Piccadilly ISBN 9781848129221 £6.99
This is a funny, moving book about four different children– two boys and two girls – who form surprising friendships. The structure of the story is fascinating as it is told from four different points of view. Kelly intertwines the perspectives of Virgil, Valencia, Kaori and Chet, so we learn about their backgrounds and interests and characters. Virgil is shy and kind. His family is loud and passionate-about-sport. Valencia adores nature. She is deaf, brave, clever and lonely. Kaori is a psychic. Her younger sister, Gen, follows her around. Chet is a bully who is annoyed by weird kids. The four are not friends, until Chet throws Virgil’s backpack into a well. The backpack contains his precious guinea pig, Gulliver. Despite his fears, Virgil goes into the well to retrieve Gulliver. The description of his dilemma is superbly written. Short paragraphs enable the reader to feel empathy with his situation and the choices he faces. Virgil finds himself trapped.at the bottom of the well. Eventually Valencia, Kaori and Gen rescue him. In the end, the bully’s act brings them together and each of the protagonists confront “the universe” in their own way. The story celebrates, difference, discovering our inner hero, bravery, resilience, self-acceptance and the value of friendship. It is a great, though-provoking read, with short chapters, much humour and suspense. Highly recommended for children aged 9+
Brenda Marshall