Category: Book reviews

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Terry Pratchett is well known for his fun and unique storytelling, and Truckers is a great introduction to his imagination and work.

It’s the first book in the Bromeliad trilogy. While Discworld may be Pratchett’s better known series, Truckers is one of my very favourite reads.

Full of Pratchett’s signature humour and wit, it’s a fantastical story for children!

What’s it about?

Truckers introduces us to Masklin, Grimmer, Granny Morky and Old Torrit – a group of gnomes surviving in a world built for humans.

Fed up of scrounging chips and fleeing foxes, the group hitch a ride on a truck.

They end up in The Store built by Arnold Bros. (est. 1905), where they discover they aren’t the only gnomes in the world. 

The store gnomes don’t believe there is anything beyond the store – so Masklin and his group’s arrival causes quite a stir. 

To make things more complicated, the Thing – a little black cube that has been passed from generation to generation – suddenly wakes up. It has a message: the store is being demolished. 

Can Masklin find a way to get the gnomes to work together and save themselves before the store is destroyed?

What I liked best about Truckers

• There’s a fantastic amount of humour, both for children and for adults. The kids will laugh along at some bits, but there are other bits that perhaps only the adults will understand.
• Terry Pratchett’s characters are never plain and boring – they dance on the pages and bring humour and life to his works. Grimmer discovering she is more than just a girl from a hole and transforming into a leader is a wonderful journey of discovery.  Masklin being forced beyond his comfort zone into taking charge is both touching and funny. But my daughter’s favourite is the cantankerous Granny Morky, who is so wickedly funny I found myself giggling as I read.
• The Thing is also depicted with humour – which is strange, given that it is basically a black cube! 

Who would like it?

Truckers is fabulous and I think anyone can enjoy it, though I think the story would be a little lost on children under 6 or 7. 

There’s a passing mention of gnomes being eaten by foxes, but it’s brief and there’s no gore.

Death is mentioned, as we find out how the store gnomes think about it, but it’s done in such a humorous way (they think good gnomes are turned into garden statues) it isn’t dark.

Younger children may not understand the notion of the store gnomes building a religious system around Arnold Bros. and the store. But that’s OK – it’s part of the story, but isn’t necessary to understand in order to enjoy the book.

In summary

Truckers is a book you can revisit time and time again over the years and understand a whole new part of. 

Young children will enjoy the notion of small people learning to drive (and stealing) a truck. Slightly older kids will still like this but will understand more of the subtle humour, while teens and adults can also explore the more complex aspects of the book, such as the religion of the store gnomes.

Truckers is only book one of the trilogy, followed by Diggers and Wings.  All three are excellent stories and I would recommend the whole trilogy to any parent.

Next steps

• Buy Truckers
• Read our other reviews

Elisabetta Dami, the author of the Geronimo Stilton book series, has travelled the whole world by herself.

Her books are inspired by her many adventures climbing the Kilimanjaro, running the 100k Sahara ultramarathon and living with the Cherokee, an indigenous population of the United States.

She invented the character of Geronimo Stilton while volunteering in a paediatric hospital, and in 1997 published her first book.

What it’s about

The Geronimo Stilton book series is set in a fictional version of Earth populated by walking, talking mice.

Our story begins when the protagonist, Geronimo, faints after a long day at work. When he wakes up, he finds a music box containing a message from the queen of the fairy kingdom asking him for help.

A golden staircase appears outside of his window. Geronimo follows it and arrives in the Kingdom of Fantasy.                                      

What I liked best about The Kingdom of Fantasy

• It’s incredibly interactive. This book contains secret alphabets for readers to decipher, several maps, poems and more. The Kingdom of Fantasy became particularly famous for its unique seven scents. In fact, for every kingdom, you will find a page that, if scratched, will release its wonderful perfume or atrocious smell!
• Every page is filled up with colourful drawings entangling with the text. The writing font is always changing and you may find yourself turning the book upside down to be able to read a sentence.
• The seven kingdoms draw on the author’s adventures. Geronimo explores the kingdoms of the witches, the mermaids, the fire dragons, the pixies, the gnomes, the giants and the fairies. Elisabetta Dami’s imagination clearly draws on her own travels, creating a huge variety of fantastic worlds and funny characters.

Who would like The Kingdom of Fantasy?

The Kingdom of Fantasy is a book where hundreds of things happen in a very short period of time to keep children entertained.

Children between 7 and 10 years of age should enjoy this series.

Geronimo is an intellectual who would rather spend his days sitting in the quietness of his own living room rather than going for adventures.

He shares many similarities with Bilbo Baggins – just like Bilbo, Geronimo’s actions are always ethical and honourable despite his great fear of everything that surrounds him. If you liked the adventures of Bilbo in The Hobbit, you will most likely enjoy Geronimo’s ones too.

