Barrington Stoke need no introduction to anyone involved in the world of children’s books in any capacity. Their books are super readable, designed to be accessible to as many children as possible and are known for their dyslexia friendly format and content. Sometimes less confident readers are also helped by the security offered by the familiar. Series fiction offers that familiarity. When reading books in a series children feel safe with characters with whom they may have formed an attachment. They are more quickly engaged in worlds that they recognise and are able to anticipate events making them feel more comfortable and more confident too. The new Barrington Stoke books that I have reviewed here are all titles in established and popular series so will have a broad appeal.

The Runaway Tortoise by Holly Webb illustrated by Ocean Hughes

The Little Gems books published by Barrington Stoke are their entry level chapter books for emerging readers and have been created to build reading stamina. The design is chunky and appealing with colourful illustrations and well spaced text and they usually feature a puzzle, jokes or fun facts inside the cover too. Holly Webb’s stories in this range have the attraction of being gentle and usually centred on much loved animals.

The Runaway Tortoise features an elderly tortoise named Albert whom Ava has inherited from her Grandad. Unfortunately Ava thinks that Albert is a rather unexciting pet and wishes she could have a dog instead, or maybe a cat like her friend Minnie. Then her Auntie Grace asks Ava’s Dad to look after her dog for the day and Ava is thrilled at the prospect of having a pet dog even for a short time. However the boisterous Boots is a bit lively and his frantic running around and barking frightens poor Albert. Ava is surprised to find that she cares a bit more about the gentle tortoise than she previously thought. The next day when Ava discovers a big hole in the garden fence she realises that Albert has run away! The search starts with Ava, her Dad and Minnie’s family working together to look for him. Now that he is in danger Ava realises how much she loves her tortoise.

Holly Webb has written many animal stories for children of all ages and this entertaining adventure for our youngest readers in packed with information about tortoises and would be pet owners will learn about tortoise care as they read. In addition there are some fun facts about Sulcata tortoises at the start of the story. The Runaway Tortoise is a winning combination of adventure and pet care making it a lovely book for young animal lovers. Published on 9th April for readers age 5+.

The Moonlight Agency: The Case of the Race by Vashti Hardy illustrated by Agnes Saccani

The third book in this magical mystery series is another in the Little Gems range and is a wonderful way to introduce the youngest readers to the concept of fantasy worlds in children’s fiction. Vashti Hardy’s books are both critically acclaimed and popular, with titles shortlisted for various awards and in the Moonlight Agency she has created an imaginary world that will appeal to the publisher’s target audience.

The Case of the Race sees Hana team up with her friend Ace, a magical talking cat, when they return to Moonlight together just in time to participate in a big race. Unfortunately they are greeted with the news that Brumble the bear wizard has lost the winners’ medals! Immediately Hana and Ace resolve to turn detective once more and find the medals so that poor Brumble is not in trouble. Along the way they are tempted to enjoy the wonders of the magical world but can they spare the time to stop and look? The tiny trolls who lap up their beautiful surroundings, the snail with the glowing shell who lights up the darkness for them and the mechanical unicorn and rabbit all have considerable appeal to young children and there is a charm to this happy tale.

Young readers will enjoy trying to play detective with the main characters and they will learn a valuable message about the importance of not always rushing but slowing down to savour things. As with other titles in this range there is a puzzle at the start of the book which provides readers with the opportunity to search for the missing medals themselves. A lovely little package for new readers and published in March for children aged 5+

The Island Vet: Storm Bird Magic by Gill Lewis illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich

This popular animal series is now on its fifth story and regular readers will be delighted to team up once more with Tia, daughter of a vet based on an island. Gill Lewis is a vet herself, always writing with warmth and understanding in her animal stories and this is evident in The Island Vet series. As with the previous books this story is accompanied by lovely illustrations and chapter headings by Irina Avgustinovich bringing the characters, both human and animal, to life for young readers. 

When the ships taking part in the Tall Ships Race take shelter from a storm in the bay on Gull Haven Island Tia’s mum is asked to check on a captain’s cat on board one of them. Tia goes with her mum and listens to the stories told by the sailors about the strange chickens that can predict storms. She is reluctant to believe these legends and pairs them with the local tales she has been told about long lost fairies near the lighthouse. However when her friend Nat’s Dad takes the girls to the fairy stones they gradually uncover the truth behind the stories.

Gill Lewis incorporates various threads together in this charming story. Children will learn about the small coastal birds, storm petrels and the impact of plastic pollution on the environment. The sub-plot depicting a little girl making a difference to the actions of big companies may inspire budding conservation activists too. There is community and a subtle message about making the most of everyday magical moments at the heart of this adventure. Storm Bird Magic is perfect for nature lovers of about 7+. Published on 9th April.

Keeping Possession by Eve Ainsworth illustrated by Luna Valentine

Eve Ainsworth’s enjoyable series featuring themes of football and friendship returns with this new title starring Eboni who has just joined her former rivals, the Lightmoor Lionesses. She is endeavouring to balance her commitment to the game with maintaining her bond with a new friend and is reluctant to choose between the two.

Ainsworth’s background in schools in a pastoral role is evident in the thoughtful way in which she tackles her subject matter. The situations portrayed are ones that her young readers will recognise and even if they have not experienced them will readily empathise with the characters and their issues. The plot hinges on the importance of football to Eboni and this will of course appeal to fans of the game. However it is the friendship dilemma that will resonate with even more youngsters. Eboni has been ostracised by her former team mates and friends who believe she has betrayed them. Therefore she is more vulnerable to an approach by the popular Olivia who she now sits next to in class. The two girls quickly realise that they have a great deal in common and very soon a friendship forms. But it quickly becomes apparent that Olivia is not interested in football at all and resents the time Eboni devotes to training, preparation and playing. It becomes clear that she expects Eboni to make a choice. How will Eboni respond to this ulitmatum?

Well written and with an understanding of friendship dynamics among girls of this age Keeping Possession is a sensitive story with a positive outcome that will reassure and help young readers. At the end of the book there are tips given on navigating friendship problems and where to find additional support if needed. Perfectly timed for the forthcoming World Cup in June this book shows women’s football in a positive light and this is an excellent addition this enjoyable series. Published in March. with a reading age of 8+ and suitable for readers aged 9+. If you are interested you can read my review of the previous title in the series, Seeing Red, here.