Reviews

I love reading children’s books with my family and have a particular interest in stories set in Scotland and by Scottish-based authors. Here are mini reviews of some of the brilliant books that we have enjoyed reading at home recently. Read more reviews and author Q&As at my (no-longer-updated) blog roaringreads.com.

I Don’t Do Mountains, by Barbara Henderson (Scottish Mountaineering Press)

Kenzie really, really doesn’t want to go on her school’s camping trip, especially when she realises the expedition is going to involve both mountains and her nemesis, Sorley Mackay. But when her efforts to back out prove unsuccessful, Kenzie discovers that real life can provide more drama than even her worst fears.

A day into the trip, Kenzie and her three young companions wake at their wild camping spot to find that their instructor has disappeared. They are alone in the wilderness, with only Drookit the loveable dog, to guide them. As they journey onwards, their concerns for their safety, their instructor and the wildlife they encounter grow. Something suspicious is afoot.

This is an action-packed adventure that will inspire even the least enthusiastic hiker to head for the hills. There is danger, camaraderie and folklore in a spectacular, unpredictable setting that feels like a character in itself.

Kenzie is determined and smart, and we shared her delight at encountering wild species from red deer to eagles, and cheered as she overcome her anxiety to build new friendships and unexpectedly take the lead.

I Don’t Do Mountains is the perfect escape for young readers who wish they could get away to the Great Outdoors, and the perfect encouragement for those who don’t yet know that they need to.  

By the Beaver Pool, by Catherine Ward, ill’ Phoebe Roze (Kelpies)

Moving house is a big thing for Beck, but Grandma does what she can to help with the settling in process, introducing the family of beavers who have just been rehomed in a nearby stream. The hard-working creatures set about adapting to their surroundings, and Beck finds comfort and inspiration in watching the process.

This timely book celebrates the beaver’s role as a landscape architect and gently introduces information and terminology about the species – both in the story and in a factual section. As the beavers transform their landscape, we see Beck’s connection with their surroundings undergo a transformation too.  

This joyful story is relatable and appealing and packed with beautiful illustrations that transport the reader into the heart of the beaver’s territory. We especially loved the complete overview of the setting in the endpapers, and the pictures of human and beavers’ cosy dens. A perfect pick for any young wildlife lover, or a little one who is struggling to adapt to a big change.   

My Dog Max, by Alan Dapré and Alex Ayliffe (Little Door Books)

When you love dogs of all shapes, sizes and characteristics, it is inevitable that you are going to dream of getting one of your own…even if that does mean picking up its ‘you know whats!’

My Dog Max is an energetic new picture book that shows a child’s dreams coming true, in the form of a big, bouncy, very friendly rescue dog named Max. It celebrates the special bond between a dog and a child, while also reminding readers about the commitment involved in its care.

From the author-illustrator team behind Grizzly Ben, this story is as happy, muddy and funny as the canine characters it features. A bowl-you-over hug of a book that is for absolutely everyone (except perhaps, parents who are trying to say ‘no’ to the ‘Please can we have a dog?’ question!)

Kevin the Orange, by Alan Windram and Olla Meyzinger

This bright, fun picture book is a celebration of being yourself and a perfect pick-me-up to remind us that summer on the way. It is packed with lovely language (like “he shivered so much, his pips started to rattle”). Olla Meyzinger’s vibrant illustrations are full of the fun details that are a trademark of Little Door’s picture books (look out for the chickens!)

This story’s upbeat energy reminded me of the Supertato books – Alan Windram shares Sue Hendra’s knack for bringing unlikely fruit & vegetables to life and persuading little readers to care about them. The author of the One Button Benny series has already brought us one unlikely (robot) hero to love, and with Kevin, we are enjoying meeting another one.

The Great Highland Games Chase, by Kate Abernethy and Laura Darling

This rhyming story captures both the excitement and the energetic chaos of a Games Day. It is a great introduction to Highland Games traditions for visitors to Scotland, and an affectionate homage to each element, for anyone already familiar with these vibrant events.
The adventure follows Wee Rascal, a cheeky Scottie dog, who has run off with a delicious-looking hat, as she dodges caber tossers, runaway cows and dizzy dancers, and gets the better of judges and farmers – causing mayhem along the way.
Little readers will have a lot of fun counting along as the queue of characters in the chase builds, and will enjoy the rhythm and pace of words, that build to a buzz reminiscent of the noises of the grounds on Games Day. We loved Laura Darling’s energetic illustrations, particularly on pages where the line of characters wrapped around the text.
A read-along-riot of a story that will only become more enjoyable with repetition.

The Night Pixie, by Hazel Knox

A gorgeous story about a wee night pixie embarking on her first daytime adventure – and getting into scrapes along the way. We loved the characters of Rose and Star, and especially Granny. There were some fantastic funny moments and beautiful descriptions – especially the bathroom scene! A must-read for young readers venturing into their first chapter books.