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Tagged: Jan Bajtlik

Children's Book Reviews

17/09/2019

by whisperingstories · Published 17/09/2019 · Last modified 18/06/2021

Greek Myths and Mazes by Jan Bajtlik – Book Review

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Book review - Search No Further by AJ Campbell. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ . Out now! . ‘Reading Search No Further over the Christmas period seemed like the perfect plan. I had long lazy days to sit and enjoy a great novel… except this grabbed me on page one and I just didn’t want to put it down. I do like a plot that envelops you in family life, so much so, that you feel you are a part of the clan. Chapter one opens with an intricate description of a birthday party in a family-run Italian restaurant. Apart from salivating at the fabulous food description, you’re immediately caught up in the intricacies of the De Rosa family life. Nonna dominates but it’s Sienna who takes on the narration and whose story we follow. It’s clear from the opening that something isn’t quite right with Nonna and when she collapses at the party it seems she really is not heeding the advice of her family to slow down but then we get to the first plot twist and off we go into the tangled web. It’s hard to review the novel without spoiling the plot and this is definitely a plot that keeps you turning the pages. On one hand, you have perceptive insight into the challenges of family life, especially when your family all live and work together. On the other hand, there’s a sinister undercurrent that threatens to take Sienna’s beloved Nonna away from her forever and practically everyone is a suspect. As a psychological suspense, it has all the elements that make it great. It is tense, dark, and yet frighteningly realistic. But there’s also Sienna’s backstory which is portrayed with real sensitivity and emotion that makes you respond to her character. This is effective storytelling. I genuinely wanted to know what was going to happen next and I cared about the characters. The dialogue is punchy and realistic and I found the relationship between Sienna and Nonna a positive example of female friendship as well as family relationships. And I binged it – along with the Christmas chocolates – it was wonderfully addictive!’

Book review - The Fairy Tellers by Nicholas Jubber

Book review - The Fairy Tellers by Nicholas Jubber. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ . Releases 20th January 2022 . ‘Have you ever wondered where some of the most famous fairy tales came from? If the answer is yes then, The Fairy Tellers is the book for you. Most of us were probably read a fairy tale of two as a child and will know stories such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel but most won’t know the origins of these stories. Written by travel-writer Nicholas Jubber he has scoured some far-reaching places to bring you the stories of how these tales came to be classics and so well-known across the world. . The book covers the origins behind these stories including their authors and we begin with a map that shows you where in the world the seven storytellers he has chosen were from, though there are plenty more mentioned within the pages. . Essentially the book is like miniature biographies of these writers and includes some of their stories too, opening with ‘The Tale of the Laughing Princess’ and Giambattista Basile. The author has done plenty of in-depth research to find the true and original tale behind the ones we know today as many have been retold and altered over the years. . What I loved about The Fairy Tellers is how much work the author has put into finding the true meaning. He has travelled far and wide and spoken to numerous people, done meticulous research to put this book together and that comes across strongly on every page. He certainly has plenty of passion for the subject. . Whilst this is an interesting and intriguing read I can’t say it was particularly easy to read given how much information is shared, including about the author’s life too. I did have to have long breaks in between sections just to try to soak some of the facts in, but then I’m not a massive non-fiction reader, so if you are you may just fly through this book, especially if you are a fairy tale lover. It is, however, fascinating and enlightening.’

Book Post - I Love You More than all the Stars by

Book Post - I Love You More than all the Stars by Becky Davies. Many thanks to @littletigerbooks for the copy. . Out now! . ‘I love you more than all the stars that shimmer in the night. Just as their blaze lights up the sky, my love shines strong and bright. This beautiful book is the perfect way to say "I love you".’ . . . #bookblogger #bookblog #readers #reading #booklover #bookworm #whisperingstories #new #writers #authors #writing #books #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #bookster #booksofig #booknerd #readersofinstagram #newbooks #booknerds #bookpost #kidslit #childrensbooks

Did a bookish jigsaw at the weekend. It’s a Mich

Did a bookish jigsaw at the weekend. It’s a Michael Storrings jigsaw 1000 piece. . . . #jigsaw #bookish #bookworm #booklover #puzzles #entertainment #passtime

