BLOG TOUR: Kittiwake Stormhaven and the Pirate's Portolano - Victoria Williamson

A daring mission, a sister turned pirate and a sea full of secrets…

In a world of water where land is a legend, 11-year-old Kittiwake Stormhaven dreams of adventure aboard the Amazon Princess. When a vital mission takes the ship into dangerous waters, Kittiwake discovers shocking news - her long-lost sister, Petrel, is now a feared pirate queen.

Kittiwake must outsmart pirates, outmanoeuvre storms and face ghostly captains to save her ship, her mischievous monkey Caboodle and her friends. But in a high-stakes showdown, family loyalty collides with survival, and Kittiwake learns the ocean hides more secrets than she ever imagined.

Kittiwake Stormhaven is a fast-paced, sea-swept adventure filled with daring rescues, thrilling discoveries and the magic of friendship.

 

What did I think?

Kittiwake Stormhaven and the Pirate’s Portolano may be aimed at ages 8 to 12 but I'm in my fifties and I loved it.  It is beautifully written by Victoria Williamson and accompanied by exquisite illustrations by James Brown.

I loved the all of the wonderfully drawn characters that were brought to life through the very descriptive and entertaining writing.  Kittiwake, her monkey Caboodle (Boo) and her very funny friend Scallion (Scally) who hilariously gets his words wrong were my favourites but I also loved her pirate sister Petrel and Madame Wurzelwick the cook.  With Kittiwake's sister and mother both being captains of their own ships, it's a very refreshing change to have females in a traditionally male-dominated role. 

Scally gives Kittiwake a pirate's portolano for her birthday which holds all the secrets to life as a pirate.  There are excerpts from the portolano throughout the book that makes the reader feel part of the story as well as being incredibly entertaining and imaginative.  When a sea-wide shortage of fuel leads the Amazon Princess into dangerous territory, the pirate's portolano comes in very useful in the race to locate more Marinium.

Very fast-paced and impossible to put down, Kittiwake Stormhaven and the Pirate’s Portolano is a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas filled with danger and skulduggery.  I enjoyed it so much that I plan to read it again and would highly recommend it to readers from 8 to 80.

I received a gifted paperback for The Write Reads blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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About the author:

Victoria Williamson is an award-winning author from Glasgow, Scotland, who loved reading books and writing adventure stories from an early age. After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real-life adventures, which included teaching maths and science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with additional support needs in the UK.

Her previous novels include The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, Hag Storm, War of the Wind, The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, Norah’s Ark, The Whistlers in the Dark, Feast of Ashes, and Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs. Her books have won the RED Book Award 2024, YA-aldi Glasgow Secondary School Libraries Book Award 2023 and the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2020/2021, and have been short-listed and long-listed for numerous other awards. War of the Wind and Norah’s Ark were also both nominated for the 2024 Yoto Carnegie Medals.

Victoria writes and edits Key Stage 2 books for the education company Twinkl. She spends the rest of her time writing novels and visiting schools, libraries and literary festivals to give author talks and run creative writing workshops. Her latest novel, Kittiwake Stormhaven and the Pirate’s Portolano, channels her love of pirates and swashbuckling adventure to create a steampunk world set on the seven seas, and is illustrated by the very talented James Brown.

You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and free resources for schools on her website: www.strangelymagical.com

Follow Victoria Williamson on:

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Instagram: @strangelymagicalbooks

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BLOG TOUR: Into The Wild Woods: Rookscroft - Book Three - Jayne Siroshton

Spring was in the air that morning, though it was still cold outside. I made a fire in the library, where I spent a happy afternoon with Quentin and Robin, musing about adventure. A writing slope on the mantle had caught Robin's eye, and when I took it down and opened it, we found - much to our delight - a drawing of an enchanting cottage, along with a key and a map marking its location in the Wild Woods.

Of course, Robin wanted to go at once. After some persuasion, Quentin agreed to join us, and so the next morning we set out - across the fields, down the lane, and into the forest. What began as a lighthearted outing, with the promise of a picnic and a cozy night's stay in the cottage, turned to horror the following morning: little Robin was nowhere to be found!

At first, we followed his tiny footprints, but they stopped abruptly at the bank of a swift-flowing stream. From there, we found no trace.

Desperate to find our friend, we journeyed deep into the dark, foreboding Wild Woods - from snowy mountain tops to the churning green sea. Along the way, we met many new companions who guided and helped us in our urgent quest. But were we too late? Would we ever see dear little Robin again? Or would our lives be changed forever?

 

What did I think?

Into The Wild Woods is the third book in the amazing Rookscroft series that continues the adventures of artist Jayne and her feathered friends.  Whilst you can read Into The Wild Woods as a standalone book, this is a series not to be missed and it's much better to read the books in order. 

