Showing posts with label 4stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4stars. Show all posts

August 19, 2021

The Dreaming Tree

The Dreaming Tree by Jo Oliver

A Place to Sit, Watch and Dream!

From the high branches of an ancient oak tree there is much to see, and amongst green leafy branches the landscape of this unique country stretches out ready to be explored. Between the dawning of the sun and the rising of the moon, the sun comes out to shine on the dry red-sand deserts, the green forests and the clear blue seas, that are home to so many wondrous animals and the numerous children who call this playground, their country, home.

The Dreaming Tree is a visual snapshot of growing up in Australia, beautifully brought to life through free verse poetry with the occasional rhyme. The accompanying imagery is soft and airy, expressing a landscape that is alive and textured, making you want to reach out and touch it, despite the smooth, soft pages. The large formate and descriptive language present a beautiful book not only for the young but for lovers of poetry of all ages.

Jo Oliver @ New Frontier Publishing
Jo Oliver @ Scholastic

On sale: 01 February 2016
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781925059489
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Australia
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

August 9, 2021

Mists of Avalon Oracle

Mists of Avalon Oracle by Rose Inserra
cards illustrated by Nadia Turner

Finding a way through the Mists!

Through these cards it is hoped that a deeper and more meaningful connection to the ancient Goddess and the Otherworld realm will be formed. Here it it said that this Otherworld place is Avalon, combining the realm of the Divine, the enchanted Faerie realm and the Isle of Avalon itself. But whether you agree that all three realms are one and the same or three separate realms, all have strong links to Glastonbury, "our modern-day Avalon".

Mists of Avalon Oracle is a walk-through of the many sacred sites, myths and legends associated with Glastonbury and its surrounding areas. The guidebook separates the cards into three sections, the Landscapes of Avalon, the Mysteries of Avalon and the Guides of Avalon. The Landscapes portray a feel of wonder and enchantment. The Mysteries have beautifully rich artwork that conveys a depth of feeling and magical influence. But it is within the artwork of the Guides of Avalon that we are able to observe the unique characteristics of each individual, revealing their wisdom to those ready to listen.

(CLICK HERE FOR A MORE IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THIS DECK)

Nadia Turner Webpage
Nadia Turner - Wayward Harper
Rose Inserra Webpage
Rose Inserra @ Rockpool Publishing

(includes 36 Cards + 128p Booklet)
On sale: 01 December 2019
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9781925682052
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Avalon
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

July 7, 2014

The Year Of The Rat

The Year Of The Rat by Clare Furniss

How To Go On When The World Stops!
    
year-of-the-rat-9781471120275_lg

Pearl is sixteen with a mother she idolizes, a father she loves and a baby sister she is excited to meet. Then in a moment everything goes wrong. Her mother dies, her father pulls away from her in favour of the daughter that is biologically his and her long awaited baby sister is nothing more than a wrinkled ugly rat, not to mention the cause of her mother's death. Somehow no one else sees the rat as she does; no one else seems to care her mother is gone.

The Year Of The Rat is the longest, worst year of Pearl's life. One by one everything in Pearl's life goes wrong and everyone in her life abandons her in-favour of her baby sister, the rat. Her mother was her best friend, her world, and when she died Pearl's life changed in an instant, her world was thrown upside down and nothing would ever be the same again. A touchingly tragic story of grief, secrets, family and the unexpectedness of life.
On sale: 01 May 2014
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781471121715
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Rat
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

May 12, 2014

Tarot

Tarot by Mystic Meg
cards illustrated by Caroline Smith
    
"Prediction Made Easy By The World's Best-Known Fortune Teller"

mystic meg

In the history of just about every culture around the world there have been those who have looked to signs and interpreted their meanings to show them the way. From shooting stars, chicken bones, ogham staves and tarot cards, there has always been those who can see what destiny lies ahead. In times past people would visit oracles, seers, shamans and wise women to consult and advise on matters great and small. Modern times have now allowed that we see for ourselves, read our own destinies and follow our own paths and tarot cards such as these have made that possible.

Tarot is the first tarot/oracle card set I ever owned and is still one I come back to. In this set the traditional names of some of these tarot cards have been updated and changed, for example the names for each suit of the Minor Arcana, Pentacles, Swords, Cups and Staves have been replaced instead with the elements of Earth, Air Water and Fire. There are also a number of other name changes including the Fool card which is here called Beginning and the Death which is now called Changing. All these changes help to bring a deeper clarity to each card, revealing its true meaning and purpose.