In summary

The Kingdom of Fantasy is a wonderful children’s book that will keep children entertained from beginning to end with its wonderful drawings, scented pages and secret alphabets.

Drawing from her own intrepid life, Elisabetta Dami has created a fantastic world full of incredible characters and inspiring settings.

Next steps

• Buy Geronimo Stilton: The Kingdom of Fantasy
• Read our other reviews

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Everybody knows Pinocchio thanks to the Disney movie released in 1940. Fewer have read the original book by Collodi.

The Adventures of Pinocchio was first published as a series in one of the first children’s magazines in Italy.

In the original story, Pinocchio meets a grisly end. However, the children complained so much that the editors had to beg Collodi to write a different ending.

That’s how the story of Pinocchio as we know it nowadays was created.

What it’s about

The story of Pinocchio begins with Mastro Geppetto deciding to build a wooden puppet, which surprises him by coming to life.

Pinocchio is not an easy child and soon leaves home, getting into all sorts of dangers. He will have to learn the true meaning of loyalty, righteousness and virtue to become a real child.

What I liked best about The Adventures of Pinocchio

• Collodi teaches us to beware of scams. The fox and the cat trick Pinocchio into ‘planting’ his five golden coins in the ground, hoping to grow a money tree. As well as learning how to become a good person, Pinocchio also has to learn to beware of scams and use his own critical thinking.
• It criticises the society of its time. When Pinocchio goes to the police to report the robbery, he ends up in jail himself for crimes of foolishness. This is Collodi’s way of criticising his own government, which imprisoned common people for small things while many politicians and businessmen got away with far bigger crimes.
• Geppetto is a strong single-father character. Mastro Geppetto is probably one of the first single fathers to appear in a children’s book. He’s an extremely positive character who tries his best to teach Pinocchio how to live a virtuous and ethical life.

Who would like The Adventures of Pinocchio?

Children all ages will enjoy this Italian masterpiece, as will every parent interested in reading one of the most famous classics of Italian literature.

While adults will be able to enjoy the subtle political critique, children will love its many characters and plot twists.

In many ways, Pinocchio is similar to Dickens novels such as Oliver Twist and David Copperfield – the main character is born (or created) into a poor family and has to deal with many scammers and fraudsters. So if you like those stories, you may like this one too.

In summary

Whether you have already seen the Disney movie or not, The Adventures of Pinocchio is definitely worth reading to learn the original story of the most famous puppet in literature.

Next steps

• Buy The Adventures of Pinocchio
• Read our other reviews

Most people my age are probably more familiar with the Don Bluth film The Secret of NIMH than with this wonderful book. But the film is only based on Robert C. O’Brien’s work.

O’Brien (whose real name was Conly) only published four novels, of which Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is probably his best known. But he was also the editor of National Geographic Magazine for 22 years, and that love of the natural world filters into NIMH, as does his more adult writing style.

What it’s about

The book tells the story of Mrs Frisby, a small mouse who lives in a breeze block in one of Famer Fitzgibbon’s fields. When her young son falls ill, she is forced to seek help from the rats that live in the rose bush by the farm. But these aren’t any old rats – these are the rats of NIMH. Throughout the book, we learn how the rats were captured and altered thanks to tests run in a lab (NIMH), how they came to be at the farm, and why they would be willing to help Mrs Frisby.

What I liked best about The Secret of NIMH

• The writing is beautifully descriptive in a simple way. It isn’t dumbed down for a young audience and doesn’t shy away from tackling darker subjects, which is refreshing in a children’s book.
• You feel for all of the characters, even though they’re essentially vermin! Even as an adult reading it to my children, I find myself worrying about Mrs Frisby, her family and the rats.
• Themes of independence, learning, and right and wrong pervade the whole book. They’re woven into the story so well that the lessons are explored without being expressly stated.

Who would like it?

I read it as a child and have read it to my very young children, who enjoyed it but on whom some of the plot was probably wasted. I think children over 10 will appreciate it for what it is, but that shouldn’t put people off reading it to younger ones. I’d say it could be difficult for very sensitive children – some characters may not necessarily make it to the end of the novel and there are some darker moments when the rats are trying to leave the lab.

In summary

Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is a wonderful read, but be careful giving it to overly sensitive younger readers. The story is full of emotion alongside lessons in hard work, freedom, selflessness and helping others. I often wish there were more stories like this – it’s almost an adult novel hidden in a children’s book!

Next steps

• Buy Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
• Read our other reviews

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

Eric Kahn Gale quickly became one of my favourite children’s authors thanks to Nosewise and The Zoo at the Edge of the World.

His sense of humour pervades his work and shines through, especially in the character of Nosewise. 

Nosewise may have been based on a joke between the author and his fiancée about their own dog, Bowser, but it turned into a wonderful tale.

What’s it about?

