Lola and Larch Make a Winter Wish

By Author / Illustrator

Sinead O'Hart, Rachel Seago

Genre

Magical Realism

Age range(s)

Publisher

Nosy Crow

ISBN

9781805133049

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

24-10-2024

Synopsis

Magical adventures in a forest full of fairies with everyone's favourite human-fairy best friend team, Lola and Larch, for fans of Rainbow Magic and Isadora Moon.

When Larch wishes her human best friend, Lola, could understand what it's like to be a fairy, something amazing happens. The friends swap bodies! Now Lola has to learn how to fly and Larch has to act "normal" in a school concert. And a very bad fairy called Euphorbia Spurge can't wait to make the most of this magical mix-up!

Beautifully illustrated throughout, Lola and Larch is a heart-warming, funny celebration of friendship. It's the perfect series for readers who like fairies, magic, and very naughty rabbits! "A real winner" Irish Independent. Find out more from author Sinéad O'Hart, introducing her Lola and Larch series.

Have you read Lola and Larch's other adventures? Lola and Larch Fix a Fairy Forest Lola and Larch Save the Sunshine Spell

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Reviews

Jemma

Lola and Larch Make a Winter Wish is the perfect addition to this glorious set of books. My daughter and I love all three and can't decide which one we like the most - after a lengthy discussion, we decided it depends on what season we are in! That is one of the lovely things about this series - they all link very closely to the seasons and give a nod to the Wheel of the Year.

As always, the story is centred around the beautiful and humorous relationship between Lola and her fairy friend, Larch, but this time, Larch makes a min-winter wish at the Turningtide celebration that sees the human and fairy swapping bodies! Euphorbia Surge rears her sly, mystical head and all sorts of mischief ensues!

With subtle morals about perspective and empathy, this book has themes of companionship and friendship. The beautiful illustrations make this a wonderful bedtime read; my daughter could relax and look at the pictures as I read to her. It is also the perfect book for newly independent readers or for anyone who loves enchanting, magical tales. We can't wait for the next instalment of Lola and Larch in Mend a Magic Mess, out in April!

128 pages / Reviewed by Jemma Jeffrey, teacher

Natalie J

Lola and Larch Make a Winter Wish is the third title in the series about a girl and a fairy who are best friends. As in the previous adventures, the pair find themselves having to deal with the bad fairy Euphorbia Spurge's attempts to sabotage the fairy world.

In this instalment, there is tension between Lola and Larch as both wish the other understood them more. At a special Midwinter celebration, Larch’s turn to have her wish granted doesn’t go as planned. Not only is she annoyed at Lola, but her own glamour malfunctions, and Spurge interferes in the process. As such, Lola and Larch experience a body-swap.

This is a lovely, humorous read. The characters are engaging, and the story is fast-paced, with little references to the previous stories. The descriptions of the characters coming to terms with the body-swap are well done - they are funny, but you get an understanding of their frustrations and confusion in dealing with keeping wings under control or using big heavy limbs.

The charming monochrome illustrations fill this chapter book ranging from spot pictures to whole page images. However, having black font on top of a dark grey illustration on some pages makes it very difficult to read and could put struggling readers off - which is a shame, as these are such readable, enjoyable, pleasant stories.

128 pages / Reviewed by Natalie J McChrystal Plimmer, librarian