Walker Books ISBN 9781406385236 £7.99
World War Two is over, and orphaned Nona lives with her Uncle Antoni. Part companion, part helpmate, Nona travels with him as he restores war-damaged stained glass windows to their former beauty. One such project takes the pair to a tiny church on the windswept Dartmoor. Here, not only must Nona find the courage and strength to face The Soldier with his heart of glass, but she must also learn to embrace the magic within her. An original and at times endearing cast of magical characters come to Nona’s aid, including the shape-shifting Castor and the sisters Serafin and Alesea. With their help, Nona learns to walk the spirit pathways, transform into a Jenny Wren and battle with the dreadful rattlesticks: no easy task when a single touch from a rattlestick is all it takes to turn you into one of them. Threaded with beautiful and at times lyrical description, Glassheart is a tale of courage, magic and love. The reader is held captivated at every stage of Nona’s journey. A truly magical read. Aged 9+
Suzanne Chinnock