Changes

I was reminded a little, of all things, of ''Doctor Who'' Christmas specials – the conjunction of the supernatural with an embodiment of earthly goodwill spirit, the juxtaposition of human emotions with the drama of fantasy, but, needless to say, this is better. It acts as a clarion call for dream, fantasy and hope – much as the first book in this series apparently proposed, but does it with a deftness and drama that will make it inherently readable for many an age group. It's a book you won't be buying for the beach (unless you're Australian, perhaps) – but this will be bought, shared and well-read in many a festive season.

I can't let the chance pass to nod you in the direction of the author's earlier youth titles, such as [[The Runaway Troll by Matt Haig|The Runaway Troll]].