Gone with the Penguins by Hazel Prior - Veronica McCreedy series - #bookreview #blogtour

 

I have asked Eileen to refrain from humming. In order to read the article in the Scots Times, I require absolute peace and quiet. Now silenced, she continues to busy herself flicking dust around the mantelpiece...

***

The Blurb

Still fiery and feisty at eighty-seven, Veronica McCreedy, the very first Penguin Ambassador, is determined to prove that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.

Eileen, Veronica’s ever-patient assistant, is content taking care of other people. But when a new adventure calls, it makes her question everything...

Ten-year-old, penguin-obsessed Daisy can’t wait to be reunited with Mrs McCreedy in her huge house by the sea for the school holidays.

When they discover that the local Sea Life Centre is under threat, the unlikely trio are determined to save it and the penguins that live there.

Inspired by the penguins and fuelled by Darjeeling tea and finger sandwiches, they embark on an epic fundraising walk. But soon, their mission becomes so much more and it might just lead each of them to a new beginning...

My Review

This book is the third in a trilogy, which you may think is a strange point to begin reading. I have had my eye on the first two books in the series, How the Penguins Saved Veronica and Call of the Penguins for some time. I know you all understand how difficult it is to find time to read all of the books that we would like to and so I never got to the first two in the series. When I was offered a place on the blog tour for this final book in the series I thought I would jump in.

To be honest, not having read the first two did not impede my enjoyment of this final book in any way. I fell in love with Veronica, Eileen and Daisy; three unrelated women from three generations and they were all wonderful in their own way.

I enjoyed the easy narrative of this book. It was perfect to snuggle up with in the evenings and to lose myself in the world of the three characters.

The author must have undertaken extensive research in order to write this book. She understands and portrays the need to be concerned about climate change, and it's effect on the world around us. This book is largely about conservation needs and the necessity of us all addressing them. It reads in a very lighthearted way but conveys an important message.

However, the book is also about friendship and love. It was delightful to read of the blossoming romance between two characters in the book. I am not going to reveal who. You will have to read the book to discover this for yourself.

This was a wonderfully heartwarming book which I highly recommend.

Book Details

ISBN: 978 1804993330

Publisher:  Penguin

Formats:  e-book, audio and paperback

No. of Pages:  448 (paperback)

Purchase Links

Bookshop.org

Amazon UK

Waterstones

Blackwell's

About the Author

HAZEL PRIOR lives on Exmoor with her husband and a huge ginger cat. As well as writing, she works as a freelance harpist.

Hazel is the author of Ellie and the Harp-Maker, the #1 ebook and audiobook bestseller Away with the Penguins and its follow-up, Call of the Penguins. Gone with

the Penguins is her fifth novel.

You can also find Hazel at:

Hazel Prior website

Twitter / X

Instagram

(book and all media courtesy of Random Things Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

(bookshop.org affiliated)

A Swift Return by Fiona Barker & Illustrated by Howard Gray - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Aria had her feet in the clouds.

Yusuf had his feet on the ground.

***

Aria has her head in the clouds. Yusuf keeps his feet on the ground. But when they work together to save a bird who has lost her way, something magical happens. When Swift loses her way on her epic migration. Aria and Yusuf come to her rescue and are inspired to think big about looking after the sky above their city. Inspired by Fiona and Howard’s love for wildlife of all kinds, A Swift Return is the follow-up to Setsuko and the Song of the Sea. Howard’s beautiful illustrations evoke a strong sense of place, strengthened by the beautiful Arabic text distilled by Maysoon AbuBlan.

***

This is a lovely picture book which is ideal for sharing with little ones. It has much to say about the environment and the importance of us eaching playing a small part to protect it. Consequently, there are discussion points that are triggered by both the text and the illustrations.

It is the story of how two children, Aria and Yusuf become friends when they rescue a bird who is weak and suffering due to the pollution of the unnamed city in which they live. They attempt to help the bird and in doing so realise that in their own small way they can work towards helping the natural world  survive.

This is the strong message running throughout the book; that we each have a small part to play in protecting the world in which we live. 

Early readers will also enjoy reading the text in this book, and each line is shadowed by Arabic script, opening this book up to a whole other group of children.

