The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn is an enchanting and layered fairytale with a touch of the gothic. The author paints evocative landscapes of emotion and place: dreams and a profound longing for friendship loom large alongside dusty archives, a gloomy crow and shadowy twisted birches. The story’s slow, deliberate pacing ensures the reader’s empathy for Wonder Quinn, a melancholy, otherworldly character living in the attic of an old school. When the funny and bold Mabel appears, there’s a splash of colour in Wonder’s monochromatic world; her friendship has a lifechanging influence on Wonder’s soulful outlook.

This unusual tale, with its unexpected twists, explores themes of loneliness, longing and grief and celebrates love, friendship, and the power within. I suspect it’s for the thoughtful, serious but confident reader, aged 8+, who enjoys big themes with a touch of the spirit world.

Athina Clarke is the children’s book buyer at Readings Malvern.