305. I Don’t Believe It, Archie! by Andrew Norriss

I Don’t Believe It, Archie!  by Andrew Norriss

Published October 2012 David Fickling Books

From the publisher:

Odd things happen to Archie every day. Some very odd things. On Monday, a piano rolls down the hill and traps his new friend Cyd in her mum’s car. And then a lorry tips a load of gravel on top of it. At least Cyd finds it exciting. Though of course she doesn’t believe that this sort of thing happens to Archie every day. Until Tuesday, when Archie finds a dead dog in his pocket . . . Poor Archie. But as he soon discovers, if odd things have to happen to him, it’s a lot better if they happen when Cyd's around. Join Archie and Cyd for a whole week’s worth of completely surprising and outrageously funny escapades.

Meet Archie, the boy whose life is anything but boring!  With Archie, a walk to the shops for milk can turn into an unforgettable adventure.  In this book we follow Archie for one week, and on each day things get more and more preposterous.  Needless to say, Archie's Mum wonders why Archie can't seem to complete any of the errands he is sent on.

304. The Convent by Maureen McCarthy

The Convent by Maureen McCarthy
Publisher October 2012 Allen & Unwin

From the publisher:
In the early 1900s, Sadie is forced to relinquish her young daughter. This single act has consequences that ripples through the generations. Her daughter, Edna, is raised in a Melbourne convent, by an enclosed order of nuns. In a replay of history, her only daughter Cecilia decides to take on the veil ...
But in the present day, Peach, is simply working in the cafe at the refurbished convent, unaware of the layers of family history surrounding her there.
Their separate stories traverse the hundred-year history of the Abbotsford Convent and explosively intersect as the past comes to claim its dues.

This is a book that I have had sitting on my reading pile for a while, but I wanted to wait and read it when I had no other distractions, so that I could just enjoy it.  Maureen McCarthy has a great way with relationships, both within families and friendships.  Her characters are often flawed, and that ‘s what makes them believable.

303. Safari: A Photicular book Created by Dan Kainen and Written by Carol Kaufman

Safari: A Photicular book Created by Dan Kainen and Written by Carol Kaufman

Published October 2012 Workman

From the publisher:

Imagine a field guide to all the animals you'd encounter on an African safari, but instead of looking at a photograph of them in the book you're reading, you're actually seeing a small film clip on the page of the animal in motion. It's a "PhoticularTM Book" - a lenticular-based technology that transfers fluid 4-color movies onto a book page. Why just read about the way a cheetah can run up to 60mph when you can actually watch him running, too? It's like having a coffee table book come to life in your hands. Featuring eight gorgeous animals (cheetah, rhino, elephant, giraffe, gazelle, zebra, gorilla, and lion), "Safari: A PhoticularTM Book" is full of the information you'd expect to hear from a real safari tour guide about each animal - plus an evocative first-person essay about the safari experience by nature writer and safari traveller, Carol Kaufmann. This spectacular book of "motion pictures" will leave you breathless.

Ok, so I had been told that this book was going to be amazing, but I have seen amazing books before.  The scanimation titles by Rufus Butler Seder were amazing and unique, and I loved them.  Today I have been knocked over by this new book that uses Photicular technology.

302. Love at Second Sight by Cathy Hopkins

Love at Second Sight by Cathy Hopkins
Published September 2012 Simon & Schuster

From the publisher:
Unlucky in love Jo is dragged along to see a clairvoyant by her two coupled-up best friends, and is told that there's only one boy for her. The trouble is, the last time she saw him was in a past life, when she worked as a governess to his younger brother. The clairvoyant tells her that as she is back in this life, so is he, and she must find him if she is ever to know true happiness and love.
Jo doesn't believe a word of it - but then a series of events begin to change her mind. Could her one true love really be out there? In her quest to find the One, she visits psychics and cemeteries - but will she even be able to recognize her soul-mate when she finds him? Or is she destined to continue looking for love for all of time?

