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	Books we love Alienology Dugald A. Steer Templar Publishing ISBN: 9781848770041 Alienology Ever wondered if your teacher, your pet, or even your parents might be aliens in disguise? Is it possible that NASA owes its achievements to extraterrestrials secretly passing on their advanced knowledge of space travel? These are just some of the questions posed by shape-shifting Professor Allen Gray, the alien author of Alienology: The Complete Guide to Extraterrestrials. A mix of fact and fiction, Alienology is the ultimate guide to alien life. Readers can become members of SPACE (the Society for the Promotion of Alien Contact with Earth) and may be able to help the world in its battle against SLIME (Surface-Living Intelligent Multiplying Endolith). Who knows what's really out there...? Dead Man's Cove Lauren St.John Orion Publishing Co ISBN: 9781444000207 Dead Man's Cove This is a wonderful new adventure story for children who enjoy Enid Blyton or Jacqueline Wilson. It is especially good to see such a strong girl character taking the lead in her own adventure, although there is also a great boy character so readers of either sex will enjoy it. Laura Marlin is an 11-year old orphan who aspires to be an ace detective. She lives in care until the authorities discover she has an uncle who lives in St Ives. Thus she is transported to her dream setting; a town that presents a variety of mysteries, and the freedom to explore them. However, while Blyton's young Famous Five sleuths would be accosting smugglers and drinking lemonade, this contemporary story presents some modern and uncomfortable issues such as child trafficking and child slavery. Author Lauren St John (The White Giraffe) has a sure and sensitive touch that introduces children to these uncomfortable truths but delivers an ultimately heart-warming and affirmative story. Laura Marlin is definitely a character to watch out for, and one that will be returning in future adventures. 9+ Now Morris Gleitzman Penguin Books Ltd ISBN: 9780141329987 Now Now is the final book in a thought-provoking trilogy that also includes Once and Then. The books follow the life of Felix whose family and close friend Zelda were killed by the Nazis. In this final story, Felix is an old man and living in Australia. His grandaughter, also named Zelda, has come to stay with him while her parents are abroad. This book is about Zelda coming to terms with her (as she sees it) much braver namesake, and Felix reflecting on his past. When bush fires rage out of control in Australia (based on the Victorian bushfires of 2009), they have to come together to save their and another's life. The series is told from the narrator's perspective, Felix in books one and two and Zelda in the last book, and this makes it all the more powerful. Each book raises questions about our perceptions of others, bullying, bigotry and bravery. It is a moving and also life-affirming series aimed at mature readers aged 10+. An Elephant in the Garden Michael Morpurgo HarperCollins Publishers ISBN: 9780007339570 An Elephant in the Garden Like many of Michael Morpurgo's stories, this is inspired by a true story of a woman who rescued a baby elephant from Belfast Zoo during the war and kept it in her garden. In Morpugo's story, Elizabeth rescues an elephant from Dresden Zoo after discovering all the animals will be shot because of the bombings. After their home and city are destroyed, she is forced to flee Dresden with her mother and the elephant, with the Russians close on their heels. This autumn will mark the 70th anniversary of the start of the Blitz in London and this story is a timely reminder of what children and families in other cities had to face during that terrible time. The story includes black and white illustrations by Michael Foreman. Age 9+. Tall Story Candy Gourlay Random House Children's Books ISBN: 9780385618946 Tall Story A fascinating story combining myth, family separation, siblings, inequality of the sexes, being different, basketball, the Philippines, earthquakes and the power of friendship into a page-turning and completely engaging whole. The two siblings are Andi, a boyish basketball-obsessed girl and Bernardo, who at eight feet tall is every basketball team�s dream. They have grown up separately because immigration law has prevented Bernardo from joining his Filipino mother in the UK. They desperately want to be the brother and sister of each other�s dreams but basketball does rather get in the way. The book is full of the most marvellous characters and humour but is also moving and sensitively written. It give us a fascinating insight into the life and culture of the Philippines and has some real moments of dramatic tension, particularly when the earthquake strikes Bernardo�s village and his best friend is in peril and again when Bernardo himself