Book Post - Home is Where the Heart is by Jonny La

Book Post - Home is Where the Heart is by Jonny Lambert. Many thanks to @littletigerbooks for the copy. . Out now! . ‘A pitch perfect picture book with breathtakingly beautiful, textured illustrations and a heartwarming story from author-illustrator, Jonny Lambert. When Bear moves into a new home in the woods, his home feels empty, and Bear is a little bit lonely. With a RAT-A-TAT-TAT! on his neighbour's door, Bear quickly finds a warm smile and friendship with Hare. When a storm CRASHES through the wood, destroying Bear's home, the two friends discover that home is more than just a house . . . it's where the heart is. Exploring the true meaning of belonging, this is the perfect introduction into the joys and complexities of friendship. Another story to treasure for fans of Jonny Lambert's other books, Little Why, The Great Aaa-Ooo, The Only Lonely Panda and The Big Angry Roar.’ . . . #bookblogger #bookblog #readers #reading #booklover #bookworm #whisperingstories #new #writers #authors #writing #books #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #bookster #booksofig #booknerd #readersofinstagram #newbooks #booknerds #bookpost #kidslit #childrensbooks

Writing Tips - Our second post on our writing tips

Writing Tips - Our second post on our writing tips for authors (author helping authors) segment on the blog is from Samantha Tonge. ‘Mental Health First’. . Click the link in our bio to read the post. . . . #authors #writers #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity #writer #writingtips #writingtipsandtricks #authorsofinstagram #mentalhealth

Book review - Going to Beautiful by Anthony Bidulk

Book review - Going to Beautiful by Anthony Bidulka. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ . Releases 1st May 2022 . ‘‘Going to Beautiful’ is the latest work from the pen of Canadian-based author, Anthony Bidulka. Beautiful is a small semi-abandoned prairie town near Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, Canada. The school has long gone with younger families choosing to move to the nearby city, the one convenience shop is shut due to the owner being poorly and the nearby convent has a single nun left. The post office may well close down soon and Ming’s restaurant is now the hub of community life. We see all the action through the eyes of Jake Hardy, our main protagonist, and the story is written in the past tense. Jake and his neighbour, Baz, find themselves drawn to the town as the result of a tragic accident. Thereafter they meet and get to know Beautiful’s few remaining inhabitants and their journey takes them on a voyage of discovery not only about the place and some crimes committed many years previously, but also about themselves. After a strong start, the author builds layer upon layer of the developing story through clever descriptions of the surroundings and just enough action to keep the reader completely engaged. The elderly townsfolk are a tight knit community of Ukrainian descent, yet they take the outsiders from Toronto to their hearts. It is refreshing to find an author who’s brave enough to break through ageist barriers and create almost an entire cast of older characters. Jake is a fifty-five year old celebrity chef with a fashion-designer husband of thirty years and together they have a grown up son. Baz is in her seventies. She has a bold personality, loves colourful clothing and has a constant need for alcohol. She’s a proud transgender woman with a tremendous capacity for love. She is also a strong foil for Jake in her determination to assist him in his search for answers. Some sensitive topics are explored through a mixture of moral conscience, gentle awakening, tolerance and a smattering of humour. This isn’t really a whodunit but that’s not to say there isn’t a twist or two. This is a delightful book which should leave the reader satisfied by its uplifting ending.’

Book review - My Big Book of Transport by Moira Bu

Book review - My Big Book of Transport by Moira Butterfield. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ . Out now! . ‘My Big Book of Transport would be the perfect book for any young child who loves vehicles. The book is split into three categories – All About Cars, All About Trucks, and All About Wheels. Within these categories are numerous subcategories such as – Superhero Supercar, Trucks of the World!, and Ride the Bus. . Each page showcases different cars, or something to do with them, such as tools a mechanic would need. One page right near the start caught my eye, ‘The Car Parade’ which is about the annual Houston Art Car Parade. I’d never heard of it and so took to social media to see some of the photos, there are some wacky cars to be seen! . The book features full-page illustrations throughout that are bright, colourful, and look amazing. I’m sure children will spend plenty of time on each page checking out everything that is happening in the drawings. The sentences are kept short and dotted around the illustrations and many contain noises that the vehicles make. . My Big Book of Transport is truly amazing. It is large in size and filled to the brim with different vehicles. I can see children being intrigued and spending hours looking through it and learning lots of fabulous information too, including things such as what certain trucks are used for, how many parts there are to a car, cars and the environment, etc.’ . . . #bookblogger #bookblog #readers #reading #booklover #bookworm #whisperingstories #new #writers #authors #writing #books #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #bookster #booksofig #booknerd #readersofinstagram #newbooks #booknerds #bookreview #review #kidslit #childrensbooks

Book review - Monster Doughnuts by Gianna Pollero.

