The Griffin Gate by Vashti Hardy illustrated by Natalie Smillie

 

Publisher blurb: "Grace's family are wardens of the Griffin map using its teleport technology to fight crime across Moreland. Although Grace is still too young, she longs to go on missions herself. After all if her brother, Bren, can do it, why can't she? So when Grace finds herself alone with the map as a distress call comes in,  she jumps at the chance to prove she's up to the task. But the map transports Grace to a remote village where nothing is quite as it seems. Has she taken on more than she can handle?"

This is a short (104 pages) illustrated book with a story that packs a punch. I loved the idea of the map as a transport device but even more I loved the underlying tension of corruption and manipulation. Don't worry this is a book for a reader aged 8+ containing a familiar story of good and evil. The Mayor wants power and he thinks using Grace will serve his cause but what he has not bargained on is that Grace is a brave girl and she is also a terrific problem solver. 

While things are wrapped up nicely at the end of this first book readers will be excited to dip into the second instalment by Vashti Hardy The Puffin Portal which is due out later this year. You can read a few pages from The Griffin Gate on the publisher web site.

This has the feel of a big adventure despite being told in fewer than one hundred pages. A great plot, characters who develop throughout the story and a realistic fantasy world are all created by Vashti Hardy. The importance of family and the use of power for good is incorporated into an irresistible adventure with care. Grace is a brilliant character, I warmed to her and think readers will do so.  A Library Lady

All Primary school libraries should add as many books from Barrington Stoke as their budget will allow. These are just prefect for readers who are ready for a chapter book with a substantial story but who are not ready to tackle books with 300+ pages. 

10 things you need to know (from Barrington Stoke)

1. The best authors in the business ensure well-written texts that encourage discussion.

2. Our unique dyslexia-friendly font makes reading easier.

3. We use heavier paper with a gentle tint that is easier on the eye.

4. Our accessible layouts, spacing and design are more appealing to our readers.

5. Expert editing ensures a smoother read that still challenges young readers.

6. ‘Hi lo’ stories mean that though they are written with a lower reading age, the content matches the

age of the reader without being patronising.

7. Shorter stories are less daunting for the reluctant reader – good for confidence and motivation.

8. Short chapters provide plenty of rest breaks while cliffhangers keep the reader hooked.

9. Attractive illustrations are used to aid comprehension and break up the text.

10. Appealing cover design and high-quality finishes ensure the books have the ‘cool’ factor.

There are books for readers aged 6+ right up to 8+.  Here are some I have read and recommend:

Little Gems

The Bakery of Happiness; The First third Wish; Rose's Dress of Dreams; Bella's Den; Butterflies for Grandpa Joe; The Smile; and The Bad Trousers.

I have looked for a list of the Little Gem and other Barrington Stoke titles such as the series called 4U2Read but I haven't found one that was easy to access.  I have started a Pinterest of their titles which look appealing to me and using the Barrington Stoke catalogue I created this list of Little Gems:

Norman the Norman and the Very Small Duchess

The Big Fib

The Bakery of Happiness

The First Third Wish

Grey Island Red Boat

Grandpa Bert and the Ghost Snatchers

The Story of the Dancing Frog

Anna Liza and the Happy Practice

The Fish in the Bathtub

Mariella, Queen of the Skies

Mary's Hair

Blamehounds

Cheesemares

Ted Rules the World

Blue John

Joe and the Dragonosaurus

Mr Birdsnest and the House Next Door

The Snake who Came to Stay

A Twist of Tales

Albert Johnson and the Buns of Steel

Superdad’s Day Off

The Unlucky Eleven

Out for the Count

Pram Busters!

Molly Rogers to the Rescue

Monster Busters

The Monster from the Blue Planet

The Moonshine Dragon

Sea Urchins & Sand Pigs

Madam Squeaker

Henry Pond the Poet

Good Dog Lion

I Killed Father Christmas

Nappy the Pirate Baby

Grandpa Was an Astronaut

Mint Choc Chip at the Market Café

Special Delivery

The Castle in the Field

Minikid

Snug

We Are Not Frogs!

All About Ella

Billy Button Telegram Boy

The Great Telephone Mix-Up

The Ghost in Annie’s Room

Skulduggery

8 3.5 Clever Cakes

Dread Cat

Splash Day!

Captain Whiskers

Nellie Choc-Ice, Penguin Explorer

Big Trouble for Nellie Choc-Ice

Nellie Choc-Ice and the Plastic Island

Rose’s Dress of Dreams

Sophie Takes to the Sky