The Wizard’s Dog is basically a retelling of the Arthurian legend (or at least part of it) from the perspective of Nosewise – Merlin’s dog and friend (though he considers himself the packmate of Merlin and Morganna).

Nosewise spends his days practising his magic – sit, stay, rollover, and hating the stupid door. But when he tries on Morgana’s magic amulet, not only does he find he can speak to humans, but he may be able to do a little magic of his own!

When Merlin is kidnapped, there is no way Nosewise is just going to sit back – he’s got to save his pack! Thus begins a magical adventure into the world of Arthur, Fae worlds and fantasy.

What I liked best about The Wizards Dog.

• It’s humorous and clearly written by someone very familiar with dogs. For anyone who has a pooch or is canine-mad it’s perfect. Kahn Gale actually states in his bio that the book began as a joke he told his fiancée about his own dog, Bowser. This shines through in the book – clearly, he can put himself in a dog’s shoes, or paws!
• It’s magical, full of fantasy and fun. There’s lots of magical elements, as you’d expect with Merlin, but we are also introduced to the Fae realm (the realm of the fairies) and the magic they wield.
• The illustrations are wonderfully expressive and match the text brilliantly. The images are black and white and dotted throughout the book. Those depicting Nosewise are especially good, with just the right amount of goofy cuteness to straddle that fine line between reality and cartoon – a perfect mix to reflect his character in the story.
• It’s the Arthurian legend in a totally different light. The tales of King Arthur are numerous and can verge on the dark side for kids. This retelling is a wonderfully imaginative introduction for a younger audience. There is just enough suspense and peril to keep the reader interested and concerned for the characters, without delving into some of the potentially inappropriate areas you may find in, say, Mary Stewart’s Merlin Trilogy.

Who would like it?

I think children aged six and over will enjoy the story. Anything younger than that and I doubt they would appreciate the humour. 

Certainly, any dog lover will find it a firm favourite. Nosewise is so well written you can practically feel what it’s like to be in his doggy world!

The story never gets too dark or menacing so I suspect once into teenage years it may be a little tame, though younger sensitive teens may find it an interesting read. 

In summary

The Wizard’s Dog is a witty and unique take on the tale of Arthur and Merlin, perfect for younger readers even if they have no knowledge of the legend (or have only seen Disney’s Sword in the Stone).

It’s a humorous read with a wonderful canine character at its centre. Full of magic and fantasy, but never too dark or scary.

Kahn Gale weaves his tale with enough energy to keep the reader entertained while not skimping on the story. A perfect read for those over six.

Next steps

• Buy The Wizard’s Dog
• Read our other reviews

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

Our guest reviewer for A Clock of Stars: The Shadow Moth is CheeryBaconHead, a nine-year-old writer who loves A Series of Unfortunate Events and Harry Potter.

The Shadow Moth is author Francesca Gibbons’ first book and the first book in the A Clock of Stars series. It is filled to the brim with complex characters and unexpected twists. It’s a dark, imaginative book with lots of rich descriptions accompanied by Chris Riddell’s astonishing illustrations.

What it’s about

Marie and Imogen are sisters who run away while on an outing with their mother. They follow a moth to a door in a tree which leads them to the mysterious world of Yaroslav, a fantastical land.

There, they meet the mysterious Prince Miro and his father and retrieve Lofkinye Lolo from the dungeons to help them on their difficult quest to get back home.

What I liked best about The Shadow Moth

• The descriptions of the different settings. I enjoyed reading about the various locations in the story. The author uses such rich language that you have to read the pages very slowly to get the full enjoyment.
• The twists and turns. The book is very dark and villainous and you can never know for sure who is about to betray who. There is lots of uncertainty about who is a villain and who is a hero.
• The development of the characters. The book contains complex characters who change over time. For example, Imogen is a headstrong girl who gets very annoyed at her little sister, Marie (which does happen in sister relationships) and Marie is a shy and quiet girl. I was particularly interested in her change and development throughout the book. Certain other characters are very sure of themselves in a slightly dangerous way, and I enjoyed reading about the consequences of this.

Who would like The Shadow Moth?

If you like Harry Potter then you would probably like The Shadow Moth. They have a lot of similarities, for example they both have lots of magical creatures and interesting characters.

Some parts of the book are quite dark, dealing with themes such as murder and betrayal, so I think this is most appropriate for children aged 9–12.

In summary

A Clock of Stars: The Shadow Moth is a great book and is good for people who like villains. It’s great for being able to imagine a world unlike Earth. The Shadow Moth is the first book in the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Next steps

• Buy The Shadow Moth
• Read our other reviews

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

Our guest reviewer for The Hobbit is 12-year-old Red Theorist, who loves reading a wide range of fantasy for young people. His favourite authors include Gama Ray Martinez and Mark Walden.

J. R. R. Tolkien is probably most famous for his trilogy The Lord of The Rings, which often overshadows his first book, The Hobbit.

