The Whisperwicks: The impossible trials by Jordan Lees

From the opening pages, bearing snippets from “The Book of Barely Believable Stories”, one is drawn into another world where the celebration of the Midsommer festival is underway. Claris meets a young boy who knows her name but not his own, thereby setting the scene for mystery and adventure.

Meanwhile, the mundane Wyvern-on-the-Water is far less interesting, until Benjemiah Creek finds a piece of witchstone, and reconnects with the magic he has previously experienced. His joy grows as his doll is restored to life and he is able to hug his ‘poppet’. Soon, the pair is transported back to Wreathenwold where problems await.

Quickly, Benjemiah reconnects with his friend Elizabella Cotton whom he had met on his first visit to Wreathenwold, and they are joined by new friends Mea and Silas the mapmaker.  As a team, they work together to save the missing children of Wreathenwold. Will Mildred Fogge’s ‘wisdom’ help them to fix everything before Midsommer ends or not?

Friendship, loyalty, problem solving and acceptance of others are key themes of the story, as differences are embraced and new connections are made. As the story concludes, Benjemiah’s mother describes him as being “incomprehensibly reckless and stupid, but brave nontheless…” and the importance of family, security, affection and honesty shine through.

The good news for the reader is that it’s clear Benjemiah’s adventures in Wreathenwold are not over yet.

Not having read the first book in the series before reading this title, I’ll be keen to read it now and will eagerly look forward to the third installment.

Themes: Fantasy, Mystery, Friendship, Challenges, Quests.

Jo Schenkel