The friendships were all so funny and sweet, and I loved how they stood up for each other against bullies and beasts. I also loved how Charlie having two dads was so positively normalised - I'm glad children (and anyone reading children's books) now get to read stories like these! It's so important for us to see positive, casual representation of different families. I really enjoyed reading the bonds between characters: family, friends and of course between Charlie and Cadno. This was super fun to read and really heartwarming!

I can see myself reflected in the empty blackness of its insect eyes.Ĭontent warnings: bullying mild violence one instance of homophobic microaggression (calling same-sex parents 'guardians') The head of the Grendilock is peering back through the curtain of ivy. You will hear incessantly about this book until release in March. I always tear up when I realise children today don’t have to go through that. Through Section 28, the Thatcher government took away the chance for me to feel normal, and not alone in my feelings. It will also reassure adopted children if they are getting a sibling. On a personal note, as a same sex adopter of two children, the final layer is the way that a child with two dads, who are adopting again, is handled deftly so that a child with two dads will feel seen, a child with a mum and a dad will be educated on our normalcy (without realising), and a child who is realising they’re different will be able to see that they can have a loving family when they’re older. The kindness and respect shown is wonderful and it’s rare in middle grade fiction to want to see more of the grown ups in the story! The next layer comes with the relationship between Charlie and his dad.

His writing is accessible for the target age - very visual, the dialogue is pitched well, and the three young characters friendship is beautifully drawn. It all sounds very standard middle grade - and it does tick all of those boxes with huge confidence - there is well handled action, comedy set pieces and a good villain to hate. Can Charlie find his metaphorical inner fire, while keeping the literal fire of Cadno from being discovered? Then you layer in the magic - while playing at a ruined castle, he’s given a Firefox, Cadno, to keep safe from a bad King and an evil shape shifting beast. He can’t stand up to his bullies and wants to be able to look after the new sibling his parents are preparing for. Ostensibly it’s the story of a little boy, Charlie, who wants to be more brave. I have to do my best not to just gush for the whole review of The Last Firefox by debut author Lee Newbery.

The last firefox lee newbery