Saturday 31 May 2014

City Farm: Katie and the Ducklings by Jessie Williams (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

May 2013, Curious Fox, 160 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Themes: living with depressed parent, single mother, people getting wrong impression, learning to be happy, farm life, making friends, caring for orphaned animals, life being full of surprises
 
Content: some humour, tissues needed

Summary from Curious Fox
Ever since Katie’s mum lost her job, she just hasn’t been the same, and Katie’s been having to take care of herself. Then a family of orphaned ducklings need her help as well.

Nayuleska's thoughts
City Farm is a series firmly becoming a favourite of mine. I loved the way Katie's story unfolds, how she struggles to cover for her mother's depression, how slowly the truth comes out and they both get what they need. Katie finds City Farm a wonderful distraction, especially when she feels so drawn to the orphan ducklings. Having her own special job gives her hope and confidence. I had worked out the end fairly early on, but it wasn't spoilt by guessing correctly - if anything it was more touching because I had to wait impatiently for it, unlike Katie who didn't have a clue how life would improve for her and her mother. Such a squee-some ending!

Suggested read
Read another in the City Farm series like Laura and Silky (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

Friday 30 May 2014

City Farm: Laura and Silky by Jessie Williams (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

July 2013, Curious Fox, 144 pages, 9 years +, Review copy

Themes: losing your sight, recovering from serious illness, struggling in new situations, making new friends, feeling useless, finding something you can be good at, trusting your instincts, hope, farm animals full of character,
   
Summary from Curious Fox
Laura’s life changed completely when a case of meningitis left her blind. She wants to show that even though she can’t see, she can still be useful – including helping out the farm’s sick cat.

Nayuleska's thoughts
Having a family member with visual issues, as well as having the possibility for my sight to decline made me doubly keen to see how Laura got on with her new blindness. My heart went out to her as she missed doing certain activities, some simple ones that so many of us take for granted such as selecting our own food, and some more complex ones like having to learn spatial awareness of where things are. Laura kept comparing all that she couldn't do, but her time in City Farm taught her a lot of what she could do. She manages, with a little help after a turbulent start, to find an activity which is unique to her yet helps so many others who visit City Farm.

 I liked how Silky the cat grows so attached to Laura, how she knows not to trip Laura up. When life throws curveballs, especially with illness, having a furry one can make the world seem more hopeful. Cats and other pets know when their owners are having a tough time, and as Laura discovered becoming attached to Silky gave her something else to think about instead her blindness. It was touching that Silky trusts Laura enough to involve her in a huge life event for both Silky and Laura which had me squee-ing away. I teared up over the way Laura manages to forge new friendships, and how some of her dreams come through by the end of the story, despite the goat incident!

Suggested read
Check out more books in the City Farm range which includes Zoe and Swift (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

Thursday 29 May 2014

The Delicious Chocolate Sticker Book (Children's, Sticker book, Activity book, 7 years +, 10E/10E)


April 2014, Buster Books, 34 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Themes: different types of chocolate, ice cream, cookies, cake pops, animals, decorating chocolate, chocolate fountain, holiday themed chocolate,
 
Content: Such sweet looking treats!

Summary from Buster Books
This yummy book is sure to tempt anyone's sweet tooth. There are pages of delicious chocolatey treats to complete with stickers. With cakes and cookies, sundaes, pastries, chocolate fountains and lots more scrumptious desserts to decorate, it's a chocoholic's dream. Jam-packed with more than 600 gorgeous stickers to mix and match, kids will love to customize these chocolate creations.

Nayuleska's thoughts
The only thing that could top this book would be to have the same chocolates in front of me. Yes, this book made me want chocolate. However, it was also a good distraction from when I wanted chocolate but I had already had some so was trying to refrain for the day/hour/minute. I didn't count how many hours it took me to finish this, but it took a few and I kept going back to stare at the yummy looking pages some more.

There are heaps of stickers of various sizes to suit the theme of the page. They are easy to get off the sticker sheet, and quite happy to be moved about the page if where you put them originally is no longer the ideal spot.  I'll say which was my favourite for each section, and my repeatedly favourite chocolate was a famous brand of kisses ^o^ xx

A Chocolate Shop- I put chocolate covered marshmallows on top of bars of chocolate, as well as fell in love with the cute bags of sweets tied with ribbon.

Tasty Truffles - I liked the bright pink truffle with a chocolate swirl on top and turquoise stars. 

Winter Warmers -I could have drunk every single mug of steaming hot chocolate with cream and other yummy decorations.

