Unraveller by Frances Hardinge, reviewed by Farrah (16)

Unraveller is a vivid and delightful fantasy novel, which had me gripped from the very first chapter. Featuring Kellen, an unraveller of curses, and Nettle, an individual whose curse was unravelled by Kellen, we follow these characters as they are joined by unlikely allies in a journey to uncover the conspiracy surrounding a band of fugitive cursers. Along the way they travel through the alluring and vibrantly depicted locations of Mizzleport, the Shallow and the Deep Wilds.

It will certainly go down as one of my favourite stories of the year.

Farrah (16)

Covering a variety of topics in this expertly crafted fantasy, this is a book which you will find yourself unable to put down. I loved the vast cast of characters, and the incredible set-up of this fantastical world and its ‘magic system’. From the fearsome creatures inhabiting the Wilds, to the victims of strange curses and their seemingly formidable cursers, these are characters who’s escapades are a joy to read. Nettle’s quiet compassion and Kellen’s vivacious lust for adventure (and often the danger that accompanies it) are enchantingly written.

Lover of the fantasy genre or not, the lyrical writing and engaging characters will entice you in from the get-go. I would highly recommend this book to a large variety of age groups, and it will certainly go down as one of my favourite stories of the year.

Fabulous Fun Filled February

Our Events are back and there is so much going on…… Story time, Author Events and World Book Day!!
Story Time returns!
We are very excited to announce that Story Time has returned.
We will be doing a toddler story time at 11am every Tuesday and an after school story time at 4pm every Thursday. Come along and have a cup of coffee in the cafe whilst your child/children are listening to a story. This is FREE but please book here.
Saturday 5th Feb @11am: Crafts with Ali
We have a lovely new member of staff and she is very creative. Come and meet Ali, listen to a story and take part in the craft. Perfect for ages 4+.Please book
Half Term Fun
We have an amazing line-up for half term including “Guess the Amount of Chocolate Bourbons!” to win a signed book, Crafts with Ali, Pirate Day and TWO fabulous author events!
Saturday 12th Feb @ 11am and 2pm Pirate Day
Yee Haa Me Hearties! Pirate Day returns with a Treasure Hunt, prizes for all dressed up and stories at 11am and 2pm. Come along and help save The Book Nook from the pirate invasion! Book here for the Stories.
Tuesday 15th Feb @11am: Crafts with Ali
Listen to a story and take part in the crafts. Perfect for ages 4+.Please book
Thursday 17th Feb @ 11am:Author Event with Chris Naylor-Ballestros and Frank and Bert
Join Chris, author of The Suitcase, with his latest hilarious book Frank and Bert. Listen to the story, take part in the draw-along and get a book signed. Perfect for ages 4+. Free but please book here.
If you are unable to attend the event don’t worry, you can get a book signed and personalised here.
Friday 18th Feb @ 11am: Author Event with Lucy Brandt and Leonora Bolt
Come and join local author Lucy Brandt for a fantastic secret Inventions event. Come along and hear about Leonora, take part in the quiz and learn about some crazy inventions. Perfect for ages 6+. Please book here and you can buy a signed copy here.
Saturday 26th Feb @ 3pm: Book Launch for Razzmatazz by Roger Stevens
Come along for what it going to be a fun afternoon with our favourite local poet Roger Stevens. Help him recite some of his hilarious poems and try a Razzmatazz cocktails for kids and adults from Fourth and Church! Book your space and pre-order a book here
Monday 28th Feb @ 5pm: Adventures on Trains at The Theatre Royal author event!
M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman invite you and all the family for a fun, live event at The Theatre Royal Brighton at 5pm on Monday 28th February to celebrate the publication of the fifth book in the award-winning, bestselling Adventures on Trains series, Sabotage on the Solar Express. With special guest Elisa Paganelli, the series illustrator, who will be live drawing. Book now
Saturday 5th March: Pizazz vs The Demons with Sophy Henn @ 2pm
We’re delighted to have the wonderful Sophy Henn back with the FOURTH Pizazz. Come dressed as a super hero and win a prize, hear all about Pizazz’s adventures and help Sophy draw a villain. Perfect for ages 6+. Please book here and you can now pre-order the book here.
Visit our gallery for an exclusive opportunity to buy a limited edition Pizazz print.
 
World Book Day returns on 3rd March
Don’t forget to swap your book token for a World Book Day Book, books will be available soon.
New Releases, perfect for curling up on the sofa with:Please click on the title of the book for more information or browse our online shop for further ideas.

When I Became your Granny by Susannah Shane and Britta Teckentrup – A beautiful picture book about the love between grandmothers and grandchildren.
A Rabbit and Bear: A Bad King is a Sad Thing: Book 5 by Julian Gough, ill. by Jim Field – The fifth book in this hilarious early reader series.
Vi Spy: Never Say Whatever Again: 2by Maz Evans –The second adventure in Maz Evans’s laugh-out-loud funny Vi Spy series, perfect for ages 8+.
The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman – An Indian-inspired fierce fantasy perfect for teen readers.
Want to buy adult books and still support us?Not a problem! Just go to our bookshop.org page when any books in print can be ordered and delivered directly to you and we receive a percentage of the sales. Any books found on the site can be ordered from us direct if you prefer the full support to go to The Book Nook just email us at info@booknookuk.com or call 01273 911988.
Thank you for your ongoing support and feel free to forward this message on to friends and family. Also, please keep helping to spread the word, visit our websiteand like us on Facebook.

