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Crummy Mummy and Me (Puffin Books)

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Anne Fine

September 18, 1989
It isn't easy for Minna being the only sensible one in the family, her Mum's got a punk rock boyfriend called Crusher, Granny stops speaking to Mum, Crusher runs over a dog when he's trying to sell his car, Minna's teacher wants an essay about her biological father who she's never even met and her classmates think she's really lucky. Minna is at the end of her tether, being sensible all the time isn't much fun but if she doesn't look after them all nobody else will. Anne Fine is one of the greatest contemporary children's novelist, her books are hilariously funny with an underlying theme sending a positive message to youngsters.

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Spring-heeled Jack

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Philip Pullman

October 01, 1998
As a 14-year-old, some may think that this book is a bit too young for me, but that is not so. We chose to review this book in my Philip Pullman fan club, and I found it fantastic beyond my expectations. Philip Pullman merges fantastic plots with mesmerising writing skill, in a book that will have 3 year olds to 103 year olds on the edge of their seats. The story tells of children, eager to escape their cruel orphanage in victorian London to travel to America. But evil Mack the Knife captures their locket which is their only method of paying for this trip, and all hope is lost..... but then, Spring heeled jack comes along - a super-hero who closely resembles the devil, and "if he wasn't the devil, then who the devil was he?" as Philip ... Read More:

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Asterix Omnibus 1: Asterix the Gaul, Asterix and the Golden Sickle, Asterix and the Goths: "Asterix the Gaul", "Asterix and the Golden Sickle", "Asterix and the Goths" v. 1 (Asterix)

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Rene Goscinny, Albert Uderzo

November 15, 2007
I grew up on Asterix, reading tattered, well-thumbed editions from the local library, so when I saw these were being reissued in new editions I was curious whether I would still enjoy them as much as I did when I was a child. Needless to say I did and time has not aged these great tales!

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Vampire Knight: v. 2 (Vampire Knight): v. 2 (Vampire Knight)

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Matsuri Hino

September 01, 2008
I'm really enjoying this series and cant wait to get the third and fourth books. I'm quite anxious to see where the plot goes and I loved the bonus stories at the back of the book (Sometimes There Are Lazy Days Too)

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The Diamond Girls

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Jacqueline Wilson

March 01, 2007
An imaginative, although not particularly intelligent girl, the amazingly pretty but slightly, er, promiscuous mum who means well, the obligatory 'nice guy' and the three unimportant sisters (one of which says she hates her mother). Where have we heard this before?

I just wish Jacqueline wouldn't keep recycling all the old stereotypes she's used before. To me it was predictable and boring. The only good point I can mention is that the plot with Mary and her mother was surprisingly interesting, which brings my review from a one to a three. However the end let the book down massively- it was like one big cop out.

All I can say is, can we have something a little different, Mrs Wilson?

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Do You Doodle?

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Nikalas Catlow

October 20, 2005
This book is just fantastic. I have had such fun with my 4 year old. It is so much better than an ordinary colouring book making you use your imagination first then colouring in your creation! It is just so good and is ideal for a long journey or for taking on holiday or for just sitting in front of the fire for some quality time with your child.

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Oxford English Dictionary for Schools (Dictionary)

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Robert Allen

June 05, 2008
This book is just fantastic. I have had such fun with my 4 year old. It is so much better than an ordinary colouring book making you use your imagination first then colouring in your creation! It is just so good and is ideal for a long journey or for taking on holiday or for just sitting in front of the fire for some quality time with your child.

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Rabbit-proof Fence

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Doris Pilkington

November 01, 2002
'Rabbit-Proof Fence' is the short, but completely captivating story of three girls escape from a half-caste aboriginal centre and their epic, long walk home back to their families. This book is simply written, but extremely evocative and can easily be read in a couple of hours. But, for those hours, you will live and breathe the lives of these tenacious and brave girls completely. Written by the daughter of one of the girls (Molly) and pieced together from recollections and telegram records, this book charts what the human spirit is capable of and what bravery was shown by the girls to get back to their homes. A simple story, beautifully told and one to leave you awe inspired and full of respect. A solid four stars.

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Bleach: v. 20 (Bleach): v. 20 (Bleach)

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Tite Kubo

November 03, 2008
The Soul Society Arc of the story has been going since around volume six. Thirteen volumes (around 2600 pages) have been building to this one and it definitely doesn't disappoint. All the fights that have been brewing come to a climax spanning the whole volume. In one of the bests twists I've seen in a long time as well, the villain is revealed. It's brilliantly written and is always engaging.
Gin becomes more intriguing, Momo becomes more tragic, Kisuke becomes more mysterious (if that was possible). I've read to very many times in anticipation of volume 21.

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Advanced Physics for You

Childrens Toy Shop > Children & Baby Books > Ages 12 to 16
by: Keith Johnson, Simmone Hewett, Sue Holt, John Miller

November 14, 2000
I'm surprised at how overwhelmingly positive all the feedback on this book is - it's pretty decent but I've got some reservations.

Firstly, the good bits: it's nicely structured and covers a comprehensive range of topics. It is mainly very read-able and doesn't skimp on the more basic detail. Plus it doesn't shy away from taking a few pages to explain a topic fully and clearly.

My main bugbear with it is the slightly patronising, primary-school tone it has most of the time. The book is littered with pictures of a cartoon character called "Fizz" (as in, fizz-ics... geddit?) doing "hilarious" things to illustrate some of the points. OK, so I'm a mature student and grumpy git, but I'm certain that it would have annoyed me just ... Read More: