Today we’ve a review for little ones…

Naughty Nina – Juliet Mickelburgh

Little Nina is tired of being nice all the time and decides she would like to be naughty instead. Being naughty is excellent fun, but after a while Nina makes a surprising discovery – being naughty all the time is just as boring as being nice all the time. So what will Nina decide to do instead? Beautifully illustrated with lovely detail, lots of humour and wonderful characters, this is a story with resonance for all!

This is a picture story book about Nina who was always nice until one day she got bored with being nice and decided to be naughty instead but then realised that was not fun either so decided to be just herself.

It is a good message for children that they should just be themselves and to realise that they cannot be nice or naughty all the time. It made for some interesting conversations with my 3 and 5 year old especially as some of the naughty things that Nina did they had done also!

The illustrations are comical and illustrate the story well and are also very detailed. My children found the illustrations very funny especially when Nina was being naughty. There is also a fold out naughty Nina game to play with a dice at the end of the book.

Thanks, Wendy, and thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending us a copy.

Today we have a review from Caryl..

The Memory Cage – Ruth Eastham

Alex’s Grandad is getting forgetful.  He talks to a cat that has been dead for years.  He sometimes wanders off and forgets to drink his tea.  But Alex seems to be the only one in his adoptive family who cares.  His parents and his brother can’t wait to get Grandad into an old people’s home.  Alex promises that he won’t let this happen, and attempts to save his Grandad by creating a scrap book of memories.

What he uncovers is a story of great sadness and courage, a story of promises and lies, that ultimately lead him to confront his own past as a Bosnian refugee.

It is a shame that this book has a rather slow start, because it does develop into a touching and heartwarming story.  At first I felt it was trying to include too many issues – war, adoption, family misunderstandings, a wheelchair-bound friend, a teasing brother, weak mother and workaholic, distant father.  There is also a locked room and a creepy church gardener who might be more at home in a Scooby-Doo mystery.
I also found some of the characters a little un-realistic, particularly Alex’s older brother, Leonard who does not seem to posess a shred of compassion for his aged relative.

However, by about chapter five, the book does gather pace and I found myself unwilling to put it down until I had discovered the truth about Alex’s Grandad’s past. I even shed a few tears towards the end.  Mind you, I also cried when Bouncer the dog died in Neighbours.

My 12 year old daughter is an avid reader, and has read almost every word that Morpurgo has written, but she gave up on this book before the half-way mark, and I can understand why.  For me, The Memory Cage is a reasonable read.  The book deals with some complex and emotional issues in a sensitive way.

Thanks Caryl, and thanks to Ruth for sending us a copy to review. It’s in our shop now.

Today we hear from The Iron King author, Julie Kagawa….

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved fantasy.  Long before Harry Potter and Twilight, I was a fan of Lord of the Rings and
The Dragonriders of Pern and The Sword of Shannara.  In school, I read nothing but fantasy, and searched for books that had either a
dragon, a knight, or some strange mythological creature on the cover.  Dragons were my first love, though over the years I’ve collected
several other favourites, which I will share with you, now.

Kitsune: In Japanese, kitsune means fox.  But the kitsune of legend are much more then simple foxes.  They are shapeshifters, able to
take on human form, usually that of a beautiful female, to lure men astray.  They can also craft complex illusions, able to turn an empty
hut into a sparkling palace, complete with servants and family.  Several stories paint them as are malicious and evil, but in others, they
are benevolent and kind.  In some tales, a kitsune will even fall in love with a human and marry him, bearing his children and living in his
house.  Until, of course, her true nature is discovered, and the kitsune will flee, leaving her former husband and children behind.

Phouka/Pooka: I admit, I have a thing for tricksters.  Phouka are fey that will sometimes take the shape of a small black horse and wait
for people to climb onto their backs, before taking them for the ride of their life.  Usually it ends with the unfortunate passenger being
dumped into a body of water, but some malicious phouka have been known to toss their riders over the side of a cliff.  The greatest
prankster in the world, Robin Goodfellow, is sometimes rumoured to be a phouka, though no one is certain what Puck really is.

Talking wolves/cats/horses: Though they’re not a certain type of mythological creature, talking animals always make a book more
lively, whether they’re a guardian, a familiar, or just a travel companion.  Of course, beware of getting too attached to the cute, furry
sidekick, because they always seem to get killed saving their master.

Redcaps: For sheer brutality and nastiness, you can’t beat a redcap.  They’re the perfect villains and thugs, with their constant hunger
and morbid habit of dipping their hats in the blood of their victims.  They might not be pretty, but they’re certainly efficient.

Gryphons: I don’t know why I love gryphons. I just do.