A Fabulous Fountain - I've never ever used one of these chocolate fountains and would so love to. Maybe I can do it when I get published...

Knickerbocker Glorious - having more than 1 of my favourite foods in the same book is superb! Probably best not to have hot chocolate and a sundae together, as it might end up like gloop.

Tasty Tiers - tiered cakes fit for any grand occasion. The white chocolate cake pops with sprinkles caught my fancy.

Chocs Away - 3 stunning slabs to decorate with fruit slices, candy, and more chocolate.

Pop-tastic - cake pop mania had me eyeing up the ice blue swirly cake pop which made me think of fondant fancies.

Chocolate Decorations - these were exactly as stated for two Christmas trees. I adored the cute gingerbread houses which each had a different colour door.

Cuddly Chocolates - animal characters got a makeover because I kept sticking ribbon by their ears...I think I may have been 'supposed' to put them beside the animals, but with sticker books there are no rules!

There were 3 extra pages full sweet treats for the reader to colour in themselves, not a hard task given the colour combinations on previous pages are probably firmly in the reader's mind.

Suggested read
Definitely have more sticker fun in The Cupcake Sticker Book which is on my review pile

Pooch Parlour: Dog Star by Katy Cannon (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

March 2014, Stripes Publishing, 112 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Themes: friendship, dog grooming, fun plans, being on TV, helping others, four-legged fun
   
Content: Humour, a few tense moments, lots of smiles

Summary from Little Tiger Press
Dog Star is the second book in Pooch Parlour, a glitzy new series for children who love dogs and adore giving them the luxuries everyone's best friend deserves, written by Katy Cannon. Pooch Parlour is more than just a grooming salon – it’s doggy heaven! It’s the perfect place for pet pampering and the dedicated team of groomers give each dog star treatment.
 
A famous film director is using Pooch Parlour as the official grooming salon for his A-list film-star dogs. Abi is thrilled at the chance to brush up against – and brush the coats of – these glamorous pooches. She even gets to test out her dog-training skills on Pickle, the perky little Yorkie who is destined to become a star.

Nayuleska's thoughts
This second book in the series is as good as the first! Just like book one the illustrations match the feel of the story as well as how I imagined everyone to be. It's obvious that Abi knows what she is doing in her aunt's parlour - it gives her a confidence boost which I think helps as she is a little nervous with the latest job, taking care of dogs in a film! Abi meets a new friend who clicks with her straight away, and shows Abi around on set. This is one of several perks Abi gets for working with her aunt, however it isn't all plain sailing.

Abi has to work undercover to help her new friend's dog be in the film. I think because I'm a lot older than Abi I understood why the film director was reluctant to use his daughter's dog - yes she could do tricks but she wasn't necessarily trained to do it repeatedly without freaking out in front of the cameras. I liked the fairy tale which the film was based on, and the challenge it provided Abi with when she had errands to run. Once again there is a happy ending for all involved! Roll on June when I can read book 3!

Find out more on Katy's website.

Suggested read
Definitely see Abi's adventure from the beginning in Pooch Parlour #1 V.I.P (Very Important Pup) (Children's, 7 years +, 10/10E) Link to follow soon.

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Keeper of the Realms: Crow's Revenge by Marcus Alexander (Children's, 9 years +, 8/10E)



 February 2012, Puffin, 448 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Themes: lots of friends and enemies made, making mistakes, revenge, patience, trust, unexpected happenings,
 
Content: some moderate violence, major peril, humour,

Summary from Puffin
'I've just had a flesh-eating giant tearing around my house and now I'm in this strange land I don't know anything about!'


CHARLIE KEEPER has been forced from her home by a bloodthirsty and terrifying stranger. 

But in escaping she discovers her house holds the gateway to the REALM OF BELLANIA - a place of myth, magic . . . and an evil Lord with a very bad attitude.

NOW its fate rests squarely upon Charlie's shoulders. But before she can untangle the mystery that will save Bellania, she needs the answer to a life-changing secret her guardian, the dastardly Mr Crow, has been keeping from her . . . Just who is Charlie Keeper?


Nayuleska's thoughts
Please don't be put off by the cover-I ignored it because the premise is cool. Charlie is a fun heroine. She just wants her parents back, but, as she slowly makes friends and not on purpose makes many supremely evil enemies her priority shifts a little to extend to keeping her friends safe. This is hugely important when she encounters a scarily evil and cruel weapon that is used against her. My heart was torn with what she was forced to do. Her friends are so kind, and give their all to helping Charlie.

