A Dinosaur Ate My Sister is the first book selected in the Marcus Rashford Book Club.
‘The perfect story to escape into and find adventure. Pooja is super talented and I’m a big fan!’ – Marcus Rashford MBE
This brilliantly illustrated, laugh-out-loud, wacky adventure through time by Pooja Puri is the perfect blend of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Jurassic Park. Before you start reading, there are a few things you should know: 1. I, Esha Verma, am a genius inventor extraordinaire. 2. There is nothing I cannot invent. This includes words. 3. I did not mean to send my sister back to the Age of the Dinosaurs. That was HER OWN FAULT (Mum and Dad, if you’re reading this, please take note).
Esha Verma, her snotty apprentice Broccoli and his cunning pet tortoise have a dream. They are going to win the legendary Brain Trophy – the ultimate inventing prize. This year’s entry: A TIME MACHINE.
But the day before the competition, Esha’s IGNORAMUS big sister hijacks the time machine and is lost in the Cretaceous age.
With help from a new recruit for The Office of Time, Esha and Broccoli will have to face hungry dinosaurs, mysterious black holes and malfunctioning inventions to get them back in time.
This book is tree-bonker-mendous! After just a few pages I couldn’t help but laugh my head off!
Hey I am Evie! I love playing with my friends, dancing, singing and having adventures through the stories that I read. My favourite stories so far are the Magic Ballerina books where some magic ballet shoes take dancers on magical adventures 🩰 . I also love crazy Roald Dahl books – they are so funny 😆 people get stretched, blown up and even disappear and I love snowy stories like Snow Day and also the enchanting Snow Dragon. Reading is so amazing as every time you turn a page you go into another world and I love that 🥰.
‘Funny, anarchic, original and gloriously silly.’ Richard Osman
‘Ted and Nancy are my favourite funny foxes EVER.’ Liz Pichon, author of Tom Gates
Laugh your head off with this fully-illustrated new series from award-winning Nadia Shireen. Perfect for readers age 7 to 107, fans of Dog Man, Roald Dahl, Mr Gum and David Walliams, and anyone who loves to laugh.
Fox cub siblings Ted and Nancy are on the run from Princess Buttons, the scariest street cat in the Big City. They flee for Grimwood, expecting to find refuge in the peaceful countryside. Instead, they are met with thieving eagles, dramatic ducks, riotous rabbits and a whole host of unusual characters. Grimwood is .. . weird. But when Princess Buttons tracks them down, Nancy and Ted and the animals of Grimwood must unite in a mind-bending race against time . . .
This memorable, distinctive and warm-hearted comedy series will have kids begging to read more. Nadia Shireen has won awards for her picture books including the UKLA Book Award for Good Little Wolf, and her latest, Barbara Throws a Wobbler, has been described as a ‘little doorway of joy’ by Caitlin Moran. She’s also been shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and has been Writer-Illustrator in Residence for BookTrust.
Two foxes called Nancy and Ted lose their parents and Nancy has to look after Ted. Ted accidentally bites off Princess Button’s, (a cat), tail. Nancy and Ted have to run away to Grimwood, a hilarious wood.
It is a very hilarious story because it is full of funny things, like crazy animals. I think aged 7+ children would like this book.
My name is Katy and I like horses, unicorns and cats. My hobbies are reading and playing and singing. At school I like all the subjects.
The Book Nook staff opinion:
We love this book! Perfect for fans of Dave the Pigeon and Pests, this highly illustrated early chapter book is full of fun and had us reading sneakily under the counter and giggling out loud.
‘Funny, anarchic, original and gloriously silly.’ Richard Osman
‘Ted and Nancy are my favourite funny foxes EVER.’ Liz Pichon, author of Tom Gates
Laugh your head off with this fully-illustrated new series from award-winning Nadia Shireen. Perfect for readers age 7 to 107, fans of Dog Man, Roald Dahl, Mr Gum and David Walliams, and anyone who loves to laugh.
