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The Times and Tide Club #1
The Thames and Tide Club: The Secret City
An exciting new adventure series for young readers from Carnegie Medal winner Katya Balen, author of October, October and The Light in EverythingClem and her friends Ash and Zara are members of the Thames and Tide Club! Every weekend they go mudlarking by the river, searching for treasures that have washed up on the shore. Clem has found old things, new things and a whole heap of rubbish. But one day, she finds something really special. Something magical that belongs in the river and must be returned to its rightful owner … or else.Before they know it, the Thames and Tide Club are on the weirdest, wildest, underwater-iest adventure they could possibly have imagined on a mission to save Underwater London!
160 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2023
5 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Katya Balen
20 books166 followersKatya Balen is a British author of children's literature. She was born in 1989, in London. Her novel
October, October
won the 2022 Carnegie Medal. Her work has also been nominated for the Branford Boase Award and the Wainwright Prize for Children's Writing on Nature and Conservation.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 27, 2023
The Thames and Tide Club: The Secret City by Katya Balen, illustrated by @rachaeladean
Thank you to @bloomsburychildrens @bloomsburypublishing @netgalley for the digital advanced reader copy of this book. I was so happy to get the physical book in my @_reading_rocks_ box this month too!
This is a perfect book for Lower Key Stage 2 readers.
It is a quick, fun and engaging read filled with a lovable cast of diverse characters and stunning illustrations.
This underwater, mudlarking adventure made me laugh out loud in some places with its fish themed puns and word play!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book in this series and look forward the next adventure with Clem, Zara, Ash and the rest of the Thames and Tide Club!
It's definitely one I will be recommending to my class 🥰
Thank you to @bloomsburychildrens @bloomsburypublishing @netgalley for the digital advanced reader copy of this book. I was so happy to get the physical book in my @_reading_rocks_ box this month too!
This is a perfect book for Lower Key Stage 2 readers.
It is a quick, fun and engaging read filled with a lovable cast of diverse characters and stunning illustrations.
This underwater, mudlarking adventure made me laugh out loud in some places with its fish themed puns and word play!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book in this series and look forward the next adventure with Clem, Zara, Ash and the rest of the Thames and Tide Club!
It's definitely one I will be recommending to my class 🥰
March 19, 2024
Cute quick read.
May 6, 2023
I have only recently discovered this author through October October which was utterly beautiful.
The club mentioned in the title led me to believe that this book might have a connection to October October which introduces a club with a similar name but there didn’t appear to be any connection. I also thought that this might be directed at a similar age group whereas I think that this seems to be for a younger readership.
This is the story of The Thames and Tide Club which has a wide ranging membership of children and adults who go Mudlarking on the River Thames. They bring back cherished finds to the local museum owner, Oswald and his pet iguana, Gerald. After one mudlarking trip they begin to notice some worrying changes - the river churning angrily, dark skies, fractures in the buildings and water eruptions…As things get worse the occupants of Elm Estate, where they all live, are asked to evacuate…
This is a lovely adventure story with climate change themes and a wonderful and often humorous London underwater theme which sees the children having to return something to the river kingdom for the balance to be returned. An enjoyable adventure which will appeal to younger readers with some absolutely gorgeous illustrations.
With many thanks to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for my copy of this book.
The club mentioned in the title led me to believe that this book might have a connection to October October which introduces a club with a similar name but there didn’t appear to be any connection. I also thought that this might be directed at a similar age group whereas I think that this seems to be for a younger readership.
This is the story of The Thames and Tide Club which has a wide ranging membership of children and adults who go Mudlarking on the River Thames. They bring back cherished finds to the local museum owner, Oswald and his pet iguana, Gerald. After one mudlarking trip they begin to notice some worrying changes - the river churning angrily, dark skies, fractures in the buildings and water eruptions…As things get worse the occupants of Elm Estate, where they all live, are asked to evacuate…
This is a lovely adventure story with climate change themes and a wonderful and often humorous London underwater theme which sees the children having to return something to the river kingdom for the balance to be returned. An enjoyable adventure which will appeal to younger readers with some absolutely gorgeous illustrations.
With many thanks to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for my copy of this book.
November 12, 2023
Friends Clem, Ash and Zara are excited about another adventure down on the banks of the river Thames. They are members of The Thames and Tide Club and joining others along the way, they are keen to begin their mudlarking.
Mudlarking is treasure-hunting. It was story finding. It was magic.
All three children have different mudlarking wishes as they set off. Clem is eagle-eyed, often spotting things others missed. More than anything Ash wants to find a laser shark. Even better would be if it had money tied to its fin! Science loving Zara is always on the lookout for fossils to study.
The river is acting strange when they arrive. It seems higher than it should be, and angry too - swirling and rushing, and by the darkening sky above, Clem knew they wouldn't have long to treasure hunt.
Soon, as the rain begins to fall, Clem is happy with a bucketful of bits and pieces she's found and they head to the local museum. The museum curator Oswald, is always interested in what they bring him.
The river continues to race and rage, and before long other strange things happen. Water seems to be rising through the floors. The ground begins to rumble and buildings begin to shake. Cracks begin to appear in the roads! What is happening?!
Clem doesn't realise that something she found while mudlarking is a treasured possession. When it too begins to behave strangely, she and her friends rush to see Oswald. Does he know what it is?
They always knew he was a little different, but what he tells them next sends them on an adventure of a lifetime. All thoughts of fossils, laser sharks and piles of money are forgotten as they discover something a million times spectacular and launches them into the first of many escapades within the Thames and Tide Club.
By multi award winning author Katya Balen, this first adventure of keen, young mudlarkers is full of suspense, laughs, mystery, action and fantasy.
With quirky and engaging characters, intricate black and white illustrations by Rachael Dean and a fast moving plot, I am instantly keen to read more in this series. Although based on the River Thames in the UK, young readers everywhere in the world will be fascinated in this foray into a whole new world.
Fantastic junior fiction.
Age - 7+
Mudlarking is treasure-hunting. It was story finding. It was magic.
All three children have different mudlarking wishes as they set off. Clem is eagle-eyed, often spotting things others missed. More than anything Ash wants to find a laser shark. Even better would be if it had money tied to its fin! Science loving Zara is always on the lookout for fossils to study.
The river is acting strange when they arrive. It seems higher than it should be, and angry too - swirling and rushing, and by the darkening sky above, Clem knew they wouldn't have long to treasure hunt.
Soon, as the rain begins to fall, Clem is happy with a bucketful of bits and pieces she's found and they head to the local museum. The museum curator Oswald, is always interested in what they bring him.
The river continues to race and rage, and before long other strange things happen. Water seems to be rising through the floors. The ground begins to rumble and buildings begin to shake. Cracks begin to appear in the roads! What is happening?!
Clem doesn't realise that something she found while mudlarking is a treasured possession. When it too begins to behave strangely, she and her friends rush to see Oswald. Does he know what it is?
They always knew he was a little different, but what he tells them next sends them on an adventure of a lifetime. All thoughts of fossils, laser sharks and piles of money are forgotten as they discover something a million times spectacular and launches them into the first of many escapades within the Thames and Tide Club.
By multi award winning author Katya Balen, this first adventure of keen, young mudlarkers is full of suspense, laughs, mystery, action and fantasy.
With quirky and engaging characters, intricate black and white illustrations by Rachael Dean and a fast moving plot, I am instantly keen to read more in this series. Although based on the River Thames in the UK, young readers everywhere in the world will be fascinated in this foray into a whole new world.
Fantastic junior fiction.
Age - 7+
July 10, 2023
A captivating and imaginative book that will enchant young readers with its humorous storyline and cast; shorter books for children are also to be welcome. Balen, known for her success with books for older children, demonstrates her versatility as she ventures into writing for younger readers with a brisk and engaging pace.
