Round-ups

Staff Blog: Katie's isolation recommendations for kids #2 /  by Time Out Bookstore

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By Katie Swanson

Last time I wrote about keeping minds busy, but sometimes it’s more important for our sanity that our little darlings are just kept busy! These prolific authors and series just go on and on and on…

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#WaitForYourBookshop

Early Readers:

David Walliams: I assume this author needs no introduction.  I don’t think this man sleeps and I have completely lost track of all of his titles.  His new junior novel, Slime, is in stores in April (ish!)

Anh Do: On our shelves we have, the Weirdo series, the Hot Dog series, Ninja Kid, and now there’s E-Boy, Wolf Girl and the Mythix for slightly older readers as well. Any one of these collections are bound to keep the peace for a good long while.

Isla Fisher: Marge in Charge is the hilarious tale of a rainbow haired nana and the mischief she and her grandkids get up to. We’re at four books and counting so you can read them together or make the kids a pillow fort and chuck in these books.  It might buy you enough time to drink a cup of coffee while it’s still hot. 

The Treehouse Series: 117 Storeys high and still building. Andy Griffiths has gifted us hours where the only sound heard is giggles - at least until you get a description of the plot in agonising detail later. 

Geronimo Stilton: There are seventy books in this series so far, and that’s just the paperbacks.  Once you add in the special edition Kingdom of Fantasy, Hero Mice, Cave Mice and Geronimo does Classic Tales, it’s well over a hundred.  Thea has a fair few devoted to her adventures as well.

Confident Readers: 

Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend - They are chunky, they are captivating and if ever there was a worthy successor to Harry Potter, Morrigan Crow is it.  The Trials of Morrigan Crow and Wundersmith are in store now, Hollowpox, the third instalment, will be hopefully out in late July or early August. 

Mortal Engines by Phillip Reeve: There are four main novels and three prequels in this series and for any child who likes steampunk, sci-fi and adventure they’re a recipe for parental peace.  As a bonus, The Traitor and the Thief series by Gareth Ward is fitting and thrilling follow up. 

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan: This series borders on an obsession for its fans. Once you get a child started with Percy, Magnus, Apollo or Kane there’s no turning back. Rick Riordan is the literary gift that keeps on giving.

Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens: It’s a little worrying how often two twelve year old girls manage to get themselves right in the middle of a murder investigation but it’s also very entertaining.  The mysteries and cases would make Agatha Christie proud, Robin Stevens also contributed to the London Eye Mystery after the sad passing of Siobhan Dowd, so there are two more equally twisty mysteries to enjoy.

Artemis Fowl by Eion Colfer: Artemis is back with fresh new covers to coincide with the release of the movie so this budding criminal mastermind is back on the shelf and ready to read.  These fairy meets genius adventures are hours of fun, with a new spin off series The Fowl Twins to camp it off. 

Young Adult Fiction: 

Cassandra Clare: The world of The Mortal Instruments has six main novels full of angels, demons, action and romance, sequels, prequels and a brand new door stop sized novel to enjoy too. 

Cherub: Seventeen Books! Robert Muchamore’s teen spy series does get a bit mature in places so it’s worth a bit of research to see if it’s appropriate for younger teens, but this series has personally given me over sixty long hours of peace and quiet. Bliss. 

His Dark Materials: Lyra Silvertongue’s quest through multiple worlds are complex, thought provoking, and with the release of the Book of Dust series we are now five very large books deep. I wouldn’t recommend starting the Book of Dust Novels before fourteen or fifteen but these books, followed beautifully by the series on Neon, is a great way to crowbar kids off the Xbox. 

Neal Shusterman: The Unwind series was The go to dystopia before The Hunger Games, and the Scythe series is a more than worthy successor. Set in a world without natural death two young apprentices to the Order of Scythes learn how to balance ultimate power with responsibility. The trilogy of Scythe, Thunderhead and Toll have all been released so they are ready and waiting for avid sci-fi and dystopia fans. 

Patrick Ness: Chaos Walking is a trilogy that’s the size of five books at least. With a fast paced narrative, original sci-fi world building and a ‘talking’ dog, there’s a good chance you won’t see your teenager until they’re hungry.  Patrick Ness’ stand alone novels are brilliant as well. His new release Burn, is due on the 7th of May. 

And don’t forget the Harry Potter is a great read - or reread - at anytime!

Staff Blog: Katie's isolation recommendations for kids /  by Time Out Bookstore

Katie.jpg

By Katie Swanson

With our children are at home in these uncertain times, it’s a challenge to keep their minds active. These titles have themes, characters and narratives ripe for discussion and thought and will make a great addition to any impromptu home schooling. If any of these titles look good to you, give us an email and we will make sure to have one aside for you when we reopen.

#BookshopsWillBeBack
#WaitForYourBookshop

Early Chapter and Read Together:

White Fox by Chen Jiatong: Orphaned fox cub, Dilah, loves humans and wants desperately to be one, so much so that he follows an ancient fox legend on an adventure to find the magical moonstone to transform him. 

Wild Robot by Peter Brown: Delightful, insightful and full of charm, the wild robot is the story of Roz, a curious robot who is activated by animals on a remote island and learns that you don’t need to be human to find your humanity.

Horrible Histories: Chock full of funny, informative and completely gross tidbits to make history age appropriate and fun for primary school readers.

The Little People, Big Dreams Series:  No matter what your children are interested in, be it science, art, fashion, literature or sports, there is an inspirational Little Person just waiting to be discovered. From Stephen Hawking to Coco Chanel, this series of junior biographies helps children to dream big.

It Might Be An Apple by Shinsuke Yoshitake: This simple introduction to scientific inquiry is perfect for curious minds. With lovely graphic illustrations and plenty to learn, this book will spark questions, ideas and perhaps even experiments. 

Confident Readers:

Ross Welford: Anything by Ross Welford blends science, adventure and humour in thought provoking and often hilarious ways. Kids will laugh out loud and learn without even realising it.

Jess Butterworth:  Pick up any Jess Butterworth novel and you’ll find a tenacious heroine dealing with real situations in different cultures around the world.  Her books are adventure with a message, plenty of animals and gorgeous covers. Her newest novel, Where the Wilderness Lives, is out soon.

Laura Ruby:  The York series is an intellectual puzzle solving mystery set in an alternate solar powered New York. Each chapter has a new cipher, code or secret to uncover. The third book in the series, The Map of Stars, will be in store on the 18th of May.

Des Hunt: The Kiwis at War Series gives children an age appropriate glimpse into the realities of World War One.  Each book focuses on a different role within the war effort, offering perspectives from fighter pilots, infantry and nurses.

Young Adult Fiction:

Frances Hardinge: This author wraps up complicated moral questions in adventure, ghost stories and well grounded fantasy. Themes like prejudice, fundamentalism and economic inequality are explored through a plant that grows on lies, a space in the soul for hitchhikers and the still beating heart of a dead god. All her books are guaranteed to get curious minds ticking. 

World War Two:  There are a number of titles for young adult readers that deal with the horror of World War Two.  Below is a list of some of the most thoughtful and beautifully written stories on the subject: 

Munmun by Jesse Andrews: Munmun is the most imaginative and simple representation of privilege that I have ever read.  In a world where your size directly correlates to your bank balance, life is bleak for the ‘Little Poor’ and a playground for the ‘Big Rich’.  While humorous, Munmun deals with some heavy themes, like exploitation and poverty, so would be best for readers 15 and over. 

The Survival Game by Nicky Singer: In a post climate change world a young woman tries desperately to make her way to a place of safety.  This is another mature title, but a worthy read for any older teen, bringing to light the challenges of displaced people. 

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes: Be ready with a box of tissues, Ghost Boys is the story of a young American boy shot by the police.  On the other side, he encounters the ghosts of all the other boys murdered for the colour of their skin, hears their stories and shares their anger and pain.