‘Dead Straight Line’: A Must-Read Novel for Teens by Malcolm Duffy

Posted on February 25, 2026 by alibrarylady

There are times when I find the books that I rate the highest the most difficult to review effectively. Unlike the author whose work I admire the right words simply don’t come! Now is unfortunately one of those occasions. However I must try…

Dead Straight Line is Malcolm Duffy’s latest novel for teens and is both relevant and unsettling but most definitely a must read. At times brutally honest, Duffy’s writing portrays teen alienation, peer group pressure, and risk taking with skill and understanding. 16 year old Rory is bored and his need for excitement pushes him to encourage his friends in an ever increasing range of challenges. Failure to comply could mean becoming ostracised from this group of teen boys. Rory grabs the reader from the first chapter, the dialogue is punchy and direct and you quickly become involved with both the characters and the action. Rory’s latest idea is ‘Dead Straight Line’ a ‘game’ whereby you make your way home directly, no deviations, even if this means trespassing and danger. Unfortunately one night Rory’s need for thrills results in a tragic accident with a life changing impact on one of his friends.

The ensuing blame, punishment and emotional toll causes immense problems for all involved. As an adult reader it is inevitably easier to identify with the parents in this situation rather than the teen protagonist however somehow Rory’s voice touches you even when he is making huge mistakes. His anger, regret and his sense of injustice when everyone turns against him is conveyed with considerable impact. Rory’s parents display the range of emotions one might expect. There is bewilderment, shock and anger but also concern and worry. These varying range of responses illustrate behaviours that teens may witness or find difficult to understand so this novel allows and indeed prompts discussion on this aspect.

When Rory is ‘volunteered’ by his new school teacher to visit a care home he meets an elderly war veteran, bearing the nickname Tanker. Tanker, although initially a little gruff and unwelcoming and with the broadest of Geordie accents, gradually reveals some of his past and in turn draws out from Rory details of his current predicament. In a truly uplifting turn of events Tanker’s influence provides hope and understanding. This unlikely inter-generational friendship teaches Rory to look at life differently, to consider options and outcomes and ultimately to think about the person he wishes to become.

The storyline is fast paced and the overall tone accessible making this the sort of novel that one reads in one sitting. For both teens and adults this is story that packs a punch and would be wonderful for starting discussions about peer group pressure, society’s expectations and the role of school and parents in supporting ‘troubled’ youngsters who feel they are starved of opportunity. Even if young readers do not feel able to talk about the issues raised with an adult Rory’s story will make them think. He is a character who feels so real that you are still pondering on outcomes and how things could have been different long after the final page has been turned. There are no neat solutions given but there is a gradual increase in maturity and acknowledgment of taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Dead Straight Line covers many issues including friendship, trust, mental health, guilt, blame and life choices. I think it may appeal to readers who enjoy books by Anthony McGowan and would highly recommend this YA novel to mature readers of about 13+. It would also be an excellent class read for Years 8 or 9. The book includes representation of disability and Malcolm Duffy carried out research with the Combat Stress and Whizz Kidz charities. He also spent some time with a member of the Spinal Injuries Association.

Dead Straight Line will be published by Zephyr Books on 9th April and I should like to thank both the publishers and Laura Smythe for my proof copy. Highly recommended.

 

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2026 Klaus Flugge Prize Longlist: Top Picture Books Announced

Posted on February 19, 2026 by alibrarylady

The longlist for the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize was announced today. Set up in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize honours publisher Klaus Flugge, a hugely influential figure in picture books and founder of publishing house Andersen Press.

The £5,000 prize is awarded annually to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s book illustration and is the only prize specifically to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator. The Klaus Flugge Prize is regarded as one of the most significant children’s book awards.

“I love that this prize celebrates such a wide range of styles and approaches. There’s no single way to be a picture book illustrator—every voice and visual language has value.” Emma Farrarons, 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize winner

This year 18 books have made it to the longlist. Andersen Press, Kumusha and Walker Books each have two books on the list, while independent publishers Graffeg, Otter-Barry Books and Scallywag Press are also represented. Three of the four books on the Waterstones Prize Illustrated Books Shortlist are in the running: Milo and the Mountain by Jamie Carroll (O’Brien Press); The Great Green Island by Becky Colvin (Macmillan Children’s Books); and My Rice is Best, illustrated by Maxwell A. Oginni, written by Selina Brown (Puffin).

