Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day by Dominique Valente

Synopsis (from Goodreads) 

Pages: 288 

Publisher: Harper Collins 

Released: 2nd May 2019  

Misfit witch Willow Moss holds the fate of the magical world of Starfell in her rather unremarkable hands . . . A spellbinding new fantasy series for readers aged 8–12, perfect for fans of Cressida Cowell.

Willow Moss, the youngest and least powerful sister in a family of witches, has a magical ability for finding lost things – like keys, or socks, or wooden teeth. Her magic might be useful, but it’s not exactly exciting . . . Until, that is, the most powerful witch in the whole of Starfell turns up at her door needing Willow’s help.

A whole day – last Tuesday to be precise – has gone missing. And the repercussions could be devastating. Can Willow find the day to save the day?

What I Have to Say 

A brand new misfit witch ready to take the world by storm, especially considering the group of friends that she collects on her adventures! With adorable illustrations from Sarah Warburton, this brand new world is perfect for any kids wanting something quirky and fun to get absorbed in. 

I loved the way that magic was so limited to one skill per person and how unique Willow's power was. It was used so well throughout the book, showing that even what seems to be a dull, if reasonably useful power, can be viewed in different ways and skilfully tweaked into something incredible. 

I can honestly say that this book surprised me at every turn. Everything was unexpected and felt completely natural even as Willow collected her band of misfits to join and help her in her adventures. The ending came together perfectly as well with everything slotting into place so well. I really hope it becomes a series so that I can see more from these characters. 

My thanks go to Harper Collins for providing me with this free copy for review. 

Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James

Synopsis (from Goodreads) 

Pages: 400

Publisher: Harper Collins 

Released: 18th of September 2018 

Eleven year-old Tilly has lived above her grandparents' bookshop ever since her mother disappeared shortly after she was born. Like the rest of her family, Tilly loves nothing more than to escape into the pages of her favourite stories.

One day Tilly realises that classic children's characters are appearing in the shop through the magic of `book wandering' - crossing over from the page into real life.

With the help of Anne of Green Gables and Alice in Wonderland. Tilly is determined to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother all those years ago, so she bravely steps into the unknown, unsure of what adventure lies ahead and what dangers she may face.

What I Have to Say 

There are some books that you just want to curl up and live in. Not only is Tilly and the Book Wanderers one of these books, but it also shows you a world where you can do just that! Throughout the book, Tilly explores some of her favourite books, much beloved children's classics such as Anne of Green Gables and Alice in Wonderland. Seeing the characters from the books interacting with Tilly and her family was a wonderful part of this book. Alice was perfect and I loved the glimpses of Lizzy Bennett and Sherlock Holmes even if they weren't named. 

The best part of this book was definitely the bookshop though. It was definitely my dream bookshop. Tilly gets to live in this amazing independent bookshop with winding shelves full of books and loads of comfy chairs and sofas. Add in a cafe where you can get delicious often book inspired cake and hot chocolate whenever you want and book characters occasionally popping up for a chat? Tilly is truly living any bookworm's dream. 

The plot was  excellent as well. All the mystery around Tilly's mother and the little details that were scattered throughout the book that led to the thrilling conclusion were fantastic and though it was maybe a little predicatble, it had enough surprises to throw at me and a really satisfying conclusion. 

I can't wait for the next book in the Pages & Co. Series. 

My thanks go to Netgalley and Harper Collins for providing me with this copy for review. 

A Tangle of Magic by Valija Zinck

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Pages: 256

Publisher: Chicken House 

Released: 2nd of August 2018 

Penelope has always been different from other children: for example, her hair has been grey since she was born. When she wakes up one day with sparkling red hair, her mother confesses that her father is a wizard. Penelope embarks on a journey to find him...

What I Have to Say 

 This was such a lovely story. It was full of magic and wonder and an absent father. It goes deep into the issue of abandonment both from Penelope and her mother and the whole that exists in Penelope's life, especially after she wakes up and discovers that she has vibrant red hair and magical powers and her dad is the only person who might be able to help her manage them.

Penelope was a really great character. I loved the way she thought. Though it was a little unrealistic, it was unrealistic in a good way. It gave a lot of humour to the book. Because what kind of person spends ages looking for shoelaces of a certain colour to replace the one she lost of her friends? Or deciding that gluing all the postboxes shut is the best way to find her father? 

I wish it had been longer though. It felt like the plot wasn't complicated enough. It was mostly just Penelope plotting and talking to roads and working out how to use her powers. I'd have liked it if there had been more of her with her new friends who also have powers. It felt a bit like she was wandering around for most of the book and then it got tied up neatly in the last few chapters. I'd have liked a bit more.

This would be such a good book for little girls who dream of waking up to discover they have magic powers. Especially if they have red hair.

My thanks go to Chicken House for providing me with this copy for review.