Calling all the books that I've listed here 'chapter books' is perhaps unfair. Some are quite a bit longer than others. I'm uncomfortable defining books on the basis of age too, as reading levels differ widely even within one school, let alone across schools, areas and countries. I think, broadly, this list comprises books that I enjoyed reading as an adult and would probably have loved when I was eight or nine.Me and Mister PWriter: Maria Farrer Illustrator: Daniel RieleyPublisher: Oxford University PressWhat can I say about the delightful Mister P? Though I read Me and Mister P almost a year ago, it is one of those timeless books that stay with you, a classic.When Arthur discovers a polar bear at his doorstep, the warmest of friendships begins to blossom. Mister P does not say a word, but something special is born out of those wonderful bear hugs and the … [Read more...]
Wildwitch Wildfire
Wildwitch Wildfire. The name seems to hark back to an earlier time, a time when magic was different, ancient, unknown. Yet, the cover, with its bright red, and a cat staring a girl down gave me the idea of something almost modern. I picked it up, curious about what it would offer--and put it down when I had finished reading it.Wildwitch Wildfire won me over with the wonder of its storytelling. A beautiful story, simply told - is there anything more fulfilling than that?Clara Ash is mauled by a huge cat on her way to school, but that's hardly an excuse she can offer her scary math teacher for being late. With an incident that simple, the story begins.Clara's mum never cries, but when she hears about the cat, she begins to cry. It is time for Clara, little Clara Mouse, to visit her Aunt Isa, a wildwitch. For Clara is a wildwitch herself and needs to learn how to … [Read more...]