Ness, Julie, Lara, Ali and Carmen– loving Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being God by Louie StowelI
First Avenue 
Hove
BN3 2FJ
Tel: 01273 911988

Alex Rider: Nightshade by Anthony Horowitz, reviewed by Ben

Nightshade is the most recent book of the Alex Rider series, a wildly popular set of books set on a 15-year-old boy who has been recruited by MI5. MI5 use him for missions that adults can’t achieve, this mission was like wise. Him breaching a high security prison, acting like a criminal in an attempt to befriend and get information out of a similar aged boy who was part of a cult. 

This book was very exciting and well written. It made you want to know more from page one. I think the book could mainly be enjoyed by early teens and a little younger, but I think most people would like to read Nightshade. Although many argue the Alex Rider series peaked near Scorpia rising, I think all the books have been very good in the Alex Rider series.

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud, reviewed by James

The Outlaws Scarlett & Browne is an excellent book, full of exciting twists and turns that follows Scarlett McCain and her slightly bedraggled partner Albert Browne as they outwit the law in a thrilling chase through a scarred and broken Britain, but things aren’t as they seem: their pursuers aren’t stopping, and something just isn’t quite right about this chase; something that revolves around the boy Albert Browne and his past, present, and possibly his future… I really enjoyed this book, with its almost non-stop action and unexpected revelations, and I would definitely read more of Jonathan Stroud’s books, should they become available to me. All in all, a brilliant book that kept me on my toes while reading it and begging for more once finished. A must read!

I am 13 years old and I have Type 1 diabetes.  I like reading, experimenting with new things, playing football and I support Arsenal. At school my favourite subject is Drama. (Loves Robert Muchamore, Anthony Horowitz, Hunger Games and his fave book is The Knife of Never Letting Go

About the book:

Set in a broken, future England, where gunfights and monsters collide, this is the exciting first title in a phenomenal fantasy teen series by the bestselling children’s novelist.

“You won’t be able to put this down. A classic in the making.” – Eoin Colfer

“Perfectly paced, beautifully written and bursting with black humour and bold ideas.” – Philip Reeve

“”Imaginative, original, taut and with multi-layered protagonists… A wild ride.” – Jo Cotterill

 Scarlett and Browne is phenomenal, unputdownable storytelling of the highest order.” – Piers Torday  

England has been radically changed by a series of catastrophes – large cities have disappeared and London has been replaced by a lagoon. The surviving population exists in fortified towns where they cling to traditional ways, while strangely evolved beasts prowl the wilderness beyond. Conformity is rigidly enforced and those who fall foul of the rules are persecuted: some are killed, others are driven out into the wilds. Only a few fight back – and two of these outlaws, Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne, display an audacity and talent that makes them legends.

Fleur Hitchcock and Gill Lewis joint launch event

We are thrilled to host this wonderful book launch event on March 30th at 7pm on our Facebook page. 

Two authors – two new books – ten years of writing. The ups, the downs and what we wished we’d known. 

Join authors Fleur Hitchcock and Gill Lewis for the launch of their new books and a chat about ten years of being published. They met on the MAWYP in Bath back in 2008 and both have had numerous books published. Learn a little about their journeys, the highs the lows, the pitfalls and the dead ends. Questions will be fielded by Michelle Robinson.   

About the books:

Gill Lewis – A Street Dog Named Pup 

Pup and his boy are inseparable. But both their worlds change forever when Pup is cruelly taken away and abandoned in Dead Dog Alley. With nowhere else to turn, Pup joins a pack of misfit street dogs that will help him to learn to fight for survival on the streets. Pup holds onto the hope of one day being reunited with his boy. But as that hope shrinks with every passing day, Pup begins to wonder if their bond is irreversibly broken. A thrilling and heart-warming novel by award-winning author Gill Lewis

Bio: Gill Lewis is an author who writes stories about humans and other animals, and our relationship with the natural world. A Street dog Named Pup is a story about the incredible bond we have with our canine companions. It is the first book she had illustrated herself. 

Fleur Hitchcock Waiting for Murder

It’s a long, hot summer. As the water drains away from the reservoir, a car emerges. And there seems to be a body in it, a body that then disappears… Daniel and Florence start to investigate and uncover a long-ago robbery, missing gold and murder. When the drought breaks, everything is swept downstream and the truth is revealed…  Another hard-boiled thriller for beginners from the author of Murder in Midwinter. 

Bio:  Fleur writes for the moment between child and adult when the heart seeks thrills, but the mind is still forming. She writes adventures, thrillers, mysteries, all of them set in real environments that she knows and loves. Waiting for Murder is her 16th published novel for young people. 

