Author: LH Johnson

Hello readers!

I’ve been attending a virtual conference all this week about children’s literature, and hearing all about picture books from across the world. The big problem with this is that it’s left me with quite the shopping list…I have so many books I need to get my hands on now!

Let me pay that favor forward (sorry!) and tell you about the books you need to get your hands on this week:

Sun and Moon Have a Tea Party by Yumi Heo, illustrated by Naoko Stoop

Sun and Moon are having a tea party and talking about their differences in seeing the world. With the help of the gentle mediator Cloud, Sun and Moon stay up past their bedtime and see a whole new world (and a new fantastic point of view).

A charming lesson about understanding differences of opinion and perspective, the artwork is soft and luscious and the whole thing is perfect for a gentle, thoughtful bedtime read.

Something to Say by Lisa Moore Ramée, illustrated by Bre Indigo

Jenae is very comfortable with being invisible at school. That is, until a new boy named Aubrey shows up – and he seems pretty convinced that they’re going to be friends. When they’re put together for a class debate (one which Aubrey is desperate to win), Jenae has to deal with the fact that she can’t speak in front of an audience – and she might lose her only friend…

Featuring a girl finding her voice, a friendship worth fighting for, and causes worth believing in, this is such a vibrant middle grade novel. There’s a lovely theme of community engagement as well – it’s pretty great.

Leap, Hare, Leap! by Dom Conlon and Anastasia Izlesou

I’m always on the lookout for books that give you something a little different, and this lyrical exploration of a hare and her journey around the world is a beautiful thing. Follow Hare as she leaps from one habitat to another, learning about her fellow animals and the predators that lurk there.

Told in verse that’s full of otherworldly magic alongside some brilliantly rich artwork from Izlesou, this is gorgeous. Read it slowly, richly, and enjoy it.

Mira’s Curly Hair by Maryam al Serkal, illustrated by Rebeca Luciani

(Backlist bump!)

Mira’s not very fond of her curly hair. She wants it to be just like her mom’s – straight and smooth – and tries everything to make that happen. But when they’re caught outside in the rain one day, Mira sees her mom’s hair change…

A riotous celebration of self-acceptance and love, this is everything. I’m a particular fan of the background work here which add some lovely texture and detail to every page. This is a book that’s absolutely full of depth.

The Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay

(Backlist bump!)

Hilary McKay is a glorious, glorious writer and if you don’t know her work, then The Skylarks’ War is a beautiful introduction. Think classic, sweeping storytelling set before and during World War One, wed with a lovely eye for character, detail and people. Clarry lives for her summers with her brother Peter at the beach. But when the war comes, everything is going to change…

A story of life, love, and the impact of war upon a family, this is brilliant stuff from a born storyteller. You’ll cry (the wartime stuff is a lot to handle but it’s presented with a lot of sensitivity and subtlety), you’ll laugh, and you’ll absolutely adore every inch of it.

 

Alright, let’s leave it there for this week! I’ll be back in seven days with more picks from the world of children’s literature, but between now and then you can stay in touch with me via social media (I am available to fangirl over Dodie Smith at any point), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing.

Happy reading!

Louise.

Hello readers!

I managed to get to the bookshop this week for the first time in forever and it was quite the (socially-distanced) experience. Honestly, I think for the first few minutes I just had to stand and take it all in. It was lovely. Here’s a video of a tiny reader similarly enjoying their first visit back to a bookstore. Warning: adorable.

Let’s get down to this week’s new releases – and I hope that they make you and your tiny readers very happy.

To Liberty! The Adventures of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas by Catherine Johnson, illustrated by Rachel Sanson

Thomas-Alexandre Dumas lived a life full of stories. He began as a slave on the streets of Port au Prince before ending up as a a general in the French army. This tells the story of his remarkable life – a life which helped inspire his son, Alexandre Dumas, to write The Three Musketeers.

Perfect for children who are gaining confidence in reading on their own, this is a well-told and dynamic biography about a man full of adventure. It also includes a nicely handled afterword about the rest of Thomas-Alexandre’s life.

