Things were bad. The gravel was racing by in a blur only centimetres under my backside, while the wheels blasted me with sand and grit. The tractor was bouncing on its suspension, and me with it, like it was actually trying to shake me off. A big enough bump and I’d hit the road. I … Continue reading “Double Cross, by Greg Pyers”
Which is most deadly – a lion or a flea? If you answered lion, you might be right, on a case- by-case basis. Most of us would rather meet a flea than a wild lion. But in fact, fleas have caused more human deaths than any large animal. This tiny insect is the transmitter of … Continue reading “101 Great Killer Creatures, by Paul Holper & Simon Torok”
“Good morning, Year 3/4,” Ari says, and pauses. “This is my news. I’m going to see my uncle in Arabia.” Emily Fatou almost vomits on the carpet. “Ariadne, this is special news,” Mrs Baxter says and opens her eyes wide. Ari has an unfortunate habit. She likes to impress people – and to do this, … Continue reading “Great White Lies, by Pamela Morrissey”
A long silence stretched between them. ‘OK,’ said Jesse. ‘You have a question on your face that isn’t making it to your lips. What is it?’ ‘I heard you attacked another agent. Is that true?’ ‘Attacked?’ She glared at Liam. ‘If somebody grabs you around the throat and you fight back, would you call that … Continue reading “Nightmare, by Christine Harris”
He’d been expecting something to happen all day. He couldn’t believe it was already half past four on Wednesday afternoon and there was still no sign of weird creatures or strange events. Lady Wednesday only had dominion over her namesake day in the Secondary Realms, so whatever she planned to do to him had to … Continue reading “Drowned Wednesday, by Garth Nix”
Fact – Scales upset pregnant women. Actually, I’ve noticed the exact same thing happens even when she’s not pregnant. I remember writing it down the first few times she freaked out, but after that I lost interest and noted down a more accurate fact. Fact – scales always upset wome. I don’t know why Dad … Continue reading “Babies Bite, by Geoff Havel”
When Oddo meets a boy working on a neighbouring property, he is not impressed. The boy steals his grain beofre throwing things at him. But when Thora meets the same boy, Dungal, she sees something Oddo doesn’t. Dungal is not rude – rather, he is alone and very frightened. He has been captured by the … Continue reading “Stormriders, by Anna Ciddor”
Twelve year old Daniel loves puzzles, but when he meets the ghost of Colleen O’Flarity he is confronted by more puzzles than he can solve. Why can he see and hear her when no one else can? What is that she is scared of? And what is so important that a second ghost goes on … Continue reading “Ghost Flames, by Neville Barnard”
In Zoo ALbum, young readers can: – Meet Bruce, the Andean Condor who was afraid to fly. – Find out why South American people make kebabs out of Poison Arrow frogs. – Find out what it means when a Sumatran Tiger “prustinates” – And get to know the 4-metre Anaconda with a ticklish tummy. This … Continue reading “Zoo Album, by Richard Morecroft & Alison Mackay”
Reviewed by Tash Hughes This story is about the Bananas In Pyjamas and Teddies of Cuddles Avenue. The Bananas overhear the Teddies wishing to meet space people, and decide “it’s tricking time!” Next morning, the Bananas dress up and trick Morgan and Lulu into entertaining space Bananas. Just after their friends see through their trick, … Continue reading “Bananas in Pyjamas: SPACE BANANAS”
