Recommended reads from Mr McCallum

In each newsletter I'll be recommending three books that I've read and loved. We have them all in our library, but you could also borrow them from Christchurch City Libraries or buy them from my favourite bookshops, PaperPlus Hornby and Telling Tales.

The Grimmelings by Rachael King

This is my favourite book so far this year. Written by local Christchurch author, Rachael King, it is a story filled with magic, mystery, adventure, curses and family secrets. It's set in Canterbury, but ties in Celtic mythology with a kelpie that haunts the characters. This is ideal for readers who like their stories on the spooky side. Ages 11+

Adventuremice series by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

This is a great series to read aloud to younger family members or for newly independent readers to read themselves. Otter Chaos is the first book in the series (there are currently 3 books), about a group of mice, called the Adventuremice, who go on brave and daring missions to rescue other mice in need. Sarah McIntyre's fun and colourful illustrations make the characters come alive.

The Travelling Bookshop series by Katrina Nannestad

I absolutely adore the Travelling Bookshop series! It follows Mim, her brother Nat, and their dad, who travel around Europe with their bookshop caravan, bringing books to the people that they need the most. Whenever they reach their destination, their caravan transforms and becomes a magical bookshop. There is always someone who needs their books, whether it is an artist who doesn't want to sell his masterpieces or two feuding families who just need to learn to get along. The series is full of the magic of books and the characters are delightful. Ages 7+