The island of Morovia is home to both humans and the bird–people named alkonosts. The alkonosts, with their singing magic, have been banished, and are treated with suspicion by the humans, but a young girl named Linnet remembers the happy days when humans and alkonosts lived in harmony. When Linnet’s father is taken away, she embarks on a quest to save him – and to bring unity to Morovia once again.

Sophie Anderson’s fourth book is a beautifully written tale of acceptance and kindness. Despite the many injustices that Linnet faces, she overcomes her trials with wisdom and generosity, showing time and again the strength of love over hatred. The island of Morovia is filled with magic and the potential for happiness, and it is easy to be swept up in Linnet’s quest to save her home.

With a cast of wonderful characters – including a toad named Lumpy and a smelly but ever-faithful swamp rat named Whiskers – and an action-filled plot, The Thief Who Sang Storms is as entertaining as it is moving, and would be a fantastic addition to the bookshelf for kids aged 9+.

Molly Smith is from Readings Emporium