The 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize Longlist

  • The Great Bear illlustrated and written by Annie Booker
  • Milo and the Mountain illustrated and written by Jamie Carroll
  • Room for One More illustrated by Jessica Ciccolone written by Frances Stickley,
  • The Great Green Island written and illustrated by Becky Colvin
  • Baxter’s View illustrated and written by Kerri Cunningham (aka Murphy’s Sketches)
  • Unity Street School Saves the Planet illustrated and written by Sheena Davies
  • A Song of the Seasons illustrated and written by Yibing Deng
  • We Are Like Birds illustrated and written by Laila Ekboir
  • Mandy is Still a Banana illustrated by Amy Louise Evans written by Zoe Arena,
  • That’s Not Stella illustrated and written by Donna Fredin
  • edited by Fay Evans, design by Lilly Gottwald
  • 100 Goats and Granny illustrated by Lauren Hinds written by Atinuke,
  • My Rice is Best illustrated by Maxwell A. Oginni written by Selina Brown
  • The Voyage that Changed the World illustrated and written by Thekla Priebst
  • The Hunt for the Fog Town Moose illustrated and written by Stefania Aldana Trujillo
  • Wolf in the City illustrated and written by Rachel Tilda Wolf
  • Henry the Artistic Dog illustrated and written by Justin Worsley
  • Our Dance illustrated and written by Circle Yuen
  • Seven Babies illustrated and written by Forest Xiao

This year’s judges are 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize winner Emma Farrarons; award-winning author illustrator Rob Biddulph; Shelley Jackson, course director for the internationally renowned MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University; and Vanessa Lewis, co-owner of independent children’s bookshop The Book Nook in Hove. Julia Eccleshare is chair of the judges.

Julia Eccleshare says: “As the Klaus Flugge Prize heads into its second decade, we are excited to reveal this year’s longlist, eighteen books covering a huge range of subjects, from the natural world, real life and our human emotions, to the world of the imagination. Their illustrators use of a wide array of techniques and illustration styles to tell their stories, convey mood and depict character. As the contestants on BBC’s The Apprentice discovered recently, creating a successful children’s picture book requires enormous skill and a very special level of creativity and we congratulate all these talented debut illustrators. Huge thanks as always to Klaus Flugge whose generosity makes the prize possible and who has done so much for picture book publishing.”

The shortlist will be announced on 14 May 2026, and the winner will be announced at an award ceremony at the Art Workers’ Guild, London on 9 September 2026.

I should like to thank Andrea Reece for her help in creating this post. For more information about the award and previous winners please visit the official website.

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Judith Eagle’s The Blitz Sisters: A Captivating Family Saga

Posted on January 30, 2026 by alibrarylady

Judith Eagle is one of my favourite children’s authors. This is because whenever I pick up a book she has written I am safe in the knowledge that this reading experience will remind me of how and why I first became a reader as a child. Her historical mysteries are written in an immensely readable style with twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed and sufficient detail to ensure you do ‘feel as though you were there.’ However best of all she creates characters that you care for, a key element in reading enjoyment for me and I suspect for many others. The Blitz Sisters is subtly different in that there is no mystery for children to solve however this epic read, it is almost 500 pages long, contains drama, life changing events, family love and loss and everything else that readers have loved in Judith Eagle’s previous books in abundance.

The story spans quite a long period of time starting in 1939 with the declaration of war and continuing until 1948 as the Linden family and their friends deal with the aftermath and the deprivations brought about by the conflict. The narrative structure should increase the accessibility of this tender family story as it is divided into three sections with each being told from a different sister’s point of view. We begin with the eldest, Lydia, in 1939 then follow the later period of the war through middle sister Peggy’s eyes finally sharing the aftermath of the war with youngest sister, Teddy. This three stories in one approach provides a broader version of events and the way in which the author weaves the various threads together with skill increases the satisfaction for the reader.

In 1939 Lydia and her sisters are evacuated from London to the countryside, an unsettling and initially upsetting experience for the three girls. Lydia as the oldest and ‘the sensible one’ is using her love of cooking to try to ease the difficulties for everyone. As she experiences bullying at the local school and the sisters share upsets Lydia’s sense of responsibility and her natural inclination to worry increases the weight upon her and she takes drastic action to try to put things right.

Peggy’s story begins in 1943 when the girls have returned to London sharing a small house with friends and relatives. Peggy is artistic but also headstrong getting into scrapes and being reprimanded however she meets a young German refugee, Arno, who although quieter and calmer than his new friend shares her love of art. Despite struggling at school Peggy is determined to achieve her dream of eventually going to art school.

Lastly the story shines on the youngest Teddy, academic and hugely empathetic, she feels a little left behind by her older sisters however she is excelling at school. When a school trip to Paris becomes a possibility Teddy is keen to go and her family try to find the money to enable this. Little do they know that Teddy has a secret plan to try and find someone dear to her family but now lost to them.

The Blitz Sisters is being described as Little Women for today’s young readers and I can well understand why. The three Linden girls are reminiscent of the March sisters in many ways. Although their different temperaments result in squabbles and difficulties at times they share an unshakeable bond which even the grief and sadness from war will not destroy. For me though, this family story reminds me a little of The Skylarks’ War and The Swallows’ Flight by Hilary McKay. The backdrop of war is very much part of these young people’s lives and that experience is key to the story. There is exploration how women’s lives were affected by the dramatic events of the Second World War with the girls’ widowed mum, Cassie and the redoubtable Mrs Jessop plus Aunt Phoebe and Barbara being key to the storyline too. This sharing of adult and child experience adds another dimension to the book particularly as the girls, especially Lydia, grow towards adulthood by the end. Children may enjoy discussing the different characters and their choices, particularly those of the sisters. As an elder sister myself I empathised with Lydia’s sense of having to do the right thing and worrying about the impact of events on her younger sisters even as a child herself. Peggy’s difficulties at school would nowadays probably be recognised as dyslexia and possibly ADHD too. Teddy’s empathetic nature although commendable creates difficulties for her. All these aspects help young readers to recognise and perhaps cope with changing family situations of their own.

There is, despite the loss and sadness of war, a happy ending for this delightful family and I am sure that confident readers in upper primary and lower secondary school will lap this up and feel a real sense of reading achievement from the completion of this story. I loved The Blitz Sisters and hope that it gets the audience it surely deserves. I know it’s only January but I am sure this will be competing for my favourite children’s book of the year selection! I should like to thank Faber Children’s Books and Sarah Doyle for kindly providing my review copy. Do look out for The Blitz Sisters, it is published on 26th February and I highly recommend it.

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Advice From A 12-Year-Old Nobody by Helen Rutter illustrated by Julia Christians

Posted on January 26, 2026 by alibrarylady

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place every February. It was started in 2015 to give a voice to all children and young people and to raise awareness of children and young people’s mental health. This year it runs from 9th to 15th February and with impeccable timing Barrington Stoke are publishing a new book by Helen Rutter on 12th February. This particular author has a well deserved reputation for tackling mental health issues with understanding and insight in her award winning books for children. Her characters are well rounded and even when they are struggling there is something hopeful about their attitudes. Advice From a 12-Year-Old Nobody, illustrated by Julia Christians, very much follows Rutter’s previous successful approach to tricky subject matter.

12 year old Vinny needs help with his problems and he has lots of them at the moment. His family is falling apart, and his best friends no longer want to hang out with him and have dumped him for some really annoying girls. He knows that he should be able to ask for assistance from his agony aunt mum. However she is too busy to notice how much he is struggling, so Vinny takes matters into his own hands in this empathetic story about family and mental health. Unable to solve his own issues, Vinny starts replying to unanswered posts on an old blog of his mum’s. At first the solutions seem easy, and his honest, candid and sometimes hilarious answers help those seeking help. But what will happen when Vinny realises he is out of his depth? Worse still although he appears to be helping others his own problems are multiplying and deepening.

Vinny comes to life in this poignant story and Helen Rutter’s knack of depicting children realistically, and their response to difficult situations, shows real understanding. Many children will recognise the feeling of being a little ‘different’ and alone in their problems. Through the clever storyline Vinny starts to realise that many others, even adults, are encountering worries and difficulties. The importance of open communication is highlighted throughout and the sadness and preoccupation of both parents is portrayed with compassion. There is no quick fix provided but the sensitive and poignant portrayal of marriage break up, family and friendship issues may help youngsters gain an understanding of both their own and others’ problems. 


As with all books published by Barrington Stoke Advice From a 12-Year-Old Nobody is presented in a dyslexia friendly format and at just over 80 pages with appealing illustrations throughout this will have appeal to less committed readers too. Published on 12th February and with a reading age of 8 this would be suitable for children of about 10+. I should like to thank the publishers and Poppy McLean for my review copy.

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Branford Boase Award 2026 Longlist Announced

Posted on January 21, 2026 by alibrarylady

The longlist for the 2026 Branford Boase Award was announced today. Set up in memory of award-winning author Henrietta Branford and her editor Wendy Boase, one of the founders of Walker Books, the Branford Boase Award is given annually to the author and editor of the year’s outstanding debut novel for children. The Branford Boase Award is the only award to honour the editor of the winning book, highlighting the importance of the editor in nurturing new talent.

