Chris Soul

Genre: Fantasy-adventure

If you like: Folktales, mythical creatures, friendship

For fans of: Diana Wynne Jones, Katherine Rundell, Abi Elphinstone

Age: Year 4 +

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Review:

My first children's book review for the National Year of Reading 2026 is of the magnificent 'Magpie Girl' by Rowan Foxwood. This is a wonderful read: a spellbinding fusion of folktale, friendship and heroic feats. Rowan Foxwood's writing is charming, pacy and imbued with mythic spark. While there is a feast of magic on offer, such as deities, daemons and nightmares, there is also tenderness and heart in-between, particularly in terms of Lavender Wild and her relationship with her friend Kit. This is a really enjoyable read - quirky, heartfelt and strange, in all the best ways - that it reminded me of the books by Diana Wynne Jones. 

 

Lavender Wild is a magpie girl - she grows feathers, talks to birds and has a talent for finding lost things. But stuck in her tiny village, she wishes for freedom.

So when her ex-friend Kit realizes his dad has gone missing on the deadly firebird's mountain, Lavender seizes the chance to set out with him on a rescue mission.

Faced with earthquakes, daemons and witches, Lavender and Kit must rebuild their friendship to survive...

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There is so much to love about this book. I loved the relationship between Lavender and Kit, and how Lavender had to face up to her own faults, while also accepting her own nature. Other characters are really memorable too: Mother Nest, the Firebird, and (my personal favourite) the Nightmare. 

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This is a great book for lovers of fantasy and adventure, particularly for Key Stage 2 (Year 4+). Thank you to Usborne for my copy to review.

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https://www.waterstones.com/book/magpie-girl/rowan-foxwood/crystal-kung/9781803707389

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