However, The Hobbit is a wonderfully written book featuring incredible descriptions, unexpected plot developments and much more.

What it’s about

The story starts out simply enough. The overall hero, Bilbo Baggins, is enjoying a quiet life at home.

Tolkien writes about his everyday life, and a bit about his family. But one of Bilbo’s traits is emphasised many times: Bilbo is not a fan of adventures. He prefers sitting at home, doing housework and eating.

However, when Gandalf, an eccentric wizard, turns up at the door to Bilbo’s hobbit-hole with thirteen adventurous dwarves, Bilbo is soon caught up in a plot to raid the hoard of Smaug, a magnificent (and very dangerous) dragon.

What I liked best about The Hobbit

• The detail. The Hobbit was obviously meticulously planned, with vivid descriptions of every character, setting and creature. Tolkien really manages to make it feel like the reader is travelling across Middle Earth along with Bilbo and the dwarves.
• The characters. All of Tolkien’s characters are unique and instantly likeable. Characters like Gandalf and Golum, who also feature in The Lord of The Rings, are known and loved worldwide.
• The writing style. The Hobbit is a perfect mix of classic quest/adventure story elements and completely new ideas, put together with Tolkien’s unique and incredible writing style. The book has many unexpected twists and turns, making it the perfect adventure.

Who would like The Hobbit?

Tolkien fans who have already read The Lord of The Rings would definitely enjoy The Hobbit.

Pretty much everyone else into fantasy and adventure stories should like it too.

Although some of the more complex language would make this a challenging read for younger children, parents could always read along and explain the more difficult words.

In terms of independent reading, I would recommend this book for adults and children over twelve years of age.

In summary

The Hobbit is a beautiful fantasy adventure for older children and adults. The length and complexity make it an enjoyably challenging read, but those who make it to the end will definitely feel like it was worth it.

It has been said that the English-speaking world is divided into two groups: people who have read The Hobbit, and people who are going to read it. After entering this sensational world created by Tolkien, I very soon found myself agreeing, and I hope that others who read it feel the same.

Next steps

• Buy The Hobbit
• Read our other reviews

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

Gianni Rodari is considered one of the most important 20th-century children’s writers in the whole of Italy.

Telephone Tales is a collection of short stories, most of which are only one or two pages long.

Even though the book was written for a young audience, these short stories frequently discuss important issues such as social equality, state violence and the futility of war.

What it’s about

As the representative of a big company, Sir Bianchi has to travel all over Italy six days a week.

Every Sunday, he returns home and every Monday morning he leaves again. But before his departure, his daughter always tells him, ‘Please, Dad, remember! One story each night!’

And so, each night Sir Bianchi picks up the phone and calls his daughter to tell her a story. From the street that led nowhere to the mouse who ate cats and the man who stole the Colosseum, Sir Bianchi’s imagination is endless!

What I liked best about Telephone Tales

• Most of the short stories narrate absurd events. For instance, in ‘The Famous Rain of Piombino’ Rodari tells us the story of a city in which, all of a sudden, sweets start falling from the sky. Rodari constantly creates absurd plots that make you question your own reality.

• Rodari constantly criticises our own society. His stories discuss topics ranging from state violence to equal justice. In ‘The Unlucky Hunter’, Rodari narrates the story of a hunter looking for a hare for his sister’s wedding. However, every time the protagonist pulls the trigger the gun refuses to shoot. In the end, the hunter sees a hare passing by wearing a wedding dress. He realises that just like his sister she’s getting married, and therefore cannot be shot.

• It shows the negative side of adults. In Rodari’s world, adults are in no way superior to children. Rodari gives a realistic representation of adults and portrays them with all their negative aspects. In Telephone Tales he writes stories of women fighting over completely futile things such as who’s sneezing more frequently, and of ungrateful men who only care about their earnings.

Who would like Telephone Tales?

Telephone Tales is perfect for every parent who’s looking for a book of short stories to read to their children before going to sleep.

If you liked the subtle satire and complete absurdity of Gulliver’s Travels, you will surely enjoy Telephone Tales. Anyone interested in passing on to their children values such as the importance of equality and social justice, and the futility of war, will certainly find Telephone Tales valuable.

In summary

Rodari’s absurd settings and plots will constantly make you question the world in which you live, despite using the simplest narrative.

Telephone Tales is the perfect book to start approaching ethical themes with young readers, whilst always keeping them entertained.

Next steps

• Buy Telephone Tales
• Read our other reviews

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

Terry Pratchett hardly needs any introduction, with works like the Discworld series and the Bromeliad trilogy famous the world over.  I first encountered this anthology, appropriately, in a castle gift shop.  I took that as a sign, and I’m glad I did. 

Dragons at Crumbling Castle is a wonderfully funny collection of short stories, full of Pratchett’s usual wit, and perfect for younger listeners or readers.

