MATILDA MEETS THE UNIVERSE

 by Dom Conlon; 

Illustrated by Heidi Cannon 

                                                                                        

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

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

 

Now we don't often get to do Tuesday posts as Mrs H has her car mechanics classes on a Tuesday, and I visit the elderly of the parish taking various gifts. And before you say anything, I don't present them mice. I stopped that after the live one I gave Mrs Hubbard ran up her . . . . well least said about the damage to her mobility scooters brake lines the, the better.

But this week is half term so, rather than let this galaxy-defining adventure review be delayed, we are proud to present to you a possible cure for all those boring science lessons . . . .

AUTHOR:  Dom Conlon

 

Cover art by: Heidi Olivia Cannon    

 

Published by: UCLan Publishing

 

Publication date: Paperback is OUT NOW!!!

 

Paperback ISBN:   978-1-915235-38-1

 

Cover price for Paperback: £7.99

 

Pages: 227

 

Age range:  7 to 12 and upwards

Any dogs or cats? Alas no, but the occaisional alien crops up!

 

 

SPOILER ALERT

Very few direction and characters.

 

 

SPOILER ALERT

Very few as to direction and characters. 

 

 

Thank you to... 

 

We are exceedingly grateful to UCLan Publishing and Graeme for asking if we'd Read & Review this epic science-driven publication. 

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 galactic readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their children, friends and students will enjoy.

 

 

The plot

 

Matilda Musk is a Middle Grader girl passionate about science, learning and snacks. In her first book/journal, Meet Matilda Rocket Builder, Matilda wanted to build a spaceship. How difficult could it be? she thought. Well, apparently, it is VERY DIFFICULT indeed. But that didn't deter Matilda. As she said in her journal, difficult isn't the same as impossible. 

 

She's still working on that project, but undeterred, she has decided in the meantime to try something simpler: – preparing to meet alien life!

 

To do this, she enlists her family and friends to help explain and demonstrate – prove or disprove the facts she has researched. She's certainly not going to let a few lightyears stand between her and her goal, especially if she has a fridge full of snacks for the journey!

 

What she learns, and whether she gets to travel to another planet, well, only the science and reading to the ending will reveal. 

 

So, what did we think?

 

Behind every good space adventure is a team of scientists solving the real problems of the universe and space travel. But to understand where we are now, any researcher worth their space dust needs to know where we came from and where we and the universe in which we are a mere speck are headed.

This excellent book explains it all through the eyes and journal of Matilda Musk, a schoolgirl science fan determined to boldly voyage into space to meet alien life, assuming she isn't in the library or in bed.

As Matilda learns the history and gathers information on what it takes to travel and boldly go forth, she also discovers the magnitude of the distances involved and the science behind man's knowledge.

Matilda deftly leads us through it all, told in easy and fun chapters in a logical kids' way. The brilliant artwork throughout the book adds just the right touch to demonstrate some of Matilda's research and also some of her wilder ideas. 

 

So . . . .

Crunch time.

 

I have yet to read a more engrossing science-based adventure. It is a delightful narrative that skillfully weaves science, galactic history and humour into one easy-to-enjoy and understandable volume. 

We loved this loads, though you probably guessed that already. Mrs H is almost as ancient as our galaxy, yet has no head for figures unless they involve cake recipes or fine-tuning our Brough Superior motorcycle. But even she was utterly enthralled by the story and science content. 

This shows that the book is spot on for any and all, especially budding space travellers, Astro scientists and curious kids (of all ages).  

 

So, definitely, a book to buy.

 

Want to buy a copy?

To get a copy, please launch yourselves, minding asteroids and comets, to your local independent bookshop. I'm sure there are plenty out there, in this galaxy and elsewhere, and each shop is just waiting to serve up whatever kind of science – fact and fiction, mystery, fun and adventure you desire.

 

Dom Conlon's web page can be found HERE or type this:  https://domconlon.com/

 

Heidi Olivia Cannon's web page can be found HERE or type this:  https://heidioliviaillustration.com/

 

UCLan Publishing's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://uclanpublishing.com/

And to round off todays post, here's a picture of me checking if the universe looks the same upside down . . .

Tune in NEXT Monday when we will host the FINALE of the Book Blog Tour for Michael, the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog!

You just WON'T believe what he gets up to in pursuit of his dream!