Unicorns: Laugh if you want, I think unicorns are very underestimated.  Let’s ignore the whole purity and virgin thing for a moment and
look at the creature itself.  Unicorns are old, just as old as dragons.  They have suffered the same plight as fairies, being de-sanitized
and turned into children’s stories.  In some legends, unicorns were vicious, man-eating monsters.  In another old story, the unicorn was
hunted down and put up a savage fight before it was killed.  At the very least, they are a symbol of wildness, something that cannot be
tamed or understood, but deserving of respect.

I could go on, but these are a very few of my favourite fantasy creatures.  I tried to incorporate many legends and myths into the world of
The Iron King, so be on the lookout for them.

Thanks, Julie! There is an eBook giveaway of The Iron King here, and you can also buy it in our shop now. For more information on
The Iron King and to find out about forthcoming releases from Mira Ink visit www.miraink.co.uk.

Today we have a review for little ones…

Ribbit Rabbit – Candace Ryan

Frog and Bunny are the best of friends. Ribbit, rabbit. Rabbit, ribbit. They do everything together – like fight monsters! Ribbit, rabbit. Zip it, zap it. And even though they don’t always get along …Ribbit, rabbit. Trip it, trap it. They always make up in the end.

This is a story book about a Frog and a Bunny who are the best of friends. It is written in a unique style of a line of story followed by a rhyme based on Ribbit Rabbit, such as Dip it, Dab it or Wibbit Wabbit. The pictures are simple cartoon style with muted colours and illustrate the story well.

The story is based around a day that Frog and Bunny fall out over a toy and how they work out that it is much more fun to be friends and share toys. It is a lovely simple message, but one all parents and kids will relate to and is a useful tool for discussing friendship and sharing.
It is a simple story with repetition which my 3 year old always likes and it also held my 5 year old’s interest as she liked trying to say the rhyming sections.

Thanks, Wendy, and thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending us a copy.

Today we hear from Bookbabbler Emily..

Star Makers: Polly Plays Her Part – Anne-Marie Conway

Polly’s dad is busy with his girlfriend, constantly cooing over their new baby, Jake. Polly’s mum is so busy planning her year away in Spain she hardly seems to notice her at all. The only place Polly feels important is at Starmakers Drama Club, where everyone is busy working towards their latest production Crash – a thriller about a girl trapped inside her own computer with only a load of nasty viruses for company. But even though Polly manages to get the starring role, Mum won’t change her mind about Spain, and Polly is dumped at Dad’s. Spending hours playing alone on the computer, Polly discovers a fantasy game and creates a brand new identity for herself – she can pretend life’s great! Diving headlong into her new virtual world, Polly withdraws from her school work, her friends and even her drama classes. Can her friends Phoebe and Monty B persuade her to come back to Starmakers before it’s too late?

Polly plays her part is a stunning book. It is so gripping. For instance, when Polly’s cat Cosmo is involved in a accident I was left wondering If he would live or die. I liked this book because it is realistic, the characters, the consequences of doing the wrong thing, and the plot. My favourite part is when Polly and Monty B are doing their dance on the television with the rest of the club, and Polly’s little brother crawls on the stage and tries to dance with Polly. That was funny. I chose to review this book because Bookbabblers had given me the other star makers book called Phoebe Finds Her Voice. I think that this is a girls book, for ages 8-12. I will rate this 9/10.  On the front of this book it says “you’ll LOVE this book! That’s true!

Thanks Emily and thanks to Usborne Children’s Books for sending us a copy.

Today we hear from Bookbabbler Liz…

Low Red Moon – Ivy Devlin

The only thing Avery Hood can remember about the night her parents died is that she saw silver – deadly silver, moving inhumanly fast. As much as she wants to remember who killed her parents, she can’t, and there’s nothing left to do but try to piece her life back together. Then Avery meets the new boy in school – Ben, mysterious and beautiful, with whom she feels a connection like nothing she’s ever experienced before. When Ben reveals he’s a werewolf, Avery still trusts him – at first. Then she sees that sometimes his eyes flash an inhuman silver. And she learns that she’s not the only one who can’t remember the night her parents died. Part murder mystery, part grief narrative and part heart-stopping, headlong romance, Low Red Moon is a must-read for teen paranormal fans.

I was quite excited about reading Low Red Moon because I love anything supernatural, so I was surprised when it turned out to be better than I’d actually expected. Low Red Moon centres around Avery, a girl who is forced to move out her forest home and live with the grandmother she barely knows after her parents are murdered.

