Dandy the Highway Lion by Stephanie Sorrell

The images convey information clearly and sympathetically text is broken into chunks, often contained in panels which resemble pages ripped from a notebook or in bullet journal-style layout, with arrows and bullet points highlighting summaries or key points. The design and layout of the chapters has been done with great skill to ensure that the advice is accessible to all. The ten chapters are broken into sections which include real life stories of young people who have already experienced these issues advice on ways to think differently and empathetically about a situation practical exercises to help manage emotions and journal writing or drawing hints to help youngsters track their feelings through the process. Starting from the premise that parental separation is a journey on which most people would not wish to embark, the book proposes to set out ten steps to help children navigate the emotional path, discussing all the steps along the way and giving young people the vocabulary they need to articulate their feelings. The combination of clinical knowledge and skill at writing for the 10/11+ audience, combined with Stef Murphy’s artwork make this a book that youngsters will want to pick up and learn from, if they sadly find themselves facing this circumstance. One of the authors, Dr Angharad Rudkin is a Clinical Psychologist, specialising in children and family issues while Ruth Fitzgerald has written a hugely popular fiction series for the tween readership. This engaging, down to earth guide has been designed with great care to provide a practical road map to assist children and teenagers through the emotional journey encountered when parents decide to separate. A thoughtful read for anyone of 11+.Ĭover image by Stef Murphy, to be published by Wren & Rook / Hachette Children’s Group The elegant imagery of swallows flits through this story of the importance of seemingly small acts of kindness. The Swallows’ Flight by Hilary McKay is a deeply moving story set during WWII and told from the perspective of both English and German characters. It is a story brimming with kindness, playfulness and sheer, unbound imaginative brilliance which will delight readers of 9+ The Crackledawn Dragon by Abbie Elphinstone is the conclusion to her Unmapped Kingdoms trilogy.

An excellent introduction to the world of espionage fiction. Mickey and the Trouble with Moles by Anne Miller and Becka Moor is their second hugely entertaining, illustrated, spy mystery in this series, which will test the brainpower of junior cryptographers. The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife by Maz Evans and Chris Jevons is a riot of jokes, warmth and love, fully illustrated and perfect for readers who are gaining independence and don’t mind stopping every few minutes to wipe away the tears of laughter.

Dandy the Highway Lion by Stephanie Sorrell