May 14, 2018

Awesome Book Reviews by readers from the April Newsletter Competition 2018

Hi Everyone,

Last month’s newsletter competition involved writing a review of a book the reader had loved. Here are the three winners and three highly commended entries. Hope these might inspire your reading too. And if you want to enter this month’s fun (and very easy) competition sign up to newsletter and get your entry in.

Winners:

Nanny Piggins and the Pursuit of Justice

Written by R. A. Spratt and reviewed by Natalie Cure

I think Nanny Piggins and the Pursuit of Justice [and chocolate cake] is a HILARIOUS book. I love all the characters in this series [this is book number 6] and enjoy reading them [preferably with a chocolate bar] I just wish there were way more books in this series [there are eight in total] . The plot is very clever and I can’t think of anything to compare it to because I have never thought of the idea of a beautiful, talented, flying pig nanny before! The author is very clever and I am considering reading her other series, Friday Barnes. Nanny Piggins has got to be one of the funniest books I have ever come across. The perfect read for anyone with a hunger and taste for comedy! This book ROCKS! A definite five star!

Kensy and Max: Breaking News

Written by Jacqueline Harvey and reviewed by Meera Datt

Like all twins, Kensy and Max have their own talents and imperfections. Children of ski-resort paramedic and doctor parents, they’re used to moving from one country to another. But when they are hastily rushed to London, and their parents are nowhere to be found, they begin to worry. When they start at their new school, people tell them things that don’t ring true. The twins detect that secrets are being kept from them. Strange accidents keep happening. On the street, there are odd, disheveled old ladies speaking in hushed tones. Coded messages pop up in unusual places, and nothing seems quite right.

This book is wonderful for a whole range of reasons. I love how there are so many small mysteries that seem unsolvable, leading to a cliff-hanging ending. Jacqueline Harvey skilfully weaves Kensy and Max’s distinct traits into the story, and deftly incorporates them into their strengths as spies. This is fabulous, because it brings the characters to life and makes the story absolutely credible. Another lovely addition is that all the chapter titles are written in code. This not only pulls the reader in even more, it also lets the reader have a go at a bit of de-coding for themselves.

I strongly recommend this amazing book to all 9-12 year-olds – girl or boy.  Read this book and I promise you’ll be hanging out for the second as much as I am!

The Princess and the Foal

Written by Stacy Gregg and reviewed by Kya Wilkinson

A book that I particularly enjoyed reading was The Princess and the Foal. I immediately fell in love with this heartwarming story about a real-life young princess and her love for horses. Princess Haya of Jordan was a brave and smart little girl with a loving family. When young Haya’s mother dies in a helicopter crash while trying to save others, Haya is devastated and determined to make life better for herself and her family. When Haya’s birthday arrives, she is given a life-changing gift. An incredible friendship grows and the heartbroken princess begins to lead an extraordinary life. This book creates a vivid image in your mind and the characters have such incredible personalities. Haya is an independent, strong-willed girl that never gave up hope. I hope that others will savour this story as much as I did!

Highly Commended:

Alice-Miranda in Hollywood

Written by Jacqueline Harvey and reviewed by Jemima

When Alice-Miranda and her friends find them selves on a movie set, they have no idea what is in store for them.  Alice-Miranda has one challenging mystery to solve. It’s busy, working on the set and solving one big mystery as well.  What is the pesky paparazzi, Tyger Lombardi up to? With exciting locations, the book builds up the suspense until all is revealed. It is an exciting book with unexpected twists and some very suspicious characters. It is my all time favourite book by Jacqueline Harvey. I would recommend it to primary school girls who like to read about mysteries or adventure. Look out for this five-star book in any bookshop.

Alice-Miranda Shows The Way

Written by Jacqueline Harvey and reviewed by Rachel Hibbert

‘Alice-Miranda Shows The Way’ is a great book to read, with lots of intriguing moments and mystery along the way. When the Carnival comes around to town again, rumours spread about the members being ‘no-gooders’ and thieves, which to Alice-Miranda, is most unfair indeed. She sets out to befriend them and figure out this mystery, when she meets a girl called Fern and her younger brother Tarquin. A series of events leaves Alice-Miranda with a nasty bump on her head and a warning to steer clear of the carnies, and with so much else going on, Alice-Miranda finds herself caught up in everything else anyway! There are lots of preparations in order for one of the highlights of the Winchesterfield show, the Queen’s Cup, but when problems arise, will Alice-Miranda be able to solve all the questions and mysteries in time? Who is the mysterious ‘Billy Boots’ with tawny-coloured eyes who keeps disappearing and reappearing like a phantom? Who is this ‘Alf’ guy, and why are the Carnival kids so afraid of him? Can Ambrosia keep her promise to Jacinta and survive life in a cottage, especially with that Nosey Parker living across the road? Find out the answers to all these questions and more in the amazing adventure called ‘Alice-Miranda Shows The Way’!

Kensy and Max: Breaking News

Written by Jacqueline Harvey and reviewed by Sivakami Sathyendran

I wasn’t able to put down Jaqueline Harvey’s amazing new mystery filled, book Kensy and Max: Breaking News. The twins, Kensy and Max,  are used to new settings and travel but it‘s very strange for them to suddenly arrive in England with their parents still absent. With many questions, the twins begin life in London with more intriguing mystery added in along the way. With a splendid plot and a humorous touch I can barely wait for the sequel of this well written book. Though Kensy and Max have different personalities their differences complement each other well and are a wonderful combination. It was a delightful surprise to find that the main characters were flawed which I think, makes them more relatable to the audience. I would recommend this book to any Enid Blyton, Friday Barnes or general mystery lovers as once you start reading it you won’t be able to stop!