Fox cub siblings Ted and Nancy are on the run from Princess Buttons, the scariest street cat in the Big City. They flee for Grimwood, expecting to find refuge in the peaceful countryside. Instead, they are met with thieving eagles, dramatic ducks, riotous rabbits and a whole host of unusual characters. Grimwood is .. . weird. But when Princess Buttons tracks them down, Nancy and Ted and the animals of Grimwood must unite in a mind-bending race against time . . .
This memorable, distinctive and warm-hearted comedy series will have kids begging to read more.
Nadia Shireen has won awards for her picture books including the UKLA Book Award for Good Little Wolf, and her latest, Barbara Throws a Wobbler, has been described as a ‘little doorway of joy’ by Caitlin Moran. She’s also been shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and has been Writer-Illustrator in Residence for BookTrust. Grimwood is her first series for older readers.
As a fan of mystery, action and adventure stories, the Howling Hag has become one of my favourite stories, along with some other books! It’s great for ages 7-8+ and I would recommend this book to people who love reading a good old mystery book sitting on the couch. Like me, you won’t be able to stop reading it!
The Howling Hag mystery is about two people (well three, if you count the talking cat, Nightshade.) Raven Charming, Mortimer Scratch (but he likes to be called Morti) and Nightshade (the talking cat). Raven knows that her family is the only magical family in Twinhills. Her sister Rookery can move things with her mind and eyes and her mum can detect magic. Sadly, Raven does not have an affinity for magic but will that change?
In Twinhills Primary, some unusual things have been going on and people think that a mysterious witch, The Howling Hag, is causing it. Is there another magical family in Twinhills? As Raven, Morti and Nightshade wander into investigating the case of the Howling Hag. Can they solve the case before it’s too late?
About the book
From the author of The Last Chance Hotel comes a brand new fantastical mystery series! ‘Blending magical adventure with Golden Age crime mystery, this delightfully atmospheric spin-off from the author of The Last Chance Hotel confirms Thornton’s place as one of the most original children’s writers around.’ WATERSTONES When there’s a murder in the village and a hag is heard howling at the local inn, secret witch Raven Charming realizes she could have a rival – one who practises the worst kind of magic.
With the help of amateur sleuth, Mortimer Scratch, and Nightshade, a talking cat with a feline sense of detection, she sets out to solve what’s been going on …
A magical murder mystery perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Harry Potter
Book 1 in a new spin-off series from the author of The Last Chance Hotel, chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award
Features fan-favourite Nightshade as the star of her very own mystery!
Hello my name is Aysha and I’m 10 years old. I love reading, sports and baking. I like to read mystery and adventure books. I play two instruments the piano and the tenor horn which I enjoy. In my spare time I like to draw.
Evie and the Animals is a thrilling adventurous book about an eleven-year-old girl called Evie who can talk to animals!!! Her ‘Talent’ leads her into brilliant adventures and difficult situations. Evie and the Animals is one of the best books I have ever read and that is saying something! My two favourite characters are Evie and a dog called Scruff who is really cute and funny. One of my favourite parts of the book is when Evie is helping out at the Zoo and a boy falls in the lion enclosure. I won’t give away what happens next but it’s very dramatic!!! Whilst reading this book I was so excited that I couldn’t put the book down!!!
Aletha is 7 and three-quarters. She lives in Brighton and has a guinea pig called Bella. Her favourite authors are Jacqueline Wilson, Roald Dahl, Jill Murphy and J.K Rowling. The fictional world she would most like to live in is the Land of Roar and the character she would most like to be is Evie from the book Evie and the Animals. The character she would least to be stuck in a lift with is Draco Malfoy.
About the book
WHEN EVIE TALKS TO ANIMALS . . . THEY TALK BACK.
Eleven-year-old Evie has a talent: a supertalent. She can HEAR what animals are thinking.
She promises to keep it top secret, but then an evil pet-thief strikes.
Every animal in town is in danger and only by DARING TO BE HERSELF can Evie save her furry and feathered friends.
It is all about a girl called Tilly who gets selected to go camping with the Adventure Club in Nepal. One day she finds out that one of the red panadas is missing. One of the people who ran the Adventure Club said that the poachers must have stolen the red panda, so Tilly goes to look for it.
It is a really exciting book and I love it because I love adventure stories. I would recommend it for kids 8+. It is really clear to read because it is clear writing (font) and the pictures are very pretty.
