AD/PR | Review | A Head Full of Magic by Sarah Morrell

 Title | A Head Full of Magic

Author | Sarah Morrell 

Publisher | Hashtag Press 

Availability | eBook, Paperback

My Rating | 4/5  

Fleur is used to balancing her two different cultures from her English Mum to her West Indian Nan but when she discovers that she can talk to animals she finds herself in a whole new world! Can her new powers help her take down Celeste 'The Best' the hockey-loving, ankle-smashing new girl, once and for all?

'A Head Full of Magic' was a delightfully, charming read that would be a perfect addition to any child's classroom or personal home library. 

I wasn't sure what to expect from the story at first, but once the foundations were laid it was really heart warming to read such a story. The characters were authentic, from the loving Nan who played chess with Fleur, to the school bully Celeste who made Fleur's school days somewhat less than ideal. 

This story contained the right balance of addressing key real life issues such as bullying, loved ones being unwell, self discovery, and a good dose of magic and escapism for any child (or adult).  

We meet Fleur who is a "normal" 10 year old girl, just trying to do her best and be a 10 year old. Along with losing friends, Fleur also is leaving Primary School and heading to High School, something we can all relate to. But things turn unexpectedly when she realises she can hear Nan's African Grey Parrot talk - and it doesn't stop with him - Sir Barclay - she can hear ALL animals talk. You'd be forgiven for thinking of Dr Dolittle here, but this is fresh, new, and exciting. This makes children feel that magic exists, that anything is possible.  

There were important key points in this story that really stood out to me; 

• it involved a mixed race family, and that's unfortunately what we don't read alot of in middle grade and/or adult books, Sarah Morrell did a wonderful job or portraying the family, and I felt an instant warmth towards them
• bullying happens far too much to far too many children, yet it's something that can do the most damage to children - I particularly enjoyed how well written the supportive elements were in this book addressing the bullying Fleur encountered. She was clearly supported by those around her, and that is something not all children have - but to read this book during a difficult time in their life may well give them the courage and strength to speak out and stand up to bullies
• Fleur's nan - reading the scenes where she's playing chess with her granddaughter brought back memories of me playing connect 4 with my nan - it was the highlight of my day at 3 years old

The writing was perfect for a Middle Grade read, the story flowed from page to page, chapters melted away as I just had to "read one more page". This has to become a series, because what happen next for Fleur and her family? Surely there is more to come? I hope! 

Thank you to Helen from Literally PR for asking me to take part in the blog tour and for sending me copies of the book to read in exchange for this review.