Jayne, Quentin the golden pheasant and Robin the quail are about to set off into the wild woods armed with a drawing of a cottage, a map and a mysterious key.  The Wild Woods are filled with danger though so it doesn't turn out be quite the charming adventure that they expected as events take a much darker turn.

The book is beautifully illustrated to accompany the evocative prose and I was so worried about some of the characters.  It might be a bit too scary and traumatic for younger readers as I even held my breath on occasion.

Into The Wild Woods is a charming illustrated tale filled with danger and adventure.  This instalment of the Rookscroft series is more dark than magical but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  A very highly recommended read in a very highly recommended series.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the Love Books Tours blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: The Circus of the Crescent Moon: Rookscroft - Book Two - Jayne Siroshton

That winter, a tempest blew in from the sea, with wild winds and rain that battered the walls of the old house. I was lonely until dear Quentin came to stay. His rosebush home, once lush and adorned with heady flowers, was now no more than a sodden tangle of thorny branches, and he made himself at home in the kitchen, on a cushion by the fire.

Then others arrived - first sweet Kitty at the kitchen door, who was trying to remember who she was. She was followed by Oleg the Magnificent - elegant, windswept, and in search of lodgings. He was soon joined by the charming Wild Bill the Wanderer, and together they told of shipwrecks and adventures with the circus, as they prepared for the caravans to arrive.

But as snow clouds gathered, and their big top was swept into the sea, what would become of the travelling troupe? Could they ever overcome the loss of their star performer and continue with the show?

Dear friends, please take your seats - and welcome to the Circus of the Crescent Moon.

 

What did I think?

Oh my goodness, I am completely captivated by the Rookscroft books and The Circus of the Crescent Moon is book two in the amazing series.  You can read it as a standalone as this is Kitty's story but I would highly recommend the first book in the series, All Feathers and Hats. 

Quentin the golden pheasant has made himself quite at home in the beautiful old house of Rookscroft with artist Jayne.  Jayne has such a kind heart and she welcomes any visitor to her door.  There's a lot of characters to get to know in this lovely book and they are brought to life via the stunning illustrations throughout the book.

I adored sweet Kitty and I was completely charmed by the circus performers as they gather at Rookscroft to try to save the circus.  It's a book that I read in one sitting as I couldn't put it down and I intend to read it over and over again to re-experience the sights and sounds of this wonderful and unusual circus.

The Circus of the Crescent Moon is a timeless and ageless book for readers of all ages from children to adults.  The illustrations are exquisite, the writing is beautiful and the story is delightful.  Very highly recommended.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the Love Books Tours blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: All Feathers and Hats: Rookscroft - Book One - Jayne Siroshton

It began one morning in late summer, when a pheasant appeared at my studio window. At first, I was startled - "but my surprise quickly turned to delight when I noticed he was wearing a top hat, pulled down quite low.

I hurried to the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of him as he fled. But to my astonishment, when I opened it, he was standing there on the mat. There was a pause. He looked me over, blinked - and then, he began to speak.

He introduced himself as Vernon Cotterill and asked if I would be willing to paint his portrait, an offer I joyfully accepted, and that, my friends, is how this whole adventure began.

 

What did I think?

What an absolutely delightful book!  All Feathers and Hats is an illustrated book that is aimed at readers aged 6 to adult and it's a book that everyone will enjoy.  If you think it looks stunning from the outside, just wait until you see inside.  The illustrations are exquisite and they seem to capture the very essence of the characters themselves.

Jayne Siroshton has both imaginatively written and beautifully illustrated the book showing there is no end to her creative talent.  Jayne is also a character in the book which adds an air of authenticity and makes you believe that it could be real...if you believe in talking animals of course and who doesn't?

Vernon Cotterill, a hat wearing pheasant, appears at Jayne's door one day asking her to paint his portrait.  Vernon is so pleased with the result that it isn't long before other animals are appearing at Jayne's door.  As well as lots of fun elements to the story, there's also a sprinkling of romance that is simply lovely.

All Feathers and Hats has the feel of a timeless, ageless classic and it's the first book in a series so there are more delightful tales to come.  Jayne Siroshton reminds me of a modern-day Enid Blyton and I wouldn't be surprised to find Rookscroft books on myriad bookshelves for many years to come.

A very highly recommended read for readers of all ages.  I certainly plan to read it again and it is going straight onto my favourites shelf. 

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the Love Books Tours blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen: Book 1 (Geomancer) - Kiran Millwood Hargrave

The earth is stirring . . .

Ysolda has lived her life in the shadow of the wolf queen's tyrannical rule but, safe in her forest haven, she has never truly felt its threat.

Until one day when a mysterious earthquake shakes the land and her older sister Hari vanishes in its wake.

Accompanied by her loyal sea hawk, Nara, Ysolda embarks on a desperate rescue mission. But when she is forced to strike a bargain with the wolf queen herself, she soon finds herself embroiled in a quest for a magic more powerful - and more dangerous - than she could ever have imagined ...