The story revolves around Clem, a budding young archaeologist, and her friends Ash and Zara, who spend their weekends combing the banks of the Thames as mudlarks. Their treasure-hunting adventures take a fantastical turn when Clem discovers a mysterious grey ring and brings it home. Unbeknownst to her, this triggers a series of extraordinary storms that wreak havoc along the tideline, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.
What follows is a fantastical underwater adventure as Clem and her friends embark on a race against time to restore the magical grey ring to the creature within the Thames who searches for it. Balen's vivid and highly-imagined fantasy world unfolds underwater, where the buildings bear an eerie resemblance to those above water but show signs of decay.
Balen's writing shines through with a simple poeticism. The book carries a gentle moral message about protecting the environment, a timely and important topic. Links to mudlarking echo Katya's previous novel for older readers, October, October.
The book's appeal is further enhanced by Rachael Dean's delightful illustrations, which perfectly capture the vividly imagined underwater world created by Balen. The combination of short, suspenseful chapters and engaging artwork makes The Thames and Tide Club accessible and enjoyable, even for less confident readers. Those I have handed it to have lapped it up. Sorry. Great for newly independent readers and established ones too.
The story revolves around Clem, a budding young archaeologist, and her friends Ash and Zara, who spend their weekends combing the banks of the Thames as mudlarks. Their treasure-hunting adventures take a fantastical turn when Clem discovers a mysterious grey ring and brings it home. Unbeknownst to her, this triggers a series of extraordinary storms that wreak havoc along the tideline, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.
What follows is a fantastical underwater adventure as Clem and her friends embark on a race against time to restore the magical grey ring to the creature within the Thames who searches for it. Balen's vivid and highly-imagined fantasy world unfolds underwater, where the buildings bear an eerie resemblance to those above water but show signs of decay.
Balen's writing shines through with a simple poeticism. The book carries a gentle moral message about protecting the environment, a timely and important topic. Links to mudlarking echo Katya's previous novel for older readers, October, October.
The book's appeal is further enhanced by Rachael Dean's delightful illustrations, which perfectly capture the vividly imagined underwater world created by Balen. The combination of short, suspenseful chapters and engaging artwork makes The Thames and Tide Club accessible and enjoyable, even for less confident readers. Those I have handed it to have lapped it up. Sorry. Great for newly independent readers and established ones too.
May 1, 2023
Clem, Ash and Zara all wearing wellies and carrying buckets go to Raj's, Mrs Drummonds, Mr Zafar's and then Sol's before leaving their flats. They are going mudlarking on the Thames.
But what is happening with the river, why is it so rough? Oddly the drains seem to be bubbling over too. And there are puddles in the bakery.
Clem finds a collection of the usual items but sees something odd in the churning water. Then the rain comes. The Thames and Tide club return to the Mudlarking Museum.
From that day things become more odd, water everywhere, cracks in buildings, the children and their friends in the flats are told to leave because it isn't safe.
What is that twisted metal in Clem's bucket? Oswald at the museum says it has to be returned to the river. Why? And why do they have to get in?
They have an adventure to find the owner of the twisted metal ring that Clem found. But what is it and who does it belong to?
I've loved the Katya Balen books I've already read, all of which were aimed at upper KS2 but this will suit younger readers finding their resilience with a book or those for whom a shorter book is still wanted.
But what is happening with the river, why is it so rough? Oddly the drains seem to be bubbling over too. And there are puddles in the bakery.
Clem finds a collection of the usual items but sees something odd in the churning water. Then the rain comes. The Thames and Tide club return to the Mudlarking Museum.
From that day things become more odd, water everywhere, cracks in buildings, the children and their friends in the flats are told to leave because it isn't safe.
What is that twisted metal in Clem's bucket? Oswald at the museum says it has to be returned to the river. Why? And why do they have to get in?
They have an adventure to find the owner of the twisted metal ring that Clem found. But what is it and who does it belong to?
