Category: Age 8-10

Reviewed by Bookmonstress Méabh
Author: Karen Inglis
Book 2 of 2 in The Secret Lake series

Hi Bookmonsters!
As promised in my sneak preview a couple of weeks ago, here is my FULL review of the new Karen Inglis book, Return to the Secret Lake – the much-anticipated sequel to The Secret Lake. Just released today, this book sees siblings Stella and Tom reunited with their friends in the past. This time, however, they must embark on a more serious mission – Emma is gravely ill and needs urgent help. In a race against time, this quick-thinking, resourceful group of friends find themselves facing more than they had bargained for, and Stella and Tom must make some tough decisions that could – if they’re not very careful – change the course of history. This edge-of-seat adventure is full of unexpected twists and turns and combines some great time-travel conundrums with fascinating historical facts. Particularly striking in this tale was how caring and empathetic the characters are, with each one looking out for the others in their own individual ways. Really heart-warming. NO SPOILERS!!

Reviewed by Bookmonstress Méabh
Author: Katya Balen

Hi Bookmonsters!
I have another book review for you today – it’s on October, October by Katya Balen. This is such a beautiful book – not only is the story itself wonderful, but so is the cover art. And the fact that it features my favourite animal, the owl, makes it extra special!
This book tells the tale of 11-year-old October, who had been living a very wild, natural life with her father in the woods, but has to move in with her mother in London after her father has an accident and is hospitalised. For October, the move from her peaceful world in the forest to noisy city life is very alarming and she finds it hard to settle. Luckily, she has her owl friend, Stig, and her new friend and mudlarking buddy, Yusuf, to keep her company through the difficult transition. This book is all about family, friendship, freedom and nature. You will find it hard to tear yourself away! NO SPOILERS!!

Reviewed by Bookmonstress Méabh
Author: Catherine Doyle
Book 1 of 3 in Storm Keeper series

Hi everyone and welcome to my latest book review!
This one is on the first book in Catherine Doyle’s Storm Keeper trilogy, called The Storm Keeper’s Island. It’s a fantastical tale full of adventure, myth and magic. When Fionn and his sister Tara are sent to stay at their grandfather’s home on the island of Arranmore, the otherwise quiet Fionn discovers that there’s a lot more to Arranmore than meets the eye. In fact his very arrival on the island seems to set something in motion. Something deep beneath the surface. As Fionn learns the island’s secrets from his grandfather – the Storm Keeper of Arranmore – the battle for the next Storm Keeper begins. What a breathtaking tale! NO SPOILERS!!

Reviewed by Bookmonstress Méabh
Author: Gregory Funaro
Book 1 of 2 in Odditorium series

Greetings Bookmonsters!
My book review today is on Gregory Funaro’s magical, funny tale of Alistair Grim’s Odditorium. One of the cool things about this story is that it takes you back in time – to Victorian England. When 12-year-old orphan Grubb hides out in someone’s trunk to avoid a beating from his cruel master, he emerges into the fantastical world of the Odditorium and meets the mysterious owner, Mr Grim. Grubb becomes Mr Grim’s apprentice and quickly settles into his new life in the enchanted Odditorium. But when their peaceful world comes under attack, Grubb gets whisked off on a perilous adventure to prevent the evil Prince Nightshade from wielding the magic that powers the Odditorium. Grubb must draw on his courage and wits if he is to succeed in defeating the villain. This was such a fun read; full of magic and bizarre characters. You’ll love it! NO SPOILERS!!!