KJK Reads

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Children's, Historical Fiction Thoughts:  This book is a cute but significant book. Otto and Michael are very different kids with different views to violence, with us spending most of our time with Otto who dislikes violence and wars so much he doesn’t want to take part in the class trip and project. This in itself was quite interesting, seeing a child’s mature viewpoint against war when we’re so used to being shown kids like Otto dressing up and playing soldiers for fun. The boys finding out about a relative who had fought in the war through a random comment and mad dash not to throw out an old suitcase may be replicated through many homes as the generations grow. I liked seeing the development of Michael and his views and the ending was quite cute too. Favourite Quote:  “Surely, if you want what you say you want a world at peace you have to understand the consequences of a world at war. Plenty of consequences buried out there in the battlefields of th...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Children's, Historical Fiction Thoughts:  What a cute story. It did throw me off a little being set so recently but having a young Morpurgo as the main character but it’s a fun little easter egg for the kids. I liked the idea of Michael setting off to find the almost family that he grew up hearing about and seeing the way in which so many lives intertwined with Alfie’s in his short years. I also liked the ending having the French and English ‘families’ staying in contact. The illustrations were beautiful and touching as ever and only having dashes of red for the poppies, flag, fires and boats left an impact. Favourite Quote:  “Like so many others, he came, and he died. End of story. But the story lives on, doesn't it?”

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Children's, War, Historical Fiction Thoughts:  This is such a beautiful little book, I really like the idea of using a story like this to get children more engaged in such an important day as Remembrance Day and the history behind it. I liked that Martens’ dad was shown as being killed by the war but decades after as it’s something we don’t tend to think about, even those of us who look into this period of history often, but it’s still a risk here in Europe (not just places like Angola where Lady Diana raised awareness). The use of the poem as an anchor for the love stories throughout Martens’ family is a cute way to do it with both grandfather and great grandfather finding love in the same way but a war apart. It’s really striking to keep the illustrations in black and white aside from the poppies when used as it draws the eye and emphasises their importance, I also find the cover even more so with the metallic sheen on the title and poppies. Favourite Quot...

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Self-Help  Thoughts:  I have read one of these (the mindfulness one) a few years back so I thought why not check this new release out. The colours are all so bright and beautiful which makes the book more attractive. The mix of famous quotes and the authors own after letters is cute and some of the quotes were really good. In terms of the actual letters, the book initially came across as one not for me and a bit unintentionally able body focused with the E for Exercise and W for Walking it does also include more accessible forms l such as Yoga and Tai Chi so it isn’t as inaccessible for me as I initially thought. I also liked that in the end it emphasises small changes and just using ones that fit for you. I also liked the positive approach to ageing that the book takes, especially in O for Opportunity, as it looks more at having a longer and better life rather than cheating the ageing process.  Favourite Quote:  “Longevity isn't about chasing...

Rating: 3.5 Themes: Non-Fiction, Humour Thoughts:  This book is an entertaining quick read, great as a palette cleanser between intense reads. It covers teachers from all over the world which makes me think maybe it’s the profession that drives them to such funny but extreme behaviours. I didn’t really understand the way in which they were broken into chapters as it all felt like it just flowed as one and the first few chapter titles were so broad. With the tales being a paragraph or 2 each we can pretty much stop wherever and know exactly where we are when we pick it up so they weren’t exactly necessary. The illustrations being just pencil drawings felt like they really fit, as if the students were doodling what they had experienced while in class. Favourite Quote:  “School: the best days of our lives! Or so we are always told. But ask anyone who's a few decades into their post-school life to name some outstanding memories of their formative years and they'll most likely have...

Rating: 2.5 Stars  Themes: Thriller, Quick Reads  Thoughts:  This is the first quick reads book that I have read and felt like it didn’t quite feel right. I read quick reads as a taster for new authors as well as whenever a story sounds interesting but I know the point is accessible stories for new and returning readers but this one felt more like the beginning of the authors full book rather than a story in it’s own right and we need to go buy/read the new book to be able to find out who actually did it which I’ve never felt before even with the books that are shortened versions of full length novels. We did find out why the kidnapping happened and the build up is great so I was looking forward to the explanations and while I did like the why it’s frustrating that the rest of the story is just missing. It’s a shame as the premise, writing and characters were all great, I just wish it was either a novel in its own right or penned as a prequel novella rather than a quick r...