Hodder ISBN:9781444952971 £6.99
At the start of the summer holidays, Jack feels depressed and lonely. An only child, he often has to prepare food for his Dad who works long hours at the animal home. Luckily new neighbours recently moved in and the tearaway brothers Bruno and Rocco are more than happy to invite Jack to play with them. They decide to explore the abandoned house in its overgrown garden across the alley and get swept up in an unexpected magical adventure. There is enchanted ivy, a forgetful girl, Blossom, who needs to find her father, gobstoppers with extraordinary powers and a talking elephant. Time has shifted in some way, because Blossom was Jack’s mum’s name when she was little…
This debut novel is fun, pacy with lively dialogue and an unusual storyline. The reader warms to the main characters, whilst those in support are somewhat exaggerated to heighten the humour. The black and white intermittent illustrations, with their cartoon feel, capture the tone perfectly. The final cliff-hanger means readers will need to wait for the next book for any kind of resolution though, which might be a frustration for some. Personally I found it all just a little contrived, but I’m sure Y3/4 would enjoy it as a class reader or in groups.
Sue Barrett