My name is Katy and I like horses, unicorns and cats. My hobbies are reading and playing and singing. At school I like all the subjects.
About the book
Do you like exploring, animals and adventure? Then join The Adventure Club this summer! A brand new illustrated series for younger readers about animals and adventure from much-loved author Jess Butterworth – writer of classic adventure stories in vibrantly described settings.
Tilly has no plans for the summer holidays and is dreading months of boredom — that is until she becomes part of The Adventure Club and wins a place to go track and monitor endangered red pandas in Nepal!
In the Himalayas, she meets other members of the club, rides on yaks, plants a bamboo forest and even spots the secretive red panda.
But then the red panda Tilly and her team has been monitoring disappears. Will Tilly be able to help find it, or will her first ever adventure end in disaster?
Packed full of illustrations and set as Tilly’s own diary, this new series is perfect for young readers who are beginning to read on their own.
I think Jack’s Secret World is a good book to read in the summer holidays because you feel like you’re away on an adventure with the characters. There’s lots of secrets to uncover during the story and there’s mystery surrounding how it will end.
I liked the baby dodo character called Terry and that the children had special powers. If I had a special power, I would want to be able to understand and talk to animals too!
Hello! My name is Niamh and I’m aged 8. I’m an avid reader and some of my favourite authors and illustrators are Laura Ellen Anderson, Steven Butler, Steven Lenton, Sophy Henn and Sophie Anderson. I want to be an author and illustrator when I’m older and I love to write and draw in my spare time. I like to recommend books to my friends at school and believe you can never have too many books, even though I’m running out of space on my bookshelves!
Join Jack and the gang on another unforgettable adventure, full of magic and mayhem – for fans of The Famous Five and Roald Dahl.
Everything changed the day Jack and his neighbours Bruno and Rocco went to explore the old empty house.
There they discovered a strange girl called Blossom, who introduced them to a world of magic – talking to animals, flying like birds, and even… a doorway to another world, hidden within the ivy-covered walls of the old house.
Now the gang have gone through the doorway, looking for Blossom’s missing dad, the man who made the magic.
But finding him will be just the start of the adventure, as Blossom’s dad has a mission for the gang, and they’re going to need all the magical powers they can get.
I enjoyed this book a lot, it was so realistic I felt like I stepped into the main character, Kiki’s world that she created called Mysore. Mysore is a fantastical world that Kiki made up, it has tons of peaceful markets and joyful people dancing and music calmly sweeping through the breeze. But a monster is tearing it apart and she is the only one who can stop it…
This book was enjoyable as the author created characters with so much personality, they felt real! Kiki is a super interesting main character as she worries a lot but is an amazing artist. That gives it suspense as she might not be brave enough to fight Mahishasura, the demon monster that is willing to take over Mysore and expand the crack between universes so he can also take over the world.
This book was so thrilling and had such good twists that I couldn’t stop reading! I like that the characters aren’t all friendly, so she has a few arguments and huffs with some. Even though it wasn’t very much of a funny book some of the parts were quite rib tickling. Kiki being an artist is an excellent part as it enables the city to be of her own magical devising. Kiki’s city was so enchanting and divine I wish I could take a holiday there!
Five stars from me!
My name is Rosa and I am nine, I live in Hove with my cat Minty, annoying brother Otto and my parents. I love reading and writing. Writing is not just popping words on a page, to me it’s a step into a new world, everything is amazing and crazy, nothing is boring and grey. Reading is one of my total passions. My favourite books are usually mystery/action and include The Percy Jackson series, Harry Potter and some other smashing books. I have also written two books: Story Le Jenrale; and Paris at its Worst. Currently I am writing another, it is a picture book this time and is called Don’t Zigzag the Zoo.
Kiki Kallira is more of a worrier than a warrior – but today she will learn to be a hero. The mythical beasts she loves to draw have come to life, and she is the only one who can defeat them. A middle-grade fantasy inspired by Hindu legends about anxiety, creativity and finding your own strengths. For 8+ fans of Abi Elphistone and The Land of Roar.
