Time Travelling with a Tortoise by Ross Welford review — a purple tuk-tuk
Sequel to the bestselling Time Travelling with a Hamster, and a story that stands alone, this is the ingeniously plotted tale of 12-year-old Al Chaudhury, who tries to put right the changes caused by his time travels in the first book. His time machine is a purple tuk-tuk that belongs to his eccentric Geordie-Indian grandfather.
There is some scary business with dinosaurs, but the novel is more about alternative versions of the present than the past. It turns out that where you most belong is in your own unaltered life story, with all its troubles, rather than in parallel narratives. An adventure with humour, well-observed family life, improbable friendships and a warm heart.
Time Travelling with a Tortoise by Ross Welford (HarperCollins, £7.99, age 8-12) is out now. To order a copy go to timesbookshop.co.uk. Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ members
Groosham Grange: The Graphic Novel by Anthony Horowitz, adapted by Maxe L’Hermenier, illus by Clément Lefèvre
Anthony Horowitz’s spooky spoof is now a graphic novel illustrated with charm and atmosphere about a boy expelled from posh Beton and sent to a mysterious boarding school where the ghoulish teachers may not be what they seem.
Groosham Grange: The Graphic Novel by Anthony Horowitz (Walker, £12.99, age 7-12) is out now. To order a copy go to timesbookshop.co.uk. Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ members