If you fancy a taste of what it's all about, tune in to some of the other blogs in the tour . . . .

Till laters!

ERin

A sort of 'Book Free' Sunday selfie!

 Mrs H has pretty much recovered from her sore heads. So this week we return to a hastily (one hour ago) visit to Upper Much-Mousing, to see what has been going on . . . .

 

"Do you have to make that noise, dear?" The intermittent bursts of scratching and groans of disappointment from the chair on the other side of the fireplace finally made Mrs H look up from her knitting and crossword. She glowered at Erin over the top of her glasses.

"Umm, well, I was just trying to win big on this lottery scratch card we got from Mrs Singh. Buy any three SSS - Singh's Super Sassy curry from her takeaway menu and get a free scratch card."

"You got. I didn't buy any. A complete waste of time no doubt." Mrs H frowned. "Well, if nothing else, it explains the silver residue blocking the vacuum cleaner. I was begining to think the woodworm had changed their diet!"

Erin eyed the large pile of cards on the table and the stack of silver shavings on the cushion, and groaned inwardly. Maybe she had gotten carried away. But then again, as she saw it, Mrs H wouldn't have to cook supper until at least the summer.

"And what, may I ask, are the prizes? If it's more curry, I'll have to ban you from using the credit card this month. You can't move in the freezer for frozen takeaways."

Erin sighed deeply. "I've been trying to get the three cream pot symbols in a row. That's the top prize! But I've only found one cram pot."

Mrs H's right eyebrow raised in half surprised half enquiring manner. "And what do you win for three pots? No, let me guess, a large pot of Mrs Singh's spicey cat nip cheese topping?"

"No, what made you say that?" Erin looked quizically at her housekeeper.

"Well, it's just a large jar that arrived this morning. I wasn't sure if it was wrongly ordered when that Percy pigeon went astray last week."
 
"Ahh, no. That was my prize when I got three spiders in a row."

"Well, that's something you don't see too often, especially around here," Mrs H muttered to herself, knowing how keen Erin had been to make new friends.

"No, the top prize is a year's worth of cream! And the second, for three mice in a row, is a year's worth of Nice Mice Vegan Treats. The third you'll like, Mrs H – six bottles of Mrs Singh's home brew XXX Catnip Sherry!"

"Hmm." Mrs H's eyes widened slightly. "I think I can see a certain merit in this after all. Encourages careful meal planning."

"Exactly" Erin nodded her head vigorously.

"Saves on use of electricty and washing up time and materials."

"Absolutely!" Erin said, "We can spend more time relaxing."

"Not to mention bicycle wear and tear, and the fuel and servicing the Brough Superior." Mrs H was clearly getting into the swing of things.

"Dont forget fiscal restraint. You always tell me to do that. Save the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves, is what you always say." Erin had leaned forwards, sending a shower of dust to the floor along with three spent scratch cards to add to the collection on the hearth rug.

"Couldnt have put it better myself, dear. Yes, I think this could be a wise move indeed. Do you have any of those cards spare? . . . . "

                                                                            ***
 
Well, folks, that is where we leave Erin and Mrs H for another week. Will the Manor House's petty cash and housekeeping money be drained by next week? Will Erin ever get the supply of cream? Will Mrs H get to finish knitting the scarves for the orphan kittens?

To find out, or possibly not, tune in next time!

Now before the selfie of the week, we are pleased to announce, somewhat late, the winners of a copy of the fabulous 'The Lighthouse Bookshop' written by Newt's mum, Sharon Gosling.

It was reviewed by Mrs H last year – see the review via this link. The winners are our USA pal Meowmeowman from the blog Animal Shelter Volunteer Life, and The J Cats, in Israel.

Congratulations to you both!

Please send me your addresses in a separate comment, which we will then delete/not publish. And we will post your prizes as soon as possible!

And now for the selfie!

We are joining the Sunday Selfies hosted by the excellent Janet Blue over at the Cat on my Head blog.

 

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This....©

 

THERE'S A BEAST IN THE BASEMENT!

 by Pamela Butchart; Artwork by Thomas Flintham 

                                                                                        

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. If you want the selfie, please scroll on down!

 

 
Before we start, let's head over to Upper Much-Mousing to see what's been going on since last week's local mishaps and mayhem! . . . .

"Fire. FIRE! All out!" Mrs H stormed into the Drawing Room, decked out in her yellow Reserve Fire Fighters clothing and clutching an extinguisher, and a pail of water, which she duly tossed over the source of the smoke. When the room cleared a bit, her look of concern turned to confusion.

"What on earth is going on, Erin?"

"Erm, " Erin said, peering from behind a now lightly smouldering coal scuttle under the sash window. " I was signalling, Mrs H". 

"What?" 

"You know, smoke signals, like the American tribes used to say the tax man was coming."

"I'm fairly certain they didn't pay tax, at least not in those days. Besides, our local tax office closed after that little incident last year!" Mrs Hudson was alluding to the diplomatic incident that had seen 10 nations vying to create a new enclave and military foothold for their country within the English County of East Lambtonshire. It had all got very tense, seeing military forces from several nations infiltrating surrounding fields, woods and even farmer Clarksin's flock to steal a march in the negotiations. It ended peaceably when the Parish Council declared the village a princelesspality – as there was currently no prince – a neutral zone and tax haven. 

"No, I messaged the butcher." Erin glanced at the piece of paper by her side. "I've also messaged Mrs Singh about cancelling the papers for tomorrow. Plus, the Post Office about some parcels I'm expecting. Is there anyone I can message for you?" Erin looked earnestly at Mrs H, who was rolling her eyes and trying not to choke on the occasional acrid smell that wafted from the scuttle. 

"No, I'm alright, thank you. I think it's safer just to cycle into the village to shop. A brisk walk would do you good too! Too many of Mrs Singh's Jumbo Mini Treats!" Mrs H gave a knowing nod and looked at Erin's expanding midriff. "Out of interest, has anyone replied?" 

Having breathed but failed to reduce the size of her tummy paunch. Erin gave up and gave an embarrassed grin. "Oh yes. Mrs Singh ran up some coded naval flags to say that your order of sherry is ready for collection. And the post office sent a message by longbow—" Erin pointed to the arrow embedded in the window frame – that says you need to renew your MOT and road tax on the Brough Superior motorcycle." 

"Hmm. So no news from the butcher? I sent one of the homing pigeons off this morning. The other bird should have come home by now. Have you seen it?"

"A pale blue grey with a heart shaped white splodge on it's chest, a slight limp and missing a few feathers?" Erin asked whilst discretely sliding a feather from view. 

"The colours are right, though ours didn't have a limp or missing feathers. . . . Erin, you didn't, did you?!"

 

"Me, as though I would. No, no, no. Probably the same fox that took some of our hens. It dropped this note saying the joint will be ready Monday, and then half flew, half wobbled to the pigeon loft." Erin smiled sweetly.

 

"I think, dear, before you have any more bright ideas, or we get some of our own locals demanding your scalp, we should get on with the book review!"

"OK, but before I do, is there any chance you could relight this for me, please; I was half way through ordering some fish and chips?" 

Mrs H rolled her eyes and, after giving Erin a very HARD stare, went to get a mop.

This week's book review makes our fun adventures pale. So without further ado or smoke signals, here it is . . . .

 

 

AUTHOR:  PAMELA BUTCHART

 

Cover art by:  THOMAS FLINTHAM        

 

Published by: NOSY CROW

Publication date, Paperback:  12 JANUARY 2023

 

Paperback ISBN:   978 - 1 - 83994 - 051 - 4

 

Cover price for Paperback is £7.99

 

Pages:  219

 

Age range: 6-9 and up of course anyone else who wants a laugh!

Any dogs or cats? Oh YES, but you'll have to read the book to find out more!

 

 

SPOILER ALERT

Some as to plot direction and characters. 

 

 

Thank you to... 

 

We are exceedingly grateful to Nosy Crow and Hannah Prutton for the delightful and unexpected uplift to the week and a chance to share this with you before publication. 

 

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 and their children will enjoy.

 

A little about the author....

 

Award winning childrens author, Pamela Butchart, lives in Dundee, Scotland. She lives with her son, and two cats, called Bear and Carlos. She says in her bio that if she wasnt working as a teacher cum writer, she'd be running a really posh hotel for stray cats!

 

The plot

First, let's meet our 7 to 8-year-old cast. Izzy is our narrator, and she and her friends, Zach, Jodi and Maisie, sit at the same desk in class. Jodi says she isn't the sort that needs to be in charge, but so actually is, whilst Maisie is scared, faints, and worries far too much. As for Zach, he is ever so helpful but can't tell a good lie if he tries. Together they conduct their secret missions and help save their school from monsters and aliens. 