I am a Cathy Hopkins fan.  I loved the Mates Dates series, so I was looking forward to this one.  The thing I like about her books is that she has great female characters.  They are not perfect, but on the whole they have good self esteem, good attitudes and good friends.  The books are absolutely girly enough to get even the most reluctant teenage girl reading, but they have a bit of substance too.

301. Ruby Redfort Book 2: Take your Last Breath by Lauren Child

Ruby Redfort Book 2: Take Your Last Breath by Lauren Child

Published October 2012 Harper Collins

From the publisher:

Now, everyone′s favourite girl detective is back for a second mind-blowing instalment, packed with all the off-the-wall humour, action and friendship of the first book. This time, though, it′s an adventure on the wide open ocean, and Ruby is all at sea... Can she crack the case while evading the clutches of the evil Count von Viscount? Well, you wouldn′t want to bet against her...

It must be my week for books about smart girls.  This is the second Ruby Redfort book, and it’s one of those books where I had girls coming in every day asking me ‘Is it here yet?  Is it here yet?’, and that doesn’t happen all that often.  Well it is here, and if you loved the first book, you will undoubtedly love this one too.

300. The Land of Neverbelieve Explored and Documented by Norman Messenger

The Land of Neverbelieve Explored and Documented by Norman Messenger
Published October 2012 Walker

From the publisher:
On setting foot on the island I was immediately spellbound. There could be nowhere else on Earth quite like this. Such trees, plants, creatures and intriguing people you would never believe. This was a place I had to explore and record. When Norman Messenger stumbled upon the Island of Neverbelieve, he couldn't quite believe his eyes: here was a world where chocolate grew on trees, mountains told stories, and fish flew in the sky at night. Here is your chance to explore the delights of the island from the Hamlet and the Flowering Meadow to the Magical Lake and the Spooky Dark Mountains.


This is my favourite kind of book, the kind of book that doesn't really fit into any genre.  It's not a picture book because it's not a story.  It's set out like a non fiction title, a documented account of a particular island and the animals that can be found there, but it's not a non fiction title because the land of Neverbelieve doesn't actually exist.  So while I love this book, my book selling side knows that it will be difficult to sell...not everyone can appreciate a book for being 'what it is', especially when 'what it is' doesn't 'fit' anywhere.

299. Today We Have No Plans by Jane Godwin illustrated by Anna Walker

Today We Have No Plans by Jane Godwin illustrated by Anna Walker
Published September 2012 Penguin Viking

From the publisher:

A busy week, a slower day Brings time to dream and time to play.

From the creators of the much-loved All Through the Year comes a journey through a week in the life of an Australian family, celebrating those precious days that have no plans.

The title of this book captures my very favourite kind of day.  I am, at heart, a homebody and any day where I can be at home pottering about with nowhere to be and nothing that I HAVE to do are my favourite king of days.

Follow me...

I have been asked recently about how many followers I have on this blog, and the truth is... I don't know.  I was just happy seeing all of the page visits I get every day, so I know that I am not writing for myself.

I have succumbed and as a result I have just recently added a ‘Followers’ gadget to my page (just there on the right), so if you are a regular reader of this blog, why don’t you make yourself known!

298. Princess Betony and the Unicorn by Pamela Freeman and illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie

Princess Betony and the Unicorn by Pamela Freeman and illustratedby Tamsin AinsliePublished October 2012 Walker Books

From the publisher:

Princess Betony’s mother is a dryad and misses the Wild Magic of the Dark Forest. When the princess sees her mother running into the Dark Forest, Betony is worried she will never return. Humans are forbidden to enter the Forest. Betony doesn’t care. She has to find her mother, no matter what. But first she must catch a unicorn!

This book makes quite the change form Oblivion which I read earlier this week, while that book was huge, this one is quite small, it’s dimensions are, 149mm x w96mm.  For this reason alone, it may get overlooked by school libraries because it will disappear on their shelves.  While libraries may decide against this tiny treat, I think most girls would love it, because of it’s size. It has the added bonus of having on of those ribbon book marks attached to the book, which seem to be favoured by many younger readers.