Walter the Whale Shark by Katrine Crow, illustrated by Hazel Quintanilla

Honestly, I just want to write ‘adorable’ about this one and leave it there, but in case you need more, here it is. Walter the Whale Shark has been counting down the days until school – he can’t wait. But his teeth are small and everyone else’s are so big! How’s he going to fit in? (Or is he going to learn that it’s okay to stand out…?).

Featuring rich artwork from Quintanilla, this is a gorgeous and delightfully quirky celebration of the things that make us all individual.

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono, translated by Emily Balistrieri

Talking of adorable, here’s the book that inspired the absolutely wonderful Kiki’s Delivery Service. It’s Kiki’s thirteenth birthday and time to follow the tradition of choosing somewhere new to live for a year. Kiki and her cat – Jiji – end up in Koriko and soon realise that their new life isn’t going to be easy. Will she ever be able to call Koriko home?

First published in 1985, this is an absolute classic. It’s funny, wise, and fiercely magical, and this is a much welcome new translation of it. (And once you and your tiny readers have read it, you can try The Worst Witch from Jill Murphy…)

Charles Darwin’s On The Origin of Species by Sabina Radeva

(Backlist bump!)

This specially adapted version of On the Origin of Species is a beautiful, beautiful affair and one to share with your young natural historians. Every inch of this book aches to be read and understood, and writer/illustrator Radeva handles it so well. This is accessible, informative, wonderful and lyrical storytelling – it’s an impressive feat.

The Girl Who Stole An Elephant by Nizrana Farook

(Backlist bump!)

This is such a lot of fun. There’s a heroine who’s also a jewel thief and the very definition of rebellious, alongside a sort-of-borrowed elephant, and a jungle-based battle for survival. If that’s not enough, then there’s revolutionaries, rogues, and leeches – amazing. Farook was born and raised in Sri Lanka and perfectly captures the sights and sounds of the rural landscape – whilst also giving us an adventure of a lifetime.

Okay, that’s all from me this week! But before I go, have you seen that we’re giving away a year of free books? All you have to do is enter here and that sounds like a pretty good deal to me…

I’ll see you in seven days! Between then and now, you can stay in touch with me via social media (let’s fangirl together over Eva Ibbotson), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing.

Hello readers!

How are you doing? I should have been at my dream conference this week (feminist publishing!) so I am distracting myself with plants and books. I have my eyes on a new edition in the Illustrators series from Abrams – Dick Bruna by Bruce Ingman – but I’m also tempted by everything else in that series! While I work out which one to buy first, here’s your pick of this week’s new releases in the world of children’s literature…

The Amelia Six by Kristin L. Gray

When Amelia Earhart’s legendary flight goggles go missing, it’s down to eleven year old Millie and her band of fellow Amelia-fans to find them and return them to their rightful place. The only problem is that the house is full of suspects, a blizzard’s raging outside, and the clock’s ticking…

I mean, this lovely middle-grade had me at Amelia Earhart, but then there was a mystery, girl power, dastardly doings, a character who collects Nancy Drew, and honestly, what more do you want than that?

Our Favorite Day of the Year by A. E, Ali, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

Ms. Gupta’s class is sharing their favorite day of the year so that everybody can celebrate them together. Musa’s favorite day is Eid and in celebration, he and his mother share foods with his friends. As the year passes, and other favorite days are shared, all of the students become the best of friends.

A lovely introduction to holidays (including Pi Day, Rosh Hashanah, Christmas and Las Posadas), rich and important cultural traditions, and the power of friendships, this is a beautiful book with lovely endpapers (good endpapers rock!).

Beyond Me by Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu

Maya lives in a suburb just outside of Tokyo, but on March 11, 2011, a five minute long earthquake hits and everything changes. This is the story of what happened afterwards, and how Maya coped with it.

Based on real world events, this is an eloquent and subtle exploration of grief, and the impact of trauma. It’s told in free verse and narrated by Maya herself, sharing not only her struggles with coming to terms with what’s happened but also how she learns to find strength in the community and friends around her.

No Longer Alone by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Robyn Wilson-Owen

(Backlist bump!)

Emotions are hard, right? They’re even harder when you feel all alone, just as the little girl at the heart of this story does. But one day when her dad talks with her, she realises that it’s okay to feel the way that she does and that the feelings she has can be felt.

