Children's Books

Customer Review: Lizard's Tale by Weng Wai Chan by Time Out Bookstore

by Peggy Taylor (11)

Lizard’s Tale is an amazing book! This truly captivating mystery is set in Singapore when World War 2 was being fought. It tells the story of Lizard, a poor boy surviving on odd jobs and petty theft, and the people around him. Lizard’s Tale has it all - murder, mystery, codebooks, liars, friendship, traitors and even a little bit of history. 

I would recommend this book for kids who love mysteries or want to try something new. After all this book has a little bit of everything, and I really enjoyed it.

Overall, this book is impossible to put down! So what are you waiting for? Go order yourself a copy!

Staff Blog: Katie's isolation recommendations for kids #2 by Time Out Bookstore

Katie.jpg

By Katie Swanson

Last time I wrote about keeping minds busy, but sometimes it’s more important for our sanity that our little darlings are just kept busy! These prolific authors and series just go on and on and on…

#BookshopsWillBeBack
#WaitForYourBookshop


Early Readers:

David Walliams: I assume this author needs no introduction.  I don’t think this man sleeps and I have completely lost track of all of his titles.  His new junior novel, Slime, is in stores in April (ish!)

Anh Do: On our shelves we have, the Weirdo series, the Hot Dog series, Ninja Kid, and now there’s E-Boy, Wolf Girl and the Mythix for slightly older readers as well. Any one of these collections are bound to keep the peace for a good long while.

Isla Fisher: Marge in Charge is the hilarious tale of a rainbow haired nana and the mischief she and her grandkids get up to. We’re at four books and counting so you can read them together or make the kids a pillow fort and chuck in these books.  It might buy you enough time to drink a cup of coffee while it’s still hot. 

The Treehouse Series: 117 Storeys high and still building. Andy Griffiths has gifted us hours where the only sound heard is giggles - at least until you get a description of the plot in agonising detail later. 

Geronimo Stilton: There are seventy books in this series so far, and that’s just the paperbacks.  Once you add in the special edition Kingdom of Fantasy, Hero Mice, Cave Mice and Geronimo does Classic Tales, it’s well over a hundred.  Thea has a fair few devoted to her adventures as well.


Confident Readers: 

Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend - They are chunky, they are captivating and if ever there was a worthy successor to Harry Potter, Morrigan Crow is it.  The Trials of Morrigan Crow and Wundersmith are in store now, Hollowpox, the third instalment, will be hopefully out in late July or early August. 

Mortal Engines by Phillip Reeve: There are four main novels and three prequels in this series and for any child who likes steampunk, sci-fi and adventure they’re a recipe for parental peace.  As a bonus, The Traitor and the Thief series by Gareth Ward is fitting and thrilling follow up. 

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan: This series borders on an obsession for its fans. Once you get a child started with Percy, Magnus, Apollo or Kane there’s no turning back. Rick Riordan is the literary gift that keeps on giving.

Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens: It’s a little worrying how often two twelve year old girls manage to get themselves right in the middle of a murder investigation but it’s also very entertaining.  The mysteries and cases would make Agatha Christie proud, Robin Stevens also contributed to the London Eye Mystery after the sad passing of Siobhan Dowd, so there are two more equally twisty mysteries to enjoy.

Artemis Fowl by Eion Colfer: Artemis is back with fresh new covers to coincide with the release of the movie so this budding criminal mastermind is back on the shelf and ready to read.  These fairy meets genius adventures are hours of fun, with a new spin off series The Fowl Twins to camp it off. 


Young Adult Fiction: 

Cassandra Clare: The world of The Mortal Instruments has six main novels full of angels, demons, action and romance, sequels, prequels and a brand new door stop sized novel to enjoy too. 

Cherub: Seventeen Books! Robert Muchamore’s teen spy series does get a bit mature in places so it’s worth a bit of research to see if it’s appropriate for younger teens, but this series has personally given me over sixty long hours of peace and quiet. Bliss. 