Kiki Kallira has always been a worrier. Did she lock the front door? Is there a terrible reason her mum is late? Recently her anxiety has been getting out of control, but one thing that has always soothed her is drawing. Kiki’s sketchbook is full of fantastical doodles of the Hindu myths and legends her mother has told her since she was tiny.
One day, her sketchbook’s calming effect is broken when her mythological characters begin springing to life and Kiki is pulled into the mystical world she drew.
There, she discovers the band of rebel kids who protect the kingdom, as well as an ancient, monstrous god bent on total destruction. Kiki must overcome her fear and anxiety to save both worlds – the real and the imagined – from his wrath.
But how can a girl armed with only a pencil defeat something so powerful?
‘A fast-paced, vivid and exciting adventure story with real heart, I couldn’t stop reading!‘ – Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series
Anna’s anxious when she’s picked to befriend the new girl in her class. For a start, Ellie is ill and can’t come to school herself. So Anna has to communicate with her through a new kind of robot.
But Anna is also worried that her life’s too small and boring to be of interest to her new friend. Compared to the other girls, she doesn’t have anything exciting to talk about and so when Ellie asks her a question, a little white lie pops out. Then another and another.
When Ellie finds out the truth, can their friendship survive …?
Inspired by a true story, a groundbreaking robot helps friendship blossom in this poignant and uplifting dyslexia-friendly novella from bestseller Lisa Thompson.
Rainbow Grey is the brand-new rainbowtastic adventure from the creator of the amazing Amelia Fang book series, the brilliant Laura Ellen Anderson!
Laura has created a whole new world called The Weatherlands, based on all of the different types of weather. The main character is 10-year-old Ray Grey who is a Weatherling with no powers, but that’s all set to change the night of the eclipse festival… the book title and Ray’s multi-coloured hair on the front cover may be a big clue!
Ray must try to save Earth from a massive storm, alongside her two friends Droplett and Snowden. And no Laura Ellen Anderson book is complete without a loveable, cute companion – this time in the form of exploding cloud cat Nim (short for Nimothy, not Nimbus!).
Rainbow Grey is an amazing adventure, with lots of twists through the story. Just like Amelia Fang, her new book series has the winning formula of the power of friendship, an adorable sidekick (Nim is the new challenger to Squashy in cuteness), and a feisty main character that never gives up.
I love the funny bits when Nim’s body parts get all muddled up when he explodes, often at the worst times! I really like that Droplett has the rain power to puddle-port anywhere and the exploding rumblebuns from the Rising Bun Bakery made me laugh! I also enjoyed that the book had lots of little hidden references to Amelia Fang – try to spot them all!
I think that Amelia and Ray would be great friends, and what I like so much about Laura’s books is that you feel like the characters are your friends too.
I recommend this book to everybody! I can’t wait for the next Rainbow Grey instalment and I think there’s going to be a lot of rainbow wigs and waistcoats being bought for next World Book Day. Laura Ellen Anderson is one of the best authors and illustrators in the world (and in Nocturnia and the Weatherlands!) and everyone should have all of her books on their bookshelves.
Rating: 5/5
Perfect for fans of: Amelia Fang by Laura Ellen Anderson; Evil Emperor Penguin by Laura Ellen Anderson; Frostheart by Jamie Littler; and The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
Reviewer: Niamh Wilson, aged 8
Hello! My name is Niamh and I’m aged 8. I’m an avid reader and some of my favourite authors and illustrators are Laura Ellen Anderson, Steven Butler, Steven Lenton, Sophy Henn and Sophie Anderson. I want to be an author and illustrator when I’m older and I love to write and draw in my spare time. I like to recommend books to my friends at school and believe you can never have too many books, even though I’m running out of space on my bookshelves!
A magical new series from best-selling author and illustrator, Laura Ellen Anderson! Ten-year-old Ray Grey lives in the magical Weatherlands, high in the sky. Ray is surrounded by Weatherlings with astounding weather power at their fingertips . . . but she doesn’t have ANY magic! Then, after a trip to Earth, Ray’s life changes forever. She is transformed from Ray Grey into RAINBOW GREY! With the help of her best friends (and exploding cloud cat, Nim) now all Ray has to do is master her powers AND save the world from a mysterious, powerful enemy .
