Author(s): Toby Ibbotson

Fantasy, Magic and Science Fiction

Written by Toby Ibbotson, son of the bestselling author Eva Ibbotson, this exceptional middle grade story is captivating, heartfelt and brilliant in equal measure.

When a storm hits a small and sleepy town, it ravages every living thing. But storms don't just destroy, they uncover. And when a young boy discovers a mysterious object that has lay hidden beneath a centuries-old tree, he instantly knows that it's special. What he doesn't know is that his unexpected find will unite him with a girl searching for her missing father and trigger a series of events that will see them travelling across Europe under the most unusual circumstances.

Kathleen's review - I love this adventure. Great characters and great scenery. I like the friendship between William and Judy - William a boy whose mother is clueless, Judy a girl whose Iranian father disappears on a rescue mission of his friend - and I like the unusual Mr. Balderson who takes them both under his wing. 

Helen also recommends: Set mostly in Snowy Sweden, this delightful book has unlikely friendships, adventure, a touch of magic and writing that holds you and keeps you reading. I loved it.