A lyrical, gentle exploration of grief and how to live with big, incomprehensible feelings, this is full of grace. It’s perfect for helping out with those conversations about difficult things, and helping small readers realise that they’re not alone with their feelings.

Specs for Rex by Yasmeen Ismail

(Backlist bump!) Rex has new glasses and he is not a happy lion! He hates them, he doesn’t want to wear them at school, and so the only option he’s got left is to hide them… but it’s not that easy hiding a pair of very big and very round and very red specs!

Funny, charming, and very beautifully put together, this sees Rex figure out that it’s not that bad to be a little bit different from everybody else. It might even result in him finding a new friend…

 

Okay, that’s it from me this week! I’ll see you in seven days with more gorgeous new books for you to fall in love with. Between then and now, you can stay in touch with me via social media (where I will be sharing pictures of new plants), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing.

Happy reading!

Louise.

Hello readers!

How are you this week? I have been taking the time to recharge by spending time with my plants and my books. The therapeutic impact of rearranging shelves cannot be under-estimated. (Yes, I am a librarian, why do you ask?)

Rearranging the books also means that I can buy more. Hurrah! Here’s what I’ve got my eyes on this week..

The Dream Weavers by Reina Luz Alegre

For Zoey, family is everything. As long as they’re all together, she can deal with the grand plans her dad dreams up and his jobs that never quite work out. But  when her Dad goes off to work in NYC – alone – she’s sent along with her brother to live with their Poppy. And the bowling alley that he’s owned forever is in danger of closing…

Zoey’s determined to save the bowling alley and, with her new friends, it looks like she might do it. But then everything turns upside down all over again – and Zoey must fight for her dreams…

Featuring Jersey boardwalks, Cuban-American heritage, friendships formed over bowling, and a heroine that you’d root for forever, this is a lovely debut middle-grade. And look at that fabulous cover!

Ani’s Light by Tanu Shree Singh, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Ani’s mother hasn’t been home for a long while, and he feels like he’s living life under a dark cloud. But when Mama returns, with her hair missing, the light returns and his darkness is chased away.

A soft, quiet exploration of the love between a parent and child and the impact of medical treatment upon that relationship, this will also help children in a similar situation explore their feelings. There’s a note from the author as well with tips on how to help children through such situations.

Nola’s Scribbles Save The Day by Cristina Lalli

Nola has creative block. Her drawings never turn out the way she wants them to, and nobody seems to appreciate what she does. But when she draws a ‘blank’ – and falls into it – she finds that she’s not alone. There’s a whole world of artists with the same problems and it’s down to Nola and her scribbles to save the day!

A lovely and lightly handled debut, this is perfect for young artists who need to know that they’re not alone in their creative struggles. The art is beautiful, using big splashes of colour to indicate when inspiration strikes, and the story is gently told.

Brave New Girl by Catherine Johnson

(Backlist bump!)

Seren Campbell Ali has a lot of big ideas that always seem to end up with her putting her foot in it. It’s not easy being thirteen! But her friend Keith is putting together a film for a national competition – and he want Seren to star in it. Are things going to finally work out for her?

If you’ve never read any Catherine Johnson, now’s the time to do so. She is such a great writer and this is a lovely slice of London in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympics. It’s also perfect for anybody who’s feeling a little over-shadowed in their life and needs reminding that they’re a total star.

Comet In Moominland by Tove Jansson, translated by Elizabeth Portch

(Backlist bump!). I adore the Moomins in so many ways and this is a fabulous introduction to their world. First published in 1945, it sees Moomintroll realise that a comet is due to pass over. He heads off with his friend Sniff to the local observatory to view it, but then they learn that the comet is headed straight for the lovely Moominvalley…

There’s some mild peril here, so bear that in mind if you have impressionable young readers, but it’s set against a backdrop of love, security and safety. There’s also a lot of thrilling adventure, important stops for food, and that delicious surrealism that only Tove Jansson could do.