297. The Colours of Madeline Book 1: A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty

The Colours of Madeline Book 1: A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty

Published October 2012 Pan Macmillan

From the publisher:

She knew this.
That philematology is the science of kissing.
That Samuel Langhorne Clemens is better known as Mark Twain.
That, originally, gold comes from the stars.

Madeleine Tully lives in Cambridge, England, the World – a city of spires, Isaac Newton and Auntie's Tea Shop.

Elliot Baranski lives in Bonfire, the Farms, the Kingdom of Cello – where seasons roam, the Butterfly Child sleeps in a glass jar, and bells warn of attacks from dangerous Colours.

They are worlds apart – until a crack opens up between them; a corner of white – the slim seam of a letter.

Elliot begins to write to Madeleine, the Girl-in-the-World – a most dangerous thing to do for suspected cracks must be reported and closed.

But Elliot's father has disappeared and Madeleine's mother is sick.

Can a stranger from another world help to unravel the mysteries in your own? Can Madeleine and Elliot find the missing pieces of themselves before it is too late?

A mesmerising story of two worlds; the cracks between them, the science that binds them and the colours that infuse them.

I must confess before I begin to talk about how much I love this book that I am a big fan of Jaclyn Moriarty and her sister Liane Moriarty.  In fact if I could wish for who I would have at my ultimate children’s literature conference, these two would be right up there.  Liane has written more for adults, but they both have such unique, quirky and humourous voices in their writing, that I would like to hear them both speak about the how’s and whys of their writing.

296. Power of Five Book 5: Oblivion by Anthony Horowitz

Power of Five Book 5: Oblivion by Anthony Horowitz
Published October 2012 Walker Books

From the publisher:

The epic fifth and final instalment in the bestselling fantasy series The Power of Five by Anthony Horowitz.

Having escaped from Hong Kong, the Five Gatekeepers - Matt, Pedro, Scott, Jamie and Scarlett - are scattered in a hostile and dangerous world. As they struggle to re-group and plan their next move, the malevolent King of the Old Ones gathers his forces in Oblivion: a desolate landscape where the last survivors of humanity must fight the ultimate battle.

I don't tend to use terms like OMG, but when I saw this book my first thought was OMG! The reason for that is the size, this book is massive, 668 pages to be exact!  It's so big that I actually considered NOT reading it, because of the time it would take me.  But...this book is much anticipated,  4 years since the last book in the series Necropolis.

295. My Funny Family by Chris Higgins and illustrated by Lee Wildish

My Funny Family by Chris Higgins and illustrated by Lee Wildish

Published October 2012 Hodder Children’s

From the publisher:

Mattie is nine years old and she worries about everything. Which isn't surprising. Because when you have a family as big and crazy as hers, there's always something to worry about. Will the seeds she's planted in the garden with her brothers and sisters grow into fruit and veg like everyone promised Why does it seem as if Grandma doesn't like them sometimes And what's wrong with Mum Fortunately, reassurance is always close to hand in this first winning story about the lovable Butterfield clan.

Mattie is telling the story, she is 9, her sister V is 7, brother Dontie is 11, brother Stanley 4 and Anika who is 2.  Mattie is a worrier, she worries about everything, from how will they eat if there isn’t enough money for food, why doesn’t her Grandma like them and what would happen if her parents stopped liking each other?

294. Ratburger by David Walliams

Ratburger by David Walliams
Published October 2012 Harper Collins

From the publisher:

Hot on the heels of bestselling Gangsta Granny comes another hilarious, action-packed and touching novel - the story of a little girl called Zoe. Things are not looking good for Zoe. Her stepmother Sheila is so lazy she gets Zoe to pick her nose for her. The school bully Tina Trotts makes her life a misery - mainly by flobbing on her head. And now the evil Burt from Burt′s Burgers is after her pet rat! And guess what he wants to do with it? The clue is in the title...

It is no surprise that David Walliams has been described as the new Roald Dahl.  That may seem like a huge statement, and it may seem like Dahl's shoes would be impossible to fill, but if you have read one of Walliams' books you will know that  there is truth in this statement.  

293. Eighteen Kisses by Laura Jane Cassidy

Eighteen Kisses by Laura Jane Cassidy

Published September 2012 penguin (Puffin)

From the publisher:

18 kisses. 8 suspects, 1 victim . . . Jacki King loves being back in Dublin - she's enjoying the music scene and interning at Electric magazine. She still has flashbacks to the murder case she solved the year before, though her friends, especially Nick, keep her distracted.  Until, one day, Jacki's frightening nightmares begin again. And when the police contact her about a local missing girl, she knows the two are connected. Two years before, on her eighteenth birthday, Kayla Edwards disappeared.

No body has ever been found. But now Kayla is communicating with Jacki from beyond the grave - and she won't stop until the truth is revealed . . .

This is the second book about Jacki King and her ability to communicate with the dead.  I hadn’t read the first book Angel Kiss, but this books fine as a stand alone novel.  There have been a number of crime novels released lately for teenagers, which does make a nice change from sci-fi and fantasy.  This also has the supernatural element, as Jacki has been asked by the police for her help in a missing person case, she dreams about dead people.

292. Little Elephants by Graeme Base

Little Elephants by Graeme Base
Published September 2012 Penguin

From the publisher:
The wheat is ripe, but the harvester is broken and a plague of locusts is on the way. It looks as if Jim and his mother may lose the farm. But when Jim show kindness to a stranger, their fortunes are set to change in the most surprising way imaginable!

I found this book to be quite different from Graeme Base’s other books.  His books tend to be either completely based in reality or completely fantastical.  This story has elements of both.

291. Survival Squad Book 2: Search and Rescue by Jonathan Rock

Survival Squad Book 2: Search and Rescue by Jonathan Rock

Published October 2012 Red Fox

From the publisher:

The Tiger Patrol are excited about the winter snow this year, they’re preparing for their own Winter Olympics and even training with the local Search and Rescue team. Then the weather takes a turn for the worse, and a young girl goes missing in a snow blizzard. The Tiger Patrol must work together to save the day. It's another adventure for the Tigers, are they prepared?

The Tiger Patrol are actually a Scout group.  I have very little knowledge of the Scouts, but a bit of ‘googling’ told me that as of 2008 there were 31 million registered Scouts and 10 million registered Guides world wide.  I think it’s fair to say that Scouting is BIG, and having Bear Grylls in your corner, promoting it probably doesn’t hurt either!

290. What’s Left Of Me by Kat Zhang

What’s Left Of Me by Kat Zhang

Published October 2012 Harper Collins

From the publisher:
Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else-two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren′t they settling? Why isn′t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn′t ....

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she′s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet, for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

Here's another book that questions what makes us, 'us'.  In this book, all people are born with two souls.  For the first few years of life, these souls live 'literally' side by side within the same body.  each will have it's own unique characteristics, families will interact with each soul as if they were a different person.  Over the years, one soul becomes the dominant one, and the less dominant soul disappears, this is called 'settling'.  

289. A Medal For Leroy by Michael Morpurgo

A Medal for Leroy by Michael Morpurgo

Published October 2012 Harper Collins

From the publisher:

Michael doesn′t remember his father, who died in a Spitfire over the English Channel. And his mother, heartbroken and passionate, doesn′t like to talk about him. But then Michael′s aunt gives him a medal and a photograph, which begin to reveal a hidden story. A story of love, loss and secrets. A story that will change everything - and reveal to Michael who he really is...

I wasn't going to admit this, but when I first read the description of this book I thought it was actually about Michael Morpurgo, needless to say it isn't.  It was however inspired by a true story (details at the end of this post).  As with a number of Morpurgo's books, the story starts in the present day.  We then go back in time and find out how our characters got to this point.  