(includes 78 Cards + 128p Booklet)
On sale: 24 October 1997
ISBN: 9781858683317
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Tarot
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

May 5, 2014

Fairy Board Books In Case

FAIRY BOARD BOOKS IN CASE:
The Tooth Fairy/The Enchanted Woods/
The Fairies' Party/Fairy Verse

by Shirley Barber
 
"4 Beautiful Books"

9780867886498

The Tooth Fairy
When Tom's baby tooth fell out his sister Holly told him all about the Tooth Fairy who would come to collect it. Unfortunately Tom lost the tooth while playing in the garden. That night the Tooth Fairy arrives to collect the tooth and takes both Tom and Holly on an adventure to Fairyland.
 
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The Enchanted Woods
When Sarah Jane stepped into a fairy ring while walking in the forest, the fairies immediately flew her away to Fairyland for a magical adventure. There she met the Fairy King and Queen, she had a wonderful time but all too soon it was over and she was home again.
 
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The Fairies' Party
Once again Sarah Jane meets fairies while in the woods, and once again she is taken to Fairyland. This time it is to attend a beautiful party for the fairy prince and princess. After much fun and a magical feast the party comes to a close and Sarah Jane is returned home safe once more.
  
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A Book Of Verse
Enter the magical world of fairy; do not stay long for it can be quite scary. What with dragons walking about, but hush now and do not shout. For the fairies are shy when at play, but come along now for it's the end of day.

Fairy Board Books In Case is a collection of four sweet board books by Shirley Barber. The simple stories will delight any little one and with their carry case they are fun to take anywhere.
On sale: 31 August 1996
ISBN: 9780867887648
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Fairy
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

April 14, 2014

Looking For JJ

Looking For JJ by Anne Cassidy

How To Live With What's Been Done!

8264289_Z

Jennifer Jones, JJ, killed a ten year old girl and was locked away for her crime. That was six years ago, now the name JJ is once again headline news due to her release from prison. Although detention centre may be a more accurate description then prison, as you can hardly send a ten year old to prison, even for murder.

Now sixteen, JJ has a new name and a new life, with a chance to start fresh from her past actions. There are those who believe she should never be released, sometimes she even believes that herself. But only she knows the true reasons for her actions that day, and only she can decide if she deserves a second chance.

Looking For JJ is a fascinating story of a child murderer, of a girl searching for identity, of a haunting and terrible past. Neglected, ignored and starved for affection, this is a sad and tragic tale told incredibly with compassion and realism through the eyes of a killer, the memories of a ten year old, the hope of a sixteen year old.
On sale: 01 August 2013
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9781407138091
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: JJ
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

March 24, 2014

The Colours Of Madeleine #2

THE COLOURS OF MADELEINE:
The Cracks In The Kingdom
by Jaclyn Moriarty

Falling Through The Cracks!

9781742612874

The boy in the kingdom has a new mission. For almost a year this boy has been searching the kingdom to find his missing father, but now all that must wait. The kingdoms princess has asked for his help in locating the missing royal family, the same royal family that everyone believes is not missing, and he must go about this new mission in complete secrecy as it is believed the missing royals have been taken through the cracks into the world. The very world it is against the law to contact, the very world the boy has been writing letters to.

The girl in the world has decided that she will help the boy in the kingdom, despite the chance he may not be real, because really she has nothing better to do. But the world is a big place and even if these royals from the kingdom existed, where in the wide world would she ever find them? If by some chance a girl in the world could locate these amnesiac royals from the kingdom, she would have to find a way to convince them of who they are, of where they belong. But even if that were possible, how would she get them through a crack no bigger than a letter and back to their kingdom?

The Cracks In The Kingdom allow contact to the world. A corner of white will have unforeseen consequences for a boy in the kingdom due to illegal acts. A corner of white will bring unintended circumstances to a girl in the world due to continued belief. Both will experience setbacks and both will find strength in friendships, and together they may just find their way through the cracks. This, the second bright and adventurous story in this series, is as charismatic and colourful as the first, drawing you ever deeper into the lives of these warn and intricate characters.
On sale: 01 March 2014
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781742612874
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: Cracks
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

January 13, 2014

Master Snickup's Cloak

Master Snickup's Cloak by Alexander Theroux
illustrated by Brian Froud
  
"One Morning It Was The..."
    
193412

Master Snickup was an orphan who at a young age fell in love. The object of his love was a girl he grew up with in the orphanage, a girl who grew into great loveliness. It was she was gave Master Snickup his blue cloak, she who promised to be his bride, she who choose to be with another for wealth and broke Master Snickup's heart, starting a chain of events both desperate and disastrous.