---

Okay, that’s everything for this week! I will return in seven days with more lovely new picks for you from the world of children’s books (and maybe I’ll sneak in a few more backlist bumps). Between then and now, you can stay in touch with me via social media (this week I have been reading Virginia Woolf’s short stories and loving them), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing.

I also want to let you know that we’re doing a reader survey where you could potentially win an ereader! The survey will only take a few minutes and you can see the questions and giveaway details at bookriot.com/2020survey

Happy reading!

Louise.

Hello readers!

Welcome to your weekly pick of the best new releases in the world of children’s literature. Book release dates are still a bit up in the air at the moment, with a lot of books being pushed back, so that means I get to share with you some more backlist bumps. Hurrah! I’ll include them at the end of the newsletter, and I hope you enjoy (re)discovering some new/old friends.

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X Kendi, illustrations by Ashley Lukashevsky

(I am so ready for this book I cannot tell you). Antiracist Baby provides an easy and accessible route into critical conversations, and does with a lot of care and eloquence. The artwork is bold and bluntly brilliant, and the text is deeply accessible. It’s amazing, I love it.

American Immigration: Our History, Our Stories by Kathleen Krull

The history of American immigration is a history of stories, and this nonfiction text pays tribute to those immigrants by telling their stories. These stories show the progress that has been made, and the progress that is still yet to be made – a potent thing to do in our present day clime. This is a richly detailed volume, full of careful sourcing and detailed timelines, perfect for beginning and supporting conversations in this area.

Bloom by Anne Booth, illustrated by Robyn Wilson-Owen

Anne is one of those authors who writes with such a lot of kindness, so I’m excited to see what she does with Bloom – the story of a beautiful flower and the girl who loves it. She talks to it every morning on the way to school, but when the owner of the flower yells at her, the flower does not open. Frustrated, he asks the girl to talk to it and tell it how much she loves it…

Look Up! by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola

(Backlist bump!). Rocket is going to be the greatest astronaut / space traveller / star-catcher that there’s ever been. And when there’s a meteor shower due, she’s determined to watch it. The only problem is that her elder brother Jamal would rather be gaming than taking her to the park. Will Rocket make it in time?

Featuring some lovely family dynamics, a vivid and hilarious protagonist, plus a nice shout to Mae Jemison, this is adorable. Plus you’ve just got enough time to read it before picking up the sequel – Clean Up! – which is out in July.

Another by Christian Robinson

(Backlist bump!) Where to begin with this rather beautiful wordless classic? A girl sets off on an adventure to a strange new world where she meets her doppelgänger and so much more…

This is such a wonderful, brilliant thing. The artwork is fearless and contemporary, paying tribute to the world of modern art whilst carving a space all of its own.

 

Okay, that’s everything for this week! I will return in seven days with more lovely new picks for you from the world of children’s books. Between then and now, you can stay in touch with me via social media (let’s talk about Eloise and Nanny….), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing.

Happy reading!

Louise.

Hello readers,

Children’s literature is a political thing. It always has been and so, I can begin this week’s newsletter in no better way than by directing you towards my lovely colleague Karina Yan Glaser’s Twitter thread on 100 Must-Read Children’s Books by African-American creators.  This list of resources on how to educate “yourself and those around you” may also prove of use to some of you. Finally, I’d like to take a moment to pay tribute to those of you who are and always have been doing the work. You have my respect, my admiration, and my thanks.

Here’s my pick of this week’s new releases!

Catalyst by Sarah Beth Durst

What else do you call a tiny kitten but Pipsqueak? The only problem is that Pipsqueak didn’t stay small forever – she grew, and grew, until now she’s bigger than a horse  and oh yeah, she can talk as well…

It’s up to Zoe and her best friend Harrison to keep Pipsqueak safe. Can they turn her back to her normal size? Or will that just put them all in greater danger?

A dynamic and rather sweet fantasy perfect for middle grade readers, this teaches us to accept everybody for who they are – whatever shape or size they may be. There’s some nice lessons about growing up in this, and did I mention that bit about the giant talking kitten?

Curse of the Night Witch: Emblem Island by Alex Aster

When you’re born on Emblem Island, you know your fate. Your lifeline shows the course of your life, and your emblem tells you how to spend it. But when Tor Luna’s leadership emblem changes to a death curse – and there’s only a week to go – he must visit the Night Witch and ask for help.