His Dark Materials: Lyra Silvertongue’s quest through multiple worlds are complex, thought provoking, and with the release of the Book of Dust series we are now five very large books deep. I wouldn’t recommend starting the Book of Dust Novels before fourteen or fifteen but these books, followed beautifully by the series on Neon, is a great way to crowbar kids off the Xbox. 

Neal Shusterman: The Unwind series was The go to dystopia before The Hunger Games, and the Scythe series is a more than worthy successor. Set in a world without natural death two young apprentices to the Order of Scythes learn how to balance ultimate power with responsibility. The trilogy of Scythe, Thunderhead and Toll have all been released so they are ready and waiting for avid sci-fi and dystopia fans. 

Patrick Ness: Chaos Walking is a trilogy that’s the size of five books at least. With a fast paced narrative, original sci-fi world building and a ‘talking’ dog, there’s a good chance you won’t see your teenager until they’re hungry.  Patrick Ness’ stand alone novels are brilliant as well. His new release Burn, is due on the 7th of May. 

And don’t forget the Harry Potter is a great read - or reread - at anytime!


Staff Blog: Katie's isolation recommendations for kids by Time Out Bookstore

Katie.jpg

By Katie Swanson

With our children are at home in these uncertain times, it’s a challenge to keep their minds active. These titles have themes, characters and narratives ripe for discussion and thought and will make a great addition to any impromptu home schooling. If any of these titles look good to you, give us an email and we will make sure to have one aside for you when we reopen.

#BookshopsWillBeBack
#WaitForYourBookshop


Early Chapter and Read Together:

White Fox by Chen Jiatong: Orphaned fox cub, Dilah, loves humans and wants desperately to be one, so much so that he follows an ancient fox legend on an adventure to find the magical moonstone to transform him. 

Wild Robot by Peter Brown: Delightful, insightful and full of charm, the wild robot is the story of Roz, a curious robot who is activated by animals on a remote island and learns that you don’t need to be human to find your humanity.

Horrible Histories: Chock full of funny, informative and completely gross tidbits to make history age appropriate and fun for primary school readers.

The Little People, Big Dreams Series:  No matter what your children are interested in, be it science, art, fashion, literature or sports, there is an inspirational Little Person just waiting to be discovered. From Stephen Hawking to Coco Chanel, this series of junior biographies helps children to dream big.

It Might Be An Apple by Shinsuke Yoshitake: This simple introduction to scientific inquiry is perfect for curious minds. With lovely graphic illustrations and plenty to learn, this book will spark questions, ideas and perhaps even experiments. 


Confident Readers:

Ross Welford: Anything by Ross Welford blends science, adventure and humour in thought provoking and often hilarious ways. Kids will laugh out loud and learn without even realising it.

Jess Butterworth:  Pick up any Jess Butterworth novel and you’ll find a tenacious heroine dealing with real situations in different cultures around the world.  Her books are adventure with a message, plenty of animals and gorgeous covers. Her newest novel, Where the Wilderness Lives, is out soon.

Laura Ruby:  The York series is an intellectual puzzle solving mystery set in an alternate solar powered New York. Each chapter has a new cipher, code or secret to uncover. The third book in the series, The Map of Stars, will be in store on the 18th of May.

Des Hunt: The Kiwis at War Series gives children an age appropriate glimpse into the realities of World War One.  Each book focuses on a different role within the war effort, offering perspectives from fighter pilots, infantry and nurses.


Young Adult Fiction:

Frances Hardinge: This author wraps up complicated moral questions in adventure, ghost stories and well grounded fantasy. Themes like prejudice, fundamentalism and economic inequality are explored through a plant that grows on lies, a space in the soul for hitchhikers and the still beating heart of a dead god. All her books are guaranteed to get curious minds ticking. 

World War Two:  There are a number of titles for young adult readers that deal with the horror of World War Two.  Below is a list of some of the most thoughtful and beautifully written stories on the subject: 

Munmun by Jesse Andrews: Munmun is the most imaginative and simple representation of privilege that I have ever read.  In a world where your size directly correlates to your bank balance, life is bleak for the ‘Little Poor’ and a playground for the ‘Big Rich’.  While humorous, Munmun deals with some heavy themes, like exploitation and poverty, so would be best for readers 15 and over. 

The Survival Game by Nicky Singer: In a post climate change world a young woman tries desperately to make her way to a place of safety.  This is another mature title, but a worthy read for any older teen, bringing to light the challenges of displaced people. 

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes: Be ready with a box of tissues, Ghost Boys is the story of a young American boy shot by the police.  On the other side, he encounters the ghosts of all the other boys murdered for the colour of their skin, hears their stories and shares their anger and pain. 


Customer Review: 4 Young Adult Novels with Shania Kumar by Time Out Bookstore

Shania Kumar is one of our enthusiastic customer reviewers. Check out what she's been reading lately below.

LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff

Eve Carpenter lives in the Dregs, an island junkyard filled with rubbish, danger and TROUBLE. After losing her beloved robot gladiator Miss Combobulation in a Dome fight against a robot. Eve unlocks her powers and realises that she can kill robots and machinery by the will of her mind. On the run from Gangs and the Brotherhood, an organisation against ‘freaks’ like Eve, Eve comes across a lifelike robot, Eziekel who she seems to remember. With the help of Eziekel, her Grandpa, best friends Lemon Fresh and Cricket and trusty dog, Kaizer, Eve escapes death on numerous occasions. Eve’s life changes once again when Eve gains access to memories of her past as Ana Monrova and struggles to deal with her families loss and betrayal by the lifelike’s that her father created. This book captivated me the instant I started reading as it vividly describes the technological advancements but at the same time exposes the appalling environment that the world is facing. I really enjoyed not knowing what to expect when reading this book and anyone who loves the Bladerunner, Divergent, X-Men or Romeo and Juliet should definitely give this book a try.

How To Hang A Witch by Adriana Mather

Samantha Mather is your typical teen with sarcastic catch phrases on hand and a curious and strong willed personality. Her life ultimately changes once her Father enters a coma and Samantha and her step-mom then decide to move to Salem, her father’s home town. Witches, spells and a morbid curse greet her as she struggles to find the key to save her Father and unlock her families curse. Which is intertwined with the Salem Witch Trails, which occurred over 300 years ago. Along the way, Sam creates special bonds with the boy next door, Jaxon and the ghost which haunts her home, Elijah. I enjoyed how the novel portrayed both Samantha’s daily teenage life as well as her hunt to stop her families curse. I found it interesting that the author was actually talking about her family and their involvement in the Salem Witch trails in the novel, which made you want to read the book more. How to Hang A Witch is a thrilling read which will leave you questioning if there really are such things as supernatural beings!

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

In the small town of Sparrow all is not as it seems. Every summer, three sisters who were murdered 200 years ago return to their hometown and possess three unlucky girls all in the name of revenge. The three Swan sisters lure unsuspecting boys out into the ocean and vengefully drown them as an act of revenge towards the town for their wrongful deaths and accusation of being witches. A night before the sisters return, Penny Talbot a local seventeen year old girl runs into Bo Carter who hides his true purpose for coming to Sparrow. Join Penny as she uncovers the Swan Sisters story and realises that she is more connected to them than she thought. The Wicked Deep takes you on an emotional roller coaster which leads you to discover many hidden truths about the town and the Swan Sisters. This book is recommended for all paranormal book lovers and will fully transport you to the town of Sparrow.

This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada

Join Catarina Agatta, a seventeen year old genius hacker on a quest to find the antidote to save the world from the deadly Hydra plague. Before Catarina’s father, the world renowned  geneticist Dr Laclan died, he devised a set of clues to help Cat find the vaccine. To find the vaccine against the Hydra infection, Cat must come out from hiding from the Cartaxus organisation. The organisation which killed her father and Cat has to enter the Hydra infested world where Lurkers (dangerous cannibalistic humans) and toxic Hydra clouds loom. With the help from her lethal companion Cole and brilliant coder Dax, she sets off to uncover the vaccine to save the world. On her search for the antidote Cat discovers deadly secrets which questions if her father is dead and who she thinks she is. I loved how this book has incredible plot twists which you do not see coming and creates a graphic parallel universe which you feel you are a part of. 