Master Snickup's Cloak was a gift, a symbol of love and fidelity, a promise for the future. But all too soon that promise was broken in the face of obsession and greed. The result of this is a story of heartbreak, sorrow, deprivation, and the Black Death. This medieval fairytale with its artistically wryly and complementary images is darkly charming but not recommended for children.
On sale: 1979
ISBN: 9780905895437
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Black Death
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

December 9, 2013

Discworld - The Folklore Of Discworld

DISCWORLD:
The Folklore Of Discworld

by Terry Pratchett and Jacqueline Simpson

Full Of Things Most People Know, But Things Not Known By Most!

9780552154932-1-edition.default.original-1

Some of the most unique and magical beings on the Discworld are born from stories and belief alone. Here Gods walk the Disc, along with trolls, vampires, witches and many other creatures of human imagination. In this alternate universe stories, superstitions and the supernatural are all warped and re-imagined into a reality both humorous and flat, as just about everything on this flat world has its roots on the round world of Earth. For on the Discworld magic is real and all things that have been imagined have been given life.

The Folklore Of Discworld and the folklore of our world are almost identical but for a few differences, the most obvious of which being that in our world folklore is just that, folk tales and legends, but in the Discworld folklore has become much more, it has become reality, albeit a twisted reality. Here the fairy tales, myths and legends that are ingrained within our collective consciousness are collected, manipulated and explained through the combined efforts of Terry Pratchett's unique wit and Jacqueline Simpson's folklore knowledge creating a book both informative and funny.
On sale: 01 October 2009
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN:9780552154932
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Folklore
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

December 2, 2013

Hunger Games Book 2: Official Illustrated Movie Companion

THE HUNGER GAMES:
Catching Fire Official Illustrated Movie Companion
    
"The Girl On Fire"

6

A year ago Katniss competed in the Hunger Games and not only did she win, she defied those in power to do so. In her defiance she has become a symbol for the people of the districts, a beacon of hope and that has made her enemies who will stop at nothing to see her destroyed. With talk of rebellion and fear of an uprising, Katniss is once again called to compete in the arena in a more dangerous Hunger Games and these images prove it.

Catching Fire Official Illustrated Movie Companion is a look behind the scenes into the second film in this trilogy. A bigger, brighter and bolder movie to complement the book it is based on. This full of colour companion brings you closer into this world and the way it is created for the big screen. With everything you should want to know about this film, this book will inform and delight any fan of this series.
On sale: 01 December 2013
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780545599337
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Catching Fire
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

November 18, 2013

The Hunger Games Book 1: Official Illustrated Movie Companion

THE HUNGER GAMES:
The Hunger Games Official Illustrated Movie Companion
 
"May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favour"

the-hunger-games-official-illustrated-movie-companion

Every year tributes are taken from the twelve districts to compete in the Hunger Games. These twenty four children are pampered, trained then sacrificed for the entertainment of others: their deaths a punishment for crimes past and a means to contain their futures. The districts, the Capital, the arena and the colourful characters that inhabit this world are all brought to life on the big screen as seen within these pages.

The Hunger Games Official Illustrated Movie Companion takes you behind the scenes and into the history, cast and creation of this books journey into film. A bright and insightful look at the places and props created in order to bring this world to life. This companion offers a gleaming aspect into the people, filming and legacy of this popular book made into a movie. A perfect accompaniment to the series for any collector, and a book any fan will treasure.
On sale: 01 March 2012
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780545422901
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Hunger Games
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

September 16, 2013

Introducing Aromatherapy

Introducing Aromatherapy by Margrit Bachmann

"The Beginner's Guide To Aromatic Essential Oils
For Better Health, Inner Calm and Wellbeing"

018163

So much of how we interact with the world, how we experience life, comes from our sense of smell. Scents are powerful enough to affect our moods, unlock memories and increase our appetites. Within these pages we discover how to harness this sense in a natural way for the benefit of our everyday lives.

Introducing Aromatherapy is a practical guide to essential oils, the plants they come from and how best to use them. These scented remedies are applied to a number of ailments ranging from anxiety, asthma, bruises, colds, headaches, sunburn, and many many more. A handy little book for those interested in a natural alternative to health and wellbeing.

On sale: 1997
ISBN: 9780646282794
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Smells
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

September 2, 2013

Discworld - Nanny Ogg's Cookbook

DISCWORLD:
Nanny Ogg's Cookbook
by Terry Pratchett,
Stephen Briggs, Tina Hannan
illustrated by Paul Kidby

Deliciously Gross, Disgustingly Tasty!

