A review by Emma Streeton
Willow Moss, the youngest and least powerful sister in a family of witches, recently saved the world. The problem is nobody can remember it. To make matters worse, her magical ability seems broken. Instead of finding lost things, objects keep disappearing against her will. This is especially troubling now that her friend Nolin Sometimes needs her help.
Sometimes has discovered how to see ten minutes into the future. Unfortunately that’s only enough time to find out that his kidnappers are on their way! His only hope is to write an urgent letter to Willow, asking if she wouldn’t mind trying to find him.
As Willow and her friends piece together what has happened to Sometimes, their adventure takes them from an enchanted tower to the magical forest of Wisperia and into dangerous new realms. Can Willow save Sometimes when her own powers are out of control?
Emma’s reaction
Oh my goodness, I think I have found what will be my favorite children’s book of 2020. This book is an incredible read. It made me remember why I fell in love with books as a child. Sharing this with my two bookworms was an absolute delight. This was our collective bedtime reading for the past few nights. Each time they demanded “just one more chapter” I was more than happy to concur! I think perhaps tonight we will be experiencing Starfell withdrawal symptoms! This book really is that good.
On Dominique and Starfell
Dominique Valente clearly is a gifted writer. She has created a delightful magical world which is Starfell and a host of characters that will instantly become your friends. None more than Willow Moss herself and her hilarious grumpy sidekick, Oswin the kobold. I think Oswin is my favorite fictional animal of all time and my girls now want a kobold! Sarah Warburton’s beautiful illustration bring these characters to life throughout the book.
The verdict
The story is fast paced, action packed and full of twists and turns. My two bookworms were utterly absorbed in the unfolding drama and magical world of Starfell. This is a book that creates genuine excitement, whether the reader is 8 or 38…trust me!
I truly cannot recommend this book enough. It is an absolute cracker to read aloud to kids and makes for the ultimate bedtime story that nobody will want to put down. I will most definitely be hunting down the first book in this series and have everything crossed that there is more adventure to come for Willow Moss.
And with a review like this, I’m sure the publisher will put you on her list. – Editor
Book details
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
ISBN: 9780008308452
ISBN10: 0008308454
Imprint: HarperCollins Children’s Books
Released: 2020
Format: paperback, 304 pages
Age: From 8 years
BISAC1: JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / General