What it’s about

The book is a compilation of 14 short stories, with the dragon from the title featuring in the first one. 

The stories include monsters in the fictional town of Blackberry, Father Christmas trying his hand at zookeeping, and the unfortunate 59A Bus which inadvertently ends up encountering dinosaurs and King Arthur. 

There’s a semi-theme of dragons and knights running throughout, though some stories focus more on adventure and bravery featuring regular folk – and tortoises!

What I liked best about Dragons at Crumbling Castle

• It features characters from Terry Pratchett’s other books. For instance, one of the stories in the anthology is about the Carpet People, who also star in their own book of the same title.  So if the kids love Snibril in this adventure, it’s worth getting the other book too.
• It’s funny on many levels, which is an art. I enjoyed reading it to my kids as much as they loved listening to it. There was some humour that I picked up on and they didn’t, but that’s OK.
• The black and white illustrations throughout complement the text perfectly. While older children and teens may not appreciate them, young children will love the addition.

Who would like Dragons at Crumbling Castle?

Who wouldn’t?  It’s great for all ages. 

You can (and I did) read it to small children, who will enjoy the variety of tales on offer.  As a bonus, the grown-ups reading it to them will also undoubtedly appreciate the humour. 

Teens, I am sure, will enjoy the down-to-earth ease with which the characters deal with the outrageous and hilarious situations they find themselves in. 

If you like well-written, witty stories that delve into the bizarre and fantastic, you should give it a read.

In summary

Dragons at Crumbling Castle is a perfect read as an introduction to Terry Pratchett, as well as a fantastic anthology for anyone who enjoys quirky tales full of hilarity.  While older readers may prefer a deeper, long-running story such as the Bromeliad trilogy, there’s lots to enjoy here too.

Next steps

• Buy Dragons at Crumbling Castle
• Read our other reviews

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

China Miéville is best known for his award-winning adult fantasy books. Un Lun Dun is his first book for younger readers. The plot is inventive, but probably the most notable feature of this book is the array of surreal characters and settings, all showing off the author’s twisted imagination.

What it’s about

Best friends Deeba and Zanna accidentally travel to UnLondon, a weird alternative version of London full of people and things that have been discarded and forgotten by the people of London. They soon learn that Zanna is the ‘Shwazzy’, a chosen one who has long been prophesied to travel to UnLondon and rescue it from the evil Smog that threatens the city. What happens after that, however, is completely unexpected.

What I liked best about Un Lun Dun

• It’s inspired by Lewis Carroll. The topsy-turvy logic, nonsensical characters and incessant wordplay are all reminiscent of the Alice books, but this is a more complex work with many dark elements.
• It’s a playful take on quest stories. At first, it seems as though this story is going to follow a traditional path. There’s a prophesy, a chosen one, an arch-villain and a quest to collect magical items. But Miéville plays with us here, setting up our expectations then giving us something else instead.
• It’s full of strange and grotesque characters and settings. The book is like a series of performances showcasing the author’s bizarre imagination. Among the characters are a tailor with a pincushion for a head, a group of words that have come to life, a half-ghost and a man with a birdcage instead of a head. All these things are accompanied by Miéville’s own line-drawings.

Who would like Un Lun Dun?

The length, complexity and subject matter of this book make it unsuitable for very young readers – many describe it as a young adult book rather than one for children. Readers who like fantasy quest stories should enjoy Un Lun Dun’s refreshing take on traditional tropes such as prophesies, heroes and mentors. If you have a taste for the weird and grotesque, you’ll probably love this book.

In summary

Un Lun Dun is a surreal fantasy adventure novel for older children (and adults). You’ll need some stamina to get through its 500-plus pages, but a series of surreal encounters, coupled with an enjoyable twist on the usual quest theme, make this worth the effort.

Next steps

• Buy Un Lun Dun
• Read our other reviews

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

Matt Haig’s first children’s book is an imaginative and fun fantasy adventure story with some dark themes and a convincing emotional story at its heart. The forest that gives the book its name is full of strange and magical creatures, and nobody who enters it ever comes out quite the same.

What it’s about

After the death of their parents, Samuel Blink and his sister Martha go to live with their aunt Eda in Norway. Martha is silently sad, while Samuel is rude and defiant. One of Aunt Eda’s few rules is to stay away from the mysterious Shadow Forest, which is full of trolls, pixies and other terrifying creatures. I’ll let you guess what happens next.

What I liked best about Shadow Forest

• The children go on a convincing and captivating emotional journey. They enter the forest, of course, and meet lots of strange and magical creatures. But the emotional journey is just as important – this story is about two children learning to cope with their grief.
• The style is light and humorous. Despite all the death, there are lots of funny moments. The main villain, the Changemaker, is basically a comedy character. The book is easy to read and the author’s light writing style helps to offset the darker themes.
• It’s about transformation. In stories, forests are often associated with change. In a way, that’s what this book is about: how the villain changed from an ordinary human into a murderer; how the creatures of the forest became so evil and dangerous; and, of course, how the various people who enter the forest come back out transformed in some way.

Who would like Shadow Forest?

Matt Haig certainly doesn’t shy away from dark themes. The children’s grief is depicted in a convincing way, and certain other key characters meet their deaths. In places, it’s a really sad book, yet the style is generally light and often humorous. In this respect, it reminds me of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. Children who enjoyed those books would probably like this. Themes of hope, love and personal resilience run through the story, too, and there’s lots of humour.

In summary

Shadow Forest is an imaginative, funny and emotionally resonant fantasy story for children who can handle a bit of death and kidnapping in their reading. The ‘real’ story, of two orphaned children processing their grief, is handled in a convincing and moving way, while the Shadow Forest itself offers a cast of intriguing and entertaining characters. I really enjoyed this and will be seeking out more from the author.

Next step

You can buy Shadow Forest on Amazon.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

People don’t seem to talk much about children’s sci-fi author Nicholas Fisk anymore. I read a few of his books as a child, and they stand out in my memory as strange, imaginative, thought-provoking stories. A Rag, a Bone and a Hank of Hair was perhaps the most memorable of these.

What it’s about

At the end of the 22nd century, the birth rate is falling because of a nuclear accident. A petulant boy called Brin is asked to take part in a strange experiment involving Reborns, which are a kind of clone of human beings from the 1940s.

Brin must step into a 1940s setting, to observe the Reborns in their own habitat. At first he’s appalled by ‘the inefficiency and grubbiness of their world’, which contrasts starkly with the order and calm of his own. But gradually he builds an affection for them, leading him to question his assumptions about the world he lives in.

What I liked best about A Rag, a Bone and a Hank of Hair

• It questions what’s real. Brin notices that the Reborns’ lives in the Second World War scenario seem more real, more spontaneous, than his own. We also learn about the artifice of 22nd-century life, where people’s minds are manipulated to simultaneously make them more intelligent and control their behaviour.
• It brings together the future and the past. We get to see a bit of Brin’s futuristic world, with moving pavements, anti-gravity sports and constant surveillance. But the most compelling element is the 1940s setting: the unordered chaos of the children’s lives, the housekeeper’s relentless routine, the characters’ strong spirits despite the constant danger. I understand why Brin finds their world appealing: I did, too.
• Brin develops from an arrogant know-all into a thoughtful hero. Brin starts the story thinking he knows best about everything. Gradually, as his affection grows for the 1940s characters, he starts to question what he’s been taught – and must ultimately make an earth-shattering decision.

Who would like A Rag, a Bone and a Hank of Hair

The subject matter is dark, and there’s the threat of death throughout – so the youngest readers should avoid this.

There’s a lot for sci-fi lovers to get their teeth into, especially the idea of cloning and the question of what’s really real. But large chunks of the story take place in the Second World War setting, so readers with an interest in history should enjoy this, too.

In summary

This is a deliciously thought-provoking sci-fi novel that cleverly mixes futuristic and historical settings. Nicholas Fisk had a real knack for telling weird, unsettling sci-fi tales, and this is a great example. It stuck in my mind for over 30 years – I challenge you to read it and forget it!

Next steps

Prices for A Rag, a Bone and a Hank of Hair are a bit steep on Amazon. I found a cheap-ish copy on eBay, so you could try there.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

Piers Torday’s debut novel is a grim tale set in a future where humankind’s behaviour has brought devastation to the natural world.

But The Last Wild is also a celebration of nature, and it carries a message of hope.

What it’s about

Kester Jaynes has had a tough time. First his mum died, then he was carted off to the grim Spectrum Hall Academy for Challenging Children.

Things are pretty bleak in the outside world, too. All the animals have gone, killed by a vicious disease – or so everyone’s been told.

Kester hasn’t been able to utter a word ever since his mum died. But then a flock of pigeons arrive in his bedroom, and they’re mysteriously able to communicate with him. The animals need his help.

What I liked best about The Last Wild

• It’s like a fable with a gritty, realistic edge. Kester’s journey to the city of Premium, accompanied by an ever-growing host of wild animals, has echoes of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. But there’s a real gritty edge to this tale, with death, disease and human selfishness featuring prominently.
• The heroes are likeable and believable. Kester himself, as well as his animal and human companions, display an inspiring heroism in what seems like a hopeless situation. The heroes in this book sometimes have to fight, but more often it’s loyalty, willpower and cooperation that really matter.
• It’s a celebration of nature. There are some lovely details, like the pigeons picking seeds off the stag’s fur to feed themselves. Only someone who knows the natural world could paint pictures like this. It made me want to go outside and watch the world in action.

