Moonshifter

By Author / Illustrator

Penny Chrimes

Genre

Fairy Tales & Folk Tales

Age range(s)

Publisher

Orion Children's Books

ISBN

9781510110731

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

29-02-2024

Synopsis

When magic is outlawed, can one shapeshifter find the strength to fight for both her lives?

The shifting of shape grew upon her as she grew. As slow and stealthy as a polecat stalking a vole.
A twitch of long ears, as yet unseen.
The sudden thump of a powerful hind-leg, hers yet not yet hers.
The sleekening of the flank.
A change in the smell of the earth and the scents on the wind.
And then it was fully upon her and she was Hare. Silver Hare - that most magical of all shape-shifters.

Loveday Gwynne is a shapeshifter. When she transforms into Hare, she is full of joy, running and leaping through the grass on the moors, a silver hare with a special connection to the silver moon. But as a girl, she must be quiet and stay unnoticed, because the old magic of the shapeshifters is no longer trusted in the village of Penros.

The new Elder of Penros is determined both to rid the village of Shapeshifters and to mine the cliffs below for gold, something forbidden by the old magic. Balanced between the human world and the animal, Loveday must find a way to use her powers to reclaim her home, before it falls into the sea...

An enthralling story about bravery and standing up for what's right, steeped in the magic and wonder of the natural world.

Reviews

Sue

Loveday Gwynne is a shapeshifter, able to transform into Hare. Running wild and free in this shape, she is full of joy, but she has to keep her ability secret as Old Magic is no longer tolerated in her home village of Penros. The new Elder is determined to get rid of all shapeshifters, ruling the village with fear. But as danger increases and the old ways are threatened, Loveday realises that she must take action before it is too late. ‘

Moonshifter is a wonderfully atmospheric story, full of magic and the wonders of nature. The book centres around Loveday, whose family used to be the Elders of the Village, as she struggles to reconcile her shapeshifting abilities with the need to hide her true self. Since the death of her Naina almost a year ago, Loveday has been living with her uncle, his wife and son, Jago, where she feels unwelcome.

Her friendship with Vinegar, an orphan, is her only consolation - particularly as Vinegar can also shapeshift, taking the form of a weasel. The joy of their transformations and the freedom they feel is beautifully described, showing a real love of nature.

The book is rich in folklore and old magic, drawing on stories of sacred hares and their connection to the moon as well as tales of shapeshifters. The Elder stands in stark contrast to this - offering harsh denial of traditional ways and beliefs, prepared to destroy the village and the land in pursuit of power and greed. Loveday shows great courage and determination, inspiring others to find the bravery to unite against his tyranny and save the village and their way of life.

An engrossing read, Moonshifter would make an excellent class story for a Y6 class.

288 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher