Real life has rather got in the way of both reading and reviewing over the last month or so however I wanted to share some new books that I have particularly enjoyed and would like to recommend. Four very different books for quite a wide range of tastes and ages have made up my recent reading. Do you know a young person who is looking for that perfect summer holiday read? I do hope that one of the books included here will be the ‘right book’ for the young readers in your life.

Help! Aliens Stole My Grandad by Hannah Moffatt Illustrated by Rory Walker – a winning combination of comedy and emotional understanding.

Extremely silly, action packed, told in short chapters and festooned with quirky illustrations Help! Aliens Stole My Grandad is perfectly designed to appeal to young readers of about 7+. However adults with responsibility for choosing reading matter for children will also approve of its thoughtful approach to the subject of grief, loss and the bond between child and grandparent. This is a winning combination of comedy and emotional understanding.

Harrison’s family are preparing to fulfil his Grandad’s last wish by firing his ashes into space on a firework. Unfortunately things do not quite go to plan and the following night after Grandad’s firework has gone astray Harrison meets an alien pirate crew at his bedroom window. They are demanding answers from the Earthling Prime Minister. Somewhat foolishly Harrison tells them he is who they are looking for! The ensuing adventure takes Harrison on a trip to outer space where he meets a would-be young pirate named Red who accompanies him on his search for the pirates’ missing lucky pink parrot. What could possibly go wrong? Well, quite a lot! Featuring a moon made of cheese, cows that make milk shake, ferocious pirates and a magic pirate hat this jolly tale zips along at quite a pace. The witty dialogue, puns, and traditional pirate catch phrases would make this a great book to read aloud, especially for an adult who enjoys ‘doing the voices’. Great fun but also with a kind incorporation of emotional themes such as friendship, bravery and grief this would be an excellent addition to primary school libraries. Published on 28th May by Everything With Words I should like to thank Mikka Haugaard for my review copy. There are also some excellent teaching resources available on the Hannah Moffatt’s website here.

Cat School: Odd Cat Out by Rose Robbins – balances themes of overcoming school anxiety and adopting a welcoming and inclusive attitude to others with fun and kind friendship

The first in a new graphic novel trilogy featuring kittens Tangle and Eno and their new neurodivergent friend Pelly this accessible story deals with many elements with which young readers will empathise. The kittens are leaning how to tackle new experiences, emotions including anxiety and forging friendships. The plot explores the difficulties some have with change of any sort and Pelly in particular finds it tricky to fit in at her new school feeling alienated and deciding to stay at home instead. She is convinced that she has to hide her true self in order to be accepted by the others and does not know how to go about it. Through the efforts made by her new friends she realises that she is fine just the way she is and is eventually persuaded to return. The illustrative style is jolly with an appeal to youngsters and much detail to explore and there is gentle humour too. Cat School: Odd Cat Out balances themes of overcoming school anxiety and adopting a welcoming and inclusive attitude to others with fun and kind friendship. In addition to being a book many children will enjoy reading for its own sake this would a good title to have available for those children who are struggling to overcome school anxiety and a useful prompt for class discussion on this topic too. Published by Scallywag Press on 6th August and I should like to thank Laura Smythe and the publishers for my review copy.

When Skeletons Rise by Coral Rumble illustrated by Katie Murphy – accessible and engaging but displaying considerable depth and insight.

Coral Rumble’s first prose novel for children, Jakub’s Otter was a beautiful story that featured in my favourite books of 2024. It was always, for me at least, going to be a hard act to follow. Happily her follow up displays once more the tender, wise understanding that endeared me to Jakub’s story. Books written for children encompass many aspects of life but key to their success with their target audience is, I believe, characters with whom children can relate. In When Skeletons Rise Coral Rumble has created in eleven year old Arlo a boy who conveys the complexity of youngsters at this pivotal stage of their lives. Arlo is dealing with big issues but at the same time all the everyday occurrences common at this age such as making friends and navigating a home move coupled with the final year at primary school. This engaging adventure will keep its readers entranced until the final page.

Arlo has been unsettled by his move to Cornwall following the ‘disappearance’ of his dad. He has a strong bond with his mum but the change and the tricky issue of making new friends is making things stressful for him. Luckily Arlo is blessed with an understanding class teacher, Mr Murray, who along with a couple of cheerful classmates are making things easier for Arlo. A class project linked to an historical local shipwreck captures Arlo’s imagination and his enthusiasm for pirate stories. As he digs into the background of the disaster he uncovers hidden secrets but alongside his school research hidden secrets are also emerging about his own family. Arlo is scared that this may wreck his new found happiness.

At just under 200 pages and with short chapters this is accessible for many young readers yet it is also a book with considerable depth of understanding and insight. This would be an excellent book to discuss in a classroom covering as it does family separation, loyalty and honesty, financial worries and intergenerational friendships. The characters in this well plotted story really shine and I think children will be reassured by the kind understanding displayed by the many adults who help Arlo throughout the story. There is a lovely positive feel to the writing and When Skeletons Rise is a wonderful way of highlighting the good to be found in communities. Another gem! Published by Troika Books in June and I would like to thank the publishers for my copy.

Cut Him Out In Little Stars by Lucy Strange – a sweeping Second World War story of first love, loss and a compelling mystery that has a lasting impact

As a school librarian I sometimes used to suggest an author to a pupil in the upper primary years who they could ‘grow up with’. In other words someone who wrote across different age groups and would therefore supply that comforting familiarity of style but with content suitable for the reader as they grew and matured in their understanding. Lucy Strange needs no introduction to those familiar with the current ‘middle grade’ market having been shortlisted and won several awards for her historical fiction. Cut Him Out In Little Stars is her first title for the YA audience and is a sweeping Second World War story of first love, loss and a compelling mystery that has a lasting impact on those involved. I loved this and wallowed in the world created by this excellent writer.

Cut Him Out In Little Stars features Juliet, a young girl struggling to cope with the loss of her dashing RAF boyfriend. When she is despatched by her exasperated father to stay with her older sister on the coast her life becomes yet more complicated. Back in her childhood home she is reminded once more of the mother she lost when she was very young as long buried memories return. In addition she learns a shocking secret about her boyfriend and becomes involved in attempts to solve the mystery of the death of a local girl. These various threads are brought together skilfully and naturally as the plot gradually immerses the reader in the lives of the locals. As with her previous novels Strange has a gift for creating an enveloping atmosphere that increases the impact of the events portrayed. Against the backdrop of war, the dangers of the sea and the enemy combine with the suspicion of various characters and their possible involvement in the black market and even murder. There is a palpable sense of danger that increases as one reads on through the story. Juliet is a wonderful character whose development from a sheltered and naive girl into a resolute young woman who faces up to challenges endears the reader to her. This is a coming of age story that explores questions of identity and the importance of loving relationships and her growing maturity will inspire and reassure young teen readers. A cast of wonderful characters including Juliet’s artist sister Frances, the charming Bertie and the kindly bookshop owner Mrs Sylvester add to the enjoyment. The title is a reference to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Lucy Strange has said she was also inspired by classics such as I Capture the Castle but this is a very much an engaging read for today’s readers. And this Juliet has a happy ending too. What more could you want! Published by Chicken House on 13th August and highly recommended. I should like to thank the publishers for my copy.