Welcome to Litsy!

Mabel loves space and the night sky but has a space in her heart from when Dad left (and not heard from since). Mabel carries around an invisible suitcase of worries; her sister Topaz has too many worries of her own to help. The one hope is mum's boyfriend who shares Mabel's love of the stars but is he all he seems....?

Enjoyable read but not memorable, good for approaching the subject of worries, and sharing them #ChildrensBooks #MiddleGrade

This was quirky, heartfelt and so addictive. My first book by this author and definitely not my last. Mabel is 11 and going through a family break up, her moody, teenage sister is not helping with the situation. The book touches on mental illness including dementia, anxiety and depression in a sensitive manner aimed at young readers. Recommended by my daughter too - a gem of a book. Simple writing but the emotions are explored well and in detail.

Next up to read.... I‘ve heard so many good things about this book which covers mental health and a family break up. Aimed at Middle grade and recommended by my teen daughter who has just finished it.
#newbook

#weekendreads
1. Far From Perfect by Holly Smale
2. Tagged book - my daughter is reading this at the moment
3. A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee

Lara Williamson‘s contemporary novel for children aged 9+ deals sensitively with the subjects of anxiety and depression and children will empathise with Mabel‘s ever-growing worries. However, the plot is very busy so the pacing sags and for me it‘s overwritten and too reliant on similes. I also wanted to know how old Mabel was because at times she seems quite young (notably her belief in the magic goblet) but otherwise seems older than Topaz.