Pulling from Latin American mythology, and inspired by the stories that Aster’s Colombian grandmother told her at bedtime, this rich and pacy opener sets up an intriguing series.

Ladybird Tales of Super Heroes by Sufiya Ahmed, Yvonne Battle-Felton, Sarwat Chadda and Maisie Chan, illustrations by Aviel Basil, Fotini Tikkou, Jia Liu, Louise Warwick, Poonam Mistry, and Victoria Sandøy

(Backlist bump!)

What’s better than one story about mythic and legendary super heroes? Six stories about mythic and legendary super heroes, that’s what. This well put together collection features stories about Hanuma, Demon Fighter; Shahrazad the Storyteller; Inanna in the Underworld; Anansi the Spider-Man; Loki and the Magical Hammer, and the Legend of Hua Mulan. They’re all gorgeously told and perfect for bedtime with your little heroes.

Bold Women In Black History by Vashti Harrison

(Backlist bump!) I have admired Harrison’s work for a long time and this is fabulous. It tells the stories of some amazing women, ranging from singer Shirley Bassey through to nurse Mary Seacole. The artwork is adorable – beautiful, smart and savvy – while the stories are deeply accessible and full of inspiring achievements. It’s a very beautiful thing.

Alright, that’s everything from me this week! I’ll be back in seven days with more new books, I promise. Between then and now, you can stay in touch with me via social media (I would love to hear about what you’re reading), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing.

Happy reading!

Louise.

Hello readers!

I’ve had an Oscar winner reading to me this week and I’ve been enjoying every minute of it. I’m talking about Taika Waititi’s charity reading of James And The Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. Each episode on YouTube has seen him joined by a host of famous faces (I would like Lupita Nyong’o to narrate everything from now on please) and you can catch up on episode one here.

And now, let’s talk books!

The Way To Rio Luna by Zoraida Córdova

Danny Monteverde knows that his older sister Pili hasn’t run away – she waits for him in Rio Luna, the magical land from their favourite book of fairy tales.

But as the years pass, his faith begins to waiver. It’s only when he finds a strange book in the library with a map to Rio Luna – and to Pili – that Danny realises it’s finally time to find his sister. And, in the process, standing up to the greatest threat that Rio Luna has ever known…

The debut middle grade novel from Córdova, this is full of strong siblings, world-crossing adventures, and a rich spin on fairy tale adventures. Beware fairyland at all costs!

The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Heart, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

Get yourself to the Good Place with this celebration of purple people. What is a purple person? It’s somebody who brings people together and speaks up for what’s right – an everyday superhero!

A bright and fun book, with lovely and accessible illustrations, this celebrates “the things that make you you!”

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris, illustrated by Ana Ramírez González

One day Kamala and Maya had a big idea: they would turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground! But big ideas take a lot of work, and sometimes you have to stand firm in the face of disappointment to make a dream turn into a reality…

Meena Harris is the niece of Senator Kamala Harris and the daughter of Maya Harris, and this is based on a true story from their childhoods. It celebrates how children can make a difference and how a community can make things happen when they work together. Gorgeous!

You Matter by Christian Robinson

“Near or Far / Big Or Small / First or Last / You Matter”

An exploration of different perspectives from around the world, whether the bird-watchers or the pigeons they’re feeding, this wonderful picture book celebrates the value to be found in all of us. There’s a lot of power in these classy, full, emotional pages and Robinson’s writing is beautiful throughout.

The Refuge by Sandra le Guen, illustrated by Stéphane Nicolet, and translated by Daniel Hahn.

Jeannette has a new classmate, Iliana. It’s a little difficult for them to communicate because Iliana is learning a new language but hands and drawings do just fine. They tell Iliana’s story of leaving her country, and then they tell the stories of her parents too. And as these stories take shape and bloom, so does the friendship between Jeanette and Iliana…

First published in French and full of wildly magical artwork, this is a tribute to the power of storytelling, friendship, and the importance of empathy. A moving, rich, and intensely imaginative experience.

