Talk About Random ~ The behind-the-scenes blog from Random House Children's Publishers UK

Posted January 19, 2012 at 12:40 pm by Emily Publicity

Reviews

Donut Diaries 2: Revenge is Sweet has received a glowing and entertaining review by Martin Chiltern for the Telegraph Online. He describes it as a “cheeky and funny delight” and “an even funnier sequel” to the excellent first Donut Dairies book. ‘In the mix again are the great illustrations of David Tazzyman, who captures the ‘Full Pfumpfy’ with a drawing of her holding a Scotch egg. The book is joyfully idiosyncratic (I won’t dwell on Dermot’s debate about good v evil baldy heads) and veers off at tangents, like Dermot’s thoughts on why cherry-flavoured sweets are better than real cherries. The author’s irreverence will appeal to young and old readers. Mrs Smote, for example, is described as “the simple-minded playground monitor”.’ This book is huge fun and, if personal experience is anything to go by, it will also start a new family habit of drawing on unpeeled banana skins.’ To read the full review, go to: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/children_sbookreviews/9005235/The-Donut-Diaries-Revenge-is-Sweet-by-Anthony-McGowan-review.html

More reviews are coming in for Matt Haig’s To Be a Cat, blogger Nikki-Ann from Notes of Life said; ‘I thoroughly enjoyed To Be A Cat. It’s exciting and imaginative read for kids around ages 10-13 years old. To Be A Cat has a nice blend of thrill and humour, and it certainly makes you think of cats in a whole new light! (I shall be keeping a closer eye on my two from now on!).I love the way the author, Matt Haig, talks the reader through the book. A real storyteller! Despite some of the serious issues in the book, Matt Haig still manages to make it a fun and light-hearted read. This book is magical… Children’s minds are far more imaginative than those of adults, yet there are a few wonderful authors, such as Matt, who can still tap into their magical child-like imagination.’ http://notesoflife.co.uk/2012/01/to-be-a-cat-the-review/

Magic Beans continues to gather enthusiastic reviews, with the latest appearing in yummy mummy magazine Junior; ‘Smartly written, the tales can be enjoyed afresh, imbued with a love of words that will no doubt excite and delight your child. The new hardback collection is printed in large type so should be a good first read. It would also make a lovely gift.’

Desert Angel received a fantastic FIVE STAR review at Best Books by Annmarie; ‘This book started with a bang. Readers are thrown into the action….. I was amazed at how powerful the story was from the very beginning you see so much dark pain, anger and danger between Scotty and Angel. The book was about survival and it thrilled and scared me at the same time. I wanted to scream and shout along with the book I needed Angel to live and do well and while the book was only short it was packed to the max!… Five stars.’ http://bestbooks1.blogspot.com/2012/01/desert-angel-by-charlie-price-review.html

Desert Angel also received another brilliant review on blog Notes of Life; ‘Desert Angel takes the reader straight to the action and onto a gripping cat and mouse journey through the desert, not knowing what will happen next. With it’s twists and turns, Desert Angel certainly has the reader sat on the edge of the seat. It’s not just about Angel’s fight to get away from the murderous Scotty. This is also a powerful story about humanity, about people and compassion and courage’. http://notesoflife.co.uk/2012/01/desert-angel-the-review/

And yet another fantastic review for Desert Angel on the blog Heaven, Hell and Purgatory: ‘Desert Angel is a taut, fast paced psychological thriller that grabs your attention from the off …. In the YA market this book certainly stands out as different with its bleak, no holes barred approach and genuinely jump out of your seat scary moments. If you fancy something a bit different, with real grittiness then I’m happy to recommend it.’

http://www.heavenhellandpurgatory-bookreviews.com/2012/01/book-review-desert-angel-by-charlie.html

Julia Eccleshare has called A Boy and a Bear in a Boat ‘Rich in atmosphere and gently humorous, this is a delightful small-scale but epic adventure…A book to savour.’ On Love Reading 4 Kids

Melanie Welsh celebrated the release of Heart of Stone, the sequel to Mistress of the Storm with a UK Blog Tour this week. Look out for a post on Talk About Random with links to all posts later today!