ISBN:  978 1913230494

Publisher: Tiny Tree

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  27

***

About the Author:

Fiona is a middle-aged, married mum of one. She is positively potty about picturebooks; reading them and writing them. When writing, she longs for alliterative loveliness but is reluctant to rhyme. When reading, she looks for a marriage of words and artwork and loves anything that is fun to read aloud.

Fiona loves doing school author visits and speaking to adults about picture books and children's publishing.

Visit www.fionabarker.co.uk for details of forthcoming events.

(book and all media courtesy of The Write Reads)

(all opinions are my own)

The Wit & Wisdom of David Attenborough by Chas Newkey-Burden - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Sir David Attenborough is many things - all of them wonderful. He is a broadcasting titan, whose passionate, semi-whispered narration of the natural world has been adored for generations. He is also an environmental warrior who has delicately shown us how we have harmed our plantet and what we can do to make it right. Along the way, he has rightly become nothing short of a national treasure - a charming, adorable and admirable grandfather figure for generations...

***

A fascinating and entertaining collection of facts, quotes and stories, celebrating Sir David Attenborough's wicked sense of humour and astute wisdom.

David Attenborough is a national treasure, known for his soothing voice, calming presence, passion for the natural world, and his humble, easy-going nature. Despite his incredible talent and influence, he tends to play it all down, one time stating that, 'I can't believe I'm still employed'.

So if he won't celebrate himself, we'll have to do it for him.

Filled with facts, tributes and anecdotes, as well as beautiful illustrations, this enormously positive book celebrates Sir David, providing a fascinating insight into his life as well as showcasing his brilliant sense of humour. Running chronologically, this book begins with his early days, to his first job at the BBC, to eventually becoming the most esteemed naturalist on the planet, as he is today.

Such revelations include:

- There are 18 plants and animals named after him

- When asked by a reporter how many degrees he had, he said it would be 'rude to count'*

- The single thing that would improve his quality of life is 'good, workable knees'.

Blending his quips galore with his powerful messages on the environment and future of the planet, this timely book showcases everything we love about Sir David, making it the perfect gift for any fan.

* He has over thirty!

***

It is very clear from the opening paragraph at the top of this page that the author is a huge fan of Sir David Attenborough. And why wouldn't he be? Throughout this book Mr Newkey-Burden goes on to provide evidence of the qualities and attributes of the incredible Sir David Attenborough.

The book comprises of five sections in the life of Sir David:

1. The Making of David Attenborough

2. Hitting the Small Screen

3. The Broadcasting Titan

4. Protector of the Planet

5. The Legacy

Throughout these chapters the prose is presented in snippet form, detailing biographical information, anecdotes, facts and interviews from his life. Interspersed throughout are some lovely line illustrations depicting everything from a puffin to a sundial. These complement the text nicely and certainly add to the appeal of the book.

This was an effortless and fascinating read. I read it in hardback form and it is sized that it is easy to slip into a pocket or handbag. Also, the nature of the writing made it an easy book to dip in and out of.

Although this book has not been endorsed by Sir David it is a celebration of the life and accomplishments of a great man.  Fans of environmental issues or admirers of Sir David Attenborough will enjoy this book very much.

ISBN: 978 1856755269

Publisher:  Gaia

Formats:  e-book and hardcover

No. of Pages:  272 (hardback)

About the Author:

Chas Newkey-Burden writes about animal rights, veganism and the environment for the Guardian, Independent, the i, Metro and the Daily Telegraph.

He is the author of dozens of books, including, Running: Cheaper Than Therapy, The Runner's Code, Get Lucky: Rituals, Habits and Superstitions of the Rich and Famous and The Reduced History of Dogs.

(book and media images courtesy of Random Things Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

Caring Conservationists Who Are Changing Our Planet by Kate Peridot & Illustrated by Sarah Long - #BookReview #Blogtour

 

Step into nature and look around you. Hundreds of creatures are going about their day: digging, building, hunting and harvesting. Our planet is home to around 8.7 million species of animals and plants and each is unique, extraordinary and important.

Sadly, many wild animals, plants and their habitats are disappearing, from the mammals in the forests to the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, even once plentiful insects. Today over one-million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction and we, humans, are the main cause... But there is still hope and we can all help make a BIG difference.

***

Travel around the world and discover the stories of 20 conservationists and the endangered animals they are helping to save, including the orangutang, blue whale, Indian tiger, rhino, honeybee, Komodo dragon and sea turtle. Positive, uplifting and packed full of information, with 20 fun activities for children to try, this book will show children no one is too small to make a difference. 

***

This is a lovely book aimed at primary school aged children. It is full of information and beautifully illustrated.

Each page is dedicated to an individual conservationist, both living and dead, young and old, and includes a section on 'how to be a wildlife champion." Each page includes activity ideas for children to investigate and suggests ways in which children can care for wildlife in their own geographical area.

Although the book covers conservationists from across the world, its chief message is that everyone can make a difference, even in a small way - from building bee hotels to putting a bell on the collar of a pet cat. The book is full of examples on how to protect wildlife.

I think children will enjoy reading this book for themselves as well as sharing it with an adult. I could also envisage that it could be a useful teaching aid. All school libraries would benefit from having a copy of this inspirational book on their shelves.

ISBN: 978 1529506150

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats:  Hardback

No. of Pages:  48

Support Independent Bookshops - Buy from Bookshop.org *

About the Author:

Kate is an author of both fiction and non-fiction children’s books. Originally from London, she now lives with her family in the South of France. She writes wild and adventurous stories about animals, people and STEM that encourages a can-do spirit, a quest for knowledge and a sense of adventure. 

Caring Conservationists (Walker Books) is her first non-fiction children’s books. A further nine books are in production launching between 2023-2025. Find out more about Kate and her books at https://kateperidot.com/ .

About the Illustrator:

Sarah graduated with her illustration degree from Cambridge School of Art in 2004 and headed off into the sunset. Not really. She needed to get a paid job.

She started off her career at Caroline Gardner before moving into giftware, where she designed bags, ceramics and textiles from initial concept to final product. This also involved working with licensors designing products for The Beatles and Moomin.

When she’s not happily illustrating or starting a new interiors project, you can find her encouraging her children to colour outside the lines or having a mini rave in the kitchen to songs that are probably aimed at a much cooler/younger age bracket.

(book, photo and bio info from the blog tour organiser)

(illustrator photo and info from The Bright Agency)

Support Independent Bookshops - Buy from Bookshop.org *

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

Reading Roundup for April 2023

 April has definitely begun to feel more like spring. There has been a good mixture of sunshine and rain. It is making everything in the garden grow like crazy and we have even had a few days when the weather has been kind enough to enable us to get out and tackle the weeds which are making themselves known.

The highlight of my month was going to the theatre in Eastbourne to see author, Tracy Borman, in her roadshow, How to Be a Good Monarch. It was a fantastic show and if it is showing anywhere near you then I highly reccomend it.

Have you done anything exciting or interesting this month?

Have you read any good books? I have read a mixture of the great, the good and the average this month.

Books I Have Read

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart - This was a re-read for me and it was every bit as brilliant as the first time I read it.

Ascension by Oliver Harris - This was the choice of my book group this month. The majority of the group really liked it. It was a good book, well written for it's genre but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

The Little Venice Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin - I read this as part of the book tour and enjoyed it very much. You can read my review by clicking here.

Night Wherever We Go by Tracy Rose Peyton - This was an excellent book, set in Texas in 1852. Well worth reading and you can read my review by clicking here.

The Wonderland Murders by Millie Ravensworth - This cosy crime mystery was an easy read and part of another book tour. You can access my review by clicking here.

The Viscount's Daring Miss by Lotte R. James - A lovely bit of escapist reading and you can access my review by clicking here.

The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions by Jonathan Rosen - This non-fiction title was really interesting. It's difficult to describe in a few words so please read the full review by clicking here.

Ada's Realm by Sharon Dodua Otoo - This was a complex novel which took a little working at. It was extremely good though and you can read my review by clicking here.

The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed - This was my favourite book this month and I cannot say enough good things about it. Please read my full review by clicking here.

Foxash by Kate Worsley - I only finished reading this yesterday but I plan to get my review written today ready for uploading tomorrow.

Caring Conservationists by Kate Peridot - Another book I finished only yesterday and my review will be up by the end of the week.

Books I Am Partway Through

Henry VIII: The Heart and the Crown by Alison Weir

Through Three Rooms by Sven Elvestad

James I: The King Who United Scotland and England by Keith Coleman