrets ever really be forgiven? And even if you can forgive, can you ever really learn to love again? A compelling debut from Richell, beautifully written and woven with a dark thread of suspense!

Age Range: Adult, £9.99, Hardback