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
I liked this book because she goes to somewhere called Shimmerton and meets the gigglers and that’s where the adventure stars! She quickly looks at her fairy door she made all day then she reached out to touch the doorknob and…that’s how she arrived in Shimmerton. Do you have intrest in adventures? Also do you have fascination in fairies? If so, join Aziza and her magical adventure! The best bit was when she met the one and only princess peri who was the princess of Shimmerton. You would like this book if you liked the stories Magic Ballerina by Darcey Bussell. Adventures await!
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 🥰.
Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door is the first title in an inclusive magical adventure series, perfect for readers of 6-8 from debut author Lola Morayo. It is inspired by world mythology and is gorgeously illustrated in black and white throughout by Cory Reid.
Open the door to a world of magic and adventure . . .
A mysterious gift arrives on Aziza’s birthday. It is a secret fairy door that will whisk her away to Shimmerton, a magical world with princesses, naughty fairies, shapeshifters, unicorn shopkeepers and mischief around every corner. But when the precious jewelled doorknob is taken, Aziza is trapped. Will she ever see her home and family again? Maybe her new friends, Peri and Tiko, can help . . .
Packed with mischief, friendship and magic, Aziza is perfect for fans of Isadora Moon.
Look out for the second title in the series Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door and the Ice Cat Mysterycoming soon.
This book was an excellent read because I love anything to do with animals! I loved how each chapter there is a different point of view from the two main characters. I was then able to understand about each of their feelings. Both main characters have very different personalities but they make a perfect team. So this book is also about team work and friendship – as well as animals of course ! ‘How to save the world with a chicken and an egg’ also taught me facts about dogs sense of smell and exploding ants ….along with mucus, fudge and saliva! I didn’t want it to end because it was so good , and even now that I am now reading a new book – I cannot stop thinking about how amazing this one was to read !
Hi , I’m Evie-Belle age 10. Reading is one of my favourite things. I LOVE BOOKS – even if I have borrowed a book and read it I have to buy a copy for myself for my bookshelf ! I also love writing stories. My other passion is animals, my favourites are cows, dogs, frogs, horses and guinea pigs, One other thing ….I love strawberry milkshake.
A terrific environmental escapade from acclaimed author Emma Shevah! ‘A truly excellent eco-adventure.’ M. G. Leonard
This story isn’t just about birds. It’s about secrets, the seaside, how seagulls can trick worms into thinking it’s raining.
It’s about mucus, fudge and dogs needing a wide variety of sniffs.
But if you want the simple version, it’s about what happened here last summer. How a girl called Ivy and a boy called Nathaniel solved a mystery and saved the world’s animals: one at a time …
A brand new topical and heartfelt middle grade adventure from the critically acclaimed writer of Dream on, Amber and Dara Palmer’s Major Drama. A terrific positive-action mystery in the wake of Greta Thunberg – perfect for eco-aware young readers!
When I finished reading Ace of Spades, I was overcome with a very unfamiliar feeling: I wanted to go back to the very first page and read it cover to cover again. Set in an elite private school and told in alternating perspectives, we follow two Black teens: Chiamaka, a Italian-Nigerian-American teen who is Head Girl, popular, and isn’t afraid to get what she wants to stay in power; and Devon, a Black American teen and talented musician who just wants to keep his head down, focus on his music, and protect his secret. When an anonymous texter named Aces begins bringing Chiamaka and Devon’s secrets to light, Chiamaka and Devon reluctantly team up together to take the anonymous texter down.
The story is excellently paced, the mystery dark and delicious and addictive. Faridah plays with our emotions, dropping hints here and there, expertly instilling a growing sense of dread and horror that I really enjoyed. Yet, when I think about Ace of Spades, its brilliance isn’t just because it is mind-blowing and terrifying. Rather, the genius in the mystery is its thoughtfulness and that is speaks to real experiences that will resonate with readers – and I wish I could elaborate on this, because if this book wasn’t spoiler-free, this review would be twice as long with my thoughts on how I thought the reveal was brilliant. I highly recommend this book to everyone, it’s an amazing read and will leave you shocked.
I have two sisters, both are younger than me (I’m the oldest child). I’ve lived in Brighton and Hove my whole life. I live with both of my parents and siblings. I have 6 cats which can be very stressful at times. I’m currently in Year 10 but I only have a few months till Year 11. When I’m older I want to become an English teacher, I want to inspire young people to follow their dreams.
“This summer’s hottest YA debut.” Entertainment Weekly
An instant New York Times bestseller, ACE OF SPADES is Gossip Girl meets Get Out, with a shocking twist. Buried secrets come to light when two students are targeted by an anonymous bully with an explosive agenda.
Hello, Niveus High. It’s me. Who am I? That’s not important. All you need to know is…I’m here to divide and conquer. – Aces
Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because anonymous texter, Aces, is revealing the darkest secrets of two students.
Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals, but he can’t escape the spotlight when his private photos go public.
Head girl Chiamaka isn’t afraid to get what she wants, but soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power.
Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they’re planning much more than a high-school game…
Unputdownable and utterly compulsive, this high-octane thriller takes a powerful look at institutionalized racism. As seen in Vogue, The Guardian, Marie Claire, The New York Times, Elle, Buzzfeed, Cosmo and Entertainment Weekly, and on BBC Front Row, perfect for fans of Karen McManus, Holly Jackson and Angie Thomas.
“ACE OF SPADES is the thought-provoking thriller we ALL need.” Nic Stone, #1 NYT bestselling author
“A heart-racing and twisty thriller.” Alice Oseman
“Strong Gossip Girl vibes and a whole lot of mystery.” Buzzfeed
“Thunderous and terrifying. There’s no way you’re putting this down until you get to the last page.” Maureen Johnson, NYT bestselling author
I Ioved Wave Riders because it kept me on my toes, as I didn’t know who I could trust. The characters were so relatable, especially when they were at the party, and the story was so realistic I felt I could go inside it. There was also a mystery character, so I was always guessing who it was. However, when it was (finally) revealed I was really surprised because there was NO WAY I would have guessed!
Wave Riders is about orphaned twins, Jess and Jude, who are living the dream sailing around the world. But when their guardian, Gabe, goes missing they are thrown into a world of mystery where nothing is as it seems. As the back of the book says: “How do you solve a mystery when that mystery is you?”
Hi, I’m Alma and I live by the sea with my Mum, Dad, sister and tortoise. I love Harry Potter and anything dragon. I am passionate about the environment and want to be a marine biologist when I grow up. I love art and drawing, but more than anything I love writing and reading stories. I like fantasy or contemporary books but love to read almost anything.
“A summer holiday in a book… unforgettably exciting.” Piers Torday
“Lauren St John at her very best… a gripping adventure across stormy seas, stately homes and boarding schools, with a fabulous plotted mystery at its core. I couldn’t put it down.” Abi Elphinstone
A storm is coming. What will it take to survive? An exciting adventure set at sea, from the bestselling author of the Laura Marlin Mysteries and Kat Wolfe Investigates .
Twins Jess and Jude Carter live a dream life sailing from one exotic destination to the next with their guardian, Gabriel. But after Gabe vanishes and a storm smashes up their lives, they’re left penniless and alone. When a wealthy, glamorous family offer them a home, everybody tells them they’re the luckiest children in the world. But the Blakeneys’ stately mansion is full of secrets – secrets that seem entangled with the twins’ own fate. As they race to uncover the truth, Jess and Jude must confront their deepest fears.
How do you solve a mystery when that mystery is you?
Wave Riders from Lauren St John is an exciting and compelling middle-grade tale of sailing, family and identity.
One year after Edie Marbles mum dies in a devastating train accident, Edie finds a letter in the pocket of her coat. It contains the first of five clues, written by her mum before her death, that will take Edie on a journey she never imagined.
Overall, I would give this book ★★★★☆ because it was captivating and almost hypnotic, while remaining realistic. And, the plot being set in London around a schoolgirl, it was relatable, too. The book had an air of humour around it but was wholly a mystery/detective story, which I quite liked.
I am intelligent, funny and a very enthusiastic reader. I enjoy reading action-adventure and crime novels. My favourite book series is Skulduggery Pleasant, but I have also read The Inheritance Cycle, Alex Rider, The Hunger Games and the Scythe series. When I’m not reading I like to draw and especially write.
The first book in the series, The Five Clues, is a real-time murder-mystery thriller and family drama, combining an exciting race against time with a heart-rending story about a teenager learning to live with the loss of a beloved parent.
Walking back from her mother’s grave, 13-year-old schoolgirl Edie Marble finds a note in a pocket of the sheepskin coat that she hasn’t worn since the day, a year earlier, when she received the awful news of her mother’s death. The note is from her mother, who had been looking into a corporate human rights violation and had become fearful for her life after receiving death threats. She trusts only Edie – because of their special bond and Edie’s intelligence – and has laid a trail of clues for Edie to find that will help her to shed light on the violation and uncover the mystery around her death.
Through her wit and determination, Edie steadily gathers evidence and negotiates the dramatic twists and turns of the story by collaborating with her friends and family to gradually unearth a sinister attempt by a pharmaceutical company to conceal their illegal development of a lethal virus.
As Edie’s investigations progress she is introduced, in parallel, to the Three Principles, which help her conquer various psychological stresses and support her in coming to terms with her grief.Reading age 11+
Laura-May here and I just finished Tremendous Things by Susan Nielsen and I loved it!
