Current Book Club Reads
Evie and the Animals, Matt Haig
Evie, the small, adorable, animal loving hero is different. She has a direct connection to the natural world; the ability to communicate with animals telepathically. It's an invisible superpower but it's a powerful one. She promises her fearful father (after letting the school rabbit, Kahlo, make a break for freedom) that she will control it and never use it again. But when animals start to go missing, Evie must decide whether she has the courage to use her talent, stand up for what she believes in and embrace her individuality.
This is glorious storytelling, communicating a 'stay true to yourself message' and an environmental message with a lightness of touch that young children can really get to grips.
Our current Year 4 Book Club read
While the Storm Rages, Phil Earle
It's 1939 and London is at war. Fathers are off to fight, children are being evacuated and amid all this turmoil, the latest government missive is advising that beloved pets be put down, to lessen the load.
This sits heavily with the impetuous, young Noah whose dog, Winn, is his world. His best friend Clem feels the same way about her aged daschund, Frank. Unable to carry through with the order, they run away to seek refuge for their pets in the estate of an eccentric old lady who they hear has a fondness for animals; only problem is they have to get to her.
So begins a journey on Noah's rusty boat. They'll be joined by a donkey, some cats, oh, and a snake owned by the local bully (with a sad backstory). Full of empathy, humour and adventure.
Our current Year 5 Book Club read.
The False Rose, Jakob Wegelius
Another story featuring the unflappable Sally Jones - ship's mechanic, loyal friend to Captain Koskela and gorilla.
The focus here is on the Glaswegian underworld. It's a murky, nasty, dangerous gang world, suffused with intrigue and a lot of anger, into which Sally Jones and Captain Koskela are drawn and then trapped, as they attempt to return a pearl necklace found on board their ship to its rightful owner.
The plotting is intelligent and pacey, the characters wonderfully diverse and eccentric. But what makes this book truly stand out for me, is the indomitable Sally Jones - who displays the loyalty, ingenuity, perseverance, and selflessness that we all hope to find in a good friend.
Original, fantastic storytelling; a real page turner and completely beautiful to look at, with the author's own gorgeously refined illustrations.
Our current Year 6 Book Club read.