Who would like The Last Wild

Older children who don’t mind a bit of death and destruction (with a touch of optimism) in their reading should love this. My 11-year-old certainly did, and promptly wolfed down the rest of the trilogy.

In summary

The Last Wild is a gripping read for older children – a dystopian story about humankind’s destruction of the natural world. It’s a pretty grim depiction of a future that could actually happen, but with a central theme of hope. Who knows – the young people who read this might just go on to save the world.

Next step

You can buy The Last Wild on Amazon.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

Ben Seldom talks about the children’s fantasy books he most enjoyed in 2020 – some old, some new.

Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce (1958)

I plan to read this book every year. It’s a magical story about time and change, with a time-travel mystery and, at its heart, a poignant friendship between two lonely children.

• Read my review of Tom’s Midnight Garden
• Buy Tom’s Midnight Garden on Amazon

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (1968)

I first read this when I was around 10 or 11. My son’s 11 now, and I read it with him earlier this year. We both loved the rich, poetic language and the author’s vividly imagined fantasy world (complete with a map at the front).

The story, about an apprentice wizard who naively unleashes an evil shadow into the world, is irresistible.

• Buy A Wizard of Earthsea on Amazon

Wonderscape by Jennifer Bell (2020)

This is a fun adventure story that whisks three present-day children into the year 2473, where they find themselves trapped inside an in-reality game full of historical characters and sinister robots.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the different ‘worlds’ in the game and the way the characters work together to solve puzzles.

• Buy Wonderscape on Amazon

The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan (2020)

My 8-year-old daughter read this at school and loved it so much that she bought herself a copy to have at home.

Despite a few dark moments, it’s basically a light-hearted adventure story set in an imaginative fantasy world. And, like the best children’s fantasy books, it also tells an emotional story – about two siblings who are changing and growing away from each other.

• Buy The Land of Roar on Amazon

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (2015)

I listened to the audiobook of this charming tale on a short post-Christmas walk.

It’s a simple but sweet story about a china rabbit and the various owners he has during his life. He starts the story incapable of love but, as he travels from owner to owner, he goes on an emotional journey too.

• Buy The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane on Amazon

And a (cheeky) honourable mention

2020 was also the year when I published my children’s book, Over the Bridge of Light. It’s been wonderful getting it into the hands of thousands of readers and seeing what people think of it. Thanks to everyone who sent me their feedback. My goal for 2021 is to publish the sequel – so watch this space…

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

Philippa Pearce’s children’s classic is a book I would like to read every year. For some authors, time travel is a device they use to make interesting things happen. But Tom’s Midnight Garden is about time in a more fundamental sense. And the result is a touching story that could be enjoyed by people of any age.

What it’s about

Tom Long is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle during the summer holidays, because his brother has measles. His initial disappointment transforms into delight when he discovers a secret garden that appears each night, when the old grandfather clock in the hallway strikes thirteen.

He makes a friend in the garden, Hatty, and the two have a wonderful, blissful time climbing trees, making bows and arrows and playing together. Tom wants the bliss to last forever – he doesn’t want to go home to his family, at least not yet. Can he find a way of staying in the garden for eternity?

What I liked best about Tom’s Midnight Garden

• At its heart is a beautiful friendship that blossoms in the garden. Tom wants to escape his mollycoddling aunt and uncle, while Hatty is a loner among her indifferent cousins and cruel aunt. They come together in the garden, and the fond companionship between them is moving to read about.
• It’s about time, in lots of different ways. Tom gradually realises that he is going back in time and discovering the house in its former glory, before it became a block of flats with no garden. The whole book is an examination of time: of seasons, of children growing up, of a house and its family changing.
• A gentle humour pervades the whole book. It’s not a comical book, as such, but Tom’s interactions with his aunt and uncle, who are ignorant of his adventures, are most entertaining. And Philippa Pearce has a light, playful writing style.

Who would like Tom’s Midnight Garden?

I read Tom’s Midnight Garden to each of my children when they were quite young – about five or six.

I had to explain a lot, but they enjoyed listening to the story and talking about it.

The story itself is beautiful, and would be suitable for almost any age. Tom’s and Hatty’s adventures together are gorgeously described, and there’s little true danger.

Some of the language is a bit antiquated (it was published in 1958 and is written in a very ‘literary’ style), which makes it suitable for bedtime reading aloud, perhaps more than reading independently.

In summary

Tom’s Midnight Garden is a literary classic, and one that I plan to read repeatedly through my life. There is a magic in the way Tom steps back in time into the secret garden, but equally magical are the human relationships that lie at the heart of the story. A joy to read.

Next step

You can buy Tom’s Midnight Garden on Amazon.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

If you’re looking for a silly, humorous depiction of what might happen if the Greek gods arrived in 21st-century Britain, Who Let the Gods Out? could be the book for you.

