A joyful introduction to Autumn with expressive characters and lively illustrations.  As mouse frets about the leaves falling and the birds departing, bear tries to lighten the mood and succeeds in an unexpected way!  The illustrations are luscious and fluid and really complement the story.  It's a wonderful journey through the mixed emotions of change as the season turns and children will identify with the characters.  It would be lovely to read aloud and perfect for a seasonal story time.  It's an all round delightful read.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 8th October 2025

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A really wonderful book full of humour, truly poignant moments, and a mind-boggling sense of just how old yew trees can grow to be. Touches on themes of environmentalism, change, deep time, technology, the march of history and mindfulness. It also considers whether progress is really essential and encourages the reader just to stop and be, and not to be rushing around and starting at screens all the time.

Lovely illustrations in a calming colour pallet, that really benefit from being looked at carefully - there's some fabulous funny details to spot. An alternative title to read aloud and share, or to just dip in and browse. Can support topics, spark discussion and encourage wider thinking. Just lovely.

Reviewed by Lucy McConnell on 3rd October 2025

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At Demdike College of Witchcraft, Orlando is an outcast. Not just for being the only shapeshifter, with no control over their magic or when their body switches between male and female forms. But because their girlfriend Elizabeth died - and it was Lando's fault.

And then charming new boy Bastian arrives with a proposition: he knows a spell that can raise Elizabeth from the dead. It's dangerous, but Lando will try anything. But as Lando's attraction to Bastian grows, questions start to arise. Who is Bastian? What does he really want? And who will survive the resurrection spell?

This is all very well put together, the writing is excellent and you easily get pulled in and totally immersed. Uncontrollable shapeshifting and raising the dead, a fab read

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 24th September 2025

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A gorgeous read to accompany the first volume with the same feel - lyrical, emotive poetry, striking illustrations, intriguing facts and accessible activities. It really manages to encapsulate the quiet and mystery of the night-time world and will make children excited to explore. A perfect browser for nature lovers and would work well in classrooms. A must have.

Reviewed by Natalie Wise on 24th September 2025

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A stunning read on multiple levels; a great story with lovely characters who develop as the story progresses. Contains the usual Maz Evans wit and warmth which builds such engagement for readers. For super keen readers every Shakespeare play is referenced in some way which adds interest.

A funny, warm, heartfelt novel which will stay with the reader. 

Reviewed by Alison Tarrant on 19th September 2025

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A tale of two sisters - Ceridwen is lovely, romantic, timid - everything that her sister Sabrina is not. When Ceridwen vanishes into the woods, Sabrina goes in pursuit of her, into a decaying world of macabre fairies and monsters. And when an annoyingly handsome fairy prince offers her a dangerous deal, Sabrina is forced to put her own freedom at risk to save her sister.

This is a tale of an unconventional (often grumpy) heroine on a quest that weaves in a wealth of Welsh mythology and local history that's all beautifully described but also somehow manages to be an accessible, punchy read. The romantasy element rather than dragging things down or becoming cliched is only one aspect of a complex and nuanced story. Her story also engages with strong themes of family, identity, sibling rivalry, community and the horror of disaster befalling a mining community in 19th century rural Wales. The writer is truly steeped in her love for fairy tales, romance and her own Welsh culture which is all richly described and wholly gripping here.

Reviewed by Laura Hayward on 17th September 2025

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Brilliantly inventive and funny origin story of how the Wolf became bad, and you'll never guess who was responsible! Stands out as something different in the field of twisted fairy tales and a must for teachers looking for alternative tales. Perfect for sharing, discussing and enjoying.

Reviewed by Lucy McConnell on 10th September 2025

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Sabrina is a middle-class Jamaican-English girl, with her life mapped out and big plans to pass her A-levels and go to university. Jalaal is a Somalian Muslim boy falling in with the wrong crowd and getting deeper into trouble. When their paths cross it's love at first sight, but can they overcome differences of family, culture and religion to stay together?

This is a really strong debut read that tackles issues of class, religion and race with a light touch and without sacrificing the sweet love story at its core. The characters of Sabrina and Jalaal are well-drawn and despite some side characters being a little stereotypical, the book holds up well. Be aware of the strong content, and the slang used by the protagonists is likely to date quickly, but this is an engaging read sure to resonate with older teens. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 3rd September 2025

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If you want to know absolutely everything about the hit TV show Gladiators, this is the book for you! Featuring individual profiles of each Gladiator, in-depth guides to each of the challenges and plenty of gossip about the show, this is sure to be a hit. Find out which Gladiator can lift the most, which challenges are their favourites and who is the most vain! Mind-blowing stats and plenty of action photos make for a fun read with great shelf appeal. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 27th August 2025

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This hilariously gross collection of poems about, well, poo is sure to raise a giggle! Kes Gray has crafted poems about the toilet habits of everyone you can think of, from mermaids to ghosts, and David Tazzyman's wildly expressive illustrations work brilliantly with the text. Young readers will be laughing all the way through and it would work brilliantly to read aloud. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 20th August 2025

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A fab read for young music enthusiasts, with a steadily building rhythm and momentum, and plenty of wonderfully illustrated creatures. Andreae rarely lets us down.

Reviewed by Lucy Forrester on 15th August 2025

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Kennedy King has been forced to move from her sleepy hometown to London, and must attend Hellington High School (AKA Hell High). To help deal with all the embarrassing mishaps she makes in the pursuit of friendships, she starts a group chat with her two best friends, which they call Cringe Club.

This laugh-out-loud tale of school-based woes is a great start to a new series, and readers transitioning to secondary school will recognise the predicaments Kennedy gets herself into. With likeable characters and some sweet lessons around being yourself and self-acceptance, this is a kind-hearted and hilarious read with great shelf appeal. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 13th August 2025

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Rabbit wants to go for a swim, and the friendly sea monkey is keen for him to jump into the lake. But is he really a sea monkey? Is the water cold? Why are there carrots in the lake? And should rabbit ignore the sign saying 'no swimming'?! This is an amusing tale with a pleasingly oblivious main character, with excellent illustrations that are full of charm and little details to spot. Readers will be urging rabbit to take notice of what is really happening around him as he gets closer and closer to danger. No Swimming would work brilliantly at story times, and the interplay between the illustrations and text makes for a really enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 6th August 2025

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Tiny Tiger has SO many brilliant things they would like to do - if only people would stop saying "no!". This is another great rhyming tale from this winning duo that both children and adults will relate to. It's simple but funny with humorous illustrations that really bring the story to life and with an unexpected yet hilarious twist at the end.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 30th July 2025

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A truly wonderful read and brings this much loved classic to the picture book audience. It is longer than most picture books but the abridgement is great and the clever use of different font sizes really help with keeping the visual engagement and therefore help with the momentum of the story. Mini Grey's illustrations are brilliant and give Iron Man an element of humanity as well as depicting his growing friendship with Hogarth. There are some moments of peril when Iron Man falls of a cliff and lands in pieces but then (very cleverly) rebuilds himself and some betrayal by Hogarth (there is a happy ending!). It is not only a visionary tale but full of warmth and tenderness.

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 23rd July 2025

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