Explore more of their wonderful books

Tinsel by Sibeal Pounder – review

This book feels like Christmas. It has all the warmth, excitement and hope of Christmas, tied with a witty bow and the promise of magic. It has everything you could ask for from a Christmas book; magical characters, a rags to riches story, a disgruntled baddie, a fierce friendship and more than a sprinkling of hope. 

Laugh out loud funny and so brilliantly visual; Tinsel is crying out to be made into a Christmas film. Fiercely feminist and written with warmth and wisdom, this book gives you all the feels.

As with all her books, Sibeal gives a nod to social politics; stamping on gender stereotypes, highlighting inequality and the misuse of power and celebrating the individual who stands up for what they believe. 

My new Christmas favourite and a Christmas classic in the making.

About the book:

What if somewhere along the way we’ve all got the Santa story a bit wrong…? Join Blanche Claus and her best friend Rinki for a funny festive sleigh ride you’ll never forget! From Sibeal Pounder, bestselling author of the Witch Wars and Bad Mermaids series, this tale of friendship and mince-pie feasts is the perfect book to curl up with this winter.

Funny, feminist and with a huge heart, it’s a gloriously Christmassy adventure that will delight even the biggest Grinch.

Due to be published 29th October, you can order a SIGNED and PERSONALISED copy here.

The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty

Expect the unexpected in this fast-paced adventure full of wit and warmth. A mesmerising story, filled with magic and dragons, family and friendship, puzzles and spells. Startlingly good and packed with the most wonderful characters and hold-your-breath twists and turns, plus my very favourite fictional librarian, we couldn’t put it down. Guppy Publishing are fast becoming a firm favourite of ours. They have an eye for a fantastic story and we are so excited to see what they create next. Beautifully illustrated by Karl James Mountford, this is a stunning book that would make a perfect gift for the young adventurers in your life.

About the book:
Bronte Mettlestone is ten years old when her parents are killed by pirates. This does not bother her much: her parents ran away to have adventures when she was a baby. She has been raised by her Aunt Isabelle, with assistance from the Butler, and has spent a pleasant childhood of afternoon teas and riding lessons.

Now, however, her parents have left detailed instructions for Bronte in their will. (Instructions that, annoyingly, have been reinforced with faery cross-stitch, which means that if she doesn’t complete them, terrible things could happen) She must travel the kingdoms alone, delivering gifts to ten other aunts: a farmer aunt who owns an orange orchard, a veterinarian aunt who specializes in dragon care, a pair of aunts who captain a cruise ship, and a former rock star aunt who is now the reigning monarch of a small kingdom. But as she travels from aunt to aunt, Bronte suspects there might be more to this journey than the simple delivery of treasure; though little does she suspect that she will have to play such a big part in the extraordinary events that follow.

You can get your copy here.

Judith Kerr National Writing Day Competition

Calling all schools and teachers! Exciting new writing competition for your pupils.

To enter, children are asked to produce a piece of original writing inspired by the life or work of Judith Kerr. For example, pupils might choose to write:

  • their own version of The Tiger Who Came to Tea
  • a review of When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
  • a guide on ‘How to Look After Mog’ or a new Mog story
  • a biography of Judith Kerr
  • a report about tigersAll types and genres of writing are valid, as long as they are linked in some way to Judith Kerr and her books. Please encourage children to be as creative as possible!

Closing date: 4th July 2019

Entry forms and instructions, together with the competition Terms and Conditions, are available at

page1image2811472

www.janebransonlearning.co.uk

You can download the flyer with full details here:

JBL Kerr National Writing Day Comp Flyer

Don’t forget you can also win £5000 for your school library with National Book Tokens!

Puberty Books – a parent’s guide

The concept of discussing the changes and worries of puberty with our children can be overwhelming. What better to support you and your children through this emotional time than a tried-and-tested book?

We recommend Usborne’s What’s Happening To Me? series for reliable, kid-friendly (and parent-friendly) advice and information. You can get 10% off these fab books by using code puberty10 during checkout.

These books are contemporary and immensely accessible. Filled with all the information young people will need to know and no-nonsense answers to all their burning questions, this series provides an excellent springboard for discussion. It doesn’t talk down to children or try to make light of the changes they will be going through. Instead it provides clear facts and information, talks about how they may be feeling and gives supportive advice about staying healthy and positive.

Don’t be put off by the gendered covers. These are a far more inclusive than the pink and blue suggests.

You can get your copy in our online shop.

About the books:

A sensitive, detailed and informative guide to puberty, this book will prove invaluable for both children and their parents alike, tackling key subjects from the physical changes that occur at this time to emotional upheaval this can cause.

Bright, original colour illustrations and diagrams reveal everything young people need to know about the changes they will experience as they approach puberty.

The stunning artwork is accompanied by witty, yet clear and informative factual text that helps to demystify this often confusing and tricky subject.

Approved by a team of top-notch consultants, this remarkable and reassuring book is entertaining, approachable and authoritative.