Erin the Literary Cat : Lower Middle Grade

Showing posts with label Lower Middle Grade. Show all posts

Sunday 6 August 2023

The DOG SQUAD. The Newshound.

Written and fully illustrated by Clara Vulliamy.

A small version of book cover. Wafer the whippet sits front and centre on top of the letter 'o' in the centre of the word DOG. The three protagonists are either side of him set slightly further back so the look the same size as Wafer. The turquise backdrop has buildings and trees so is likely set in the local park. Clara's name is picked out in white at the op of the book. The Word s "The Dog Squard occupy the bottom third of the front page. The word 'squad sits in a bone shaped orane nametag that hangs off the letter 'O' in Dog. The words 'The NEWSHOUND is at the very bottom of the page in smaller yellow capitals.

Image © C Vulliamy

An Adventure Book Review by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.

Hello, and welcome to my weekend Book Review featuring Adventures in Middle-Grade Fiction.

This week are incredibly honoured and happy to bring you the latest and most beautiful adventure from the author of the 'Marshmallow Pie, Cat Superstar' adventures, Clara Vulliamy. (To see my review of those fab books click this link)

This time, she has brought the younger readers the first adventure in a new series featuring a dog and three eleven-year-old school reporters.

So, stopping only for a quick scratch behind the ear and to check the food bowl and water are topped up, let's get straight into the review!

A large version of book cover. Wafer the whippet sits front and centre on top of the letter 'o' in the centre of the word DOG. The three protagonists are either side of him set slightly further back so the look the same size as Wafer. The turquise backdrop has buildings and trees so is likely set in the local park. Clara's name is picked out in white at the op of the book. The Word s "The Dog Squard occupy the bottom third of the front page. The word 'squad sits in a bone shaped orane nametag that hangs off the letter 'O' in Dog. The words 'The NEWSHOUND is at the very bottom of the page in smaller yellow capitals.

Image © Clara Vulliamy

AUTHOR: Clara Vulliamy

All art by: Clara Vulliamy

Published by: Harper Collins Childrens Books

Publication date: Paperback 3 Sept. 23

Paperback ISBN: 978 - 0 - 00 - 856 533 - 6

Cover price: Paperback £6.99

Pages: 114

Age range: 7 - 11

Any dogs or cats? Oh YES! Whilst this book mainly features dogs, Frank the cat does appear.

SPOILER ALERT

Inevitably as this is a short book, there are some as to plot direction and characters.

Thank you to...

We are exceedingly grateful once more to Clara, who sent me a personal copy of this delightful adventure to share with you all. Clara has also sent us some of the delightful artwork from the story for you all to enjoy.

As ever, our views are our own, and we only share reviews of books we have bought, been given as gifts, or received in exchange for an impartial review.

First and foremost, the books we review are those we love and feel our global readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their children, friends, and students will enjoy. That is our guarantee to you.

Wafer the whippet leaps across a turquise backdrop. He is wearing an orange and pale pink chequed coat with a neck that extends onto his forelegs.

Image © Clara Vulliamy

The plot

Eva lives with her mum, elder brother, Wes, and younger sister, Macy. The story opens with a bang when Eva's mum enters their kitchen, stops stunned, and demands to know "WHAT. IS. THAT?" That is the introduction to a scared puppy, soon known as Wafer, who Eva has under her chair. Alas, try as she might, Eva can't hide the fact she has smuggled Wafer in.

Eva spotted the dog alone and scared outside a shop several times during the previous week. Having saved the stray pup from being run over, it followers her home.

A black and white image showing our three protagonists walking along the pavement beside some shops. They are dressed in jackets and have back packs on. Ash has their THEY THEM badge on, a larger copy is at the top of the image. From left to right there is Eva, Simone and Ash.

Alas, the landlord does not allow pets. What to do? Well, mum insists Wafer can only stay one night. After that, they will need to take him to a rescue centre. This is where Eva and her two pals, Simone and Ash, get to play sleuths. They run their own newspaper, most aptly called The Newshound. Simone is not so good with interviewing people but fantastic at artwork, and so does the paper's lettering and illustrations. Ash – they are the cleverest person in the whole world – is the Star Researcher, which leaves Eva as the lead reporter.

A black and white image. Ash crouches to left of Wafer, who is in his chequered jacket. Simone kneels to the right. Both kids are petting Wafer.