Avery was kind of a misfit; she didn’t really have any friends at school, and due to living in the forest for so long, she didn’t really see the world the way others did. Things got progressively worse after her parents were killed; she couldn’t remember how they died no matter how hard she tried, and she had to leave behind the only home she’d ever known. I think Avery dealt with the situation very well; despite her grief and loneliness, she just tried to get on with things, whilst simultaneously trying to figure out who killed her parents. She seemed to be a very strong person, and was not someone who cried easily or moaned and whined about her problems. She kept herself to herself and tried not to rely too much on others, and I liked this independence about her. I also loved her connection with the forest, which is something that made the novel different from anything else I’ve read. But of course, after meeting the mysterious new student, Ben, a lot of things changed for Avery. Avery and Ben connected immediately, and there was definite chemistry there which I enjoyed reading about. I liked Ben more than I thought I would: he was very sweet, and like Avery, he hadn’t had an easy life, his own family having been murdered by wolf-hunters. However, I found it a bit odd how they found themselves liking each other so much so quickly (the word “love” was being tossed around a bit too early for my liking), but I guess the supernatural element explained this a little. Still, I wish there was more time to develop the relationship a bit further so they could get to know each other a bit more.

One of the characters I really liked in Low Red Moon was Renee, Avery’s grandma. She seemed to really care for Avery even though they hadn’t spoken properly in years, and I always felt bad for her whenever Avery felt uncomfortable around her, or acted very distant. She was also very smart, and determined to keep Avery safe. However, there was something strange about her, as though she was hiding something, and though I did actually guess what this rather predictable “secret” was from almost the very beginning, later twists in the book made up for it, and there was a lot of stuff that happened that I did not expect at all. In fact, the last few pages were really well-paced and full of suspense.

A character we didn’t really see much of, but who I also liked, was Kirsta, Avery’s friend. I got the feeling there was more to her than we first would have thought, especially after she admitted she hadn’t been much of a friend lately. I felt that maybe she wasn’t just some shallow girl after attention, but there was something else we hadn’t discovered. We never really got to find out much more about her, but I still think she was an interesting character.

Another thing to say about Low Red Moon is how beautiful the book itself is. There’s a gorgeous red double page after the front cover with an image of a haunting looking forest and a red moon, and each chapter is headed with a red tree, with some smaller red trees printed at the bottom of each page. I really liked these little details and thought they added a lot the reading experience and made it more enjoyable.

In conclusion, Low Red Moon was an excellent supernatural read, with certain unexpected elements to make it even more interesting. I think the author has created a fascinating world and I’d recommend this to supernatural fans who like mystery and romance as well.

Thanks, Liz and thanks to Bloomsbury for sending us a copy.

Bookbabbler Bethan’s been reading Spartapuss books…

I am Spartapuss – Robin Price

Spartapuss is a ginger cat from The Land of the Kitons and he has been made (first as a gladiator then as a wild beast) to fight against his will and he will have to try to win his freedom at the next games.

My favourite character is Spartapuss because I think that he is cunning and clever.

This book is a diary written by Spartapuss and is set in AD 36.  It was very exciting to read because you keep on wondering if he will be freed and you never know what will happen!

Another interesting thing about this book is that because it is set in Roman times I found out some things I didn’t know about the sort of things the Romans did, like the way they made their prisoners into gladiators.

Cleocatra’s Kushion: A Spartapuss tale – Robin Price

Cleocatra’s Kushion is a follow-up to I am Spartapuss by Robin Price. It’s told as two diaries which alternate with each other, written by two different characters. These diaries are easy to identify because each new diary (and each new entry into a diary) has a different heading just like different chapters would.  The story is about an amazing cushion which has the power to bring characters back to life. It’s called Cleocatra’s because she was the first one to be brought alive by it. The first character in the book to be brought alive by the cushion is a frog called Jebel and the other is a cat named Haireena.

I think that compared with I am Spartapuss this book is probably a little bit better because the switching from one diary to the other keeps it more interesting and exciting.  However, both the books would get a 9 out of 10 because in places I found them both a little boring.

If you like historical fiction books these books are probably for you.  I would recommend them to children aged 7-10.

Thanks, Bethan and thanks to Mogzilla for our review copies.

Today we catch up with Candor and Drought author, Pam Bachorz..

What were your favourite books when you were a child?
I read tons of stuff, as I do today. My all-time favorite was the classic ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (and all its sequels), by L.M. Montgomery. I also loved the SUNFIRE ROMANCE series, which were a historical romance series set in various time periods in the US–I aced my American History exams thanks to those books! I also loved Lois Duncan’s creepy YA stories.