This is a trilogy so the end isn't all honey and light, but there is some hope. That kept me through the darker parts of the book. I sometimes struggled with the enemies because they are so horrid, and the detailed illustrations emphasise their wickedness.I seriously hated the Shades, because of what they are like - for newcomers to this blog I hate anything that wiggles. That was why I took so long to read this book- I had to have long breaks between reading sessions.

It's also why this book doesn't get a perfect grade-there is nothing wrong with it per se, it's just at this point in time I'm more interested in happier reads. There is a decent amount of humour scattered about the book, either in dialogue or what happens to characters, which balances out the darker, grittier parts of what is an enjoyable read. Onwards with book 2!

Suggested read
For another spunky girl who is in a lighter in content read check out Magic Marks The Spot by Caroline Carlson (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

Pooch Parlour #1 V.I.P (Very Important Pup) by Katy Cannon (Children's, 7 years +, 10/10E)

Think Littlest Pet Shop & you're on the right track!
March 2014, Stripes Publishing, 112 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Themes: summer holiday, work experience with family, dog beauty parlour, TV stars, TV recording, pet chaos, unexpected compassion
 
Content: Lots of laughs, a few tense moments

Summary from Little Tiger Press
 V.I.P. (Very Important Pup!) is the first book in Pooch Parlour, a glitzy new series for children who love dogs and adore giving them the luxuries everyone's best friend deserves, written by Katy Cannon. Pooch Parlour is not just any grooming salon – it’s doggy heaven! It’s the perfect place for pet pampering and the dedicated team of groomers give each dog star treatment.
 

Abi is over the moon to be spending the summer helping out at Pooch Parlour, especially as she'll be taking Lulu, her fluffy pet Bichon Frisé. She can’t believe her luck when glamorous actress, Daisy Lane, and her adorable Pomeranian Jade appear at the parlour on her first day. Can she impress them with the Pooch Parlour pampering treatments? Daisy and Jane want to sparkle!

Nayuleska's thoughts
 Bearing in mind that I'm not keen on dogs (too lively/big/jumpy) plus I really hate them being dressed up, it's really saying something that I adore this new series. I thought it sounded cute, and it was exactly what I'd hoped it would be. I think it's awesome working with animals, so was eager to see how Abi coped with unpredictable furbabies. She fared really well, even when she thought she was being mature by fixing the chaos without telling her aunt, who actually would have helped her, she was so repentant that I felt it was my fault it happened.

I liked how Abi clearly has a talent with dogs, which gets recognised. It was fun to see how the dogs are bathed and groomed, as it reminds me so much of Winx season 4 where they have a magical pet shop which includes bathing, grooming, and clothing! Maybe that's another reason why I felt drawn to it.  I'm eager to read book 2 which is beside me ^o^

Find out more on Katy's website

Suggested read
Another fun story with a pet in - this time not a dog - is Clementine Rose and the Pet Day Disaster by Jacqueline Harvey (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

Tuesday 27 May 2014

Blog tour - Review & Guest Blog Post: The Case of the Exploding Loo by Rachel Hamilton (Children’s, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

 May 2014, Simon & Schuster, 256 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Themes: disappearances, suspicious goings ons, portaloos, brainwashing, high intelligent criminals, clues, awesome sister sidekick,

Content: Lots of laughs, tension, great peril, and happy moments

Summary from Simon & Schuster
Quirky twelve year old Noelle Hawkins may be one of the brightest girls in her class but even she can't explain how her dad, wacky scientist Big Brain Brian, spontaneously combusted while sitting in a portaloo.
It's true that he was working on a new top secret Brain Ray machine and was on the point of a great break-through - could this have had something to do with his disappearance? Know-All is sure all is not as it seems and with the help of her sister Holly she is determined to find out what really happened to her dad. - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.co.uk/Case-of-the-Exploding-Loo/Rachel-Hamilton/9781471121319#sthash.gUEbHqvo.dpuf

Quirky twelve year old Noelle Hawkins may be one of the brightest girls in her class but even she can't explain how her dad, wacky scientist Big Brain Brian, spontaneously combusted while sitting in a portaloo.

It's true that he was working on a new top secret Brain Ray machine and was on the point of a great break-through - could this have had something to do with his disappearance? Know-All is sure all is not as it seems and with the help of her sister Holly she is determined to find out what really happened to her dad. 