 

Let’s leave it there for this week! I’ll be back next week with more new books, I promise. Between then and now, you can stay in touch with me via social media (this week I am thinking a lot about the Moomins), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing.

Happy reading!

Louise.

Hello readers!

It’s blazing sunshine here today and as I’m too British to deal with any weather other than grey skies and a gently persistent rain, I’ve had to hide inside. Whilst I come to terms with the concept of “heat”, I’m going to share with you this week’s lovely new releases in the world of children’s books. Enjoy!

The Ship We Built by Lexie Bean

Rowan has too many secrets for a diary to hold. He knows who he is and what he likes, but it’s not safe for others to know. And while one parent ignores him, the other hurts him in ways that he’s not ready to talk about.

But there’s one way for Rowan to share his secrets; he ties letters to balloons and releases them, in the hope that they’ll find somebody who understands. And when he befriends a classmate who knows what it’s like to be lonely and scared, he realises that the support he’s looking for might be closer than he thought.

Touching on some big, complex and challenging issues – and doing so with a lot of care and sensitivity – this is an eloquent slice of magic by a remarkable author. (And that cover is beautiful!).

Captain America My Mighty Marvel First Book

This is a fun board book that celebrates the iconic Steve Rogers. The art is similarly iconic, featuring the work of Jack “King” Kirby, and provides a lovely retro introduction to Cap. It’s perfect for sharing with your tiny comics fans, and there’s also a Spiderman book in the same series.

Dewdrop by Katie O’Neill

The pond is preparing for its yearly sports fair and Dewdrop the axolotl is ready to share his skills. But his friends are putting a lot of pressure on themselves to be the best – and it’s down to Dewdrop to remind them that they’re great just as they are.

This had me at adorable axolotl. It had me again with O’Neill’s glorious artwork. And it had me again again (that’s not even English but forgive me!) with its gentle lessons about conservation and kindness. It’s just so lovely.

When The Storm Comes by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

Storms aren’t fun. We have to bring in our outside toys and stay inside, watching the clouds roll in and the skies turn dark. But bad weather passes and the sun comes back out again.

Teaching us to look for those sunny skies, this is a charming exploration of those ‘bad weather’ days. There’s also a nice emphasis on the strength of being a community and looking out for neighbors – a charming piece of work.

Good Little Wolf by Nadia Shireen

This week’s backlist bump is a great thing. Rolf is a good little wolf who enjoys baking cakes and being kind to his friends. But wolves aren’t like that – they’re meant to be big and bad! Can a good little wolf be a real wolf?

Featuring a brilliant ending, wry and lovely artwork, this is a very fabulous picture book and well worth picking up for your tiny wolves.

I’ll be back next week with more new books! Between then and now, you can stay in touch with me via social media (I am very present for discussions about Pippi Longstocking), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing.

Happy reading!

Louise.

Hello readers!

It’s that time of the week where we share some lovely new children’s books (and a few backlist bumps) for your lovely shelves! We are repainting at the moment so all of my books have had to come off my shelves. They’re piled up on the side and I am very tempted to make myself a book fort. I mean, what else can you do under the circumstances?

Whilst I figure out the floorplan for my fort, here’s my pick of this weeks new releases. There are some gorgeous titles heading your way!

Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin

Maddy sees danger everywhere she looks – and when she comes across a boy setting booby traps in the wood, she thinks the worst. This has to be Billy Holcomb – a boy who went missing six months ago. But who’s going to believe her?

A mysterious middle-grade adventure with some sensitive treatment of anxiety and grief, Maddy must learn to navigate her fears as she figures out that the world isn’t always what it seems.

How Women Won The Vote by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, illustrated by Ziyue Chen

In 1913, a Women Suffrage parade took place in Washington DC. It was the first such event in the state, and the first organised march on Washington for political purposes. This book takes you into the heart of that story by focusing on the organisers – Alice Paul and Lucy Burns – and their incredible story.

A well-researched, powerful and beautifully illustrated tribute to women’s rights, this is a lovely look at an important period in history.