I've loved the Katya Balen books I've already read, all of which were aimed at upper KS2 but this will suit younger readers finding their resilience with a book or those for whom a shorter book is still wanted.
March 31, 2023
Katya Belen knows how to create great stories for children and The Thames and Tide Club is the start of a promising series. Following earth tremors, strange cracks in the ground and floods something strange is happening in London.Clem, Zara and Ash are members of the Thames Tide club who go to search for objects revealed by low tides from the River Thames but a chance discovery causes havoc and the children have to enter a mysterious underwater world to save the city from destruction. Equipped with sealskin costumes they discover a London unknown to most humans and a community of aquatic characters. Told with humour and fast paced adventure this is an ideal read for the 7-9 year range -Rachael Dean’s illustrations add to the fun and drama and bring the underwater world to life - this is a great start to a new series. The London play on word locations are spot on .
June 8, 2023
Easy to read with action that starts quickly and keeps up a good pace throughout, this is a delightful start to a new series for younger readers. I liked the Mudlark club and the diverse cast of characters all worked well together. Clem, Ash and Zara are great and the secret city under the Thames that they discover was quite fun.. Overall I liked this, although not as much as her books for older readers, and will look out for the next in the series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
September 6, 2023
3.5 stars. I love Katya Balen, but this book was definitely written with a younger audience in mind and not as gripping. Mudlarking featured in October October and is something all children love to do - finding lost treasures on the beach. I’m used to such big themes from this author and this one didn’t really have that.
For younger children, there was a lot of imagination but much of the underwater “London” would have to be explained to children who don’t frequent London, so the humour may be lost on them.
For younger children, there was a lot of imagination but much of the underwater “London” would have to be explained to children who don’t frequent London, so the humour may be lost on them.
May 23, 2023
A quick and fun read aimed at younger readers, this was not quite what I was expecting but I rather loved it all the same. A fantasy-underwater adventure, I loved the characters in this and was impressed with how well-developed the author made them in such a short piece of writing. The world-building was also fabulous! Reading this reminded me of the underwater scenes from Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
February 11, 2024
I’ll read anything by Katya Balen, so I was super excited to see a Junior Fiction book arrive. The first in a new adventure series, this has all the hallmarks of a great Junior Fiction read … adventure, magic, friendship, humour. The humour is quite particular to London, with funny fishy names for many famous landmarks, which may be lost on young audiences outside the UK. Nonetheless, it’s a great read that will be well received by strong lower primary readers.
September 22, 2023
A quick and enjoyable little book. I know Katya mentioned mudlarking and such in October, October and I'm not sure if they are related... but this is pure fun. Fishes with mustaches, a snail with megaphone. I also love that Clem's emergency money is for emergency cake.
June 9, 2024
Highly recommend this children's book for kids interested in adventure, nature, great representation of different hobbies and having different interests. Immersive start to a series with brilliant illustrations
December 29, 2025
Ich habe mir von dem Buch ehrlich gesagt ein wenig mehr erhofft. Es liest sich gut - wie alle Bücher von Katya Balen - aber der Plot ist besonders am Anfang zu kurz gestrickt und zu sprunghaft. Dennoch ein unterhaltsames und lustiges Buch, 4 Sterne.
May 15, 2023
3.5 stars
this was a super cute middle grade - bit of mystery thrown in there, genuinely made me laugh at loud at points and was a great start to this new series !! excited for the next one !
this was a super cute middle grade - bit of mystery thrown in there, genuinely made me laugh at loud at points and was a great start to this new series !! excited for the next one !
June 2, 2023
A pleasant enough read. It’s one I would pass to a younger age range or someone who doesn’t read fluently. Just average.
June 23, 2023
My Year 4 class said this might be the best book we read all year!
July 5, 2023
A story of mudlarking& finding treasure that doesn’t belong to you!
September 28, 2023
nice book i really enjoyed how the story was.would highly suggest to people who like mud larking or the ocean.👍
February 11, 2024
Read this with my son. Out loud 😂 it wasn’t too bad for a kids book. I know it’s for children but I need to log it because A I read it all and B I read it out loud word for word! Not skimming 😂
July 21, 2024
It is a interesting one to read with my 7 year old.