Nanny-oggs-cookbook-1

After years of people seeking out her recipes, advice and wisdom, Nanny Ogg has decided to write down much of what she knows, and if others are interested then all the better. Who else would be able to impart the secrets of Nanny Ogg's Perfectly Innocent Porridge with Completely Inoffensive Honey Mixture Which Shouldn't Make Anyone's Wife Laugh, which turns out to be honey. Or who else would you ask to ensure the proper etiquette of a wedding, the answer being plenty of strong drink for a fight to break out at.

Nanny Ogg's Cookbook is more than a collection of recipes both disgusting and strange; it is a manual for those times in life where the social rules may elude you. How else would you know who to sit where at your dinner party and what food to avoid with certain guests. It is highly recommended that you not actually try any of these recipes, for while technically edible the taste maybe highly questionable. An amusing and witty collection of recipes and advice on etiquette that is fit only for the Discworld and the odd witch.
On sale: 02 November 2001
Price (AU): $27.99
ISBN:9780552146739
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Nanny Ogg
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

August 12, 2013

The Wall

The Wall by William Sutcliffe

"Which Side Are You On?"

9781408838426

Despite only living in Amarias for the past four years, the imposing presence of the Wall was not something Joshua thought about every day. Not when he had a bully for a stepfather and no friends to speak of. For Joshua, this walled city was a strange place to live, with its quiet, patrolled streets and uniform buildings, he was hard pressed to find anything or even anyone, he liked in this town. Since moving to Amarias all he has ever wanted was to leave, and then one day Joshua finds a tunnel that leads him under the wall and what he sees on the other side will change his life.

The Wall segregates all those who are different, all those who are dangerous, from those who belong. But as Joshua soon learns, the world is not always black and white and not everyone outside the Wall is an enemy, just like not all those within the Wall are safe to be around. This is not the story of a revolution, the Wall will not crumble and the world will not be changed by the actions of one person, however one person's world will be forever changed. A story of one boy, the Wall that divides and a hope for the future.
On sale: 01 May 2013
Price (AU): $22.99
ISBN: 9781408838426
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: The Wall
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

July 29, 2013

Into The Mists Trilogy #1

INTO THE MISTS TRILOGY:
Into The Mists
by Serene Conneeley

'A Novel'

Into The Mists

Every morning Carlie wakes to the same hellish realisation, her parents are dead and it is all her fault. With no family left to take her in, Carlie is sent halfway round the world to live with a grandmother she never knew existed. How terrible must her grandmother be if her mother ran away from her and never spoke to her or of her ever again?

Carlie may not understand her grandmother, or why her mother left her childhood home never to return, but she does understand grief and loneliness. Living with guilt is horrible enough, living with a stranger in a foreign land is even worse. But then something happens, out of the mist Carlie begins to uncover her mother's past and discovers a way to heal.

Into The Mists, on a moon lit night, Carlie will step through the past, glimpsing a life that could have been but for miscommunication, before re-emerging into a life filled with forgiveness and magic. This is a novel of healing, acceptance and the courage to continue after those we love have moved on. A story filled with love, loss, lyrics, and the tenderness of hope.
On sale: 24 May 2013
Price (AU): $19.95
ISBN: 9780987050588
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Carly
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

June 3, 2013

Pandora English #3

PANDORA ENGLISH:
The Skeleton Key
by Tara Moss

She Has A Date With A Green Eyed Monster!

skeleton key

Pandora is looking forward to her date with Lieutenant Luke, a ghost from the Civil War. This is despite the fact that she sees him most nights; he is her spirit guide after all. However this night will be different, on this night it will be the Crow Moon, on this night Lieutenant Luke will be flesh-and-blood.

When Lieutenant Luke disappears halfway through their date, Pandora is not just frustrated but frightened. What if he is gone for good? However there are other worries to occupy her, she is sure her boss Skye DeVille is now Sanguine and on the verge of firing her at any moment. Jay Rockwell posses a romantic complication and Athanasia and her friends continue their vendetta against her.

But most curious of all is the skeleton key Pandora now possesses and the doors it opens in her Specktor home. Repeatedly warned of the Powerful force in Specktor, Pandora comes face to face with the architect of her new home and finally learns the secret behind its powerful force. Too bad she may not live long enough to survive what comes next, the Revolution of the Dead.

The Skeleton Key gains access to doors and pathways previously closed to Pandora, however what she never expected to find was the entryway to underworld. As the dead rise up across New York City, Pandora can't help but think what lousy time they have, right in the middle of her second first date. A romantically complex, fashionable tale where the dead outnumber the living.
On sale: 01 December 2012
Price (AU): $22.99
ISBN: 9781742611631
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Revolution Of The Dead
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

May 6, 2013

Sookie Stackhouse #13

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dead Ever After
by Charlaine Harris

And They All Lived Happily ... Well, The Lucky Ones Lived!

9780575096622

She was told there would be consequences for using the cluviel  dor, great magic like that could not be used without consequences. But even with her telepathic abilities she could never have foreseen this outcome. Saving Sam was a decision that she would gladly make again, saving Sam was a choice that made little difference to her life, and yet saving Sam was going to change her life forever.

Being framed for murder is no picnic, neither is sharing a jail cell with Jane Bodehouse the morning after one of her nights on the drink, which for Jane happened to be about every night. But even with little evidence against her there are those who will be glad to see Sookie go down, one way or another. But before this mystery comes to a conclusion there will be more then one revelation and more then one victim dead ever after.

Dead Ever After is one way to describe her past relationships. In this, Sookie's final adventure, old enemies return for a last showdown and final attempt to kill our favourite telepathic barmaid heroine. The last in this series, this story bring to a close all those questions you had about the fate of this fairy blooded southern belle and the small town she calls home. If you have been following this series then this book is a must.
On sale: 01 May 2013
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780575096622
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: The End
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

April 26, 2013

Healing With The Fairies Oracle Cards

Healing With The Fairies Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue
 
"Heal Your Life With Help From The Fairies"

4

Fairies have long existed, sharing their knowledge, wisdom and enchantment to those who were willing to open their hearts to them. Found in places of magic, such as in woods, at the bottom of gardens or simply in your own imaginations, fairies have always served as guides. And now through these oracle cards the fairies are able to do just that.

Healing With The Fairies Oracle Cards are a fun and enchanting source of entertainment, enlightenment and magic. Beautiful and positive affirmations accompany these enchanting images of the fairies who share their wisdom, love and healing. A wonderful gift for a treasured loved one or a special treat to buy for yourself.
(includes 44 Cards + Booklet)
On sale: 01 June 2004
Price (US): $24.95
ISBN: 9781561707850
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Fairies
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

April 8, 2013

The Rosie Black Chronicles #2

Equinox by Lara Morgan

A Choice That Will Have Dire Consequences!

equinox

'Five Hundred Years Into The Future' and the world has changed. Society is segmented into the 'Centrals', those living with all the conveniences money can buy, the 'Bankers', those living on the banks of the river and barely getting by, and the 'Ferals', those who live wild with nothing but there wits to sustain them. Though different in many ways they all have one thing in common, anyone of them is susceptible to the deadly MalX, get bitten from the wrong mosquito and there is no cure only death.

Rosie is no longer living on the banks, exposed to the MalX, living day to day on the items she sold from the ruins of the old city. In fact Rosie never has to worry about the MalX ever again, thanks to Pip she was now immune, her father saved and she is living safely in the 'Central' part of the city with her aunt. However millions of others are not so lucky, MalX is still killing by the thousands, Helios is far from defeated and Pip has disappeared from her life. But worst of all she is expected to become a regular girl at a Central school.

When Pip finally surfaces again the reunion is not a happy one, and when the resistance is compromised Rosie again finds herself on the run, only this time it is not to the moon but the desert she is heading for. With the key to the resistances survival locked in her head, Rosie is now the only hope the resistance has left to fight Helios, but will she decide to fight against the monsters who created this nightmare disease , or will she chose to betray all she loves to keep them safe.

Equinox continues the fight to bring down Helios and discover a cure for the deadly MalX that is rapidly killing the world’s population. But there are complications as new allies and new enemies lead to explosive decisions and traitorous deals. Helios will stop at nothing to get Pip back and with him control the cure for the MalX, and the only way for Rosie to save him may just be to give Helios what it wants. Not to mention the fact that Helios may by the key to saving her own life.
On sale: 01 November 2011
Price (US): $22.95
ISBN: 9781921529405
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Equinox Gate
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

April 1, 2013

What The Raven Saw

What The Raven Saw by Samantha-Ellen Bound

"An Extraordinary Story"
  
9781742757353

As a bird of intelligence and great beauty, the solitary and superior raven is a bird to be respected and admired. How could a lowly and disgusting pigeon ever understand the trials of a magnificent raven, what right has a ghost to ask a favour of a proud and busy raven, and how dare anyone accuse raven of lying. But raven will learn that sometime when you give a little you get a lot in return.

What The Raven Saw was a ghost without hope, a girl lost to grief, a scarecrow come to life, an ever annoying pigeon, an unassuming thief and new beginning. A charming misadventure and quirky fairy story of a grumpy raven and the friends he made that change his life. A remarkable first novel that is recommend for children and adults alike.
On sale: 01 February 2013
Price (AU): $16.95
ISBN: 9781742757353
Recommended age: 8+
In a word: Raven
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx