Review: Brackenbelly and Isomee, my new best friends
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2014
I know this is a children's book, but Brackenbelly is a hero entirely suited to grown up me. Not conventionally handsome, different from the norm, heroic, and on top of all these wonders, vegetarian! How could I resist him. Plus Gareth Baker has done an excellent job of writing a book about prejudice without preaching. The story is much more subtle than that.Another theme, one of my favourites, is that of the unloved and ill-treated child. Isomee has to serve her selfish uncle, taking an adult role, working ceaselessly to provide his meals and keep house. The story contains a message for all children caught up in an unhappy place. There is always hope. Even for a child trapped at Hogg-Bottom farm. Does Isomee escape? You'll have to read 'All in a Day's Work'  to find out.The good news is that this is the first of 'The Kinmaran Chronicles'. There are many more adventures to come. The stories have depth and meaning as well as being fun and full of adventure, making this a great read for kids.