Nayuleska's thoughts 
For reasons which will only be understood when you read this unputdownable tale I'm looking at my turquoise  tablet case with suspicion. Suspicion is something Noelle had a lot of when her father disappears. It leads her to lots of danger, horrid realisations, and, on a more positive note, new friends. I think Aisha needs more page time in the next book (there has to be one!). Noelle is cool with her photographic memory and a habit of connecting dots together (not literally) when given sensible clues. Ridiculous clues remain unsolved. I love how geeky she is, because it gets her both into and out of trouble. She endures a lot of crazy goings on yet keeps those she loves, as well as total strangers safe from her, all on a mission to find her father when the authorities give up searching for him.

The star of the book isn't Porter whose loyalties can be questionable, certainly not Noelle's odd maths teacher, it is her sister Holly. Holly is a legend. Her violent tendencies did, admittedly, class her as a crazy girl, but these tendencies proved essential to help Noelle out-plus they are hilarious. Her love of power tools made me grin at the book while feeling unwell. She has an admirable attitude, might not have a photographic memory but she doesn't need that with her active legs and feet. She pulls through for Noelle at crucial moments which provided sweet sisterly moments. Noelle deserves her own book!!

For more info check out Rachael's website.

Suggested read

For a sister with spirit like Holly, so much so that she chucks her sewing machine out her bedroom window, older readers need to try Kimber An's Sugar Rush (Young Adult, 9/10E)


Guest Blog Post

Nayu here! Today's guest blog post is a little different. It's not Rachel who is spilling the beans about her life/book - it's her son! I'm sure you're enjoy Dylan's take on living with a writer as much as I do ^o^

HAVING A BOOK WRITER AS A MUM

Dylan
Name & photo printed with Rachel's permission, for those concerned about Dylan's safety.



(written by me, who is the 9 year old son of Rachel Hamilton)

So, you’re probably wondering what is it like for me having an author as a mum? Actually, you’re probably not wondering that because you don’t know who I am yet, which means you don’t care. So I’ll tell you about me first and my mum second.
 
(If you follow my blog you know I used this picture in my ‘Fortunately The Milk’ review already.
 But Neil Gaiman liked it! And recycling is good!)

So this is me. My head is in a book because I like books (and because it’s hard to draw faces). I am nine, I am a boy and my mum is Rachel Hamilton who wrote ‘The Case of the Exploding Loo’.  She said I should tell you it is brilliant. Ha ha. No she didn’t but I’m going to leave that in as revenge for her making me write this blog post. 

She also makes me write book reviews for Book Walrus because she says people will like me being honest about things. I am not sure about that. People do not always like me being honest unless glary faces are a sign of liking things. I am expecting my mum to pull a glary face when she reads this :) 

(Mum’s glary face. She does have a nose. I just don’t like drawing them)

I don’t know if all this blogging and reviewing is what people who have authors as mums usually do. I am starting to think it’s just me and I should ask to be paid.
(I wrote money jar on the money jar so you didn’t mistake it for a puddle on the floor. I don’t make puddles on the floor)

First I should tell you the stuff about having a mum who is a writer. Firstly, most of the time you have to say the same thing twice to her because she’s too busy writing her book to listen to you. This makes my sister cross. I get cross sometimes too but there are good sides to my mum not paying attention. She sometimes forgets bedtime and homework. That is good. Although she also forgets dinner and that is bad.
(This is an empty plate. Although if mum forgets to make my dinner, she usually forgets to give me a plate too. Giving me a plate and no dinner would be evil)

Secondly, I’m not sure how much of her ‘busy time’ Mum spends writing her book. She spends 50% of her time looking at YouTube and Twitter and Facebook, and 75% percent of THAT time is spent doing things that aren’t related to books in any way and is just her laughing at stuff.

Thirdly, I have to read her book. First I refused to look at it until it was a proper book because mum kept trying to give me big piles of A4 paper and saying it was a manuscript. Er, no it’s not. It’s a big heap of paper!
 
Finally I gave up and read it. And, yeah, okay, it was funny and it was good. But it was a bit spoiled because mum came in the room every time I laughed and said ‘What are you laughing at? What is funny? Can you mark it with a highlighter?’ 

Mum also pulled one of those glary faces like in the picture when her friend asked if I liked it and I said ‘yes, but it is not as good as The Wimpy Kid’. Sorry, mum!
 

And finally, I’m not sure it’s fair that mum gets to have her own laptop when the rest of us have to use the same computer, which for the past two years or so has had a virus known as our-computer-sucks-because-everyone-in-my-family-uses-it-itis. 

Well, that’s what it’s like having a mum who’s a writer. AND NO, I’M NOT WRITING ANY MORE, MUM. AND WHERE IS MY DINNER?