I thought I would share with you a few books that I have enjoyed reading as much as my son has enjoyed listening.
My absolute stand out favourite has been Who Let the Gods Out by Maz Evans.
I read a lot of children’s and young adult fiction but this is one I never would have picked up if not for my son.
This book is FUNNY (alert: I usually avoid humour in my reading). The situations are often farcical but the pace, language, conversation and detail are absolutely genius. If you know your Mythology you will appreciate this book.
There were some passages which we re-read several times because they were so funny, but clever funny as well. The catchphrases of particular characters are addictive and I now regularly cite situations as ‘sub optimal’ courtesy of Virgo or ‘Bosh’, ‘Mega Bosh’ or ‘Anti Bosh’ courtesy of Hermes.
In short – read it, it’s great.
Next up – The City of Secret Rivers by Jacob Saber Weinstein. This one really captured my sons imagination and I am going to let The Guardian sum it up for you:
“A harum-scarum ride through London’s sewer-land, where Hyacinth becomes enmeshed in an almighty battle for control of the underground river-magic. Villains ooze, mudlarks speak Victorian cockney and London’s history is reconfigured to fit the plot of this excellent thriller.”
-The Guardian
Need I say more? Utterly bonkers but an engrossing story with endearing characters.
Sky Song by Abbi Elphinstone – this book is not flashy, funny or fast paced. This book is magical, dreamy and thought provoking. 
A young girl locked in a music box. Check.
An evil snow queen. Check.
Strange magic. Check.
Talking Bears. Double check.
A gentle story about friendship, family and belonging. We loved it and I would happily recommend.
Last Chance Hotel Nicki Thornton
Seth is the downtrodden kitchen boy at the remote Last Chance Hotel, owned by the nasty Bunn family. His only friend is his black cat, Nightshade. But when a strange gathering of magicians arrives for dinner, kindly Dr Thallomius is poisoned by Seth’s special dessert. A locked-room murder investigation ensues – and Seth is the main suspect. The funny thing is, he’s innocent … can he solve the mystery and clear his name, especially when magic’s afoot?
I must confess this is one I was desperate to read with my son but he was initially not receptive to it, so we tried the first chapter and haven’t looked back.
We know in our house, when a book is really good by the fact a small boy appears early in the morning asking for extra story before school!
There is a book that I have been waiting for with baited breath and it is finally here – Emma Carroll’s Secrets of a Sun King.
London, 1922.
A discovery from ancient Egypt . . .
A cursed package . . .
The untold story of a young pharaoh . . .
When Lilian Kaye finds a parcel on her grandad’s doorstep, she is shocked to see who sent it: a famous Egyptologist, found dead that very morning, according to every newspaper in England!
The mysterious package holds the key to a story . . . about a king whose tomb archaeologists are desperately hunting for.
Lil and her friends must embark on an incredible journey – to return the package to its resting place, to protect those they love, and to break the deadly pharaoh’s curse . . .
I’m not sure who is more excited, me or my son. I will have to report back on this one as we have not read it yet but I couldn’t omit it from my list!
I hope you find something here to intrigue you.
Stephanie.
Warwickshire Libraries 