Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for
Written by Andy Jones
With illustrations by Margarida Esteves
Published by Walker Books
“Everyone has wishes … it’s magic that’s in short supply.”
Phyll is having a difficult summer. Her family has moved to the seaside but things are far from perfect. Her mum is sick, she’s made an enemy at summer camp and there’s a dog-thief on the loose.
Then Phyll meets Mr Djinn – an old man who insists he’s a genie. Phyll has her doubts, until her wishes start to come true …
A wonderful story that swept me up and carried me on, page after page after page. Filled with gentle humour, tender moments and tugs on the heartstrings. This is a lovely lovely story.
I loved Phyll and Clark together. Their blossoming friendship made my heart sing. The blushes, the bracelet, the hand holding, the postcards. All so perfectly told.
I loved the moments when the clouds cleared for Phyll’s mum and the sunshine shone on their lives, their home and their love for one another. I loved the hope in their relationship, the affection they show, the phrases and words they share as a family. Everything about Phyllis and her family made me smile and feel warm inside. This is a family that sticks together through the toughest and darkest of times.
I loved Phyll’s relationship with the wonderful Mr Djinn, a kind and wise old man with a twinkle in his eye. I am a huge fan of stories that shine a light on the beauty of intergenerational relationships and Mr Djinn is so good for Phyll, just as she is good for him. Their shared love of biscuits, the joy they find in one another, the wisdom Mr Djinn shares, the stories he tells. The characterisation is brilliant and the tale of their relationship is tenderly told with love and humour and fun.
This story appealed to me as the main character is about to turn 12, just like my twins who turn 12 on Sunday. Some of the things that Phyll does and says in the books made me smile and think of my own children. Her name also makes me smile, as it was my Nan’s name and I loved hearing it over and over in my head.
I loved Phyll’s journal entries, her ‘Forts’ especially the ones about sea glass and belonging.
This is a story of friendship and family. Of being lost and being found. A story about moving somewhere new and dealing with change. A story about living with depression. This is a tale of growing up and navigating the choppy waters of the world around you. This is a story about believing in yourself and in others. This is a gritty, witty story about the peaks and troughs of real life sprinkled with just a little magic!
I believe!
And I know that if you read this book then you will believe too x
