Published By: Macmillan Children’s Book
Pages: 272
Released On: 01/05/2025
Reading Age: 9-11
Puffin Lau has two problems: her beloved scientist mum barely speaks to her . . . and a mythical wildcat called the Kuri is depending on her for its survival.
Luckily, Puffin grew up on stories of the Kuri and its magical powers, and she will stop at nothing to return it to its rightful home.
But standing in her way is the ominous Professor Smoult, a money-hungry scientist who wants to capture the Kuri and steal its magic. Faced with a mammoth journey to the faraway Linger Island, Puffin and her best friend Lance must evade the professor and save the last wildcat before it’s too late .
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Book for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
It definitely reminded me of Hannah Gold’s book, which are beautiful, and this was right up there. It’s got that same warmth, that feeling of friendship and love and respect between humans and nature.
A a 31 year old, it can be difficult to identify with a child protagonist, but Puffin (great name) was absolutely fabulous. The children absolutely run this story. Professor Smoult is a proper pantomime villain and I mean that in the best way, he’s so much fun.
It is a children’s book first and foremost; it’s also an adventure story, it’s about family and friends, caring for nature, respect, love and greed, with fantasy and magical elements.
It’s aimed at 9-11 year olds and I think it’s perfect for that age. But I also think older children and adults (like me) would really enjoy it too. The different age groups would get something different out of it.
I loved illustrations too. I wonder if they’ll be in colour in the finished book as they were in black and white in my e-copy. I will have to check it out because they were lovely.
It doesn’t warrant a sequel, but like Hannah Gold’s books, I could see a series of animal and nature related stories being successful.
Books By Your Bedside 