Sky

Having initially been unconvinced about visiting her grandparents in Scotland, only child Lara finds a common interest in bird watching with her grandfather. Lara is fascinated by the rare white snowy owl that she's spotted flying near her grandparents' cottage. When she follows the magnificent bird into the woods, she is transported on a beautiful adventure back in time.

Sky is perfect for the younger novel reader with a well-crafted, simple-to-follow storyline which hooks you in and makes you want to read more. It touches on relevant topics such as; having periods of time where families are not able to visit each other; protection of wild animals; friendship; the changes in daily life between now and Victorian times and a fleeting mention of recovery from cancer. This is sure to become a much-loved favourite for years to come.

192 pages / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

This new book written by the talented Holly Webb was a Christmas reading treat. Sky is set in Scotland and follows a special Christmas visit by Lara and her parents to her grandparents. While on this special visit, Lara meets a family of snowy owls who take her on magical adventures through the snowy landscape. Here Lara meets another girl and is taken back in time to experience the snowy owls and a special friendship together.

Sky explores difficult themes as Lara's mother is recovering from cancer and her new friend Amelia has sadly lost her mother and is learning to live without her. Lara and Amelia discover the nest of the snowy owls and have to work together to protect the newly hatched owls.

This book is a beautiful story of friendship and felt magical. The illustrations are enchanting and help to tell the story. This book is part of a series by Holly Webb and was thoroughly enjoyed by me and my class.

192 pages / Reviewed by Maria, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+