Finding out how such a wonderful pup came to be alone on the streets, and who their real owner is, becomes their primary concern and the latest hot article in the making for the Newshound reporters. But whilst Eva's mum is slowly being won over to having Wafer in the flat, time and luck are rapidly running out.

A black and white image. Wafer the whippet lays curled in his bed.

Can the eager young reporters successfully unravel Wafer's story? Can they keep Wafer from the landlord's ever-watchful eyes? And will they get invites to what promises to be a great party but have been excluded from for being slightly different? All this and more will be revealed in the closing chapters!

So, what did we think?

I have to say straight up that I fell in love with Clara's artwork from the off. I mean, who could not be captivated by such appealing images of dogs and the characterful situations they and the child protagonists find themselves in and investigating. They are on almost every page, ranging from full page to small title sequences.

Double width black and white iamge. Two staff from the Wags and Whiskers dog walking business are walking down the road. They have 7 dogs between them ranging from a sausage dog, to a great Dane and a lurcher like wolf hound. In the background is the White Rabbit Book shop, Hair We Go, a hairdressers. There also seems to be a cake and tea shop. A dog on a lead waits outside the bookshop.

The images are but half of this review. The storyline is both compelling and fun, as well as displaying diversity in its lead characters, one of whom is non-binary. It rewards the young reader with healthy, balanced world-building, adventure, a pinch of mischief, and a wonderful message about caring for and the conscionable approach to adopting pets. Top Marks, and a few weepy eyes, all round.

So . . . .

Crunch time.

For most adults, this will be a speedy, enjoyable read. But I think this will be a perfect book for a read-along at home over a few days or in schools to engender cognisance and discussions of broader issues whilst bringing a smile to the face. So, without a doubt, an absolute must. It's as simple a recommendation as that.

Would you like to hear an extract from the story?

Clara has read an extract from the first chapter, which appears on the READING ZONE webpage. You can link to this page by clicking HERE. Or copy and paste the following: https://www.readingzone.com/books/the-dog-squad-the-newshound/

Want to buy a copy?

To get a copy, please do choose your local independent bookshop. There are plenty out there, and each shop is just waiting to serve up whatever kind of mystery, fun and adventure you desire.

Clara Vulliamy's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://claras.me/

Harper Collins Children's Books web page can be found HERE or type this: https://harpercollinschildrensbooks.co.uk/explore/

The winners of our GIVEAWAY prize of a copy of Michael the Amazing Mind Reading Sausage Dog are:- The Brian's Home blog, and all the guys at the The Oceanside Animals blog. If you will both please leave us a comment (which wont be published) as to where you want Amazon to send your copy of this book.

After all that sleuthing and those doggy delights, I shall leave you with a selfie of little old feline me. 🙂 🙂

We are joining the Sunday Selfies, hosted by the wonderful Kittes Blue and their mum, Janet Blue.

Mrs H isn't quite sure how to describe this position. Maybe the 'levelling pose' would be apt?

Till laters!

ERin

Monday 12 June 2023

Michael, the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog!

by Terrie Chilvers; Artwork by Tim Budgen.

Small book cover. Michael the sausage dog stands in the centre of the cover on top of a red and yellow starry conical shaped half drum. He wears a spangly yellow waistcoat with red bowtie and has an upturned silver toped cane in his paw. Three dogs on each side of the cover looin and up at Micael, who stands in twin spotlights aagainst a pale blue starry backdrop. Michael's name in the title is in large red letters picked out through their centres in two tone yellow bulbs. Terrie Chilvers name and Tim Budgens appear at the bottom of the book in pale blue and yellow respectively.

An Adventure Book Review by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.

Hello, and welcome to my Sunday into Monnday Book Review and selfie featuring Adventures in Middle-Grade Fiction.

If you're here for a selfie, scroll on down!

This week we are proud to host the final, tail wagging leg of a Book Tour for this new kids' adventure featuring one determined Sausage Dog called Michael.

Before we do the honours, let's just nip over to Upper Much-Mousing to see what Erin is up to . . . .

"What are you doing, dear?" Mrs H had just entered the Manor House's library room. She held a tray with Erin's mid-morning snack and a brown paper-wrapped package. It had been delivered by No Brakes Home Delivery Service, an offshoot of Mrs Singh's ever-increasing attempts to diversify her corner shop empire. Sadly, the name lived up to the quality of Farmer Clarksins's old Land Rover, which Mrs Singh had salvaged from the village pond after a late-night revel had gone awry.