Book review - Monster Doughnuts by Gianna Pollero. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ . Out now! . ‘Monster Doughnuts is a hilarious middle-grade children’s book that follows sisters Grace and Danni who are monster hunters. Well, Danni runs the family bakery which includes the cakes that explode the monsters, whilst Grace is the one doing the exploding. Their parents have been missing for a few years since they went on a monster hunt together. When one of the most feared Monsters makes an appearance in London looking to eat the Prime Minster, Grace sets out with a bag of Doughnuts to stop him in his tracks. Mr. Harris, a cyclops, is a feared creature. Not only because of his size, strength, and stench but also because he can’t be destroyed. He can only be temporarily stopped and sent back to the world of monsters. Monster Doughnuts might be a children’s book but I absolutely adored it. I laughed so much and flew through the book in just two days. Not only are the words funny but the black and white illustrations throughout are amusing too. It reminded me a little of Ghostbusters with monsters, and rather than proton packs they used bakery products to obliterate their targets. This is a full-on adventure story. It will have children giggling and although it contains plenty of monsters, don’t worry there are no scary parts. Fighting monsters by the power of sweet baked goods is such a genius idea. I’m now about to start book two, Monster Doughnuts: Cyclops on a Mission, I can’t wait to be back with the sisters and following their battles once again.’ . . . #bookblogger #bookblog #readers #reading #booklover #bookworm #whisperingstories #new #writers #authors #writing #books #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #bookster #booksofig #booknerd #readersofinstagram #newbooks #booknerds #bookreview #review #kidslit #childrensbooks

Book review - Marvin’s Magnificent Moustache by

Book review - Marvin’s Magnificent Moustache by James Hewison. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ . Out now! . ‘One day Marvin decides to grow a moustache, over the coming weeks and then years the moustache reaches all the way to the floor. Marvin likes it until he trips over it and lands headfirst in a bin and people laugh at him. He goes to cut it off but is stopped by a passing lady who helps him realise that his moustache can be wonderful and Marvin soon notices that it can be very special and freeing too. . In true James Hewison form, the author has created a fun, imaginative book that not only gives children a wonderful story to read but also shares with them empathy, diversity, and the ability to appreciate being different. . The book follows Marvin, who loves his moustache and enjoys being different, yet he becomes ashamed of it when people laugh at him. Just like in real life, children need to embrace their difference and hopefully realise that it is okay for others to be different too. . There are some amazing full-page bright and colourful illustrations throughout that bring the words to life and show Marvin and his moustache in all their glory. This is a wonderful book which I believe children will enjoy as much as I did.’ . . . #bookblogger #bookblog #readers #reading #booklover #bookworm #whisperingstories #new #writers #authors #writing #books #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #bookster #booksofig #booknerd #readersofinstagram #newbooks #booknerds #bookreview #review #kidslit #childrensbooks

Book Post & gorgeous items for Mothers and Daughte

Book Post & gorgeous items for Mothers and Daughters by Erica James. Many thanks to @hqstories for the book and items. . Also looking forward to the zoom talk tomorrow. . Blurb- Even happy families have their secrets… . Since the sudden death of her husband, Naomi has steadily rebuilt the life they shared in the village of Tilsham by the sea. . Her eldest daughter, Martha, is sensible and determined – just like her father was – and very much in control of where her life is going. If she could just get pregnant with her husband, life would be perfect. . Willow, the youngest, was always more sunny and easy-going, yet drifted through life, much to her father’s frustration. But now, with charming new boyfriend, Rick, she has a very good reason to settle down. . The three women are as close as can be. But there are things Naomi has kept from her daughters. Like the arrival of Ellis, a long-lost friend from way back, now bringing the fun and spark back into her life. And she’s certainly never told them that her marriage to their father wasn’t quite what it seemed… . . . #bookblogger #bookblog #readers #reading #booklover #bookworm #whisperingstories #new #writers #authors #writing #books #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #bookster #booksofig #booknerd #readersofinstagram #newbooks #booknerds #bookpost #familysage

Book Post - Happy by Nicola Edwards. Many thanks t

Book Post - Happy by Nicola Edwards. Many thanks to @littletigerbooks for the copy. . Out now! . ‘We breathe deep and expand like the galaxy, . We breathe out many thousands of stars, . And if ever we start to feel panicky, . This reminds us of just who we are. . The perfect soothing read for quiet time, Happy gently encourages young readers to explore their emotions and the beautiful world around them, with stunning illustrations and thought-provoking rhymes on every page. . Lyrical, emotive language encourages your child to step back and really appreciate their life within the moment. From savouring the taste of every meal to taking time to explore new places, there are so many ways we can slow down and find happiness. This beautiful poetry combined with ideas for how to practice mindfulness in the real world make this a wonderful introduction to finding inner peace. . Katie Hickey's gentle, charismatic illustrations take readers on a journey to a place of happiness and calm, with bright and uplifting colours and comforting scenes of nature and home.’ . . . #bookblogger #bookblog #readers #reading #booklover #bookworm #whisperingstories #new #writers #authors #writing #books #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #bookster #booksofig #booknerd #readersofinstagram #newbooks #booknerds #bookpost #kidslit #childrensbooks #mindfulness

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