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Lost on Gibbon Island

by Jess Butterworth, paperback, £7.99, for 8-12 years (reviewed by Anthony) For fans of animal and survival books, here is an amazing new adventure book by Jess Butterworth. When 12-year-old Lark gets shipwrecked and ends up on a deserted island, with only a baby gibbon for company, she faces many dangers – brutal storms, scorching sunshine, and jellyfish-infested waters. With dwindling food and water, she must plan to find her way off the island before it’s too late. This beautifully descriptive story was a big hit at bedtime for my 8-year-old son. We enjoyed following Lark on her adventure and were willing for her to overcome the harsh challenges she faced and find her way home.

Wigglesbottom Primary – The Sports Day Chicken

by Pamela Butchart, Paperback, £6.99, for 6-9 years (reviewed by Anthony) This latest addition to the “Wigglesbottom Primary” series from, Blue Peter award winning duo, Pamela Butchart and illustrator Becka Moor, sees 3 brand new short stories, where the Year 2 children run a race against a chicken at Sports Day, eat green toxic slime at lunch (it is really Halloween custard!) and discover that fellow pupil Anne Marie is an ant queen and one of her subjects is called Lady Gaga! Never a dull moment at Wigglebottom Primary, these short stories, with vibrant illustrations, are laugh out loud tales that help to engage young readers and build on their confidence as independent readers. Books in this series are always a popular choice for my two sons.

Six Crimson Cranes

by Elizabeth Lim, paperback, £8.99, for young adults (reviewed by Polly) This book is a perfect mix of adventure, magic, and romance. A princess in exile, six enchanted cranes and the beginning of a love triangle. What more could you want from young adult fantasy fiction? This is the first in the series and so far, this author has not disappointed. From amazing descriptions of an enchanting world to the descriptions of the amazing clothes worn by the characters. If you’re not already obsessed with magic and dragons this book will definitely make you. Even though this book is based on an adventure where one sound could ruin everything, humour and joy is embedded into the pages as Princess Shiori’anma’s quick witted remarks make you laugh, and her unruly behaviour makes you love her instantly. I highly recommend this book as not only is the cover beautiful and looks amazing on your shelf but also, it’s a book that grabs your attention and won’t let go until you’ve finished.

The Inheritance Games

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, paperback, £8.99, for young adults (reviewed by Polly) If you enjoy mystery and the idea of a crazy rich family being annoyed at you for inheriting all their money, then you will love this book and the rest of the trilogy as much as I did. And to make it even better there are four extremely handsome boys for you to obsess over in this popular young adult fiction. Grayson, the boy who is perfect and expected to receive the large inheritance, Jameson, the out-of-control boy who enjoys going slightly too far in everything, Xander, the boy who builds machines to do the simplest of tasks in the most complicated way possible and Nash, the oldest brother who always wears a cowboy hat. The main character, Avery’s life completely changes when she becomes the world’s richest teenager in a matter of minutes with no idea why a man, she had never met left her everything that was meant to go to his family. I recommend this book if you like puzzles as this whole series is a game set by a man for his grandchildren to play and involves the most outgoing games you could imagine.

Nevermoor – The Trials of Morrigan Crow Book 1

by Jessica Townsend, paperback, £7.99, for 8-12 years (reviewed by Emily) Morrigan Crow has always been feared by the people of Jackalfax- blamed for bringing bad luck to everyone who lives there… and she’s destined to die on her 11th birthday. However, Morrigan’s life changes when she is transported to the magical city of Nevermoor. Follow Morrigan’s story as she is given the chance to join the Wundrous Society- a secret group of people, all like her. Yet Morrigan lacks the one thing she needs to pass the four trials she needs to in order to join the society- an exceptional talent. Will she succeed?

Chaos and flame

by Tess Gratton and Justina Ireland, paperback, £8.99, for young adults (reviewed by Emily)   A perfect book for any fantasy lover. Prepare to be swept away into a world of romance and adventure, where mythical beasts are all too real. Darling Seabreak is a survivor- no thanks to House Dragon- and has been planning her revenge for years. But will her resolve remain strong when she is unwillingly taken under the wing of the outgoing High Prince Caspian and the distrusting Talon- both from House Dragon?

6-7 YEARS BOOK GROUP

Notso Hotso by Anne Fine It was funny and weird. I loved the book. It was one of my favourite books.

7-8 YEARS BOOK GROUP

Elspeth Hart and the School for Show-offs by Sarah Forbes It was my favourite book ever! I read it on the day I got it. I really like the characters and I love the story. I can’t wait to read the next book. It was written fantastically and in a way that you can’t stop reading it. It is very descriptive and funny. My favourite character is Miss Crabb.

8-9 YEARS BOOK GROUP

Kat Wolfe Investigates by Lauren St John One of the greatest mystery novels in the whole space of time! Kat Wolfe investigates opens a whole world of suspense and mystery with a great plot.

10-12 YEARS BOOK GROUP

School for Skylarks by Sam Angus Lyla Spence is not prepared for school. Mop doesn’t believe in school so why should she? But when one turns up on the doorstep she is made to join as they are her guests. Then when she thinks all is foggy, she meets a friend called cat and soon there is a horse in the Maharajah’s room and ice skating in moonlight, as well as a terrier who likes eating socks! Bravery, courage and hope is what gets her through her new school life. I loved this book and I would really recommend it.

12-13 YEARS BOOK GROUP

Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine Iris has never met her father and has grown up to believe that he abandoned her and didn’t care. But now he wants to meet her as he’s on his death bed. He has a priceless art collection that he wants to hand over to her, along with many secrets…

TEEN BOOK GROUP

S.T.A.G.S by M.A. Bennett If you like mystery books, then this one is definitely for you. Nine students and a very deadly weekend can be more than anticipated as a deadly disaster. Join Greer on the hunt for acceptance. Will she be accepted by the Medievals? Maybe Henry? Huntin’ Shootin’ Killin’. Sometimes the answer lies in something too deep to control. Lies will be told, because the truth is too deadly. Some invitations you just shouldn’t accept…

11AM SATURDAY 4TH MAY – BOOK SIGNING AND FUN WITH JO EMPSON

Who will be crowned the most beautiful of all at the Jungle Jamboree? Lion, Leopard, Hippo, Bird or Zebra? The jungle creatures all try to change themselves in this beautiful book, bursting with wild splashes of colour and hilarious animal antics. But Fly has a surprise in store – soon the animals learn that they are lovely just the way they are, and that kindness is the most beautiful thing of all. Join Jo Empson author / illustrator of Jungle Jamboree in an interactive storytelling session and even make your own beautiful animal finger puppet to take part in a Jungle Jamboree!

Authors for Oceans

In support of some of our favourite authors; Lauren St John, Michael Morpurgo, Katherine Rundell and Piers Torday, to name just a few, we will NOT be giving plastic bags with books. AUTHORS4OCEANS, OCEANS ARE NOT RUBBISH launches today… please support them and this brilliant campaign to save the oceans! Authors4Oceans