Following Wilbur in his journey to self-assurance it teaches not just Wilbur but teaches the reader. All in a fight to win his French crush’s heart, Wilbur takes on a whole lifestyle change with his 85 year old friend Sal and (his same age friends) Alex and Fab! Competing against his long term bully Tyler, not only must Wilbur learn to love the person he is but all whilst raising the £500 to go to Paris to meet up again with his crush, French exchange student Charlotte (Charlie)! No pressure!
I loved the message and relatable characters. As well as it being funny it was written in a tone for younger teenagers or older kids. The plot never felt dragged out it was constant. BIG recommend!
About the book
Wilbur is sure he’s a loser: he spends his life being bullied, his best friend is 85 years old, and his only talent is playing the triangle in the school band. But things start to look up when he gets the chance to be part of the French exchange. Wilbur’s billet Charlie arrives to spend the week with him and his two moms . . . and it turns out that Charlie is a girl. An amazing, sophisticated, French girl who Wilbur instantly falls in love with. Keen to win her heart, Wilbur agrees to a total life makeover before he sees Charlie again on the return trip to Paris. But the course of true amour never did run smooth . . .
I was born in Worthing but I live in Lancing, I really like it as I love my neighbourhood. I’ve always loved English and reading in fact in Year 3 I entered the Wicked writing competition and I got down to the final with my story Playdates about a girl making friends with a ghost. And the library ANY library has always been a place I feel calm and happy. So many doorways to adventure I can never pick! In Year 6 I volunteered to help put books away at lunch times. And of course my highlight of the summer the library reading challenge I participated in for about 6 years straight. I try to spread my love for reading too be it by tutoring my neighbour in English or by recommending books to friends I just love it.
Queenie is a very good book especially if you like cats. The main character is Queenie who is the cat at Blyton ward where Elsie, the second main character, goes to get her tuberculosis fixed. She goes to a hospital called Miltree Orthopaedic Hospital and her best friend there is a boy called Angus. Queenie helps Elsie settle into the hospital when she first arrives because she has been separated from her adored nan.
The book is set in 1953 when the queen is having her coronation. I like that lots of Jacqueline Wilson’s books are set in Victorian times but actually this one is set quite a bit after. The pictures at the start of every chapter are good and they are by Nick Sharratt. He works with Jacqueline Wilson a lot and he illustrates quite a few of her books. I would recommend this book for children 7+ and I would give it four out of five stars. If you enjoy it you should probably try out the Hetty Feather series which is set in the Victorian era.
I like animals, playing with my sister, and all types of books. I also love playing football, going on walks and identifying birds. My favourite species of bird is a firecrest because I love the orange stripe on their heads.
About the book
It’s 1953, the year Elizabeth is to be crowned Queen of England. Elsie Kettle can’t wait to go to London to see the celebrations on Coronation Day. Elsie lives with her Nan – her mum works as a showgirl, so she’s not around very often. Spirited and imaginative, but often lonely, Elsie longs for a best friend. Luckily, she and Nan are very close; Elsie just wishes she was allowed a cat to keep her company sometimes.
Then tragedy strikes. Nan and Elsie both fall ill with tuberculosis, and Elsie finds herself whisked away to the children’s ward of the hospital. Confined to bed for months on end, Elsie finds it very hard to adapt to the hospital’s strict regime. But she invents astonishing ways of entertaining the other children on the ward, and for the first time finds herself surrounded by true friends – including Queenie, the hospital’s majestic white cat.
Finally, Elsie is well enough to leave hospital. But before she does, she has one very special, very unexpected visitor…
Something I said is an amazing book and has everything you would look for in a good story: depth, drama, and most importantly, humour! I would recommend this book to anyone from the age of 9-15, as even some adults would find it funny! I love the style of comedy that the author has chosen and hopefully we will see a sequel in the near future.
My name is Riley and I am 11 years old. I enjoy videogames, music, playing outside, food and most importantly, reading! I love all types of books but my favourite is humour. My top three authors are Jeff Kinney, David Walliams and Liz Pichon. I once got my own short story published in a competition!
From comedian, actor, rapper and screenwriter Ben Bailey Smith comes a blazingly funny, big-hearted story about family, friendship and how far one boy will go to get a laugh. Perfect for fans of David Baddiel and Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
For thirteen-year-old Carmichael Taylor, life is one big joke – in a good way.
He just can’t understand why no one else seems to find everything as funny as he does. When Car is filmed stumbling into performing a piece of hilarious stand-up at the school talent show – targeting his family, school and friends – the footage ends up creating international infamy. But with the promise of fame and fortune comes trouble, and it’s up to Car to decide what or who he’s willing to risk to chase his comedy dream.
Get ready to laugh at life with this heart-warming, unashamedly honest and hilarious look at family, friendship and what really matters.
