September was a slow month for reading as the kids were off nursery with tummy bugs and colds.

Tilly and the Lost Fairy Tales by Anna James

September often has me seeking out stories with magic, and this series is such a comfort read. In the second installment of the series, Tilly and her friend Oskar, find themselves in Paris investigating some very mixed up fairy tales. This one shows turmoil at the heart of the Under Library as the book wanderers elect a new leader, the children’s old adversary returns and a new villain introduces themselves. This series is such a treat for readers with this one offering some fun and amusing fresh twists on beloved fairy tales.

Rosa by Starlight by Hillary McKay

A modern fairytale, this was much sadder than I anticipated, as orphaned Rosa has the chance to visit Venice with her neglectful aunt and uncle. One thing that I loved was the role of cats as patient and comforting childhood companions, that reminded me so much the special relationship I had with our own family pet. I did find this quite a sad story for children but one with a lovely ending full of found family and a touch of magic.

The House by the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune

I put off reading this for a long time because it was so hyped when it came out. This very much reminded me of Good Omens and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy as an unassuming social worker, Linus Baker, who has been living a predictable and lonely life is given an assignment to visit an orphanage full of extraordinary children. The story is a cosy comfort read in that it’s a slow burn romance and one where Linus’ own growth take centre stage, and there isn’t much action or adventure to drive the plot, but it does tackle some serious themes about prejudice, foster care and found families.

On Palestine by Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappe

This is a book offering an American and Israeli context for the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel between two somewhat controversial anti-Zionist academics, it’s a combination of transcribed dialogue, essays and speeches. Published in 2015, it’s incredibly relevant with some interesting insights into possible future scenarios for Israel and Palestine, but it did seem a bit repetitive in places.

Have a lovely week. X