"I'm practising my clairvoyance, Mrs H," Erin replied, taking her paw away from her temple.

"Are you any good?" Mrs H's raised eyebrow reflected the scepticism she had come to expect from Erin's numerous and failed endeavours, no matter how well-intentioned. There was always a first time, though; she decided to put her companion to the test. "Hmm. Well, tell me what you have divined so far?"

"Well, for starters I knew you were going to come in here at this very moment. And that you'd have a book wrapped in brown."

Mrs H rolled her eyes and sighed. "Hardly a surprise given it was delivered by the courier, earlier and I ALWAYS bring your snack and post at this time. But go on, is there anything else?"

"Well, I knew you'd roll your eyes and say that."

"I always say that, dear."

"I knew you'd say that too. And if you don't believe me, I wrote it down on this piece of paper and sealed it in an envelope I posted yesterday." Erin pointed to the small white envelope sticking out of Mrs H's apron. "Go on, open it."

Mrs H did just that and raised both eyebrows in surprise. "Almost word-perfect, Erin. I am almost impressed. Tell me, though, what is in the package?"

"Hang on." Placing a paw to her temple again, Erin closed her eyes and gave a somewhat constipated look that had Mrs H quite taken aback. "It's coming through. Yes, it's a free book about sausages. No. No hang on, it's about a dog made of sausages. No, drat. The mist is clearing now and I see the name Michael and an amazing adventure."

Mrs H delved into the cardboard packaging to reveal a red-covered book with a Dachshund on the cover. "Most impressive, dear. But tell me, how much would this morning's special delivery cost. If it hadn't been free that is. If you get it right I'll let you off your chores. Wrong, and you'll have to help me sort out my chores. How's that sound?"

"Easy peasy." Erin strained again and let out a low meditative chant. Her eyes snapped open, and she smiled. "It is a snip at only £6.99 from all good bookshops."

"Sorry dear, but that is incorrect. It actually cost £699 plus a hefty tip to the courier so he can have physio on his back."

The smile on Erin's face disappeared instantly."What! It can't be. The price I paid on the site was £6.99."

"Ahha. Got you. The price of a book may be £6.99, dear, but the price for 100 copies is one hundred times more. I think you have been, how they say, rumbled. Fortunately, I have spoken to the publisher and they will take back ninety-eight copies and credit my card."

"Oh. Well, I guess I need to practice some more then, Mrs H. Still look on the bright side, at least you don't have to carry them to Mrs Singhs to post back."

Mrs H smiled. "That is one blessing for sure, dear. YOU, however, as part of your chores, will be doing it. I'll get the pony and trap ready and you can take her and the surplus books back to Mrs Singh where you can help package them up. Then you can do the shopping" With that, Mrs H turned and strolled out of the room, leaving Erin wide-eyed, stunned and wondering how her scheme had gone so terribly wrong. Which, of course, Mrs H had known all along it would, and that wasn't down to mind reading!

And now, on to today's main feature and the star of our book review who really does have a talent.

This week we have a rather delightful dog called Michael, who discovers his very own superpower, which he hopes will raise him to star status . . .

Large book cover. Michael the sausage dog stands in the centre of the cover on top of a red and yellow starry conical shaped half drum. He wears a spangly yellow waistcoat with red bowtie and has an upturned silver toped cane in his paw. Three dogs on each side of the cover looin and up at Micael, who stands in twin spotlights aagainst a pale blue starry backdrop. Michael's name in the title is in large red letters picked out through their centres in two tone yellow bulbs. Terrie Chilvers name and Tim Budgens appear at the bottom of the book in pale blue and yellow respectively.

Image ©

AUTHOR: Terrie Chilvers

Artwork throughout by: Tim Budgen

Published by: Firefly Press

Publication date for the Paperback: 8 June 2023

Paperback ISBN: 978 - 191 544 4134

Cover price for Paperback: £6.99

KINDLE price: £2.79

Pages: 182

Age range: 6 upwards

Any dogs or cats? Lots of super talented dogs.

SPOILER ALERT

This is quite a short book, so Yes, some as to plot direction and characters.

Thank you to...

We are exceedingly grateful to Graeme Williams and Karen of the Firefly Press Publishing Team for inviting us to host the final stop.

As ever, our views are our own, and we only share reviews of books we have bought, been given as gifts, or received in exchange for an impartial review.

First and foremost, the books we review are those we like and feel our global readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their children, friends and students will enjoy.

The plot

Michael is a young and ambitious Dachshund. He lives in Snuffles-by-Sea, in a house he inherited from his Aunt. He is a sausage dog who just knows he is destined for fame and fortune. A superstar in the making. The only thing is, he doesn't know what his superstar ability is. The most famous dog in the town is a Chocolate Labrador called Susan, who won the talent show for balancing peanuts on her nose. Michael knows he can do better. But it isn't until he is in the park one day that he discovers what he is good at. He hears a nearby dog talking to himself about his new fav stick. But when Michael looks, the dog, Stanley Big Dog, has his mouth full of stick. The penny drops and our hero realises he can read minds. But to prove it isn't a one-off fluke, he enlists Stanley to help him practice mind reading.

One thing leads to another, and Michael and Stanley enter the Snuffles-by-Sea talent show, where the star is none other than Susan. Things don't go as planned; Priscilla the Pug calls Michael out as a fake! When Michael cant read Priscilla's mind, it seems to the audience her allegation is true. But Michael knows it isn't, and for some bizarre reason, a pug's mind is unfathomable and unreadable. Nonetheless, still determined to be a superstar, he calls a meeting in the local cafe called the Pork Chop Café. Quite by chance, Stanley's Uncle, Humphrey Huge Dog, is in town. He happens to be on the hunt for new talent for a review show in Hollywoof, no less.

Now it's fair to say wheels start to turn, and before too long, Michael, aided and hindered by Stanley, are embroiled in attempts to get to Hollywoof, where they hope to find fame and fortune.

Whether they succeed and how much misunderstanding, chaos, and destruction ensues, I'll let you, dear readers, find out for yourselves. Believe me, when I say I wasn't quite expecting the grand showdown at the end. And who knew balancing peanuts on ones nose was such an art. Not I for sure, but then I am just a cat.

So, what did we think?

I love the concept of creatures set in their own human-like worlds, tackling human-like desires, emotions and situations. Not giving anything away here, but Michael has choices to make and rejection to face. Michael learns about more than just seeking stardom. How he rises to the occasion, or otherwise, is well dealt with.

Life's lessons are always better told and explored through a fun medium, which this book ably does.

The message is clear that each of us has an important part to play, and nobody is an island.

I enjoyed the double act of Michael and Stanley Big Dog. Stanley reminds me of all the happy-go-lucky big dogs out there who get singularly focused on sticks and their food and who sometimes come up short in the good sense department. In fact, which of us can't point to dogs we know that act just like the characters in this book and make us smile and love them even more for it.

So . . . .
Crunch time.

A fun, easy-to-read adventure delightfully illustrated by Tim Budgen that will definitely appeal to the younger reader.

So, if you want a little something different, something to share over a weekend or a long trip, then Michael, the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog is for you. But whatever you do, don't leave the sausages lying around!

Want to buy a copy?

To get a copy, please head down to your local independent bookshop. Sticks, sausages, spangly waistcoats and balancing peanuts are optional. There are plenty out there and each shop is just waiting to serve up whatever kind of mystery, fun and adventure you desire.

But hang on, we also have

***** A GIVEAWAY *****

Sorry, it's not pork chops this time. Mrs H has checked her pension pot, and decided that two lucky commenters will each receive a copy of this as a gift from Mrs H and me, subject to there being a delivery service from Amazon to your neighbourhood!

Two names will be pulled from Mrs H's biscuit tin on Monday 19th June 23, so don't delay.

Terrie Chilvers' web page can be found HERE or type this: https://www.terriechilvers.com/

Tim Budgen's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://timbudgen.com/

Firefly Press' web page can be found HERE or type this: https://fireflypress.co.uk/

And now, the Sunday-into-Monday Selfie.

We are joining Janet Blue from the Cat on My Head blog for the weekly parade of selfies from all manner of companion creatures, Dogs and Cats, from across the pond and around the globe.

To go to Janet's blog selfie page, please click this LINK. or type / cut and paste https://thecatonmyhead.com/look-into-my-eyes-2/

I shall leave you with a picture of me, sadly minus any pork chops or sausages! 🙂 🙂

Till laters!

ERin