The return of some jolly young witches and their cat, an exciting adventure on a magical island, a coming-of-age story set in Wales during the Second World War and an understanding look at teen friendships and conflict make up the pick of my summer reading selection.
‘Ta da!’ Mitch and Melanda are back in another jolly adventure accompanied by their almost talking magic cat, Rolo, and a whole host of new characters to enjoy. In a similar manner to the first in the series this happy story combines laugh out loud humour with kindness and a warm take on the importance of family and friendship.
Having effectively despatched their gruesome Aunts in book one Mitch and Melanda now hatch a cunning plan to release their parents from the Dark and Disgusting Prison for Witches. There is one small snag, first they will have to break in. So they need a magic spell to get them arrested. How can they possibly fail? So begins this bonkers but brilliant adventure which features an imaginative array of characters. Rolo the almost talking cat, apparently a vocabulary of only four words does not meet the criteria for full blown ‘talking cat’, has a starring role in the drama and his Mission Impossible style antics are hilarious. Craig the hapless witch hunter is a new favourite of mine and there are numerous other cameos to enjoy.
Dotty Sutton’s illustrations are perfect for the story and add greatly to the fun and she has captured and conveyed the tone of the text brilliantly. At a time when research about the decline in reading for pleasure among children is causing concern Gary Panton has, I think, created something that may convince youngsters that reading can be huge fun. Definitely a book to recommend to newly confident readers of about 7+ and a treat to read aloud. A big thank you to the publishers, Chicken House and Laura Smythe for my review copy and for making me giggle. Published 14th August.
The first of The Cloud Witch Chronicles, a new fantasy series, The Museum of Lost Umbrellas combines likeable characters, familiar tropes and magic in a charming and entertaining story sure to appeal to many. Marie Louise Fitzpatrick says that she wrote this book for herself and it really shows. The tone of the book is full of warmth and enthusiasm, the adventure brimful of the elements we all love including caves, secret doors, underground passages etc. It’s even set on an island! How could lovers of children’s books possible resist this? I definitely couldn’t and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Ten-year-old orphan Dilly Kyteler arrives on the mysterious island of Ollipest to stay with a great-aunt she’s never met. Aunt Florence at first appears to be somewhat forbidding however she has a laissez-faire attitude to childcare allowing Dilly to wander off for the day exploring. The young girl quickly acquires both a new friend in Callum, the grandson of a friend of Aunt Florence, and a much wanted pet dog in Parsley, a large hound. As she explores both her new home and the island, Dilly unexpectedly finds magic everywhere—houses that grant wishes, portals in alleyways, and a spectacular Museum of Lost Umbrellas, where umbrellas are anything but lost but are in fact magical flight assistants.
When a stranger arrives who encourages the islanders to support an anti-magic movement Dilly, Callum, and Shelley, the museum owner decide to work together to unravel the island’s secrets and save the magic that has been passed down through their families.
Yes, there are echoes of many other much loved stories here but The Museum of Lost Umbrellas still feels fresh and some elements such as the manipulation of the population by one who appeals to their own fears has current relevance. However, this is very much a story to enjoy for its own sake. Dilly is endearing, the plot pacy enough to keep children’s attention, and the fantasy world imaginatively drawn. The inclusion of a magical library with its helpful books delighted me as did the reference to Mary Poppins. I imagine young readers will find something that they love about this delightful story too. Published by Faber Books on 31st July and recommended for readers of about 9+. Thank you to Emma Golay for my review copy.
David Brayley’s George’s Fateful D-Day is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of World War II-era South Wales. The novel follows 11-year-old George Jones, a bright and curious boy growing up in a working-class community in 1943. Through George’s eyes, Brayley vividly captures a time of uncertainty, quiet heroism, and unexpected connections. When George meets Oliver Jacobson, a young American GI stationed nearby, what begins as a chance encounter becomes a powerful and transformative friendship. The two of them bond over their shared love of sport, comparing notes on rugby and American football, and their growing friendship bridges cultures and generations and has a profound effect on George and his family.
George is a well drawn and engaging protagonist — inquisitive, open-hearted, and at times extremely vulnerable. His interactions with Oliver introduce him to situations and attitudes he has never encountered before, challenging assumptions and shaping his sense of right and wrong. Brayley handles themes of race, grief, guilt, loss and friendship with a gentle but unflinching tone, appropriate for younger readers but deeply affecting too.
The historical context is authentic, yet never overwhelms the narrative. Instead, this story manages to both entertain and educate. Readers are reminded that for every soldier on the battlefield, there are countless others living quieter stories filled with their own risks, revelations, and moments of courage. As D-Day approaches, the emotional tension rises, leading to a conclusion that is both poignant and uplifting.