Book Nook Review Crew member Lara was so taken by How To Be Brave that she couldn’t bear to be parted from the book. Here she is posing some very impressive questions to author Daisy May Johnson.
Lara: What inspired you to write about ducks?
DMJ: I knew I wanted one of my characters to be really smart and knowledgeable about something, but I was never quite sure what that something was going to be. It had to be something that wasn’t already being done in children’s books, because I wanted How To Be Brave to be very different. I also wanted it to be funny and interesting and relatable for people to read about. For a while, I thought that Elizabeth might know a lot about mushrooms or nuclear physics, but I really wasn’t confident in making either of them work! I thought then about ducks and realised that I felt confident enough to write about them and that I could make it funny. And that was it! I’d found the right thing.
Lara: Did you go to boarding school when you were younger and if not did you want to?
DMJ: I didn’t! And also, I don’t think I really wanted to – I read a lot of classic boarding school stories and there was a lot of people almost drowning, falling off mountains, being lost in snow and sometimes doing all of this at the same time. It was all amazing to read about, but the thought of experiencing it in person was a little bit terrifying. Plus everybody in those books always had a cold shower first thing in the morning and that was NOT one of the things I wanted to experience.
Lara: What is your favourite biscuit and what is your favourite cake?
DMJ: Honestly, these are EXCELLENT questions! I am very fond of a pink wafer because if you need to, you can stack them up and make tiny pink wafer forts out of them. And for cake, I think it’s got to be either a cupcake with a substantial amount of icing on it – or a chocolate cake (with absolutely NO jam whatsoever…).
Lara: How did you come up with your characters especially Calla?
DMJ: I get a lot of inspiration from film. I’m always interested in the characters who are on the sidelines as the great dramatic event happens in front of them – the people who see Captain America run past, or watch Spiderman swing by. What are they thinking? What’s going on in their lives? What’s their story? And so with Calla, I kind of wanted to think about those girls who aren’t necessarily the big and dramatic characters in the world – they’re the quiet ones who are just trying to figure out how to survive…
Lara: What tips would you give to budding authors?
DMJ: It will take time and patience to become the writer that you’re destined to be so don’t ever give up. Tell the stories that you want to tell, tell them how you want to tell them, and make sure you believe in yourself every inch of the way.
Lara: Are you going to write a sequel? (I hope so)
DMJ: I am! Book two is called How To Be True and it’s all about Edie. And then, hopefully, there’s going to be another book after that (but we won’t spoil who that’s about just yet…).
Lara: I liked reading about Calla’s mum at the school, how important was this to the story?
DMJ: It was so important! I think it’s vital to present adults as real people, and to talk about how they’re just trying to figure things out as much as younger people are. It’s very easy to view adults as kind of two-dimensional characters who just magically pop into the world as adults and they’re not. Elizabeth’s time at school is vital because it helps her become the woman that she is – and that’s somebody who Calla loves very much.
Lara: What’s your favourite song?
DMJ: I LOVE A MUSICAL. Right now, I’m playing a lot of Six because it is everything! I will also stop everything to listen to Keala Settle sing ‘This Is Me’ from The Greatest Showman and Amber Riley singing ‘And I Am Telling You’ from Dreamgirls. I can also do a very convincing one woman rendition of Les Miserables – I’m not saying it’s musical but it is Quite Heartfelt.
Huge thank yous and high fives to Lara and Daisy May Johnson for such a fab author interview. Out July 1st, you can pre-order a copy of this stunner of a book here:
Hi my name is Lara and I’m nearly 9. My favourite things in the world are books, sloths, musicals, drawing – especially designing clothes and writing though I’ve never got past the beginning. My parents own The Book Nook which means I’m lucky enough to get sneak previews of many new books. My bedroom is overflowing with books though my life motto is ‘there’s no such thing as too many books’. I am a major fan of Harry Potter and I’m a Ravenclaw. Some of my favourite authors are Sophie Anderson, Maria Kunzar (The Ship of Shadows is one of the BEST books ever), Sophy Henn, Vashti Hardy and Jenny McLachlan.
Calla’s mum has never been normal. She’s been known to go out in a lab coat and slippers and often forgets to perform basic tasks because she’s been thinking about ducks. When a job offer arrives to study her beloved birds in the Amazon rainforest, Calla knows her mum has to go.
Nervously, she agrees to go to boarding school. She quickly learns that trouble is afoot in this odd convent school. A mean new headmistress is imposing horrible rules and making everyone eat Brussels sprout cake, and the students are itching to revolt.
As Calla makes new friends and gets drawn into their rebellious plot, she keeps waiting for her mum to call. She will, won’t she?
Exuberantly funny and brimming with heart, How to Be Brave is a riotous celebration of the power of resourceful girls, stories and the right biscuit at the right time.
