This whimsical children's chapter book (think Wind in the Willows and Winnie the Pooh) is highly recommended for all ages. The first book in a new series, it follows Badger, a workaholic rock scientist who has lived alone in his aunt's house for three years doing important rock work. He lives a simple, ordered life until one day there is a skunk with a red suitcase tied up with twine knocking at his door. If Badger had read the letters from Aunt Lula, he would have known that Skunk was going to move in with him. Skunk, outgoing, friendly, helpful (maybe too helpful?) a good cook (but a messy cook) like Badger, has quirky interests. With humour and wonderfully rich illustrations, this delightful book expounds the values of compromise, understanding the viewpoints of others, as well as love and kindness.
The Last Hours by Minette Walters 
Usually known for her psychological novels, Minette Walters can also write compelling and captivating historical fiction. The Last Hours is set in England in 1348 as the Black Death is starting to spread across the land. While her brutal husband is away negotiating a husband for their spoilt 14-year-old daughter, Lady Anne hears news of the plague. Educated by nuns and therefore with knowledge of good hygiene and the practice of isolation to keep sickness away, she brings their 200 serfs inside the moat of their manor house and lifts up the drawbridge. With the support of the elder serfs, Gyles and Thaddeus, this strong and memorable heroine takes charge at this frightening time, having already been quietly running the demesne efficiently and compassionately behind her nasty husband's back. How will they survive with food running low and with attacks from raiding parties? This character driven novel drew me in and with a few secrets to reveal and some unresolved business, I am looking forward to returning to Develish in the sequel, The Turn of Midnight.
Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce
This heart-warming story of unexpected female friendship, resilience and second chances as well as the lasting effects of war, had me cheering for Margery Benson, a single domestic science teacher who had lost her brothers and father in WWI. Advertising for an assistant to travel with her to the New Caledonian jungle to find an undiscovered species of golden beetle, she finds she has engaged the very unusual Enid Pretty. But, unbeknown to them, they are also being followed by Mr Mundic, a traumatised ex-prisoner of war. Another novel with plenty of surprises, great atmosphere and contrasts from austere, post-war Britain to the sun, heat and dangers of New Caledonia, written by a talented author.
This heart-warming story of unexpected female friendship, resilience and second chances as well as the lasting effects of war, had me cheering for Margery Benson, a single domestic science teacher who had lost her brothers and father in WWI. Advertising for an assistant to travel with her to the New Caledonian jungle to find an undiscovered species of golden beetle, she finds she has engaged the very unusual Enid Pretty. But, unbeknown to them, they are also being followed by Mr Mundic, a traumatised ex-prisoner of war. Another novel with plenty of surprises, great atmosphere and contrasts from austere, post-war Britain to the sun, heat and dangers of New Caledonia, written by a talented author.
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