This year a record number of books were submitted; 67 books from more than a dozen different publishers and 24 books have made the longlist. Established in 2000, the Branford Boase Award is renowned for identifying the most talented fiction authors for young people at the start of their career. Past winners and shortlisted authors have included Frank Cottrell-Boyce our current Children’s Laureate, M.G. Leonard, Frances Hardinge, Meg Rosoff and Jenny Downham. Recent winners are Maisie Chan in 2022 forDanny Chung Does Not Do Maths, Christine Pillainayagam in 2023 with Ellie Pillai Is Brown., in 2024 Nathanael Lessore won with his debut Steady For This and last year’s winner was Margaret McDonald for Glasgow Boys which also won last year’s Carnegie Medal.


Previous winning editors on this year’s longlist include Fiona Kennedy, Ruth Bennett and Ella Whiddett, and Bella Pearson. The Branford Boase Award spotlights current trends in writing for children and young people and this year’s longlist is particularly varied. It features original new fantasy adventure stories such as Inkbound by Philippa Leathley, edited by Natalie Doherty (HarperCollins Children’s Books); romantasy in Ova Ceren’s The Book of Heartbreak, edited by 2023’s winning editors Ruth Bennett and Ella Whiddett (Hot Key Books); and thoughtful contemporary stories including The Doughnut Club by Kristina Rahim, edited by Zoë Griffiths (Nosy Crow). There are illustrated stories,
such as Marty Moose by Claire Powell, edited by Gráinne Clear (Walker Books), alongside stories examining cultural identity, such as Odd Girl Out by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid, edited by Rosie Fickling (David Fickling Books).

Chair of the judges and co-founder of the Branford Boase Award, Julia Eccleshare says:

“From a record number of submissions, we are delighted to present our judges with this longlist, which is the most varied in the 25 plus years of the Branford Boase Award. In this National Year of Reading, we are delighted to be highlighting so many exciting new voices, and stories to appeal to readers of all tastes and abilities. We thank our sponsors Walker Books and ALCS for enabling the Branford Boase
Award to continue to promote the best new writers for young people and the talented editors who nurture them.”

The 2026 Branford Boase Award longlist in full:

  • Odd Girl Out by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid, edited by Rosie Fickling (David Fickling Books)
  • Letty and the Mystery of the Golden Thread by Penny Boxall, edited by Katie Sinfield (Puffin)
  • Shadow Thieves by Peter Burns, edited by Lucy Courtenay (Farshore)
  • The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren, edited by Ruth Bennett and Ella Whiddett (Hot Key Books)
  • Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley, edited by Cathy Liney (Bloomsbury)
  • How to Roller Skate with One Leg by Ella Dove, illus by Jennifer Jamieson, edited by Anne Marie Ryan (Orchard Books)
  • The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire by Anna Fiteni, edited by Asmaa Isse (Electric Monkey)
  • Grumpfort by Jamie Hammond, illus by the author, edited by Sarah Stewart (Usborne)
  • The Girl Who Raced the World by Nat Harrison, edited by Ruth Bennett (Bonnier)
  • Evie and Maryam’s Family Tree by Janeen Hayat, edited by Bella Pearson (Guppy Books)
  • The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood by Farhana Islam, illus by Simran Diamond Singh, edited by Asmaa Isse (Farshore)
  • Love on Sight by Asli Jensen, edited by Shalini Vallepur (Chicken House)
  • Inkbound by Philippa Leathley, edited by Natalie Doherty (HarperCollins Children’s Books)
  • Gloam by Jack Mackay, edited by Katie Jenning (Rock the Boat)
  • A Beautiful Terrible Thing by Miranda Moore, edited by Meggie Degurney and Liz Cross (David Fickling Books)
  • Wildlands by Brogen Murphy, edited by Linas Alsenas (Puffin)
  • Rock Band Music and Misfits by Leah Osakwe, edited by Mattie Whitehead and Karelle Tobias (Little Tiger)
  • Marty Moose: First Class by Claire Powell, illus by the author, edited by Gráinne Clear (Walker Books)
  • The Doughnut Club by Kristina Rahim, edited by Zoë Griffiths (Nosy Crow)
  • The Girl with Gills by Becca Rogers, edited by Fiona Kennedy (Zephyr)
  • Run Away With Me by J.L. Simmonds, edited by Amina Parchment-Youssef (Penguin)
  • The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn, edited by Emma Jones and Charlie Castelletti
  • Augmented by Kenechi Udogu, edited by Natasha Brown (Faber)
  • My Dog by Olivia Wakeford, illus by David Litchfield, edited by Megan Reid (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Many congratulations to all the longlisted authors and editors. I am looking forward to reading those that I have not already discovered and have a personal favourite that I am hoping makes the shortlist!

This year’s panel of judges will be led by Margaret McDonald, who together with her editors Alice Swan and Ama Badu won the 2025 Branford Boase Award with Glasgow Boys. Joining her on the panel are children’s book experts, Katherine Woodfine, author and reviewer for The Week Junior; Stephen Dilley, Head of English at Kendrick School, Reading and part of the UKLA Book Awards team; and Anjali Patel Lead Advisory Teacher, CLPE. The judging panel will be chaired by Julia Eccleshare, children’s book consultant, the Hay Festival.

The shortlist for the Award will be announced on Thursday 23 April 2026. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at an award ceremony at CLPE in London.

The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition, the annual competition for young people which runs in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, will open on Monday 2 February 2026. For more information about the award, including a full list of past winners, and the Henrietta Branford Writing Competition visit www.branfordboaseaward.org.uk

The Branford Boase Award is delivered in partnership with the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) and supported by Walker Books. Many thanks to Andrea Reece for her help in preparing this blog post.

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How To Speak and Be Heard! A Kids’ Toolkit for Oracy and Confident Speaking by Sam Hutchinson and Vicky Barker

Posted on January 19, 2026 by alibrarylady

Regular readers of this blog will know that I have sung the praises of award winning publisher B Small Publishing in the past and I am about to do so again! Their books are presented in a style that has high child appeal but also empowers their young readers providing them with valuable information and skills. Their new series, Learning Skills, has the added bonus of being a useful classroom tool for teachers.

How To Speak and Be Heard is an introduction to oracy. This is a buzz word that I have inceasingly heard mentioned in conversations about the current curriculum and is defined as: learning to talk (speaking), learning through talk (listening) and learning about talk (communication). Oracy is something we all use every day in different ways. This book, written in collaboration with oracy charity the English Speaking Union, is constructed in a way that guides children through the different aspects and provides them with tools to achieve this valuable skill.

How to speak confidently is an important asset throughout life. For children it is important that they learn how to speak or give a talk in front of others in the classroom but it is also of value in forming friendships, teamwork, playing with and negotiating with others. In How To Speak and Be Heard! key points are highlighted and suggested activities and word definitions are provided. There is emphasis on the importance of listening and the different types of non-verbal communication used in society. Advice is given on the subject of authenticity and how to speak in your own words to express personal thoughts and ideas. The tone of the text by Sam Hutchinson is positive and encouraging, ensuring that the more intimidating aspects of oracy such as public speaking are explained and suggestions on how to overcome possible difficulties are given.

The suggested activities throughout, for example writing down forms of communication used in a family, describing the positive and negative aspects of presentation styles, and story chains could all be used in a classroom setting. The design and presentation by Vicky Barker with information presented in bite sized chunks with colourful illustrations and text boxes is appealing and less overwhelming for children than text heavy pages making this suitable for the suggested readership of 7+. Some young children may need support with some vocabulary but definitions are provided within the information and in a glossary at the end.

It will be interesting to follow the development of this series with the next two titles covering scientific and critical literacy. How To Speak and Be Heard! is published on 5th February and I should like to thank the publisher B Small Publishing and Naomi Weeks for providing my review copy.

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New Children’s Books this January

Posted on January 2, 2026 by alibrarylady

The Not-So-Great Escape by Emma Green

The Not-So-Great Escape is Emma Green’s first children’s book and is described by her publishers, Usborne Books, as a “hilarious and heartbreaking” road trip adventure. The trailer highlights the hilarious rather than the heartbreaking and yet within a few pages the reader is aware that there is something more profound lurking beneath the chaotic running away with an alpaca storyline. This is a portrayal of grief, family loss and learning to survive that on occasions is not glossed over resulting in a moving, yet ultimately hopeful book.

