Littlest and I have been reading The Secret Mermaid series by Sue Mongredien. We’re on book 6 now and feel this is a delicious series and one that is unapologetically girlie. The characters are enchanting and, like all Sue’s books, the attention to detail in her description is utterly perfect. We love this series.

“Dive into this magical new mermaid series, featuring gorgeously girly illustrations and fabulous ocean adventures from an ever-popular author.

When Molly Holmes moves with her family to Horseshoe Bay, her grandmother gives her an enchanted shell necklace that magically transforms her life. The power of the necklace transports Molly to the Undersea Kingdom, where she discovers that she is a Secret Mermaid and meets lots of new mermaid friends.

But the evil Dark Queen Carlotta seeks to steal control from the good Merqueen Luna, by seizing the magic pieces of conch shell that help protect the Undersea Kingdom.

Can Molly’s piece of the enchanted shell keep her safe from the Dark Queen’s army of bewitched sea creatures, and help her to restore order to the magical mermaid world?”

A series for 6-9 year olds, I think. And if Mermaids aren’t your thing, then do check out Sue’s Oliver Moon the junior wizard series or her Kitten Club series.

Next up is ‘Star Makers: Phoebe Finds her Voice‘ by Anne-Marie Conway and it’s a super impressive debut for any little (or big) heart that is aching to be a star.

“Meet Phoebe. Big heart, big laughs, BIG dramas!

Why won’t Phoebe’s annoying neighbour, Monty B, leave her alone? Can she get her dippy dad and over-worked mum back together again? Will class mean-girl, Polly Carter, just get off her case for once? And most important of all will she overcome her stage fright in time to sing her musical solo?

A warm-hearted story about the triumphs and traumas at the Star Makers Drama Club a special place where everyone has their moment to shine!”

Phoebe’s mum and dad have split up in this book, so reading this story raised some interesting (and necessary) questions about family. I liked that it did. I liked that Phoebe was such a real and genuine little girl. But I especially loved the firm message of the importance of friendship that seeps from this book. This warm read is a definite one for 7-10 year olds.

And finally, we’ve also been reading Magic Spirit, which is book one of the Tilly’s Pony Tails series. Littlest isn’t into horses yet (although many of her friends are), so this book gave her a wonderful insight into all things horsey.

“Tilly is an adopted child with a passion for ponies. The only clue to her past is a bracelet made of plaited horse hair. But when Tilly helps to rescue Magic Spirit, a rescue horse who has been so badly treated by humans that he won’t let anyone close, everything changes.

She’s invited to Silver Shoe Farm to help with Magic Spirit’s recovery, and Tilly’s special affinity with horses is clear to everyone. Soon the stables become like a second home and that’s when Tilly’s adventures really begin.”

This book is one for any girl (or boy, although the pink cover shows a definite incline towards a little girl readership) who has ever longed for a pony of her own.

An engaging story, but what lifts this book above other horsey tales is that the author Pippa Funnell was the first woman to become eventing’s world number one. She was awarded the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year and her passion for horses has translated so well into her stories. Another series for 7-10 year olds.