The Elixir by Lindsay Gavin illustrated by Kristina Kister<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alibrarylady.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/the-elixir-cover.jpg?w=197\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nA thrilling mix of history, sorcery and invention, Lindsay Galvin\u2019s first novella for Barrington Stoke is a wonderful example of the blend of fact and fiction that this author does so well. Featuring a young Isaac Newton, the fear of the plague and the persecution of those accused of witchcraft there are familiar historical references but Lindsay Galvin uses these as a catalyst for an adventure that will keep young readers gripped.<\/p>\n
Ann Storer works with her elder brother and sister in her family\u2019s apothecary while her parents are away. Unbeknown to others Ann has inherited her grandmother\u2019s mysterious gift of healing and uses this to dispense special tinctures in the apothecary. The arrival of the youthful genius Isaac Newton who is to lodge in the room above the shop disturbs the family\u2019s usual arrangements and also gives Ann the opportunity to combine her own skills with his. Together the pair secretly create a special elixir with unlimited powers which they hope to keep safe. However the arrival in town of a witchfinder throws their plans into disarray and when the plague descends on those she cares for Ann risks everything to try to help. <\/p>\n
With a strong protagonist, a fast moving plot and the magical elements this will have a wide audience appeal. The illustrations by Kristina Kister fit the time period and tone of the story well and I particularly like the one of Ann picking herbs in the moonlight. The stunning cover has great shelf appeal too. Expertly edited and produced by Barrington Stoke to be accessible to those with a reading age of 8 this is suitable for the 9+ reader and may well tempt them to try one of Lindsay Galvin\u2019s longer historical novels in the future. <\/p>\n
The Amulet of Hath by Vashti Hardy illustrated by Rebecca Sheerin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alibrarylady.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/the-amulet-of-hath.jpg?w=263\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nVashti Hardy\u2019s has a knack of packing a big adventure into a small book and The Amulet of Faith<\/em>, the second in the Relic Hunters <\/em>series has a real feel of a blockbuster told in just over 100 pages. In this second instalment we join the Greystone family as they race to find the lost gold of ancient Hath and do battle with an old foe.<\/p>\nMabel Greystone and her brother Will are delighted when they get the opportunity to join their Aunt Lucy, a famous and intrepid relic hunter, on a quest to uncover the location of Hath and its hidden store of gold. When the long lost amulet which holds the secret to the location is stolen by their enemy, Bryan Cogsworth, the children are determined to foil his plans and help their Aunt to crack the code by solving the tricky clues. This steampunk fantasy contains the familiar elements that make Vashti Hardy\u2019s books so popular with children and robot camels are a neat touch as our heroes make their way across the desert. There are dirty tricks from Cosgrove to complicate things further and and the resourceful Mabel never gives up and no doubt young readers will be willing her on in her efforts. Alongside the cliff hangers, drama and thrills there is a wise message about that the real \u2018treasure\u2019 in life being people, particularly family.<\/p>\n
Rebecca Sheerin\u2019s illustrations capture and convey the drama and the imaginary world well and this appealing package is perfect for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8. <\/p>\n
Cold Turkey by Simon James Green illustrated by Tosin Akinkunmi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alibrarylady.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/the-elixir-cover.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nA thrilling mix of history, sorcery and invention, Lindsay Galvin\u2019s first novella for Barrington Stoke is a wonderful example of the blend of fact and fiction that this author does so well. Featuring a young Isaac Newton, the fear of the plague and the persecution of those accused of witchcraft there are familiar historical references but Lindsay Galvin uses these as a catalyst for an adventure that will keep young readers gripped.<\/p>\n
Ann Storer works with her elder brother and sister in her family\u2019s apothecary while her parents are away. Unbeknown to others Ann has inherited her grandmother\u2019s mysterious gift of healing and uses this to dispense special tinctures in the apothecary. The arrival of the youthful genius Isaac Newton who is to lodge in the room above the shop disturbs the family\u2019s usual arrangements and also gives Ann the opportunity to combine her own skills with his. Together the pair secretly create a special elixir with unlimited powers which they hope to keep safe. However the arrival in town of a witchfinder throws their plans into disarray and when the plague descends on those she cares for Ann risks everything to try to help. <\/p>\n
With a strong protagonist, a fast moving plot and the magical elements this will have a wide audience appeal. The illustrations by Kristina Kister fit the time period and tone of the story well and I particularly like the one of Ann picking herbs in the moonlight. The stunning cover has great shelf appeal too. Expertly edited and produced by Barrington Stoke to be accessible to those with a reading age of 8 this is suitable for the 9+ reader and may well tempt them to try one of Lindsay Galvin\u2019s longer historical novels in the future. <\/p>\n
The Amulet of Hath by Vashti Hardy illustrated by Rebecca Sheerin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nVashti Hardy\u2019s has a knack of packing a big adventure into a small book and The Amulet of Faith<\/em>, the second in the Relic Hunters <\/em>series has a real feel of a blockbuster told in just over 100 pages. In this second instalment we join the Greystone family as they race to find the lost gold of ancient Hath and do battle with an old foe.<\/p>\nMabel Greystone and her brother Will are delighted when they get the opportunity to join their Aunt Lucy, a famous and intrepid relic hunter, on a quest to uncover the location of Hath and its hidden store of gold. When the long lost amulet which holds the secret to the location is stolen by their enemy, Bryan Cogsworth, the children are determined to foil his plans and help their Aunt to crack the code by solving the tricky clues. This steampunk fantasy contains the familiar elements that make Vashti Hardy\u2019s books so popular with children and robot camels are a neat touch as our heroes make their way across the desert. There are dirty tricks from Cosgrove to complicate things further and and the resourceful Mabel never gives up and no doubt young readers will be willing her on in her efforts. Alongside the cliff hangers, drama and thrills there is a wise message about that the real \u2018treasure\u2019 in life being people, particularly family.<\/p>\n
Rebecca Sheerin\u2019s illustrations capture and convey the drama and the imaginary world well and this appealing package is perfect for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8. <\/p>\n
Cold Turkey by Simon James Green illustrated by Tosin Akinkunmi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nVashti Hardy\u2019s has a knack of packing a big adventure into a small book and The Amulet of Faith<\/em>, the second in the Relic Hunters <\/em>series has a real feel of a blockbuster told in just over 100 pages. In this second instalment we join the Greystone family as they race to find the lost gold of ancient Hath and do battle with an old foe.<\/p>\n Mabel Greystone and her brother Will are delighted when they get the opportunity to join their Aunt Lucy, a famous and intrepid relic hunter, on a quest to uncover the location of Hath and its hidden store of gold. When the long lost amulet which holds the secret to the location is stolen by their enemy, Bryan Cogsworth, the children are determined to foil his plans and help their Aunt to crack the code by solving the tricky clues. This steampunk fantasy contains the familiar elements that make Vashti Hardy\u2019s books so popular with children and robot camels are a neat touch as our heroes make their way across the desert. There are dirty tricks from Cosgrove to complicate things further and and the resourceful Mabel never gives up and no doubt young readers will be willing her on in her efforts. Alongside the cliff hangers, drama and thrills there is a wise message about that the real \u2018treasure\u2019 in life being people, particularly family.<\/p>\n Rebecca Sheerin\u2019s illustrations capture and convey the drama and the imaginary world well and this appealing package is perfect for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8. <\/p>\nCold Turkey by Simon James Green illustrated by Tosin Akinkunmi<\/strong><\/h3>\n