September 18, 2025
very cute
September 28, 2025
Very quick read. Some incredibly funny parts. Think this may need to be a class read!
May 1, 2023
Clem, Ash and Zara all wearing wellies and carrying buckets go to Raj's, Mrs Drummonds, Mr Zafar's and then Sol's before leaving their flats. They are going mudlarking on the Thames.
But what is happening with the river, why is it so rough? Oddly the drains seem to be bubbling over too. And there are puddles in the bakery.
Clem finds a collection of the usual items but sees something odd in the churning water. Then the rain comes. The Thames and Tide club return to the Mudlarking Museum.
From that day things become more odd, water everywhere, cracks in buildings, the children and their friends in the flats are told to leave because it isn't safe.
What is that twisted metal in Clem's bucket? Oswald at the museum says it has to be returned to the river. Why? And why do they have to get in?
They have an adventure to find the owner of the twisted metal ring that Clem found. But what is it and who does it belong to?
I've loved the Katya Balen books I've already read, all of which were aimed at upper KS2 but this will suit younger readers finding their resilience with a book or those for whom a shorter book is still wanted.
But what is happening with the river, why is it so rough? Oddly the drains seem to be bubbling over too. And there are puddles in the bakery.
Clem finds a collection of the usual items but sees something odd in the churning water. Then the rain comes. The Thames and Tide club return to the Mudlarking Museum.
From that day things become more odd, water everywhere, cracks in buildings, the children and their friends in the flats are told to leave because it isn't safe.
What is that twisted metal in Clem's bucket? Oswald at the museum says it has to be returned to the river. Why? And why do they have to get in?
They have an adventure to find the owner of the twisted metal ring that Clem found. But what is it and who does it belong to?
I've loved the Katya Balen books I've already read, all of which were aimed at upper KS2 but this will suit younger readers finding their resilience with a book or those for whom a shorter book is still wanted.
June 9, 2023
The Thames Tide Club – sounds like fun doesn’t it? It’s not far from the truth for this is a book for middle grade readers about a club of children who have a weekly mudlarking outing. Mudlarking on the Thames is a popular activity and some real treasures have been known to have been found. Of this book Katya Balen says that she has enjoyed the chance to be more light-hearted in her writing, has made plenty of fish puns, invent some magical characters and explore the magical world under the River Thames. With a maniacal porpoise queen, a behatted iguana and tattooed eels, illustrator Rachael Dean may have faced a challenge but she rose to it fantastically, they are fabulous!
Clem, Ash and Zara are members of the Tames & Tide Club, their weekend mudlarking activities mean they have found some old bits & pieces as well as lots of junk! Then one day Clem finds something very special, something magical, something which belongs to the river and must be returned to its rightful owner. Queue a wild, weird underwater adventure, a mission to save underwater London, an adventure that is about to bring them into contact with a world they never knew existed. These wannabe archaeologists get far more than they could have bargained for when they start their mudlarking but luckily for us all the are open to adventures and this is just their first. Packed with humour, plenty of puns and plays on words relating to parts of London this is a fast-paced exciting adventure that will have readers yearning to visit London and the shores of the Thames.
Clem, Ash and Zara are members of the Tames & Tide Club, their weekend mudlarking activities mean they have found some old bits & pieces as well as lots of junk! Then one day Clem finds something very special, something magical, something which belongs to the river and must be returned to its rightful owner. Queue a wild, weird underwater adventure, a mission to save underwater London, an adventure that is about to bring them into contact with a world they never knew existed. These wannabe archaeologists get far more than they could have bargained for when they start their mudlarking but luckily for us all the are open to adventures and this is just their first. Packed with humour, plenty of puns and plays on words relating to parts of London this is a fast-paced exciting adventure that will have readers yearning to visit London and the shores of the Thames.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews