Waters, for reading age four and more, is an evocative picture
book about the cluster of tiny islands off the west coast of
Scotland, inhabited for thousands of years, but evacuated in
1930. Based on accounts from Norman John Gillies, who was
born and raised on the island of Hirta, the book leads the
reader through the daily and seasonal way of life led by the
inhabitants. Beautiful prints complement this account of a
unique way of life.
Station Zero (p), the
conclusion to the Railhead
trilogy by Philip Reeve, is
aimed at reading age twelve
and older. The Great
Network is changing. New
worlds, new alliances, new
enmities. For Threnody, the
changes have brought great
power. For Zen and Nova,
they have brought
separation. For the trains
that run from world to
world, they have brought
questions. Now all of them
must find out what really
matters to them and who
they really are.
Lucy’s Magical Winter Stories
(p), by Anne Booth, for age
seven to nine, is a lovely
collection of three Lucy stories:
Lucy’s Secret Reindeer, Lucy’s
Magic Snow Globe, and Lucy’s
Winter Rescue. It is an ideal
present for any youngster who
loves animals and a sprinkling
of magic. Illustrated by Sophy
Williams.
If thoughts of planning holidays in 2019 are rising up your
agenda towards the end of the year, the latest editions of some
popular Lonely Planet guidebooks may be worth seeking out:
LP Spain (p); LP Best Of Spain (p); and, LP Barcelona (p). Then
there is the Lonely Planet Seville City Map, an easy-fold design
held inside a handy slipcase. Detailed and easy-to-read, it is
printed in full colour to make travelling and trip planning a
breeze. Made for the urban explorer, the map is packed with
top sights, expert advice, a transport map and a useful street
index. Finally, the authoritative Peñín Guide To Spanish Wine
2019 (l) is supposedly available soon. Check for details as
availability can vary. Cheers!
The Afterwards (l), by AF
Harrold, is for reading age nine
to eleven. Fact: Ember and
Ness are best friends: it is what
will always be. Then Ness dies.
It is sudden and unexpected
and leaves Ember completely empty. How can this be? When
Ember finds a way into the Afterworld, she determines to bring
Ness back. Because that is what friends do, is it not? They
rescue each other. They help. They never give up. A powerful,
poignant, darkly comic and deeply moving story about
friendship at its most extraordinary.
Key: (l) hardback or large paperback (p) small paperback
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