George’s Fateful D-Day is not just a war story — it’s a story about understanding, about the quiet power of connection, and about how even the most fleeting meetings can echo across a lifetime and generations. A moving and memorable read, it offers young readers a compelling introduction to the social history of the second World War, while inviting all readers to think about the human stories history books may overlook.
Highly recommended for readers aged 10 and up, and for anyone who values stories that combine heart, history, and hope. The quote mentioned throughout the story, “None but the fates know our fortunes, so best leave it all up to them” has stayed with me since I turned the last page as have George and Oliver. Thank you to David Brayley for providing my review copy. George’s Fateful D-Day was published by Y Lolfa on 23rd May.
Fiction, especially fiction written for children and teens, can often offer life lessons through the experience of the characters created by authors. Karen McCombie has a knack, I think, for doing this without being didactic or preaching in tone. The reality behind the often quoted saying, “There are two sides to every story” is conveyed with skill and understanding in My Perfect Cousin.
Cousins Ruby and Yasmin could not be more different. Ruby dislikes Yasmin because she is ‘perfect’ and she feels small and insignificant by comparison. Yasmin is pretty and popular, has a gorgeous boyfriend, and is expected to get excellent grades in her GSCEs. Ruby is fed up with Yasmin trying to make sure that the spotlight is always on her. However, how would Yasmin’s version of this family experience compare? Using a dual narrative that switches from Ruby to Yasmin at the halfway point Karen McCombie cleverly explores teenage concerns. She touches on the complexity of relationships and the possible rivalry at this age in a manner that will be relatable for early teen readers.
It would be interesting to know how readers react to this story and whether their opinions of the two girls alters by the end of the book. It is therefore a book that may be used successfully in the classroom as a discussion prompt. My Perfect Cousin is suitable for readers of 11+ and has been edited and presented to be enjoyed by those with a reading age of 7+. At under 100 pages and with illustrations by Sofia Miller Salazar that capture the tone of the story well this fills a gap and would be a valuable addition to secondary school libraries. Published on 3rd July by Barrington Stoke. Thank you to the publishers and Poppy McLean for my review copy.
The Notwitches: Prison Break by Gary Panton illustrated by Dotty Sutton
‘Ta da!’ Mitch and Melanda are back in another jolly adventure accompanied by their almost talking magic cat, Rolo, and a whole host of new characters to enjoy. In a similar manner to the first in the series this happy story combines laugh out loud humour with kindness and a warm take on the importance of family and friendship.
Having effectively despatched their gruesome Aunts in book one Mitch and Melanda now hatch a cunning plan to release their parents from the Dark and Disgusting Prison for Witches. There is one small snag, first they will have to break in. So they need a magic spell to get them arrested. How can they possibly fail? So begins this bonkers but brilliant adventure which features an imaginative array of characters. Rolo the almost talking cat, apparently a vocabulary of only four words does not meet the criteria for full blown ‘talking cat’, has a starring role in the drama and his Mission Impossible style antics are hilarious. Craig the hapless witch hunter is a new favourite of mine and there are numerous other cameos to enjoy.
Dotty Sutton’s illustrations are perfect for the story and add greatly to the fun and she has captured and conveyed the tone of the text brilliantly. At a time when research about the decline in reading for pleasure among children is causing concern Gary Panton has, I think, created something that may convince youngsters that reading can be huge fun. Definitely a book to recommend to newly confident readers of about 7+ and a treat to read aloud. A big thank you to the publishers, Chicken House and Laura Smythe for my review copy and for making me giggle. Published 14th August.
Museum of Lost Umbrellas by Marie Louise Fitzpatrick
The first of The Cloud Witch Chronicles, a new fantasy series, The Museum of Lost Umbrellas combines likeable characters, familiar tropes and magic in a charming and entertaining story sure to appeal to many. Marie Louise Fitzpatrick says that she wrote this book for herself and it really shows. The tone of the book is full of warmth and enthusiasm, the adventure brimful of the elements we all love including caves, secret doors, underground passages etc. It’s even set on an island! How could lovers of children’s books possible resist this? I definitely couldn’t and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Ten-year-old orphan Dilly Kyteler arrives on the mysterious island of Ollipest to stay with a great-aunt she’s never met. Aunt Florence at first appears to be somewhat forbidding however she has a laissez-faire attitude to childcare allowing Dilly to wander off for the day exploring. The young girl quickly acquires both a new friend in Callum, the grandson of a friend of Aunt Florence, and a much wanted pet dog in Parsley, a large hound. As she explores both her new home and the island, Dilly unexpectedly finds magic everywhere—houses that grant wishes, portals in alleyways, and a spectacular Museum of Lost Umbrellas, where umbrellas are anything but lost but are in fact magical flight assistants.