 

And then there's Gary, Gary Petrie, the one kid in the class that really brings out the worse in Jodi. He is loud and is very sure of himself, worse for Jodi, he wants to be in charge. But he is OK, just like his dad. And as the team soon discovers, has hidden sides and talents!

So, introductions made, let's get to the action. Something strange is happening at school. The Headmaster, Mr Graves, is acting very strangely. Crawling on his hands and knees in the corridor, 'silent crying' during morning assembly whilst talking about vegan sausages, and bursting into the classrooms rummaging through the cupboards. 

 

When Gary's dad is parked at school one morning, blocking the entrance just as Izzy and her pals are heading in, Mr Graves comes out in panic mode. He hauls Mr Petrie off to some urgent task around the back of the school in the 'Out of Bounds' area. It is an opportunity too good to miss, and Jodi gets everyone to follow but can't shake off Gary. When they turn the corner, there is no sign of the adults!

Gary knows precisely where they are, and in exchange for the info Jodi so desperately needs, and much to her chagrin, he gets to join in their investigation of why Mr Graves was acting weird. 

 

When a teacher spots the kids, Gary gets himself locked down below. Later he insists whilst there, he heard scratching sounds.

Now, as one thing leads to another, Izzy and co get invited to Gary's place for a party, possibly with the best-tasting pizzas with the craziest toppings made by Mr Petrie. Here he spills the beans about what Mr Graves wanted and what he thought he saw in the basement. But when he mentioned the thing to Mr Graves, he was bustled out, and no more was done or said.

 

What happens next is a downward spiral of wild guesses, high-tech gadgets made by none other than Gary, and a lot of breaking of school rules and spying on people. 

 

Will the gang discover what monster lurks within the school basement and whether it is guarding some long-buried treasure? Will Gary ever stop being annoying yet incredibly helpful? And will Maisie stop fainting and screaming in terror! And Why is Mr Graves increasingly fraught, scratched up and weepy?

All this and more, including a Ninja-trained cat and lots of nasty smells, will be revealed when the dust finally settles on this adventuresome comedy of errors. 

 

So, what did we think?

 

This is the 13th book in the series featuring Izzy and her pals. Not having come across the others before, I do need to do catch-up. But it clearly is a popular series for the younger reader. I loved this one.

With titles like 'Baby Aliens Got My Teacher', 'Attack Of The Killer Dinner Ladies', and 'A Monster Ate My Packed Lunch', to name but three, I think you can see why.  

 

Mrs H was chuckling, snorting and guffawing all the time. And despite my best efforts to slow her down, we finished in one sitting. We then reread it today!

 

The style of the books is pacy and never without fun. It has an infectious exuberance and vibe that I think kids this age will love. And, being seen from Issy's perspective, we get to see the other, arguably more flamboyant characters, in all their glory. 

 

It is filled with mayhem, mishaps and misunderstandings typical of kids when they get together. It is all brought to life in short chapters, larger fonts and bursts of enlarged, explosive text, with images throughout (in the style of the cover) that really add to the feel of the text and excitement.

So . . . . 

Crunch time. 

A great book that fosters good reading habits and is highly entertaining. Thus, for us, it is of incredible value. 

The perfect antidote to a rainy afternoon, a car journey to that not-so-favourite aunt, or even a boring lesson. Just be sure to share it with the kids!

Want to buy a copy?

 

To get a copy, and avoid detention and beasts unknown definitely head to your local independent bookshop avoiding basements! There are plenty out there and each shop is just waiting to serve up whatever kind of mystery, fun and adventure you desire.

 

Pamela's author page on the Nosy Crow site can be found HERE or type this: https://nosycrow.com/contributor/pamela-butchart/

 

Nosy Crow's web page can be found HERE or type this:  https://nosycrow.com/

 

 

Thomas Flintham's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://www.thomasflintham.com/

 

 

 

And now it's selfie time! We are joining the Sunday Selfies bloghop, hosted by Janet Blue of the Cat on My Head blog.  

 

So I shall leave you with a selfie. 🙂 🙂

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this week's post. Love Cats, read, and be kind to all sentient beings.

 

Till laters!

ERin