The Piper by Danny Weston ****

Andersen Press

9781783440511, £6.99

The cover immediately caught my attention and after reading the blurb I couldn't wait to get hold of a copy. I wasn't disappointed. 

Peter and his little sister Daisy are evacuated to an isolated farm during World War II and taken into care by a very peculiar and reserved family. Immediately you sense there is something very sinister going on, it is up to Peter to discover the secrets and keep Daisy safe. There’s the creepy pipe music that plays in the evening, the ghostly girls lingering outside the farm, the mysterious stories surrounding the old marsh, and not to mention the eerie china dolls, they were the worst! Weston’s writing is spookily enchanting and familiar; even though it was freaking me out a little I just couldn't stop reading. Don’t miss out on this one, totally creepy and completely brilliant.

The Queen’s Hat by Steve Antony *****

Hodder Children's Books,  9781444919141, £11.99 hbk

A sudden gust of wind sets off a spectacular London escapade as the Queen and her guards try to retrieve Her very special hat. Join them on their quest across Trafalgar Square, over London Bridge, up Big Ben, in the Zoo and on the London Eye. The witty and super stylish illustrations are a celebration of London and one of the Queen’s very important relatives. A certain future classic, and without a doubt my absolute new favourite picture book!