A new book from Hilary McKay is always a joy – and this one does not disappoint. A newly blended family move into an ivy covered, slightly eerie house that has room for them all. They work to find a way to make their new family grouping compatible. Abi struggles to get used to her two new brothers, Max and young Louis. She resents that she has to share her father Theo, and her Granny Grace’s letters from Jamaica.
The new family all spend time and energy making the house their own, but mysterious things happen as they settle in. Abi seems to be able to fall right into the books she reads until she actually experiences salt spray and the green flash of parrots in the room with her. Similarly, Louis summons a visitor, but as Louis’s visitor becomes more and more frightening, he has to work with Abi and Max to send his visitor back from where it had magically sprung up.
This is a totally engaging read, full of green magic, imagination and family dynamics that feel authentic and realistic. The theme of cooperation and support running through are uplifting, though not necessarily easily achieved. Highly recommended.
Five starred reviews! "An instant classic." --The New York Times Book Review From award-winning author Hilary McKay comes "a memorable family story" (Booklist, starred review) about a girl adjusting to her new home--with the help of a little magic.When Abi's father marries Max and Louis's mom, their families start over together. Abi suddenly finds herself the middle child, expected to share far too much--especially with grubby little Louis. Then they move into an eerie, ivy-covered house, big enough for all of them. But for the children, strange things start to happen in that house. Abi reads alone, and finds herself tumbling so deep into books, they almost seem real. Louis summons comfort from outdoors, and a startling guest arrives--is it a cat or something else? Max loses his best friend...and falls in love. Meanwhile, Louis's secret visitor is becoming much too real. Now Abi, Max, and Louis must uncover the secrets of their new home--for there can be danger in even the most beautiful magic. From award-winning author Hilary McKay comes a story that is at once enchanting and thrilling--if you don't get lost in it first.