288. There's An Alien In My Belly Button by Jimmy Mars

There's An Alien In My Belly Button by Jimmy Mars

Published September 2012 Jelly Pie EUK Fiction

From the publisher:

A giggle-tastic tale of cheese, chums and chimples! If you like Captain Underpants, you'll LOVE this . Binko the alien is in for a shock when he crash lands in Pete Perkins' belly button. Pete's a bit surprised too. Life's great when you have a good friend. Even better when your buddy is an alien who lives in your bellybutton...

This book is a super fast read, perfect for boys who haven’t quite jumped on the reading bandwagon.  Within the first 20 pages there’s mention of snot, wee, toe cheese and bottom burps.

287. Secret Girls' Business by Maggie Hamilton

Secret Girls’ Business by Maggie Hamilton

Published September 2012 Viking

From the publisher:

Secret Girls' Business will put the individuality and creative spark back into your life. Craft, stories, fashion tips, recipes and helpful advice will inspire you to develop your artistry, discover different cultures, experiment with style and revel in the joys of friends and family. 

I have said more than once this year, that I wasn't the intended audience for the book I was reading.  This is another such book.  What I will say is that I wish I had read something like this when I was a teenage girl.  In fact, even as an adult, there are things in this book that I found interesting and inspiring.

286. Every Day by David Levithan

Every Day by David Levithan

Published September 2012 Text Publishing

From the publisher:

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.  And then A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.  Can you love someone who is destined to change each day? YA superstar author David Levithan brings all his trademark insight to a novel that is edgy, romantic and page-turning. Every Day has a touch of the paranormal and a grounding in the real world. 

OK, this is a 'Wow' book.  An amazing concept, told as an amazing love story.  It's one of two books I have on my list this month that makes you think about what makes us, 'us'. This story also makes you think about what it is about a person that we actually fall in love with.

285. This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Published October 2012 Candlewick Press

From the publisher:
When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it s a good thing that enormous fish won t wake up. And even if he does, it s not like he ll ever know what happened. . . . Visual humor swims to the fore as the best-selling Jon Klassen follows his breakout debut with another deadpan-funny tale.

My absolute favourite book last year was I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen.  The book was laugh out loud funny, and clever to boot.  It was an exciting day when I heard there was a new Jon Klassen book coming out this year, and joy of joys it's here!

The last book followed a bear looking for his lost hat.  This book is also about a stolen hat, albeit a different one.  This book is told from the point of view of the hat thief, and his genius plan to get away with his thievery!



The cleverness of this story is that the humour is portrayed entirely in the illustrations.  The story is a running commentary from the hat thief explaining how he stole the hat and fool proof plan to get away with it.

The illustrations show that clearly the owner of the hat is on to him, and not far behind.  Without giving too much away, I will say that the hat isn't the only theme that is carried over from the first book.

Who will like this book: Boys and girls age 5+
Read it if you like: I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

284. Leopard Adventure by Anthony McGowan

Leopard Adventure (Willard Price) by Anthony McGowan

Published September 2012 Puffin

From the publisher:

The first authorized Willard Price book by award-winning author Anthony McGowan.

Deep in the remote forests of Siberia, a mother Amur leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world, senses danger. Something faster than any human and deadlier than any tiger.

Meanwhile Amazon Hunt, aged twelve, is recruited from England by Tracks in America, ready to take off at a moment's notice to rescue wild animals under threat - no matter how great the danger.  Now Amazon and her thirteen-year-old cousin Frazer must brave the Russian wilderness to save the Amur leopard, before a blazing forest fire wipes out the race - for good . . .

On the front cover of this book it says, Inspired by the Willard Price Adventures, and the blurb says that this is the first authorized Willard Price book.  As I started reading I realised that there is quite a big link between this and the Willard Price books.  The two main characters in this book are Amazon and her cousin Frazer, and guess what? Amazon’s Dad is Roger Hunter, and Frazer’s Dad is Hal Hunter, the two boys that featured in the Willard Price books, now adults and working in their fathers footsteps.

