This book loses nothing from being the second in a series, or from the fact it's in verse. The characters are well drawn despite the limited word count, and the plot is well thought through, and provides layers for the reader to engage with. While it focuses on the story of a child and the racial separation of the time, it layers feminism, friendship, slavery, family and song throughout.

The atmosphere is tangible and it delivers the same level of enrapture as the author tells it with, when performing poetry. 

Reviewed by Alison Tarrant on 13th March 2025

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This short novel delivers more than most titles of this length and for this age range. It captures the fun and mess of which pets bring, alongside the chaos, but without watering down the responsibility needed to look after an animal. 

The plot zips along and the cast of characters are well drawn, resulting in an engaging read even for those who may not read easily. The main character develops well and the cast of animals ranges from ferrets to rats to a goat! 

A lively and enjoyable read. 

Reviewed by Alison Tarrant on 13th March 2025

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A fabulous insight into the Ancient Egyptians with excellent photos and illustrations.  The layout is appealing and the text is short and concise, enabling the reader to discover interesting facts whilst browsing.  Egyptologist, Joann Fletcher, brings history to life.  It's bright, informative and mesmerising.  The production is solid and the cover is eye-catching.  It's a great resource for libraries and schools.  

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 12th March 2025

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This is the second book by Clara Kumagai, after the highly acclaimed Catfish Rolling, and it does not disappoint. The story is split between two timelines, which is handled extraordinarily well, with clear distinction between them until they meld into one another. There are strong characters in both timelines, who each go against some of the expectations from their social context. It’s nice to see strong male and female characters in the same book, and the friendships are well drawn in both storylines. The friendships and love interests, particularly in the modern setting, are refreshingly unproblematic, and will help readers picture a healthy relationship.

It’s a highly atmospheric book, which will captivate readers. I could barely put it down and it stayed with me long after the final page. It’s a highly original book which deserves a strong following.

Reviewed by Peters team on 6th March 2025

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This book shows what a great information book can do. It pulls the reader in and reveals information as gifts to be treasured; absorption of the facts happens easily as the act of reading is so pleasurable and engaging. 

This book covers big topics - from before the Big Bang to the end of the Dinosaurs - but it's broken down into manageable chunks and makes good use of the double page spreads. The comic strip elements are well done, and avoid the tiny text and over-crowding that some books of this format have. Alongside, there are small illustrations which add humour and illustrate key ideas. 

A fantastic book whose readership will reach well beyond those already interested in the subject.

Reviewed by Alison Tarrant on 28th February 2025

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Pamela Butchart does it again, with this tale of money struggles.  A topic which can be toe-curling to discuss is transformed into a tale showing the importance of friends, asking for and offering help, and being open with those in our lives. The cast is pleasingly diverse without it being made a point of, and the main characters are likeable, if not always making the same decisions as the reader - thereby generating amusing tension. 

A heart-warming book full of "Oh no!" laugh out loud moments. 

Reviewed by Alison Tarrant on 28th February 2025

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It's not an exaggeration to say that this book made many of us shed a tear in the office. It highlights the powerful impact of simple acts of kindness on people's lives, and in the current political climate this book is a ray of light shining through the dark. The epilogue is a lovely end to the story.

Reviewed by Debbie Bradley on 20th February 2025

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Really does highlight the efforts made during World War 2 by the (secret) Special Operation Executive (SOE), the resistance, code breakers and of course, animals. Contains an old fashion charm in the writing and wonderful named characters: Bertie Bulldog (animal prime minister). Easy-reading with lots of funny illustrations, it's an exciting adventure, a daring rescue mission and working together for the greater good (don't eat chickens if you are a fox, especially if they are a genius code breaker and trying to help you!). Plenty of humour, some subtle, some obvious, it's accessible and perfect reading for pleasure. Would work equally well for libs, schools/topics. 

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 13th February 2025

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In an alternative futuristic world where dragons are the souls of all the planets and moons, thirteen year old Lunar pairs with a new dragon to try to save the colony on Mars

A blend of genres works well to create an innovative, exciting space adventure. This is a gripping action from page one never lets up with characters that intrigue. A strong start to an epic new series and a brilliant read.

Reviewed by Peters team on 5th February 2025

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This clever, inventive book has great world-building and a plucky main character that you can't help but root for. A great mix of science fiction and thought-provoking social commentary around disability, health and inclusion combines with some creepy jump scares to make a really enjoyable read. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 29th January 2025

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Reed starts to make fake ID's for his school mates in a bid to generate money to help support his sister, Beatrice and improve their home life. Lots of discussion points raised; being a carer, taking responsibility, organ/bone transplants and dealing with a parent who can't cope, is depressed and becomes increasingly absent.

Reed's feelings about his mum's regular disappearing acts due to starting a new relationship is handled really well and very relatable. This book is full of empathy and you are with Reed all the way as he tries desperately to navigate incredibly difficult circumstances and with little support. That said, it's not a depressing read, the writing is solid and very readable and you do start to see the subtle threads of healing develop as the story unfolds. Great for empathy/discussion.

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 22nd January 2025

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Taken from the view point of a young man and his father, this picture book memoir shows the determination, ingenuitity, and and sheer luck members of this Jewish family had in surviving the Holocaust and Nazi regime in WWII. A powerful and sobering reminder of the atrocities perpetrated in war, both in the past and present. A must for any KS2 history collection.

Reviewed by Debbie Bradley on 17th January 2025

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A little girl and her grandmother bond by making dumplings together, then when the grandmother is taken ill the little girl makes her dumplings to build up her strength and help her recovery.

This gorgeously illustrated ode to the deep bond between grandparent and child perfectly captures the changing seasons, from swirling autumn leaves to bright summer sunshine. The warm family life shared between the little girl and her adored grandmother is shown to the reader, along with some very yummy-looking dumplings! A beautiful read, ideal for snuggling up with. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 15th January 2025

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A simple and sweet tale about counting. Written in rhyming text, this has cute characters and delightful illustrations. A great addition to picture book selections.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 10th January 2025

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A good fun read with an exuberant dinosaur character, a sweet and sound message about confidence and lovely illustrations. Good for sharing

Reviewed by Laura Hayward on 8th January 2025

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