Darius Bell and the Crystal Bees, by Odo Hirsch
When the bees start to disappear from the Belle state, Darius worries that his favourite honey will run out. It takes him a while to realise that much more than the honey supply is at stake.
When the bees start to disappear from the Belle state, Darius worries that his favourite honey will run out. It takes him a while to realise that much more than the honey supply is at stake.
Time was passing but Antonio continued to peer through the crack. He couldn’t drag himself away. there was something fascinating and inviting, something spectacular about those gold words and their bold red background, as if an amazing story stood behind them. Antonio stared and stared. the words made him think of light and noise, music, … Continue reading “Three Favourites, by Odo Hirsch”
The water lit up. It danced, it glinted, it gleamed. There were flashes of light everywhere, as if the expanse in front of him wasn’t water, but a carpet of jewels. Darius looked questioningly at the torch in his hand. It was just a torch. He looked back at the glittering surface of the water. … Continue reading “Darius Bell and the Glitter Pool, by Odo Hirsch”
Amelia had been fascinated by the lamp at the top of the stairs from the moment she had been old enough to be fascinated by anything. From the bottom of the stairwell, four storeys below, the lamp didn’t look so big, and it was only when you were at the top that you realised how … Continue reading “Amelia Dee and the Peacock Lamp, by Odo Hirsch”
Nathan is always in trouble for being a dreamy boy, so when he wishes he could judge the annual Performance Day, his friends laugh. Soon, though, he is off on a magical adventure with the mysterious Count Marvy and an unreliable squirrel called Pogue, who take him on a journey through their world. Nathan meets … Continue reading “The Book of Changing Things, by Odo Hirsch”
Conrad ran. He didn’t understand exactly what he had done, except that he had run away, and therefore felt he had done something wrong. But the man in the black coat, who seemed to have taken possession of him over the last day, kept saying he would take him somewhere to die. And Conrad didn’t … Continue reading “Slaughterboy, by Odo Hirsch”
Hazel Green is back, ready for another adventure and another problem to solve. This time, Hazels’ favourite baker, Mr Volio, is told that he has to leave his shop. Someone had brought the premises and the new landlord is not renewing his lease. If Mr Volio goes, so too do Chocolate Dippers, Strawberry Combers and … Continue reading “Think Smart, Hazel Green, by Odo Hirsch”
Bartlett and his companions, Jaques le Grand and Gozo, set out to explore a chain of volcanic islands and to find the last in the chain. When they arrive at the last island they are treated as gods by the island’s inhabitants, yet kept prisoner by the Machan, a shaman-like figure who seems to rule … Continue reading “Bartlett and the Island of Kings, by Odo Hirsch”
Pincus Corbett works hard in his tailor shop, attending to every detail, working late when customers have special orders. His is a hard-working, very regular life. But one night, as he works late, a mysterious customer puts in a very strange order. He wants a multicoloured suit with matching cape, made to order from an … Continue reading “Pincus Corbett's Strange Adventure, by Odo Hirsch”
It’s the last day of 2012 which means the last day of the wonderful National Year of Reading. It also means that it’s the last day of my year-long challenge. Back on January1 I set myself a challenge: to see if it was possible to read 366 books in 366 Days – ie a book … Continue reading “366 Books: The Outcome”