When a stranger arrives who encourages the islanders to support an anti-magic movement Dilly, Callum, and Shelley, the museum owner decide to work together to unravel the island’s secrets and save the magic that has been passed down through their families.
Yes, there are echoes of many other much loved stories here but The Museum of Lost Umbrellas still feels fresh and some elements such as the manipulation of the population by one who appeals to their own fears has current relevance. However, this is very much a story to enjoy for its own sake. Dilly is endearing, the plot pacy enough to keep children’s attention, and the fantasy world imaginatively drawn. The inclusion of a magical library with its helpful books delighted me as did the reference to Mary Poppins. I imagine young readers will find something that they love about this delightful story too. Published by Faber Books on 31st July and recommended for readers of about 9+. Thank you to Emma Golay for my review copy.
George’s Fateful D-Day by David Brayley
David Brayley’s George’s Fateful D-Day is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of World War II-era South Wales. The novel follows 11-year-old George Jones, a bright and curious boy growing up in a working-class community in 1943. Through George’s eyes, Brayley vividly captures a time of uncertainty, quiet heroism, and unexpected connections. When George meets Oliver Jacobson, a young American GI stationed nearby, what begins as a chance encounter becomes a powerful and transformative friendship. The two of them bond over their shared love of sport, comparing notes on rugby and American football, and their growing friendship bridges cultures and generations and has a profound effect on George and his family.
George is a well drawn and engaging protagonist — inquisitive, open-hearted, and at times extremely vulnerable. His interactions with Oliver introduce him to situations and attitudes he has never encountered before, challenging assumptions and shaping his sense of right and wrong. Brayley handles themes of race, grief, guilt, loss and friendship with a gentle but unflinching tone, appropriate for younger readers but deeply affecting too.
The historical context is authentic, yet never overwhelms the narrative. Instead, this story manages to both entertain and educate. Readers are reminded that for every soldier on the battlefield, there are countless others living quieter stories filled with their own risks, revelations, and moments of courage. As D-Day approaches, the emotional tension rises, leading to a conclusion that is both poignant and uplifting.
George’s Fateful D-Day is not just a war story — it’s a story about understanding, about the quiet power of connection, and about how even the most fleeting meetings can echo across a lifetime and generations. A moving and memorable read, it offers young readers a compelling introduction to the social history of the second World War, while inviting all readers to think about the human stories history books may overlook.
Highly recommended for readers aged 10 and up, and for anyone who values stories that combine heart, history, and hope. The quote mentioned throughout the story, “None but the fates know our fortunes, so best leave it all up to them” has stayed with me since I turned the last page as have George and Oliver. Thank you to David Brayley for providing my review copy. George’s Fateful D-Day was published by Y Lolfa on 23rd May.
My Perfect Cousin by Karen McCombie illustrated by Sofia Miller Salazar
Fiction, especially fiction written for children and teens, can often offer life lessons through the experience of the characters created by authors. Karen McCombie has a knack, I think, for doing this without being didactic or preaching in tone. The reality behind the often quoted saying, “There are two sides to every story” is conveyed with skill and understanding in My Perfect Cousin.
Cousins Ruby and Yasmin could not be more different. Ruby dislikes Yasmin because she is ‘perfect’ and she feels small and insignificant by comparison. Yasmin is pretty and popular, has a gorgeous boyfriend, and is expected to get excellent grades in her GSCEs. Ruby is fed up with Yasmin trying to make sure that the spotlight is always on her. However, how would Yasmin’s version of this family experience compare? Using a dual narrative that switches from Ruby to Yasmin at the halfway point Karen McCombie cleverly explores teenage concerns. She touches on the complexity of relationships and the possible rivalry at this age in a manner that will be relatable for early teen readers.
It would be interesting to know how readers react to this story and whether their opinions of the two girls alters by the end of the book. It is therefore a book that may be used successfully in the classroom as a discussion prompt. My Perfect Cousin is suitable for readers of 11+ and has been edited and presented to be enjoyed by those with a reading age of 7+. At under 100 pages and with illustrations by Sofia Miller Salazar that capture the tone of the story well this fills a gap and would be a valuable addition to secondary school libraries. Published on 3rd July by Barrington Stoke. Thank you to the publishers and Poppy McLean for my review copy.