Double Book Review: Dork Diaries: Pop Stars by Rachel Renee Russel & Grandpa's Great Escape by David Walliams by Time Out Bookstore

Young reader Jessica Shuttleworth dropped off not one, but TWO book reviews last week! She gives us her feedback on Dork Diaries: Pop Star by Rachel Renee Russel, as well as Grandpa's Great Escape by David Walliams. Thanks for your awesome input, Jessica!

"I like Dork Diaries: Pop Star because it is exciting and fun. The main characters are Nikki Maxwell, Chleoy and Zoy, Brandon, Mackenzie Hollister, and Brianna Maxwell. It is set at a fancy middle school called WCO. 

Nikki Maxwell got a scholarship to the school because her dad is their exterminator. At home her annoying sister Brianna is keeping her hands full. Meanwhile at school there is a talent competition. The school queen bee Mackenzie is bullying Nikki more than ever. Lucky her bff Chloey, Zoey, and Brandon are there to help."  

We recommend Dork Diaries: Pop Star for ages 8 - 12. 

"Grandpa's Great Escape is a great book - it is quite long. This book is about an old man who was a World War II flying ace. But when he gets confused he is sent to an old folks home. He and his grandson must make a daring plan to escape twilight towers. But the evil Marton is getting suspicious. The setting is 1983 in Britain, the main characters are Dad, Mum, Jack, Grandpa, and Marton."

We recommend Grandpa's Great Escape for ages 8 - 12. 

Book Review: The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell by Time Out Bookstore

10 year old Conor Davidson-Ladd gives us his VITAL feedback on the new series by the author of How to Train Your Dragon. 

The Wizards of Once is the latest thrilling book by Cressida Cowell, writer of the best selling How To Train Your Dragon series. 

The Wizards of Once is about a powerless wizard boy called Xar who goes hunting for witches in the forest and meets Wish the young warrior princess. It's fair to say it's not love at first sight!

When Xar's pet sprite falls deathly ill, these two foes come together in a superb adventure. They have to break into Queen Sychorax's Iron Warrior fort and navigate its perilous dungeons, to save Xar's pet sprite's life.

If you loved the How To Train Your Dragon series you will adore this book too. I would recommend it for ages 7-12. 

The Wizards of Once is available now. 

Book Review: The Shop at Hooper's Bend by Emily Rodda by Time Out Bookstore

12 year old reviewer Rata, has read the latest book by a longtime favourite, Emily Rodda.

Quil Medway (her real name is Jonquil but she prefers Quil) is an eleven year old girl who was supposed to be on her way to camp, but she decides to get off the train early at a stop called Hoppers Bend. At Hoopers Bend, Quil meets all sorts of people but in particular, Bailey an bitter older woman who owns a shop that had been left to her, by her uncle. Quil also meets a little black and white dog named, pirate.

There’s something magical about the shop at Hoopers bend though, something Quil and Bailey are drawn to.

The shop at Hoopers Bend is a very cute, interesting and magical book. I would recommend it for anyone who loves books like that and is over the age of nine. A lot of events, drama happens in this book, some good, some bad, some sad and some happy.

The Shop at Hooper's Bend is available now.

Book Review: Nothing by Annie Barrows by Time Out Bookstore

A new review from our young reader on the ground, 12 year old Rata.

From the author of Ivy & Bean and the co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Nothing happens in this book, there are no love triangles, no one runs away or gets murdered, there are no superheroes or super villains. This book is about two average 15 year old girls living an average life. Charlotte and Frankie (best friends) think they have a boring life but when Charlotte decides to write it all down, Frankie and Charlotte realise their life may be more interesting than they think.

This book has a good mix of drama, comedy and romance. It’s perfect for any teenager who loves these genres.

This book is great for fans of Louise Rennison.

Nothing is in stock now.

