Having already read a couple of books by this award-winning author - October, October and Foxlight - I was keen to read this her latest. Her books are beautiful, with a powerful message and lots to appreciate about the natural world. I led a book group with Year Six children for 'October, October' and they loved it, and particularly enjoyed hearing from the illustrator of the front cover Angela Harding! 

Tilda loves living on the island of Ayrie. Everyone knows everyone. They know every aspect of the landscape, its challenges and its delights. And they live in tune with the tides and the weather. 

When new boy Albie arrives, Tilda is keen to share her love of her home with him, but he wants nothing to do with her. 

Not one to take no for an answer, Tilda decides to take Albie to another small island an hour by boat. Here there are rumours, stories and myths including hauntings and ghosts. Trips here are forbidden and the journey can be treacherous.

Will their adventure on the island bring Albie round?

Will Tilda find a way to cope with her own sense of loss at her older brother having left the island some time earlier?

This is a fabulous adventure story which celebrates friendship and community, but also has a very magical episode of the islanders saving young puffins who have come ashore in a storm. Wonderful!