Spotlight: Living at the Edge of the World – Spring by S. J. Barratt and narrated by Gill Mills

/

Genre: Middle Grade Eco Adventure  

When twelve-year-old twins Tabitha and Timothy unearth an ancient artefact in the peat banks of Papala Island, they set off a chain of extraordinary events. Determined to protect their discovery, the twins rally their friends to outwit sneaky treasure hunters, navigate treacherous terrain, and unravel the island’s ancient legend.

As spring unfolds, and with the guidance of their Great Uncle Tamhas, the twins uncover the true meaning of community, courage, and belonging—realising they have the power to make a difference, even at twelve.

Packed with action, wildlife, and heart, Living at the Edge of the World: Spring is the perfect adventure story for listeners aged 9-12. Explore the wilds of Papala Island, Shetland, in this exciting tale of bravery, friendship, and discovering where you truly belong.

Ready to join Tabitha and Timothy in Papala?

Excerpt

About the Author

S. J. Barratt is a self-published, professionally edited children’s author whose eco-themed stories celebrate the connection between people and the natural world. Rooted in an English countryside upbringing and shaped by a career in agriculture, she blends a gardener’s curiosity with a storyteller’s warmth to her writing. Now based in Lyon, France, Suzanne creates tales that inspire middle-grade readers to swap screen time for green time—and rediscover the wonders waiting just outside their door.

Website * Facebook *Instagram * TikTok * Bookbub * Goodreads

A former BBC broadcaster and journalist, Gill Mills brings over 20 years of experience in entertainment to her narration. Known for her warm, resonant voice, she began her voice career while DJing on BBC Radio 1 and has since voiced numerous TV and audio productions. She now runs a content company specialising in podcast and film production from her studio in East London.

LinkedIn* Instagram

Spotlight: The Tales of Sidney and JoJo by Lauren Isaacson and Megan Heller (Illustrator)

/

Juvenile Fiction / Multicultural / Animals

Date Published: 06-23-2026

Publisher: Mission Point Press

Illustrated by: Megan Heller 

Sidney and JoJo are off to Thailand, where Mama lives.

Join them on an adventure to faraway lands-by crate, van, car, conveyor belt, and airplane-as they discover the sights and sounds of a tropical new world. Along the way, they meet friendly Thai people, encounter a wise dog, and gaze in wonder at the golden Buddhas and temple cats standing guard. With a few bumps in the road-marked by meows, tail twitches, and new surprises-they journey onward until, at last, they arrive at their new home.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback | Hardcover | Bookshop.org

About the Author & Illustrator

Lauren Isaacson is an educator, business owner, and is excited to add children’s book author to her repetoire. Inspired by the real-life journey of her two adventurous cats during a move abroad, Lauren wrote this story to share with her students and families around the world. She is the founder of The Tutoring Hub: Tutoring & Advocacy, LLC, where she supports students, families, and educators. As her students learned about her two cats and their adventures, a desire grew to give them a story they could take home. Lauren is excited to continue the adventures of The Tales of Sidney and JoJo. You can contact Luaren at ljisaacson491@gmail.com.

Megan Heller is a Michigan-based contemporary artist who earned her BFA in illustration from the College for Creative Studies. Her work blends intricate detail with rich symbolism. Working primarily in mixed media, such as watercolors and colored pencils, with just a dash of digital magic, her pieces have been shown at Black Box Gallery’s Fantasy Exhibition in Dearborn, the Midland Center for the Arts, as well as galleries and exhibitions throughout Detroit and her hometown of Saginaw. This is her first foray into children’s book illustration.

Connect:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250154702-the-tales-of-sidney-and-jojo?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=uDFuk5wooA&rank=1

IG: @the.tutoring.hub, @teacher.lauren.ud

Facebook: Lauren Isaacson and The-Tutoring-Hub (page)

TikTok: @the.tutoring.hub_

Website: www.the-tutoring-hub.com 

Spotlight: Through the Garden Gate by Sharon Rose & Illustrated by Erin Brown

/

Through the Garden Gate (The Collective Book Studio, April 7, 2026) is a lushly illustrated picture book that invites children ages 4–8 to step into a world where fantasy and ecology intertwine. Written by award-winning garden designer Sharon Rose and illustrated by Erin Brown, this enchanting story is both a whimsical adventure and an introduction to the wonders of native plants and natural ecosystems. 

When Miles discovers a neighbor’s mysterious gate, he wanders into a secret garden alive with talking animals, fluttering fairies, and vibrant flora. Each page reveals magical details inspired by real-life plants, encouraging children to look more closely at the world outside their own doors. 

Why Readers Will Love Through the Garden Gate 

● Fantasy Meets Ecology: A tale that blends fairies and imagination with real plants and environmental knowledge. 

● Classic Storybook Style: Rich illustrations recall beloved classics like The Secret Garden and Miss Rumphius. 

● Interactive Learning: Includes backmatter with plant facts, ecology insights, and a garden-themed seek-and-find activity. 

● Created by Experts: Sharon Rose, a garden designer, ensures accuracy in the flora depicted, while Erin Brown’s timeless illustrations bring the magical garden to life. 

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Sharon Rose is an award-winning garden designer and environmental artist based in San Francisco. She is the founder of STUDIO SF Landscape Design, where she revitalizes natural landscapes and creates distinctive outdoor spaces. With over two decades of experience, her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Sunset Magazine, and Luxe Interiors + Design. She is passionate about inspiring children to see the magic in the natural world.

About the Illustrator

Erin Brown is a Northern Irish illustrator based in Jersey, Channel Islands. Known for her detailed, traditional-meets-digital style, her work includes Tales from the Forest and Finding Calm in Nature. She draws inspiration from folklore, nature, and her coastal upbringing.

Spotlight: K-Pop – The Four Lights and the Sharded Lullaby by Lotte Bluejay

/

An epic K-Pop fantasy adventure series for readers ages 8-12.

Music becomes magic. Friendship becomes power. And every concert could save the world.

When four freshly debuted K-pop idols discover that their songs awaken ancient magic, their rise to fame turns into something far greater than a world tour.

At their first sold-out concert, Hana, Daon, Mira, and Noah expect a night of lights and applause. Instead, they uncover a broken lullaby and fragments of an ancient prophecy. Soon strange things begin to follow them from city to city - whispers in the lights, shadows beneath the rhythm, and a dark force determined to silence their music forever.

Because somewhere in the shadows, a forgotten enemy has been waiting for the music to begin.

To protect their dreams, their fans, and each other, the four must learn to unlock the hidden power within their songs. Because harmony is strongest when no one stands alone. And some melodies were never meant to fade.

Perfect for readers who love:

• magical adventures and epic quests

• powerful friendships and teamwork

• modern fantasy with a pop-culture twist

• stories where music becomes magic

Begin the adventure with Book 1 of The Four Lights. The stage is set. The prophecy has begun. And the world is about to hear their song.

The Four Lights Series

A magical middle-grade adventure about friendship, courage, and the power of music.

Book 1 - The Sharded Lullaby

Book 2 - The Shadow Band

Book 3 - The Crimson Solace

Book 4 - The Syncopated Harmony

Book 5 - The Hollow Beat

Book 6 - The Blinding Crescendo

Book 7 - the epic finale

Excerpt

“Mira, Daon, Noah,” the manager said, pointing in turn. Then, with a small flourish, “That’s Hana. And together … YOU are the band.”

The words dropped like fireworks.

Hana blinked at them. Mira’s mouth formed a tiny oh. Daon stopped tapping, though his foot kept bouncing. Noah didn’t move at all, but his eyes narrowed, studying them.

For a long breath, they just stared at one another. Happy? Absolutely. Excited? Without a doubt. But startled, too. Like their dream had just fast-forwarded from “someday soon” to “right this second.”

It wasn’t fear that filled Hana’s chest. Not exactly. It was … something warm – familiar, even. A weird sense that these three strangers were not strangers at all.

The manager clapped his hands once. “Alright, rehearsals tonight. You hit Seoul tomorrow. Then Tokyo. Then Bangkok. Posters are already printed. Contracts signed. From now on, you are The Four Lights. Hooray!”

Hana’s head spun. She had imagined this moment a thousand times, singing into a hairbrush, standing on her balcony pretending the city lights were her crowd. But she had never ever pictured three unfamiliar faces beside her.

Mira leaned in first, breaking the silence. “So … we’re really doing this?” Her voice carried a ripple of laughter and nerves.

“Guess so,” Daon grinned, twirling his headphones like he was already halfway into a new beat. “Hope you like traveling. And dancing. And late-night ramen.”

Noah gave a small nod, the corner of his mouth almost – almost – turning into a smile. “If we’re a band, we’d better sound like one.”

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Lotte Bluejay creates magical middle-grade adventures where music becomes power and friendship saves the day. Her Four Lights series blends the sparkle of K-Pop with the wonder of fantasy, giving young readers stories filled with rhythm, courage, and hope. Every book is written to light up imaginations, celebrate teamwork, and remind kids that even in the darkest moments, their own voices can shine the brightest.

Connect:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the4lights.official

Website with all books of the series: https://www.gocrazyhappy.com/the4lights/

Soundtrack: https://thefourlights.hearnow.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the4lights.official/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@the4lights.official

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lotte-bluejay

If you cannot embed the code, please use this HTML link: Enter to win a $15 Amazon/BN gift card.

Spotlight: Zicky by Darin S Cape & illustrated by Zeno Decrux and Hiorsh Gabotto

/

For readers 9 and older, “Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King” bursts with monsters, mayhem, and heart. With its expressive visual style, cheeky humor, and emotionally grounded characters, Zicky puts a fresh spin on classic kai (portal fantasy) storytelling. Zicky is ideal for readers who love fast-moving fantasy with heart. A coming-of-age story set in a strange and dangerous world, this graphic novel delivers a unique voice and a vivid, unforgettable journey.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Founded by SHAWN HAINSWORTH, SHP Comics launched in 2021 as an independent publisher aiming to deliver daring, intelligent, genre-bending comics and graphic novels. Hainsworth began his creative life as an award-winning experimental filmmaker before telling stories on the page under the pseudonym Darin S. Cape. The publisher, author and producer lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife, two kids and a hound dog mix. Learn more at shpcomics.com, and follow SHP on Facebook: @shpcomics and Instagram: @shpcomics.

Spotlight: The Wars Between by Lee J. Mavin

/

With a richly imagined world — complete with sea fortresses, democratic republics, mythical creatures and a trade island that profits from both sides of the war — The Wars Between invites young readers to think critically about leadership, history and the power of language.

The book features a detailed map in the opening pages and cover illustration by Polish artist Karolina Piotrowska, a long-time collaborator with Lee.

In a world that is divided more than ever before, as a writer and a teacher, Lee wants students to think differently about conflict and leadership around the globe. 

Alongside the book, Lee holds creative writing and storytelling workshops which explore:

• The power of poetry and storytelling
• Questioning inherited narratives
• Leadership and responsibility
• Environmental ethics and food systems
• The economics of conflict
• Courage to think differently

Lee encourages students to examine how stories influence the way we see others, and how their own voices can shape the future.

Because sometimes, the most powerful warrior is not the one who lifts a sword,  but the one who dares to write.

Outis became the mightiest of word-warriors, swinging his pen-sword with such precision that he became a guardian of truth.

The Wars Between is out on April 30th. Make sure you grab your copy of the book at https://leejmavin.com/

About the Author

Lee J. Mavin is a Sydney-based author of children’s and young adult fantasy whose work blends adventure, satire and layered social themes. Across thirteen published books, he has built imaginative worlds that explore identity, courage and the power of storytelling.

His latest novel, The Wars Between, follows an unlikely young poet who sets out to end a thousand-year war with words instead of weapons. Written for readers aged eight to 14 and beyond, the book reflects Lee’s interest in how narratives shape nations, how myths endure, and how unlikely voices can create change.

Lee has lived in China and Japan and speaks three languages. His experiences in these countries inform his global perspective and storytelling. He is a school teacher and lives in Sydney with his wife and children and spends his free time reading, watching movies and listening to hip hop.