Topic: Ones to Watch - Autumn 2021

When Fishes Flew

Chapter book

This first new novel in two years from the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller is a sweeping story of love and rescue – an unforgettable journey to the Greek island of Ithaca, and back in time to World War Two…

Australian-Greek girl Nandi travels to her ancestors’ home in Ithaca, and discovers – through a friendship with an extremely unusual flying fish – the extraordinary story of her great-aunt Elena; of how she fell in love, in the hardest of times, and how of how she became an unsung hero of World War Two.

But Elena has gone missing, and Nandi has to find her. In her search, she will discover that Elena was an even greater hero than she thought – and still is…

Nandi’s story is a beautiful and inspiring tale of personal discovery, of love and place and belonging, threaded through with the quiet heroism of everyday people. Stunningly illustrated throughout by acclaimed artist George Butler, and full of magic, myth and mystery, it is a classic Morpurgo novel that will move and thrill every reader who loved Private Peaceful and War Horse , and combines all the hallmarks of this beloved Master Storyteller.

The Great Dream Robbery

Amy Nguyen & Greg James & Chris Smith

Chapter book

After the success of the Kid Normal series, I was excited to receive the new novel from Greg James & Chris Smith. I have to say I certainly wasn’t disappointed, as I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to crazy end.

When we are introduced to Maya, her father (a scientist working for a company called Somnia) is in hospital following an accident at work. After having the weirdest dream, she is desperate to get back to sleep to dream about the boy who seems to have information on her father’s accident. It transpires that her dad has been left trapped within a dream by his evil employer. It is now up to Maya and her new friends to attempt to rescue him.

The Great Dream Robbery is full of rich language and descriptive paragraphs entwined within the humour. There is an endearing cast of characters, as well as the truly villainous character of Lilith Delamere. In an attempt to stop Lilith’s dastardly plan, there is an extremely bizarre battle involving a unicorn called Donald, a seal and an army of line dancing robots. This book could definitely be enjoyed in the classroom – probably as a class reader. Or as in my case, in the library for book club – as it has left me with a plethora of activity ideas.

Ghostcloud

Michael Mann

Chapter book

This is a wonderfully told story that comprises excitement, action, suspense and a cruel and heartless villain who must be stopped. The characters are ones that are totally believable and I found myself willing the children to escape and really imagined myself on that journey too. The action is fast-paced and the description is hugely effective in getting the desperation of the situation and of the escape across. The dialogue between the characters is well written and appropriate. Sharp exchanges with characters lead to touching moments when Luke realises what has happened to his family.

The story is set in dystopian London so for those who know the area the landmarks will be familiar. The Olympic Park is abandoned, the Channel Tunnel is closed, East London is flooded and South London is a slum leading to a toxic wasteland.

This is a unique story but one which is so well written. The children in my class will love it!

The Book of Stolen Dreams

David Farr

Chapter book

Screenwriter David Farr (well known for Spooks and The Night Manager) makes a triumphant entry into the world of the middle-grade novel with The Book of Stolen Dreams. Readers will enjoy being swept away amid the intrigue and wonder of the Book as the magical object at the centre of the story, the page-turning action of the children’s adventure and the impending sense of peril that is never far away.

The story is in part inspired by Farr’s family history, based on his Great Aunt and Uncle’s escape from Nazi Germany – but reimagined in a fantasy dictatorship. This is a story that values bravery, the magic of books and the influence of individuals who follow the right course even when the world around them feels oppressive. The Book of Stolen Dreams offers a tense and thrilling adventure, but one in which Farr allows the youngest characters to win the day – providing a hope-filled reminder that good can triumph over tyranny in a million small, everyday ways.

The Christmas Carrolls

Mel Taylor-Bessent & Selom Sunu

Chapter book

Mel Taylor-Bessent offers her own masterclass in writing for children in the form of her debut chapter book, The Christmas Carrolls. Sprinkled with seasonal goodwill and a good dose of ho-ho-ho, this is a perfectly heart-warming and humorous read for the festive season.

Holly Carroll and her family are crazy about Christmas, but with a little help from a special new friend, Holly discovers that the festive season is not always as cheer-filled for everyone as she once thought. When the world begins to lose its sparkle, Holly finds a way to channel her inner Christmas spirit to embrace her community and make a real difference to those in need.

We thoroughly enjoyed this feel-good read with its loveable cast of characters, festive puns aplenty and themes of kindness, inclusion and sparing a thought for others in the community.

The Ice Whisperers

Helenka Stachera

Chapter book

The Ice Whisperers is set in beautiful, mysterious, icy Siberia. When Bela’s mother dies, she is summoned to deepest Siberia to stay with an uncle she’s never met. Exploring his strange scientific workshop, she uncovers a secret she was never meant to find – a doorway that opens to an icy land, frozen in time and full of legends come to life. But this frozen land is in danger, and it’s up to Bela to find a way to save it. To succeed, she must join forces with the impossible: a long-lost sister she never knew she had, born 40,000 years before . .

The book is perfect for children who love fantasy novels; Ren-ya’s land is filled with ancient creatures and references to myths from long ago. The theme of friendship and the intense bond that sisters have draws comparisons with Frozen too.

This would be a fantastic novel to share with a lower key stage two class and would fit perfectly with topics that deal with frozen landscapes as well as prehistory. There are themes of ecology to draw upon and it would be a great novel to use in order to commence a geographical study of this landscape that contrasts so starkly with our own.

Reviewer: Claire Coates

Fledgling

Lucy Hope

Chapter book

Fledgling is a real treat for those who love a gothic story full of thrills and atmospheric settings.

Taking place at the turn of the century in 1900, everything about Cassie’s life is remote; from the rock-edge house in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps to her aloof and emotionally distant parents and a gravely ill grandmother. When a strange cherub-like creature appears after a storm, a series of strange events are set into motion and a shocking family secret is brought to light.

With owls and angels, menacing storm birds, an eerie forest setting and a family mystery to uncover, there’s plenty of tension around each corner in Lucy Hope’s debut narrative. Taxidermy animals and strange inventions furnish the inside of Cassie’s home, while outside in the forest there are storms and strange birds and all the noises of the forest. There’s a sense of darkness gathering throughout the story and a brilliantly gothic cast of characters and setting. The story feels surreal in places, while never losing the thread of hope pulled long by Cassie and the cherub and finished with a warming message about love and family.

The Lion Above The Door

Onjali Q. Rauf

Chapter book

Onjali Q Rauf’s loyal fanbase will be pleased to hear of a new novel. True to form, the Lion Above the Door explores important social issues while capturing voices from the younger generation in a most relatable manner.

The story broaches the topic of cultural blindspots in history education, posing questions about the missing and ignored figures from the history topics taught in schools. Young Leo is intrigued to find a WW2 memorial in which he recognises his own name; being of Singaporean heritage he has become used to rarely seeing people like himself reflected in the history books. As Leo and his classmates research their relatives’ roles in the war, important stories come to the surface and it’s up to the children to make sure these histories get the spotlight they deserve.

This is a sincere and timely story that gently turns over themes of prejudice, cultural underrepresentation, racism and the courage to put right societal injustice – while at once holding out the mantle to young readers to invite them to be the catalyst for change.

Count

Chris Mould & Melvin Burgess

Chapter book

Anyone who has ever wanted the world to recognise their talent or dreamed of going viral will resonate with Brandon’s story. Brandon believes that he is the best at everything and he loves to boast about it. But there is one thing that he really is good at – counting. When he boasts that he can count to ten million, he’s challenged to follow up on his claim and before he knows it, the world really is paying attention to what he can do.

Carnegie-medal winner Melvin Burgess is well-known for his novels for Young Adults, but here he perfectly hits the spot for younger children with Count. I was really charmed by this laugh-out-loud story of an oft-heard playground boast that – in this case – quickly snowballs to global proportions, perfectly capturing the essence of childhood ambition and stubbornness in one sweep. The story also explores the cost of fame and the power of self-belief.

At just over 170 pages, this is a short and entertaining read that is packed with humour and accompanied by Chris Mould’s fun illustrations. Count is likely to go down a treat in lower KS2 classrooms or with Upper KS2 readers who appreciate a quick and humorous read.

The Chime Seekers

Ross Montgomery

Chapter book

Yanni is a reluctant big brother; he has a baby sister and ever since her arrival, his world has been turned upside down. As an only child, he had shared a cosy flat with his parents and as the only grandchild, his grandparents had worshipped him. When Ari arrived, the family needed more space and so moved to the rural village of Fallow Hall and Yanni would attend the ominously named Riddleton School.

Two days into his new life, and struggling to find a babysitter, Yanni’s parents invite Amy over. Between them they have to look after Ari while Yanni’s parents enjoy a rare night out. It is All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween) and when a stranger appears in the house, events take an unexpectedly dark turn. Some simple house renovations have reopened a door into the World of the Fae, and Lorde Renwin is intent on stealing Ari.

What follows is a race-against-time quest to get Ari back before midnight, when the door back to normality will close again. But will the reluctant adventurers have time to locate the toadstone, navigate the goblin maze, collect a vial of elixir from the ruined abbey and find the magic crown from an ancient king? The only possible way they can complete their quest is by working together, using the few resources they have and a big helping of initiative.

Through his beautiful writing, Montgomery has created a fantasy world that would rival Oz, Wonderland or Narnia. The unusual characters are honest and, at times, very funny. The undercurrent of love conquering evil is prevalent throughout, which gives it the feel of 21st Century fairy-tale, although this book is not for the faint-hearted! This story will chill you to the bone, and you won’t be able to put it down. It truly is a page-turner.

Reviewer: Emma Hughes

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