Have you ever lost your voice? This week one character did exactly that, as site member Beaver wrote a super review of The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. In this tale, Louis is a beautiful – but voiceless – swan who is unable to trumpet happily with his siblings.
"This is a gripping fast-moving story … Although E.B. White is better known for his wonderful Charlotte's Web, I have to say that this book is just as good – or maybe even better – in my opinion. So give it a go, pick it up and hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as me!"
Our next pick features a rather gullible scarecrow, as Bullseye wrote an incredibly good review of The Scarecrow and his Servant by Philip Pullman. This story follows the scarecrow's search for his birthplace and fortune, employing a quick-witted servant to keep him company.
"Both characters are hugely engaging and I really liked the descriptions, for example, Pullman described the scarecrow as 'his head was made of a great knobbly turnip, with a broad crack for a mouth and a long thin sprout for a nose…' The book is spiked with humour. At one point, Lord Scarecrow falls madly in love with a broom and at another, he joins the army simply because he likes the military uniform! … This is certainly a book I'd recommend for children who like adventurous, witty stories. A solid five star rating!"
More gullible characters now as Prince Caspian wrote a fantastic review of Space Race by Malorie Blackman. In this story Lizzie lives on a space ship halfway between Earth and Mars, but when the boastful Jake challenges her to a space race, she plays a trick on him to win.
"I really liked this book although it was a bit too short and the writing is quite big (with big pictures on every page). For people who have only recently starting reading it's perfect. I recommend it for girls and boys from 5 to 7 years and would give it five stars out of five."
It's intergalactic galore now, as nattastic penned an outstanding review of Enders Game by Orson Scott Card. Following an alien invasion, Ender is sent to Battle School to be trained in battle strategy for the army.
"I think this book is good for anyone, of any age and of any type. I liked this book because I am a fan of science fiction but I believe anybody could give it a go. Orson Scott Card is a brilliant author and the series this book is part of (one book of many) is amazing. Try them, you will love them!"
Moving to another futuristic world, BookRebel wrote an amazing review of Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. In this story, Aria and Perry are trying to find their way in a world where their land is being destroyed.
"I went into this book with not many expectations … However this trilogy has just about everything; friendship, family and swoony parts. I honestly wouldn't be talking about it if it didn't at least have some of these qualities. And it's not only that, this book made me laugh so hard sometimes and it always had me on the verge of my seat needing more of it. It made me cry and made me swoon – honestly what more can you ask of a book than that. I know many people don't love this trilogy, but I do and I honestly believe everyone should read it."
Returning to the present, however, for our final review, jboo1698 wrote a terrific review of Dead Ends by Erin Lange. Dane Washington embarks on a journey with Billy, a boy with Down's syndrome, and Seely, the girl across the street, to find Billy's long lost Dad.
"This book was fantastic ... when Lange was quoted as being like John Green, I didn't expect it to be so literal! Seriously. The interstate manhunt and the clues leading to them, it was like Paper Towns with 100% less Margo … However John Green is not a terrible author, in fact he's brilliant. So when I said that it was so literal, I also meant this book was fantastic in every sense of the word. I was so blown away with how Billy D. was portrayed, especially in his situation as having Down's syndrome, that I have nominated it for the diversity list on the Guardian Children's books site… I adore books that are borderline with issues and tackle them using the incredible power of fiction, and Erin Lange will be an author to watch for me. Time to go get Butter, her other title."
A big thank you to our reviewers for sending in such delightful reviews. As always, if your review has been mentioned in our roundup, be sure to email the Book Elves and we will send you some prize reading in the post!
Happy reading!
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