Tell us about your new book, Drought?
DROUGHT is set in the dark, remote woods of New York state, where I spent my summers as a child. It’s about a hidden community of people who have been alive for several hundred years, sustained by magical water. They are enslaved by an evil man named Darwin West. The main character, Ruby, has a big secret: her blood is the magic ingredient that makes the water work. But Darwin doesn’t know that. When she falls in love with one of Darwin’s guards, she must choose between escaping to a normal, modern life or continuing to sustain her Congregation’s life until their savior Otto returns to free them from slavery.

What are you working on at the moment?
I am working on a new YA story that I’m both very excited and terrified by. It’s set in an entirely new world with a pretty different and interesting cast of characters.

What drew you to writing YA fiction?
I tried writing picture books, middle grade, and adult stories–but I seemed to find my natural place in YA. I love YA fans; they get so passionate about books. Whether they love or hate what you’ve done, there is rarely an in-between. That makes writing very interesting and oftentimes rewarding! Also, I love writing about a time in my characters’ lives that is so pivotal: they are adults in so many ways but experiencing a time of tremendous growth and uncertainty. What a great opportunity for story!

If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
Well, I’d probably take my beloved Anne Shirley, from LM Montgomery’s stories. She’s got lovely red hair, lives in a gorgeous place, has an amazing best friend and eventually a true love, and she loves writing. Plus she gets to wear dresses with puffed sleeves!

Share with us three of your passions
1. Cupcakes: I try to find new bakeries all the time, especially when I am visiting new cities.
2. Science: I am an armchair geek who subscribes to POPULAR SCIENCE and listens to plenty of science podcasts. I also have a degree in environmental science!
3. Travel: I like going to new places, near and far. We’ll be heading to the Mediterranean for the first time ever this summer and I’m having a ball planning our trip, right now. But I also love just finding new towns near us, trying their best restaurants and museums (and CUPCAKES!).

Thanks, Pam! You can find out more about Pam here and Candor and Drought are available to buy now.

Today we have a review for younger readers…

Who Stole Mona Lisa? – Ruthie Knapp

She has a famous smile, and millions come to see her every day. Who is she? Why, the Mona Lisa, of course. But did you know that she was once kidnapped? Narrated by the lady of the enigmatic smile herself, this is a stylishly whimsical biography of the glorious, wonderful, sometimes dangerous life of the best-recognized painting of all time.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the theft of the world’s most famous painting, and this book shares with us the true story of how it was stolen. This book is full of facts about both the Mona Lisa and Leonardo da Vinci, along with details of the theft itself. It’s a good reference book for younger readers, as it’s easy to follow, with lovely illustrations. Everyone’s heard of the most famous painting in the world, and now children (and adults!) can learn a little more about her.

Thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending us a copy – it’s out to buy tomorrow.

Britain’s Best Loved Bunny is on the road with the cast of Superpets: Live! To celebrate the release of her latest adventure, Stunt Bunny: Tour Troubles, BookBabblers put Harriet Houdini on the spot…

BB: Hi, Harriet. It’s been a while since you found fame with Saturday night TV show, Superpets. What have you been up to?

HH: I wish I could say I’ve been on a relaxing holiday but things have been a bit mad since Superpets mania hit the UK. Touring with the rest of the cast has been great fun, though, and we had some amazing adventures. Watch out for a few new faces in Tour Troubles.

BB: Tell us more!

HH: Superpets: Live! took us all over the country. It was tough staying in luxury hotels but someone had to do it – we even met some other celebs, although no-one as famous as me. I perfected some brilliant new stunts for our amazing audiences and the other pets weren’t bad either!

BB: Any gossip about your co-stars?

HH: I’m not the kind of celeb who spills other people’s secrets but I don’t think a certain singing poodle enjoyed the travelling much. And Gloria Goodwood, who presents Superpets, got a new admirer but I couldn’t possibly say anymore about that…

BB: And finally, what’s next for Harriet Houdini?

HH: I’ll be back in a new adventure later this year, Stunt Bunny: Rabbit Racer, when the Wilson’s get a mysterious new neighbour and I battle it out with Tornado Taz to see who’ll be Top of the Superpets Pops. It’s chock-full of thrills, spills and Stunt Bunny skills!

BB: Thanks, Harriet!

Harriet’s adventures are written by her PA, Tamsyn Murray. Stunt Bunny: Tour Troubles is on sale now. Stunt Bunny: Rabbit Racer will be out in August 2011. You can find out more about Harriet Houdini at www.tamsynmurray.co.uk

And there’s more – one lucky Bookbabbler could win a signed copy of Stunt Bunny: Tour Troubles. To be entered into the draw, comment on this post, ‘like’ it on facebook or retweet it (UK only). We’ll pick a winner Saturday at 7pm – good luck!