Maz Evans is a clever, funny writer. There’s a joke on almost every page, and her take on the ancient Greek myths is something of a pantomime.

What it’s about

Elliott Hooper is a 12-year-old schoolboy. Virgo is a 1,964-year-old constellation. An accident brings them together, and they unwittingly free Thanatos, the Daemon of Death, from his eternal prison underneath Stonehenge.

Things get even more ridiculous when they enlist the help of ancient Greek gods such as Zeus, Hermes, Aphrodite and Athene, all presented as amusing (and harmless) caricatures.

Sitting behind all this is a story about Elliott’s efforts to protect his mother, who seems to be suffering from some kind of dementia. But the main focus is the gods and the scrapes they get up to.

What I liked best about Who Let the Gods Out?

• It’s a funny, mostly harmless take on the ancient Greek myths. The original stories can be pretty brutal, but Maz Evans gets around this by leaving out the most gruesome elements and presenting what’s left in a funny, almost cartoon-ish way. For example: in this book, Zeus is a loveable rogue who certainly likes the ladies, but is in no way dangerous.
• Virgo’s efforts to blend in with the humans is very funny. I enjoyed the scenes with Virgo and Elliott the most. Virgo tries to make sense of human customs, but ends up highlighting how absurd many of them are.
• At its heart is a story about a boy’s love for his mother. Perhaps this book goes for laughs more than tears, but the underlying story about Elliott and his mum is moving nonetheless. I get the feeling this will develop as the series goes on.

Who would like Who Let the Gods Out?

It isn’t suitable for very young readers. Even in this lighthearted portrayal of the Greek gods, depictions of death, infidelity and (slapstick) violence abound.

There are also a few slightly dubious details, like Sisyphus having a speech impediment (for humorous effect). The author also makes fun out of a fat teacher. If this sort of thing rings alarm bells, it may be best to steer clear.

You could still enjoy this book without knowing the myths that inspired it. But it may appeal most to readers who already know and enjoy the Greek myths. My son first read it when he was 8, and loved it. He’s 10 now, and still enjoys it. I’d suggest 8 to 12 as a suitable age range.

In summary

It’s the humour, rather than the story, that makes this book worth reading. It often slips into caricature, and there isn’t quite enough of the real story (Elliott and his mother) for my liking. But nevertheless it’s an enjoyable performance, celebrating and re-inventing the ancient Greek gods.

Next step

You can buy Who Let the Gods Out? on Amazon.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are our own.

I can’t resist a fantasy story promising fairy-tale elements like demons, sisters on quests, magic curses and evil wizards.

Howl’s Moving Castle has all of these.

Author Diana Wynne Jones has a light and breezy writing style. It’s no surprise she is said to have influenced the likes of Philip Pullman and Terry Pratchett. She has just the same delicious way of re-inventing traditional story elements with humour, pathos and originality.

What it’s about

Howl’s Moving Castle is about a young woman called Sophie and her encounters with the Wizard Howl.

As the eldest of three sisters, Sophie starts the story with low expectations. ‘Everyone knows you are the one who will fail first, and worst, if the three of you set out to seek your fortunes.’

What happens to Sophie and her two sisters is surprising and, in many places, funny.

Wizard Howl enters the story when his ‘tall black castle suddenly appeared on the hills … blowing clouds of black smoke from its four tall, thin turrets’. Howl himself sounds terrifying: apparently, he is known for ‘collecting young girls and sucking the souls from them.’

So there are some fairly dark ideas underlying this story. But don’t panic: the story is almost always light-hearted, the worst pretty much never happens and absolutely nothing in the book is what it first appears to be.

What I liked best about Howl’s Moving Castle

• It’s a unique take on traditional fairy tales. Diana Wynne Jones uses classic fairy tale elements but turns tradition on its head by making the eldest sister the hero.
• It has brilliant characters. Sophie’s strong personality and unexpected responses to problems keep the story fresh and engaging. Howl is one of those delightfully complex anti-heroes. And the supporting cast (which include a fire demon, a wizard’s apprentice, an enchanted dog and a scarecrow) are great fun too.
• There are surprising twists and turns. Like a Dickens story, this book has a large cast and almost every character turns out to be significant in some way that you never would have expected.

Who would like Howl’s Moving Castle?

It’s not the easiest read in the world. Confident, older readers would be able to tackle this alone, but younger readers would probably get the most from the book if it was read to them.

The plot can get a little confusing at times. This is another reason why younger readers might prefer to read with a grown-up.

The earlier comparison to Philip Pullman might be a bit misleading if you only know His Dark Materials. Children who’ve read and enjoyed his lighter works, such as The Firework Maker’s Daughter or The Scarecrow and his Servant, should get on fine with this.

In summary

Howl’s Moving Castle is lots of fun, full of imaginative fantasy elements and funny, complex characters.

Next step

You can Buy Howl’s Moving Castle on Amazon.