283. Parvana's Promise by Deborah Ellis

Parvana's Promise by Deborah Ellis
Published October 2012 Allen & Unwin

From the publisher:
Parvana, now fifteen, is found in a bombed-out school and held as a suspected terrorist by American troops in Afghanistan. A stunning sequel to Parvana and Parvana's Journey.

As I started reading this, I realised that I had forgotten most of the details of the first 3 books about Parvana.  When I looked back, I can see that there is a good reason for this, as the last story about Parvana (Shauzia) was published 9 years ago, 10 years since Parvana's Journey.  What that means is, while fans of the previous books will be looking forward to reading about an old favourite, this book works as a stand alone novel that may encourage readers to go back and read the earlier novels.

282. Chook Chook: Mei's Secret Pets by Wai Chim

Chook Chook: Mei's Secret Pets by Wai Chim

Published August 2012 UQP

From the publisher:

Since the death of Mei’s father, her ma has refused to keep animals on the family farm. So when Mei finds two baby chickens, she shares her delightful discovery with no one but her older brother Guo.

Mei does her best to keep her new found friends a secret, but all does not go as planned. When Ma sells the chooks to the fearsome one-eyed butcher, their fates seem sealed.

Is there anything Mei can do to save her beloved chooks from the butcher’s knife?

A new book by first time author that fits in wonderfully with the ever popular theme of animals and pets.  In the case of this book, there are no wild animals like alligators or tigers, but at the same time the pets in this book are not the run of the mill cat or dog either.  The title alone gives it away, and if not that, then the illustration of the cover.  This book is about ‘chooks’ or chickens to my non Australian readers.

281. Word Hunters Book 1: The Curious Dictionary by Nick Earls and illustrated by Terry Whidborne

Word Hunters Book 1: The Curious Dictionary by Nick Earls and Terry Whidborne

Published August 2012 UQP

From the publisher:

Lexi and Al Hunter are twins with almost nothing in common – except their parents and their birthday! At school Lexi hangs with her friends in the cool crowd, while Al hides in the library reading about history, battles and faraway places.

When the twins stumble upon an old dictionary their world as they know it changes. They are blasted into history to hunt down the words that threaten to vanish from our past and our present. Their lives and the future of the world are at stake. Can they find a way back home? Or will they be trapped in the past forever? Now more than ever, they need to depend on each other if they want to survive.

The blurb on this book says it’s for word nerds, so it should be the perfect book for me.  It also has an element that seems to be cropping up in every second book I am reading…time travel.

280. The Raven Cycle Book #1: Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Cycle Book #1: Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Published October 2012 Scholastic

From the publisher:

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive. Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them-not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain. He has it all-family money, good looks, devoted friends-but he's looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys.

The first Maggie Stiefvater book I read was Shiver.  I remember thinking to myself…just what we need another book about werewolves!  I can honestly say that I loved that book.  I think because even though there had been a rash of vampire/werewolf/fairy/angel books, this one seemed to have a fresh voice.  I was sucked in, and I couldn’t stop reading.  I felt exactly the same about this one.

279. Found: The Art of Recycling by Lisa Hölzl

Found: The Art of Recycling by Lisa Hölzl

Published October 2012 Walker

From the publisher:

In the early 1900s the way art was created changed. Pablo Picasso used cardboard instead of paint. Marcel Duchamp called a bicycle wheel art and Raoul Hausemann made a sculpture out of an old shopkeepers dummy. Instead of using traditional materials such as paint, more and more artists started using found materials like newspapers, old photographs and bits of furniture. And they are still doing it today. Find out how these artists, using found materials, changed the art world. Be inspired to create your own masterpieces!

I thought that this book fits in really well with the book from Wednesday, The World According to Alice B Lovely.  In that book there was a lot of alternative art, art made with recycled objects and very unusual items, and that's what this book is all about.