faces a medical crisis and the true cause of his amazing growth is revealed. The book tackles some serious issues, is genuinely thought-provoking but epitomises the heart-warming, satisfying read. Age 9+. Review by Joy Court. Johnny Swanson Eleanor Updale Random House Children's Books ISBN: 9780385616423 Johnny Swanson A wonderful story that is full of the most marvellous historical detail. It even has a guide to money and an explanation of postal orders which will themselves be a very strange concept for the modern child. Postal orders are, however, crucial to Johnny's enterprising money making schemes. While very amusing these are highly suspect both legally and morally. One does, however, really feel for Johnny and his mother, struggling to survive in the harsh, pre Welfare State Britain, after the death of his father in World War 1 and we know he is doing the wrong thing from the best of motives. The plot turns darker when a murder is discovered and the rough justice meted out to Johnny's mother by both the police and the media propels him into a desperate search to prove her innocence. Modern children will be shocked by the fact that she faces death by hanging if found guilty. We also learn just how dangerous diseases were in those days before universal vaccinations and the health service, leaving the vulnerable to be exploited for money. Yet all these serious themes are wrapped up in a really rollicking, page turning adventure! A hugely enjoyable story. Age 9+ Review by Joy Court The Runaway Troll Matt Haig Random House Children's Books ISBN: 9780552555784 The Runaway Troll The Runaway Troll is Matt Haig's follow-up to the highly entertaining Shadow Forest in which orphans Samuel and Martha Blink are sent to live with their aunt whose house is near the Shadow Forest. The forest turns out to be full of magical creatures and one of them, a troll, befriends Samuel. In this story, one of the trolls leaves the forest to find the young human boy but in doing so puts Samuel in terrible danger. Entertaining, full of pace and funny. Children will love it. Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex Eoin Colfer Penguin Books Ltd ISBN: 9780141328027 Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex Artemis Fowl, the young mastermind of crime, is back. The world is under threat from global warming and Artemis has come up with a solution. There's just one problem. Artemis has been dabbling in too much magic and it's caught up with him. He's become nice. The fairies call it Atlantis Complex and they have to get him back to his bad old ways before it's too late. Vicious robots are attacking the subterranean city of Atlantis and the 'nice' Artemis is too - well, nice - to stop them. Can Captain Holly Short get the real Artemis back? Author Eoin Colfer has delivered another quick-witted, funny and compulsive read with a slightly darker plot than some of the previous books. It all goes to show - if you must mess with magic, expect consequences! The Lunatic's Curse F. E. Higgins Pan Macmillan ISBN: 9780230532328 The Lunatic's Curse If you like the macabre and pure wickedness, here is a story for you. The elegant town of Opum Oppidulum overlooks Droprock Island and an inescapable asylum that is now home to Rex's dad. Rex knows his evil stepmother is behind the madness that has struck his dad - but how can he prove it? Read on for a full-throttle story of betrayal, treachery and lunatics How to Survive Summer Camp Jacqueline Wilson Oxford University Press ISBN: 0192729926 How to Survive Summer Camp With our thoughts turning to the summer holidays, Jacqueline Wilson fans will be thrilled to see this new edition of How to Survive Summer Camp in the bookshops this month. Stella is dumped at Evergreen Summer Camp while her mum swans off to Europe on her honeymoon. Stella�s summer holiday at Evergreen doesn�t look promising and gets off to a bad start with her roommates, snobby Louise and nasty Karen, and threatens to get worse until she begins to get the better of her roommates, and her fear of swimming. Once they�ve read the story, there are loads of quizzes and activities at the back of the book for readers to enjoy. The Train Set of Terror! - A Measle Stubbs Adventure Ian Ogilvy Oxford University Press ISBN: 9780192729705 The Train Set of Terror! - A Measle Stubbs Adventure Measles Stubbs is an unlikely hero. He is small, weedy and hasn't had a bath in years. Even worse for Measles, he's been sent to live with his horrible guardian Basil Tramplebone. Unfortunately for Measles, Tramplebone has some unpleasant plans and one or two nasty tricks up his sleeve - beginning with zapping Measles into his toy train set and setting a giant cockroach on his tail�. The Measles stories are written by the actor who used to play the role of The Saint. They are well paced with plenty of action and humour to keep both girls and boys enthralled. Look out for others in the Measles series. The Way of the Dragon Chris Bradford Penguin Books Ltd ISBN: 0141324325 The Way of the Dragon This is the third in the Young Samurai series by Chris Bradford and has been getting children reading - especially boys aged 10/11 years plus. Gripping, with just the right mix of action, friendships and problems to solve. Hiccup: How To Train Your Dragon Cressida Cowell Hachette Children's Books ISBN: 0340997168 Hiccup: How To Train Your Dragon The film tie-in of Cressida Cowell's bestseller combines everything that will appeal to young readers of this age - dragons, vikings, humour and very funny doodled illustrations. Like the film, it's magic! Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang Emma Thompson Bloomsbury Publishing PLC ISBN: 1408805014 Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang Isabel and Rory Green are living happily in the countryside when war is declared and Rory is packed off to fight. In his absence, Isabel has to deal with escaped pigs, out of control children and an unexploded bomb on their farm. But that�s not the worst of it � the family might have to sell their farm to their awful uncle. Can Nanny McPhee save the day? Eating Things on Sticks Anne Fine Random House Children's Books ISBN: 0385616023 Eating Things on Sticks Having burned down the family kitchen, Harry is sent to spend a week of the holidays with his Uncle Tristram on a tiny British island. It turns into a week of surprises. The TV Time Travellers Pete Johnson Random House Children's Books ISBN: 0440868629 The TV Time Travellers Zac and Izzy are thrilled to win a place on a new reality TV show, but then discover that they have to live as if it's 1939, the start of World War Two. One by on they will be voted out by the viewing public... The Way of the Sword Chris Bradford Penguin Books Ltd ISBN: 0141324317 The Way of the Sword One year of training in samurai school and Jack is in real trouble ...He's busy preparing for the Circle of Three, an ancient ritual that tests courage, skill and spirit to the limit. Brisingr Christopher Paolini Random House Children's Books ISBN: 0552552127 Brisingr The Eragon series has attracted a loyal reader base of fantasy fans. In the latest title, Eragon battles on behalf of the Varden while Galbatorix ruthlessly attempts to crush and twist him to his own purposes. Can Eragon unite the rebel forces and defeat the King? Great Bear Lake Erin Hunter Egmont Childrens Books ISBN: 1405246103 Great Bear Lake This is the epic tale of three abandoned bear cubs on the journey of a lifetime. On the Longest Day they join hundreds of black, grizzly and polar bears at Great Bear Lake to ask for the help of the mystical bear-spirits. The Boy in the Dress David Walliams HarperCollins Publishers ISBN: 0007279035 The Boy in the Dress We are not going to give away the plot here, but story is about what happens when an ordinary boy does something extraordinary. It gives a positive message about diversity and acceptance. The book is wonderfully illustrated by Quentin Blake. Little Leap Forward: A Boy in Beijing Guo Yue Barefoot Books Ltd ISBN: 1846861136 Little Leap Forward: A Boy in Beijing With this year's Olympic Games set in Beijing, there has been more interest than ever in China. This story is based on the author's own experiences of growing up during the Cultural Revolution. The text is supported with colour illustrations. The Eleventh Orphan Joan Lingard Catnip Publishing Ltd ISBN: 1846470528 The Eleventh Orphan By renowned author Joan Lingard, this story cleverly combines a mystery with historical detail and a well-paced plot. The Way of the Warrior Chris Bradford Penguin Books Ltd ISBN: 0141324309 The Way of the Warrior It is 1611 and Jack Fletcher's father and crew have been killed by ninja pirates off the coast of Japan. Jack's only hope of survival is to be trained as a samurai warrior. Penderwicks on Gardam Street Jeanne Birdsall Random House Children's Books ISBN: 038561375X Penderwicks on Gardam Street The four Penderwick sisters live at Gardam Street and are ready for an adventure! But when their father's sister decides it's time for him to start dating, the sisters will do their best to stop it happening... Empty Quarter Julia Golding Egmont Childrens Books ISBN: 1405228199 Empty Quarter Darcie Lock's father works for M16 and gradually, she is being pulled into the world of espionage. Although she has been sent on an apparently 'safe' cruise for problem rich kids, Darcie becomes embroiled in a kidnapping plot...		Book of the week Black and White Buggy Buddies - Baby's Day Jo Moon ~ Babies & Toddlers ~ Pre School ~ Early Readers ~ Confident Readers ~ Young Adult Meet the Author Holly Webb Holly Webb's stories about lost cats and homesick puppies have sold in their thousands and helped many young children to become confident readers.