12 year old Hedley is struggling to cope with the death of his mum in a car accident and his dad’s reaction to this enormous loss. His attendance at a local therapy centre has brought Hedley together with Aiden, a boy seemingly the polar opposite of Hedley, and the ensuing distrust and friction adds to Hedley’s unhappiness. But then one night Aiden steals an alpaca from the local petting zoo at which both boys are volunteering and Hedley finds himself dragged into a runaway adventure involving risks that the normally hyper cautious Hedley would never dream of taking. As their journey continues they find themselves involved in an accidental robbery, a night in a haunted wood and inadvertently become a viral social media sensation. The drama builds until Hedley is forced to face the truth that he has been hiding from for so long.

The publicity material recommends The Not-So-Great Escape for fans of Jenny Pearson’s books and I can understand why has it has a similar blend of slapstick comedy and serious themes. The humour makes the subject of grief more accessible for children although I do think that readers at the lower end of the suggested age range or more sensitive children may find this upsetting in places. Because of the emotional content I would suggest that this may be more suited to some sort of guided reading be that through a small group, the ‘right’ class or under the supervision of a librarian or teacher to support a child in a meaningful way. For older children the book would be a great discussion starter on many subjects. Alongside grief the storyline explores bullying, friendship issues, mental health, theft, decision making, peer pressure all of which are important subjects for discussion, learning opportunities and building empathy. I would add that there are also some very funny moments! Hedley is a likeable protagonist too and as a reader I was drawn to his vulnerability and his naturally kind nature. The relationship between Hedley and Aiden and how this alters during the course of the adventure is an interesting and sensitive aspect for young readers too. This is a thought provoking debut and I will be watching out for more from Emma Green in the future.

Magpie Girl by Rowan Foxwood illustrations by Tim Banks

Cover illustration by Crystal Kung

Magpie Girl is an inventive reimagining of the traditional tales of the firebird and Baba Yaga but as I read this magical fantasy for children I was also struck by the wisdom Rowan Foxwood gently threads through the adventure. Key to the story, and to the outcome, is the bond of friendship, even when tested, and the importance of trust and loyalty.

There is something different about Lavender Wild. Lavender is a magpie girl who grows feathers, talks to birds and understands their songs, and she has a gift for finding lost things. She feels restricted at home with her carpenter father and longs for adventure and to travel to far flung places. When her former friend Kit’s father goes missing on the firebird’s mountain nearby Lavender takes the opportunity to set out with Kit on a mission to rescue him. They two youngsters are faced with danger in many forms from earthquakes to daemons and witches, and ultimately the evil firebird. Lavender and Kit are forced to examine their shared past and to try to rebuild their friendship in order to survive and save everyone. The plot gradually reveals episodes from Lavender’s past that she has forgotten and the story highlights the importance of memory in relationships and in creating a sense of belonging. There are moments when the reader is made aware how appearance can influence attitudes and judgement of others. There is much to unpick in this adventure and young readers will, I think, be encouraged to ask questions of the motivation and actions of some of the characters in the story.

The setting of this magical adventure is beautifully described and grounds the fantasy in a world that feels real to the reader. Rowan Foxwood mentions in her author’s note that Vineland, Lavender’s home, is ‘Mediterranean’ inspired and she has successfully created this image in her writing as that is very much what I was picturing as I read. Additionally the author drew on folklore from her native France and Corsica for some of the magic in the story. I found her descriptions of the origins of her Sentinels, the Spirit Hunters and the Asphodel Lanterns interesting and I expect her younger readers will do so too. They will also be interested that Foxwood hopes to return to Redvine with her readers!

There is a warmth and kind understanding to this story that increases its appeal. Magpie Girl is a fantasy for a wide range of young readers with important themes at its heart.

Both The Not-So-Great Escape and Magpie Girl are published by Usborne Books on 1st January and I should like to thank Fritha Lindqvist and the publisher for providing my finished copies.

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The Book of Stolen Dreams: The Final Battle by David Farr illustrations by Kristina Kister

Posted on December 29, 2025 by alibrarylady

Even if you are not a lover of children’s books the name David Farr is probably familiar to you. As I sat down to write this review I noticed that his adaptation of John le Carré’s, The Night Manager continues its second series on 1st January and is attracting much attention. Farr’s ability to hold an audience is apparent in this final instalment of his epic fantasy, adventure trilogy for children. This is a thrilling and ultimately moving finale to the story of brother and sister Robert and Rachel Klein’s courageous battle to overcome evil and restore peace to their family, community and country.