278. Matilda’s Cat by Emily Gravett

Matilda’s Cat by Emily Gravett

Published October 2012 Macmillan

Climbing trees, playing with wool... Matilda is sure her cat will love these things, but he doesn't seem very enthusiastic. Undaunted, she thinks up new ways to amuse her reluctant playmate. Tea parties? Dressing up? Or what about a nice bike ride? As the beleaguered cat goes from nonplussed to terrified, Matilda gets more and more frustrated. After all, what use is a pet if it doesn't want to play?

What can I say…I am a huge Emily Gravett fan, she would be in my Top 3 picture book writers and illustrators!   So when a new Emily Gravett comes in, I am a happy girl.  To me a book that is so simple, and can still tell a good story is something to jump up and down about.  So many picture books are being released that are so deep and meaningful, that they aren’t written for children at all, but this one will be perfect for any young readers, even more so if that younger reader is a cat lover.

277. Life According to Alice B Lovely by Karen McCombie

Life According to Alice B Lovely by Karen McCombie

Published October 2012 Scholastic

From the publisher:

Edie Evans is sick of being treated like a kid. And she doesn't-repeat doesn't-need a babysitter! And then along comes the strange, the shy, the captivating Alice B. Lovely. Suddenly Edie shakes off her cynicism, monosyllabic Stan gets giddy and giggly, and even Mum and Dad seem to relax once Alice is around, spinning her fabulous tales and coming up with left-field babysitting entertainment. But is Alice B. Lovely too good to be true?

Karen McCombie is the author of many series that may be familiar to you, including the very popular Ally's World.  This is a great book that will really suit 10+ girls who want a good pre-teen read, no boys, no drugs, no drinking, but there's still enough family drama and angst to keep them interested.

276. Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce photographs by Carl Hunter and Clare Heney

Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce photographs by Carl Hunter and Clare Heney

Published October 2012 Walker

From the publisher:

Two refugee brothers from Mongolia are determined to fit in with their Liverpool schoolmates, but bring so much of Mongolia to Bootle that their new friend and guide, Julie, is hard-pressed to know truth from fantasy as she recollects a wonderful friendship that was abruptly ended when Chingis and his family were forced to return to Mongolia. Told with the humour, warmth and brilliance of detail which characterizes Frank Cottrell Boyce's writing, this magical and compelling story is enriched by stunning and atmospheric Polaroid photos.

I just LOVED this book.  It did come out last year in hardback, but it’s brand new in paperback.  I am a Frank Cottrell Boyce fan, I loved Millions and I loved Framed, so I was excited to get my hands on this one.  From a purely aesthetic book loving point of view this book has a textured feel to the cover, and has great Polaroid photos throughout, that are basically the reason this story is being told.

275. Birthright Trilogy Book 2: Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin

Birthright Trilogy Book 2: Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin
Published October 2012 Macmillan

From the publisher:

Reluctant heir of a Mafia boss.

Star-crossed lover.

Paparazzi darling.

Hitman's target.

Anya Balanchine's amazing story continues in the second part of the Birthright trilogy.

Gabrielle Zevin is one of my favourite authors, and Elsewhere is one of my favourite books.  This book is the second in what has now been called the Birthright Trilogy.  The first book came out in 2011 called All These Things I’ve Done.

3 months to go

October already, the sun is shining, the days are getting longer and I have less than 100 books left to read.  October seems to be a big month in publishing and my pile of books looks very exciting to me.  This being said, I had a horrible thought a few days ago, a thought that I am sure has crossed the mind of all avid readers. The thought is this:

I will never have the time to read all of the books I want to read.

Everyone thinks that reading a book a day is a lot of books, and it is there is no doubt about that, but I am not even close to reading everything I want.  I only let this thought fleetingly cross my mind, because if I think about it too much it just becomes depressing.

So, I won't think of the things I won't be able to read this month, but here's a peek at what I will be reading.