The Boy Who Lost His Spark
Maggie O'Farrell
The Boy Who Lost His Spark
Maggie O'Farrell
The new children’s book from multi-award-winning author of Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell, paired once more with Daniela Terrazzini’s stunning illustrations.
When Jem and his family move to the countryside, he doesn’t like his new home one bit. It’s an old cottage on the side of a hill, where strange things keep happening: shoes are filled up with conkers, the stairs become tangled in a woollen maze.
Jem’s sister Verity is certain it is the work of a nouka, an ancient creature from local folklore that lives deep down inside the hill. Jem, however, is adamant that there is no such thing. But this small mythical creature, so attuned to the hearts and minds of others, does exist. And, what’s more, it is determined, through mischief and mayhem, to help Jem reignite the spark within himself once more.
Review
Athina Clarke
When Jem and his family move from the city to a small town, he’s overcome with feelings of loss; making the transition and new connections seems like an insurmountable challenge.
Jem’s overwhelming feelings of frustration and dislocation are deepened by peculiar incidents in their new home. But he’s convinced these are the results of his little sister’s mischief making and not those of the fabled creature living in the nearby hillside. It’s only when Jem opens himself up to the possibility and magic of new experience that he fi nally discovers a sense of home and belonging.
Maggie O’Farrell’s story bears an ethereal quality that evokes wonder and myth, and it is captured beautifully by a soft muted palette of hauntingly realistic illustrations. This gorgeous long-form picture book is a powerful story of home and belonging and is highly recommended for every family library. It makes a wonderful read-aloud for children aged 4 and up.
Athina Clarke is from Readings Malvern
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