 

School Holiday Picks: Week Two by Time Out Bookstore

1) Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban (Illustrated Edition) by J.K. Rowling

Wendy's Grandson Jacob has been spending the holidays with us and his top pick is the new illustrated edition of Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban.

If you haven't yet read one of the illustrated editions of Harry Potter, you're missing out! It's a wonderful way to experience the series.

22500925_10154831805621479_865877271_n.jpg

2) Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

John Green's first novel in six years is here. With a beautiful cover and incredible reviews from The Guardian and the New York Times, Turtles All the Way Down is a must read for 2018.

3) Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend

Nevermoor is here! Does it live up to the hype? We had 12 year old Rata write a special review for us.

Come in and check out our special Hachette NZ Nevermoor window, it will be up until next week.

4) Competition time for National Bookshop Day

In celebration of our Howl-O-Ween NZ Bookshop Day, we are giving away TWO bespoke bi monthly book bundles for 2018. All you need to do is create a review for us! See details below...
Another GREAT competition to check out is the Booksellers NZ 'Love Letter to your Bookshop' here: 

22471679_10154831819196479_139351860_n.jpg

5) The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane & Jackie Morris

All we have to say is that this is one of the most beautiful books in the kid's room right now. From the author of Landmarks and The Wild Places with tender and rich illustrations, The Lost Words is a book for every age.

Book Review: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) by Jessica Townsend by Time Out Bookstore

The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) is one of those books that we know is going to be big. As you might expect a bookseller to tell you this, we have a trusted review for you from one of our young customers, 13 year old Rata Lomax.

When you open this book an explosion of magic, weirdness, friendship and excitement spills out. The Trials of Morrigan Crow is packed with craziness, fascination and a bit of darkness to balance things out. Fans of Harry Potter, Roald Dahl and Narnia would absolutely LOVE this book.

Morrigan Crown is star-crossed, unlucky, cursed and everyone knows it. Most people tend to keep away from her and Morrigan knows when she dies there will most likely be celebrations, for the curse dooms her to die when she reaches the age of twelve. But as Morrigan waits for her cruel fate an unexpected twist takes place, a peculiar, intriguing and slightly crazy man comes to her rescue and he takes her to a place called nevermoor. Nevermoor is a magical city full of incredible wonders, but if Morrigan wants to stay there she must take place in a series of four risky but magical trials.

Personally I loved this book I would definitely recommend it to readers of all ages (8+), this book is amazing and wunderous.

You can buy a copy of Nevermoor from our online store. Jessica Townsend is visiting Auckland for a few days at the end of October and will be popping into Time Out. Keep an eye on our facebook page for updated information.

School Holiday Picks: Week One by Time Out Bookstore

Here is a round up of our picks for week one of the school holidays.

1) The Traitor and the Thief by Gareth Ward.
Listen to our youngest bookseller Eli speak with Mikey Havoc on 95bFM's Loose Reads about what he's reading at the moment, plus a review of Gareth Ward's steampunk novel.

2) Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop
This incredible book follows suit of popular, sophisticated non fiction titles such as Timeline & Maps. Check out this interview on RNZ's Standing Room Only.

3) The Dragon Defenders by James Russell
We had a visit from James and the real life Dragon Defenders, Flynn & Paddy. This book is great chapter book for those 7+ readers who love the Treehouse series, Wimpy Kid and Tom Gates..

4) Annual 2 edited by Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris
Annual is BACK and it is just amazing as ever. A collection of stories, games, poetry, comics & illustrations from some of New Zealand's most talented creatives. 

5) The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
Did you know Cressida Cowell, author of How to Train your Dragon, has released the first book of a new series? The Wizards of Once is a GREAT read for fans of magic, adventure and friendship. We would recommend this for young readers 8+.

bFM Loose Reads: The Traitor and the Theif by Gareth Ward by Time Out Bookstore

It's school holiday time! To celebrate, we had Eli review The Traitor and the Thief by Gareth Ward on 95bFM's Loose Reads. Listen to Eli and Mikey chat books by clicking on the image.