EnchANTing: ANTics by Dakota Douglas

ANTics is a story about 3 ants, BrillANT, ExuberANT and Hesitant and their adventures as they attempt to defeat Puggy, the spider.

The story is very easy going to read and flows in a way that is appropriate for children from about age 7 upwards. (I am not by any means an expert on this but I think this is around about the right age!)

The quirky features of the story like the names of the ants and their home InhabitANT are wonderful and are a brilliant way for children to learn the meanings of new words and expand their vocabulary (They are also amusing for any adults who may be helping out on the way!) The inclusion of characters of other species such as PleasANT and ElegANT are helpful in the plot and create a broad range of personalities that open up a whole realm of possibilities for future plots.

PleasANT is my favourite character (for obvious reasons ;) ) and I’m sure that kids will become quickly attached to their favourite. The main characters, Brill, Zube and HesistANT provide three different personalities that will provide a relateable character for any reader. They are warm and will make any child feel enthusiastic about the contents of their garden. The thoughts of the ants will also bring children to the ants’ level and allow them to imagine what things are like when you are that small.

The pace of the plot is good and the story keeps the excitement moving. The only quibble I have is that Douglas could have made more use of the two-legs’ house, but you never know this may be in the next book! As I have previously said excitement is easily kept and it is more than difficult to prevent yourself from wanting to know what is going to happen to the ants! Parents will be just as interested as their children!

ONE SENTENCE: Children will be enthralled in this backyard-world.

A Cracker-jacking Beginning: An Unfortunate Beginning by Natasha Brown

This story would be wonderful for any child aged between 8 and 13. The plot is exciting and the pace is fast enough to keep you interested without allowing the reader to lose track of what and who is going on. There were lots of features that I enjoyed.

To start with, I have got to say that I absolutely love Brown’s humour, which is unique in its approach and yet still has the laugh-out-loud effect of Rick Riordan’s ‘Percy Jackson’. The gags are little gems within the book and it is impossible not to smile when they do come up.

As I've already said, the plot is warm, exciting and different. Driving you through without any contemplation of stopping. The story-line is clever and incorporates a realm of different aspects but does not overwhelm. The ending is really very good and will keep you guessing until the end, although the wool will still be pulled over your eyes! (probably)

The character of Nimrod (great name. really great name.) is likeable and engaging and it is very difficult not to feel some kind of sympathy for him. Pepper is in the same way likeable and adds depth to the story, although I did find myself forgetting her back-story quickly but that may have just been me. Despite the some of the other characters appearing to be slightly on the flat side at times, I ended up taking a particular shine to Red, who remains my favourite character because of his courage and loyalty.

Brown’s style is intriguing and pleasant and I would not hesitate in recommending this to the younger reader. I hope we will see more of Nimrod’s adventures in the future!

ONE SENTENCE: Engaging and exciting, perfect for children aged 8 and upwards.