From the author of The Girl of Ink and Stars, Julia and the Shark and The Mercies, the Geomancer trilogy is a new modern classic for readers young and old.

 

What did I think?

Firstly, I have to say that this hardback book is beautiful.  The cover beneath the dust jacket is stunning and completely mesmerising when it catches the light and becomes iridescent.  It’s well worth opting for the hardback, in my opinion.

I don’t read a lot of fantasy so it took me a while to get into Ysolda’s world (depicted via a wonderful map on the endpapers) but once I did, I was completely immersed in the story.  Ysolda and her sister Hari only have each other so when Hari is taken captive by the Wolf Queen, Ysolda is determined to rescue her…and so Ysolda’s adventure begins.

Kiran Millwood Hargrave writes so beautifully that I couldn’t put this book down.  It may be aimed at readers between 9 and 11 years old, but I’m almost 50 and I loved it.  It’s an epic fantasy adventure for readers of all ages and the start of an exciting new series.  I can’t wait to continue Ysolda’s adventure.

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Ronaldo: Donny's Superpower (Ronaldo's Flying Adventures) - Maxine Sylvester

Donny’s mother insists he has a future in flying so when Ronaldo volunteers to tutor him, the pressure is on!

Ronaldo is at his wit’s end. Donny is a dreadful flyer and coaching him is tougher than he imagined. But the top cadet at school doesn’t give up on friends and when he pays a visit to his student’s house, he uncovers he has an incredible hidden talent.

Realising his pal is unhappy and will never be the flying hero his mother wants him to be, Ronaldo comes up with an idea to showcase Donny’s talent to the entire village.

But will the plan convince Donny’s mother and give Donny the future he dreams of?

 

What did I think?

Although this book is aimed at children who are 40 years younger than me, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It's great fun to read and there are some fantastic illustrations throughout that bring the story to life.  I haven't read all of the Ronaldo books so you can pick up any one of them and enjoy them on their own.

Ronaldo is unable to fly after injuring himself so he puts his recovery time to good use by agreeing to tutor another reindeer, Donny.  The only problem is, Donny is a terrible flyer but he is determined to follow in his father's hoofsteps and make his mother proud...even if it means that he is dreadfully unhappy.

Oh poor Donny!  My heart really went out to him as he put his own feelings (and dreams) to one side in order to make his mother happy.  Ronaldo is lucky to be doing something that he loves and he's good at so he just wants the same for his friend; he just needs to find Donny's superpower.

Ronaldo: Donny's Superpower is a fun and entertaining read for adults and children alike, and there's a powerful message in this wonderful book: we all have our own superpower so be true to yourself and do what makes YOU happy.

I received a digital ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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Paper Boat, Paper Bird - David Almond (Author), Kirsti Beautyman (Illustrator)

A stunning new story from the bestselling, prize-winning David Almond, unfolding the magic of the everyday. Mina, from the unforgettable Skellig and My Name is Mina, journeys to Japan and discovers the wonders of the world around her.

Kyoto, Japan. Mina is on a bus. Everything is strange and beautiful.

Mina watches as a woman folds a piece of paper into an origami boat, then floats it over to her.

As Mina discovers the magic of origami, her eyes are opened to the wonders of the real city around her.

Unfold the magic of the everyday, on a journey with one of the world's best-loved authors - with stunning illustrations from Kirsti Beautyman in black and orange throughout.

 

What did I think?

David Almond is a local North East author and although I haven’t read Skellig (yet), I wanted to read Paper Boat, Paper Bird.  Mina is a character in Skellig and she gets her own story in Paper Boat, Paper Bird.

The book is beautifully illustrated by another North Easterner, Kirsti Beautyman and I loved the monochrome drawings with a dash of deep orange colour.  The paper quality is excellent as some of the drawings are quite heavily shaded but the pages don’t curl and colours don’t bleed through to the other side.

I love that the story was inspired by something that actually happened to David Almond in Tokyo where a woman on a bus gave David’s daughter an origami paper boat she had made.  In the story, Mina writes her name on the paper boat that she receives and sends it off on a journey.  This lovely story really does make you think about chance, fate and coincidences.

Recommended for 9-11 year olds (I’m a smidgen older), it’s easy to read and it contains a few Japanese words that David Almond breaks down into syllables so you get the pronunciation right.  I think it’s absolutely lovely that anyone reading this book will learn and be able to correctly pronounce the Japanese words for hello, goodbye and thank you.

Simple but charming, Paper Boat, Paper Bird is a beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book.

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When I See Blue - Lily Bailey

New town, new school, but the bully is in Ben's head ...

There are 4 things you should know about Ben:

1. He's 12 years old

2. He's the new kid at school

3. His special number is 4

4. He has a bully in his brain

Sometimes Ben's brain makes him count to 4 to prevent bad things happening. Sometimes it makes him tap or blink in 4s. Mostly it makes the smallest things feel impossible. And with a new school, a moody big brother, an absent dad and a mum battling her own demons, Ben feels more out of control than ever. But then he meets April, and with his new friend, Ben might finally figure out how to stand up to the bully in his brain, once and for all.

An authentic and affecting #ownvoices story about living life with OCD, from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey. Perfect for readers of A Kind of Spark and The Goldfish Boy.

 

What did I think?

Oh my goodness this book is outstanding.  I absolutely adored Ben and I miss him so much already that I can’t wait to read it again soon.

Although I did know a little about it, I finally understand OCD and I’m significantly older than the target audience.  This book is sure to help children understand their OCD and also ensure that school friends are more understanding and compassionate.

I don’t have OCD but I recognised bits of myself in Ben; I am super-sensitive and constantly blame myself for things that are beyond my control.  Just reading about Ben also being like this and looking at it through the eyes of Ben’s therapist, was a real eye-opener for me.  I am not a magical being with powers to control events!  Thank you for making me see this, Lily Bailey!

When I See Blue is aimed at 9-11 year olds but I’d prefer to say it’s for 9+ as this book definitely does not have an upper age limit.  With beautifully illustrated chapter headings, it can be enjoyed by children and adults alike and it just might change their life.

Beautifully written, honest and charming, When I See Blue is one of those books where five stars doesn’t seem quite enough.  Very highly recommended - it’s time for you to meet Ben!

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The Sky Over Rebecca - Matthew Fox

Winner of The Bath Children's Novel Award 2019

There was a single trail of footprints, the first I'd seen all morning. They were fresh tracks, I saw, the edges of the impressions in the snow quite hard. Small feet. Like mine. Someone my age.

Then they stopped.

When mysterious footprints appear in the Stockholm snow, ten-year-old Kara must discover where they've come from - and who they belong to. They lead Kara to Rebecca, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl, and her younger brother Samuel. Kara realises they are refugees - from another time, World War Two - and are trying to find their way home.

The grief and loneliness that Rebecca and Samuel have endured is something Kara can relate to - feeling like you're always on the outside looking in - and she finds herself compelled to help them. Through her eyes, we rediscover the magic that lies in the world around us, if only we have the courage to look for it.

Kara is a heroine for modern times: fragile but fierce, in this utterly compelling story from a stellar new voice in children's literature, Matthew Fox.

 

What did I think?

What a joy to read; I read this beautiful book in one sitting.  I’m a little older (just thirty years or so) than the 10-12 year old age group it is written for but I absolutely loved it.

Kara is an inquisitive and intelligent child living in Stockholm with her single mum.  When Kara finds an intriguing snow angel and an historical coin she begins an adventure that leads her to an island in the middle of the lake and two Jewish children hidden there.  Only Kara can see Rebecca and her brother Samuel as they are from a different time and only Kara can help them escape the Nazis who are persecuting them.

We must never forget the atrocities of the second world war and I applaud Matthew Fox for bringing the holocaust to the attention of a new generation in such a poignant, yet magical way.

The Sky Over Rebecca is beautifully written and I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it now.  It’s an extraordinary, compelling and completely unforgettable story.  Highly recommended to readers both young and old.

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Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy - Maxine Sylvester

"MOVE OVER RUDOLPH - RONALDO IS HERE TO STAY!" 

Ronaldo is the top flying cadet at the prestigious Reindeer Flying Academy. He dreams of getting his flying license and becoming one of Santa's reindeer, just like his hero, Vixen.

In the first adventure in the Ronaldo series, the second year flying cadets face their toughest ever flying test – The Endurance Challenge. Will Ronaldo be victorious and lift the silver cup? Or will mean brothers Dasher, Comet and Prancer ruin his chance for success?

What did I think?

I don't have any children to read this book to, but that didn't stop me getting in the festive spirit by reading Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy.  Not only is it written my Maxine Sylvester, she has illustrated it too with the cartoon style drawings adding something extra to the whole experience of the book.

I loved reading about Ronaldo as he goes off to flying school but first he has to negotiate the obstacle course of Dad's cooking and then attempt to escape without being lumbered with wearing the latest embarrassing knitted hat from Grandad.  Ronaldo gets teased in flying school by the other reindeers, although his good friend Rudi and his cousin Cupid are around to give him moral support.  When The Endurance Challenge comes round everyone expects tough guy Dasher to win but Grandad taught Ronaldo to BELIEVE and we all know that when you believe, miracles can happen.

This is an absolutely delightful Christmas story for both young and old.  Ronaldo isn't so much an underdog as an underdeer and we will all cheer for him as he pursues his destiny of becoming one of Santa's reindeer.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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