The Attack of the Robot Librarians by Sam Copeland and Jenny Pearson illustrated by Robin Boyden and Katie Kear

If the young readers in your life enjoy funny, madcap adventures then The Attack of the Robot Librarians is sure to be a hit with them. Pitched at readers of about 8+ this has all the ingredients that appeal to many; children challenging and (spoiler alert!) defeating the baddies, heaps of humour, a fast paced plot and an unlikely but strong friendship at its heart. The jolly illustrations throughout are an added bonus adding to the fun and breaking up the text for those who may find pages of dense text a little daunting.

The second in the Tuchus and Topps Investigate series sees our heroes, Agatha and Lenny, return to try to get to the bottom of the mysterious goings on at Little Strangehaven Primary. Sinister robot owl librarians with laser eyes, Mr Whip the new fearsome PE teacher and new pedal powered desks are just some of the challenges our intrepid young detectives face as they try to stop Ms Pamela Stranglebum and her sinister plans, with the help of their Scottish gargoyle pal Gregor.

The dual narrative works well highlighting the very different personalities of the organised and competitive Agatha and the enthusiastic but accident prone Lenny. Their differing viewpoints and misunderstandings add to the fun and despite the chaos and jokes ultimately there is loyalty and kindness in their partnership and a thoughtful message about the importance of teamwork. (Published by Puffin on 6th June.) Thank you to Lindsay Sethia for my review copy.

Mysteries at Sea: Peril on the Atlantic by A. M. Howell

Peril on the Atlantic is the first in a new series by award winning author A.M. Howell and will have young readers eagerly awaiting the next two stories, due to be published next year. This reminded me in the best possible way of my own childhood favourites, the well paced plot is reminiscent of the Famous Five adventures with a dash of Tintin for added international flavour.

Set in 1936 we accompany Alice as she joins her father aboard the Queen Mary as it sets sail across the Atlantic to New York. As her staff captain father concentrates on beating a sailing record Alice slips away to explore the ship without his knowledge and witnesses a shocking attack. Together with her new friend Sonny, Alice attempts to identify the perpetrator by solving a series of clues and as the two children gradually unravel the mystery they also unearth secrets in their own lives. Setting a crime within a closed circle such as a ship is a familiar plot device and it works well here as this cleverly constructed and well paced story is not predictable adding greatly to the enjoyment.

The inclusion of historical detail is incorporated in such a way that it supports the exciting adventure rather than dominates the action. It does however give the book an extra depth. Alice’s conversations with Pearl, a stewardess who survived the Titanic disaster bring home the fear that many passengers may have felt aboard a large ship at that time. Fellow passengers aboard the Queen Mary also include a Jewish family escaping from the growing turmoil and danger in Germany and this aspect is thoughtfully handled. There are light moments too, such as the inclusion of Fred Astaire dancing his way along the railings as a nod to the celebrities who regularly travelled on this famous ship in the 1930s.

Peril on the Atlantic is just the type of book that the ten year old me would have devoured and I’ve a feeling that this could turn today’s ten year olds into bookworms too. Last but not least the setting up for the second book in the series is masterly in its execution! The first in the Mysteries at Sea series is published by Usborne Books on 3rd August and highly recommended. Thank you very much to Fritha Lindqvist for my review copy.

The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle illustrated by Kim Geyer

It’s refreshing to read children’s fiction set in a time period that doesn’t often feature in stories for young readers and Judith Eagle’s latest mystery adventure is set in 1950’s London. With plenty of twists and turns and different threads brought together in a satisfying conclusion The Stolen Songbird has enough excitement to keep youngsters turning the pages over the holidays.

When Caro’s mother disappears whilst overseas on a theatre tour Caro is dispatched to the care of her Great Aunt Mary, a grumpy old lady who she has never met. Worse still Caro is not allowed to take her beloved pet rabbit, His Nibs with her. Once at her Aunt’s Caro discovers a mysterious painting of a thrush in her suitcase with no clue to where it came from. Caro now finds herself hiding her rabbit from her Great Aunt and trying to find the owners of the painting of the songbird before criminals steal it.

Judith Eagle combines a traditional mystery with clues, red herrings and truly dreadful baddies with a family mystery that Caro gradually solves with the help of her friends. There are some references that neatly place the story in its time period such as Caro’s friend Horace’s admiration of the young Yves St Laurent and the teddy boys who lurk near the pub run by Caro’s mum and these are balanced with modern sensibilities.

Kim Geyer has provided the chapter heading illustrations and these add to the period feel and she has, I think, captured Caro’s determined and sparky character. (Published by Faber on 3rd August.) I should like to thank Bethany Carter for my review copy.

Sweet Skies by Robin Scott- Elliot

Sweet Skies combines cracking storytelling, interesting historical detail and fascinating characters in a tale of bravery, survival and growing up in post war Berlin. Robin Scott-Elliot’s fourth historical novel was inspired by a conversation with his mother who lived in Berlin in the 1950s as a child and, prompted by her vivid memories and news reels of the time, this tense and exciting story has an authentic feel which adds to the reader’s enjoyment.

In Berlin in 1948 fourteen year old Otto wants to be pilot more than anything else in the world. The city is blockaded by the Soviets with the Americans flying food and supplies in to the citizens and Otto and his friends, Ilse and Klaus, are captivated by these heroic, charming figures and the chocolate and treats they drop for the hungry children. The three teenagers are surviving in the ruined city each of them scarred physically, emotionally or both by the effects of the recent war. Against this backdrop Otto makes choices that endanger him and his friends but also enable him to eventually understand himself and his family better.

The plot of Sweet Skies is thrilling and full of excitement, danger and betrayal but balanced by well rounded and interesting characters. The interactions, conversations and friendship between the young people convey the emotions, trauma, fear and frustration they have experienced without melodrama which, I think, increases the impact. It is also interesting to have a viewpoint from the German side of World War 2 and in the immediate aftermath too. An utterly gripping story suitable for readers from about 11 years upwards this is equally suitable for home bookshelves and school libraries. (Published on 6th July by Everything With Words.)