After defeating the evil Charles Malstain life is slowly starting to feel normal again for twelve year old Rachel Klein. She is enjoying life with her librarian father Felix and her brother Robert, accompanying her father to the cinema to see the latest film starring his favourite actor, Emil Bonfleur. However the showing is cancelled due to the disappearance of the popular Bonfleur while he was travelling through the desert. Mere days later he miraculously reappears safe and well to the delight of his fans. When Rachel and her family are invited to a banquet celebrating his return Rachel becomes suspicious and is sure something feels wrong. Then she realises the horrifying truth and she and Robert must once more pit their wits against an evil they thought conquered for good. The two youngsters then race against time to stop their country of Kasnia being held permanently under tyrannical rule.

Cover illustration by Kristina Kister

The enthralling plot features elements and characters from the previous two books and builds on the big themes already incorporated in the story in this intense and compelling finale. This is a gripping combination of magical fantasy, cinematic style adventure and political intrigue. Originally inspired by David Farr’s great aunt and uncle’s own story the author brings to life a vivid world inspired by reality. Although never intended to be a representation of Nazi Germany Brasnia could portray any country under the control of a dictator. It has a chilling authenticity. The manipulation of people by those in power is highlighted and has great resonance today making this book well suited for discussion in a book group or classroom. The book touches on tricky questions about life and death with the Hinterland of the story providing a way of connecting with those who have died and also being a crucial part of the plot. Having accompanied the characters through all three books the development of the characters, in particular Rachel, is well drawn and there are moments of quiet reflection and increased maturity that readers may well find thoughtful and comforting.

The Final Battle is an excellent ending to the Book of Stolen Dreams series containing drama, danger and excitement balanced by thoughtful exploration of themes including family, loyalty, courage and standing up for what is right. I would suggest that this is best suited to readers at the upper end of the middle grade audience age group. The wonderful illustrations and chapter headings by Kristina Kister capture the world that David Farr has created perfectly. I particularly liked the double page spread of the bookstore which I would love to visit!

The Book of Stolen Dreams: The Final Battle was published in September 2025 by Usborne Books and I should like to thank both the publisher and Fritha Lindqvist for providing my review copy. You may be interested in my reviews of the first two books, The Book of Stolen Dreams and The Secret of the Blood Red Key both of which I would also recommend

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Winter Reads: Enchanting Children’s Books for Christmas

Posted on December 1, 2025 by alibrarylady

As we approach Christmas and the days shorten there is a temptation to close the curtains in the evening and curl up with a good book. Here are two books published in the last month or so that although very different in style fit the bill perfectly. One a reimagining of a traditional fairy tale and the other a festive story in a series featuring a contemporary junior detective, I hope they will find a home with the young bookworm in your life.

The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson illustrated by Melissa Castrillon

Cover illustration by Melissa Castrillon

Inspired by the traditional Slavic fairy tale, The Snow Maiden, this magical story by Sophie Anderson combines tradition with a wise and thoughtful exploration of friendship and courage. The Snow Girl is a perfect winter read, set in a snowy, winter wonderland, beautifully written and full of warmth and understanding.

Tasha and her parents have moved far from their coastal home to stay with her Grandpa in a valley close to the mountains. Grandpa’s health has deteriorated and he needs help running his farm. Tasha loves caring for the animals and is content to stay with her family and has not ventured to visit other families who live nearby. She is thrilled to see snow for the first time and is eager to build a snow girl, just like the girl in her Grandpa’s stories. That night she makes a wish that the snow girl will come alive and be her friend so that she will feel less alone. Tasha has not always been fearful but an event that took place over a year ago has robbed the girl of her normal enthusiasm for new things and now she is afraid of everything. When Tasha’s wish comes true and the snow girl becomes her best friend the pair of them meet up secretly each night, exploring ice caves, appreciating the wildlife around them and enjoying a magical world together. However as winter lengthens and the snow gets deeper life becomes harder for the villagers and Tasha starts to suspect that her beloved snow girl may be responsible.

I read this delightful story during a recent cold snap when snowflakes, to my surprise, were fluttering past my window providing a perfect backdrop to this icy, fairy tale adventure. Sophie Anderson’s writing is mesmerising being a lovely balance of description and emotional insight. Traditional folk tales do in themselves frequently have an underlying theme of family or relationships and in The Snow Girl this aspect is depicted with warm understanding. Tasha is coping with issues that are having an impact on her enjoyment of life and as the story progresses the reader sees how she battles with this inner anxiety and, with the help of those around her, overcomes her fears. This element would be reassuring for any youngster experiencing a similar issue. The Snow Girl, unsurprisingly given its inspiration, has the tone of traditional oral storytelling and would be wonderful to read aloud over the Christmas and winter period. First published in hardback a couple of years ago, I can’t imagine how I missed this, and available now in paperback from Usborne Books. Highly recommended! A big thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne Books for my review copy.

Anisha Accidental Detective: Christmas Chaos by Serena Patel illustrated by Emma McCann

Cover illustration by Emma McCann

The eighth book in this popular series definitely has a festive feel about it. As Christmas approaches young super sleuth Anisha is feeling more than a little overwhelmed by all the noisy expectation displayed by her extended family. Aunty Bindi, in her typical over exuberant fashion is preparing for her solo singing audition festooned in tinsel, Granny Jas is determined to ensure that every single meal or snack has a Christmas twist and most important of all Anisha’s Dad has been put in charge of the Christmas fayre at their local community centre. All Anisha wants is a bit of peace and quiet but then Dad’s newly acquired large red sleigh is stolen so how can Anisha possibly resist using her detective skills to put things right.

Christmas Chaos is a fitting title for the merry mayhem caused by this likeable family. The fast paced plot is full of twists and jokes keeping young readers entertained. The narrative voice of Anisha ensures that children will relate to her and Serena Patel draws successfully from her own experience to give this story an authenticity. Anisha’s Dad shines in this story and I found his enthusiasm quite touching. There is a lovely family dynamic to this series showing how a family of very different characters overcome differences with warmth and good humour. There is a thoughtful message too about not being too quick to judge others on initial impressions which is handled well as the story reaches its climax.

The jolly illustrations by Emma McCann add to the enjoyment of the story with their amusing detail, clever depiction of each character’s expressions and the many Christmas features including some impressive Christmas jumpers! A lovely, happy Christmas themed story for readers of about 8+ to enjoy in the run up to the big event. Published by Usborne Books on 6th November. Thank you to Georgia Allen and Usborne Books for my review copy.

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Children’s literacy charity The Children’s Bookshow launches fundraising illustration auction 

Posted on November 21, 2025 by alibrarylady

The Children’s Bookshow is hosting an art and illustration auction to support its programme of free in-school workshops in 2026. Each year, the charity gives approximately sixty schools the incredible opportunity to welcome children’s authors, illustrators, and poets into their classrooms, completely free of charge. The artists host hands-on creative workshops where children can develop their own storytelling and illustration skills, guided by some of the very best children’s book creators. The auction will include original artworks and limited edition prints from some beloved children’s illustrators, and will aim to raise the £17,000 needed for the charity to continue this hugely positive programme of in-school creative workshops in 2026.

Frank Cottrell Boyce, Children’s Laureate, School Workshop

100% of teachers who responded to the charity’s 2024 evaluation survey say that these in-school workshops increased children’s confidence in working creatively, with pupils who normally hesitate to participate finding their voices during these sessions and gaining belief in their creative abilities.

At a time when research indicates that reading engagement is at an all time low, with the need to boost reading for pleasure high on the national agenda, 85% of teachers also reported that the in-school workshop provided by the charity helped increase their pupils’ engagement with the author’s books. Many teachers also highlighted the positive impact of putting enjoyment at the heart of literacy, particularly for pupils who struggle to meet the demands of the curriculum.

By participating in the auction, members of the public can help to fund this activity for 2026, inspire the next generation of readers, writers, and artists and ensure that The Children’s Bookshow can continue its work in the National Year of Reading.

The auction will include original artworks and limited edition prints. Work from an exciting variety of well-known children’s artists will be available to bid for, including contributions from Alexis Deacon, Catherine Rayner, Neal Layton and Christian Robinson, as well as The Paper Dolls illustrator Rebecca Cobb; creator of How to Hide a Lion, Helen Stephens; 2026 Carnegie Medal for Illustration nominee Jon Agee; and award-winning, internationally-acclaimed illustrator of The Gruffalo and so many other beloved children’s books, Axel Scheffler. 

“The Children’s Bookshow art auction is a wonderful opportunity for art lovers and book enthusiasts to purchase original artworks and limited edition prints from some of the world’s very best children’s illustrators. There are a wide variety of pieces to choose from by beloved illustrators and exciting new artists and we are so grateful for their support of our work. 

Bring the joy of books and reading into your home, find an excellent Christmas present, or a new piece of art to add to a developing collection, while supporting The Children’s Bookshow to continue our vital work in 2026.” Kate Arafa, co-director of The Children’s Bookshow,

The auction link is live from today, Friday 21st November, you can view the wonderful items available here and bidding will begin on Friday 28th November.

You can find out more about the work of this charity and the background to the auction by visiting the Children’s Bookshow official website here

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