Plus some lovely reviews for Verity’s latest adventure: ‘There’s something really comforting about reading M. L. Welsh’s stories. They’re so sweet with a slightly old-fashioned tone to them that just makes me feel very nostalgic.’ Fluttering Butterflies

The excitement for Wonder continues to grow. A few lucky pupils at Loxford School of Science and Technology in Ilford, had the privilege of reading the book before Christmas. Unsurprisingly, they loved it! Sara, aged 13, said, ‘I am very happy that I decided to read this book as it is a very inspirational story…it is a story that teens can relate to because it deals with the issue of bullying…it is a heartfelt story.’ Tulsi Paul also said that book is, ‘Fabulously fascinating and intensely interesting.’ Finally Dorina Mustafaj commented that the book is ‘very creative’ because of the different character perspectives which show ‘what each of the characters think and how they feel about a situation.’ She said Wonder ‘has something for everyone; it can be emotional and powerful yet very funny.’

A terrific review of Wonder on Bookbag: http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Wonder_by_R_J_Palacio ‘a gentle, totally mesmerising book written in a compelling, realistic style that invites the reader into the intimate daily life of this marvelous, genuine boy and his family and holds them there. It is a powerful story that gives us the world we live in with a clean set of eyes; one you will return to again and again, with voices that will stay with you for a very long time. It is also about being yourself, even if the odds are against you, because in the end, that’s all you can be. For ages 10 and up (through adult readers), ‘Wonder’ is a thoroughly wonderful gift and a book that you must read.’

Teach Primary featured reviews on Eric!… The Hero? and A Boy and a Bear in a Boat in their first issue of 2012. Reviewer Helen Mulley said A Boy and a Bear is, ‘sometimes scary, sometimes deeply touching and often very funny indeed.’ In her review of Eric! she described it as ‘an uplifting fable’ with ‘lovable illustrations.’ Chris Wormell also featured on the review page in the Meet the Author feature. Talking about the importance of picture books in his childhood, he discussed his love for Beatrix Potter. He also discussed how important it is for children to draw saying, ‘a blank piece of paper is like an adventure; exciting maybe a little bit scary.’

In the Media

Two RHCB books have been chosen for the Tesco Magazine Kids’ Book Club! These are Jacqueline Wilson’s The Worst Thing About My Sister (in the 9-12 category) and Marc Abraham’s Pets in Need (in the 6-8 category).

The Evening Standard featured a touching piece about The Worst Thing About My Sister. Some time ago Jacqueline Wilson met a very poorly girl called Molly at Great Ormond Street. She wondered how she could show Molly’s 6 year old sister what a lasting impression Molly had made on her, so she decided to dedicate The Worst Thing About My Sister to her. “I realised I’d been writing a book about sisters who quarrelled a lot but love each other very much. So I asked mum and dad how they’d feel about the dedication.” Wilson said: “The girls in my book have a very different relationship from Molly and Isabella, who were very close. This is an extra way of keeping her memory alive.’ http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-24026491-jacqueline-wilson-dedicates-new-book-to-molly-the-writer-who-died-of-cancer-aged-eight.do

Marc Abraham’s book Pets in Need continues to get great interest. Your Cat is running a two-page extract in their February edition alongside a reader competition. Marc will also be interviewed by social commentator Ninon de Vere De Rosa in Los Angeles on 18^th January about animal issues and of course his new book! This will be at midnight in the UK, so stay tuned for the online link and video.

Whoopie Pie Fun received praise on mummy blog Red Ted Art who even uploaded photos of her attempt at making Whoopie Pies. Don’t they look beautiful?! ‘I open any given page in this book and I start to salivate. What I love about the book, is that the majority of recipes actually seem EASY to make – basically a flat cake/ soft cookie with a soft cream filling. Delicious. And I think it is something the kids can help me make.’ http://www.redtedart.com/2012/01/09/craft-cook-book-review/

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