Summer at Meadow Wood by Amy Rebecca Tan

Vic Brown doesn’t want to be at summer camp. She can’t forget about the secret that made her mom want her and her brother out of the house – and she definitely can’t stop thinking about how her life is about to change. But maybe, just maybe, spending the summer at Meadow Wood might help…

As a Brit, summer camp stories have always fascinated me and this is a gorgeous read. It’s gentle, layered and full of depth – perfect for preteens and teens alike.

The Wheel of Surya by Jamila Gavin

India, 1947. Marvinder and Jaspal have been separated from their mother, and now face a daily fight for survival. They must travel halfway around the world to find a father they barely know, and somehow stay together in the process…

(This is a sneaky backlist bump for one of my favourite authors – she’s SO worth getting to know if you don’t! And if you do already know her, then we can just fangirl together over her greatness 😊 )

Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari

Mira’s grandmother is dying but she wants to ‘die well’. And as Mira is forced to come to terms with what this means for her relationship with her grandmother, she begins to uncover a whole world of secrets held about her – not in the least, those of Jide – a troubled and mysterious boy who’s hiding something…

(This is another backlist bump for one of my favourite authors and one of my favourite books –  Brahmachari writes with love and grace about family, and this is an utterly gorgeous books)

Alright, let’s leave it there for this week! I’ll be back in seven days to share some more new releases. Between then and now, you can stay in touch with me via social media (share with me your beautiful book forts), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing. 

Happy reading!

Louise.

Hello readers,

It’s a bright sunny day here, and I write this by my window-sill which is absolutely full of tiny succulents. These stubborn little wonders are my top tip for anybody who is challenged at the whole “keeping plants alive” thing. (My other top tip is an ivy – those suckers are robust…!).

Anyway, enough about my horticultural inadequacies! Let’s check out the new releases from the world of children’s literature this week – there’s some good stuff there!

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez by Adrianna Cuevas

The animals are disappearing – and Nestor’s grandmother is prime suspect number one. But Nestor can speak to animals and his investigation reveals that they’re being taken by a tule vieja – a witch who can absorb the animal’s powers by biting it during a solar eclipse. And the next eclipse is about to happen….

Anything with a title that riffs on a Bonnie Tyler song gets my attention. My attention stays got when there’s a brave Cuban American lead, a band of brilliant people (and animals!) coming together to Sort Things Out, and a whole ton of adventure.

Lizard’s Tale by Weng Wai Chan

1940, Singapore. Twelve year old Lizard lives a complicated life – and after he steals a Japanese code book, it gets a whole lot more difficult. The world of wartime espionage means that he doesn’t know who to trust, and right at the top of the list is his friend Lili…

Street-smarts, bravery and a city full of secrets – what’s not to love about this middle-grade debut?

 

Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy by Tara Dairman, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

Picture book time! This is the story of two children who live in India and experience all the extremes that the weather has to offer. It’s grounded in well-researched text and illustrations, and provides a valuable new perspective on how climate-change impacts indigenous communities. A really strong, knowledgeable, and elegant told book.

Which Way Is Home? by Maria Kiely

It’s 1948 in Czechoslovakia, and the impact of the Communist takeover means that Anna and her family must leave the country. Not knowing who to trust, or whether she’ll ever see her father again, Anna and her sister and her mother are forced to put their lives in the hands of strangers in order to survive.

Drawing on the author’s own family history, and highlighting a rarely represented period within children’s literature, this is a strong middle grade debut full of adventure, heart and bravery.

Fly On The Wall by Remy Lai

Henry Khoo has an overprotective family. His sister is his chaperone/bodyguard, and his (former!) best friend knows to expect an interrogation when Henry’s actually allowed to come to her house. The last thing that Henry’s going to be allowed to do is travel halfway around the world by himself – but he’s not waiting for permission…

Told in an illustrated diary format perfect for Wimpy Kid fans, this lively coming of age story is very funny, very heartfelt and very much a celebration of being a little bit quirky.

Okay! We’ll leave it there for now, and I’ll be back in a week with more new releases. Between then and now, you can stay in touch with me via social media (Let’s talk about how great The Lord of The Rings films still are), on my website, or over on the biweekly literary fiction podcast Novel Gazing (we just did an episode which featured a lot of YA and picture books – check it out!).

Happy reading!

Louise.