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Laura Catalán Books

The Borrowers meets The Magic Faraway Tree in this enchanting illustrated adventure. Timeless and classic in feel, it makes a perfect gift for ages 7-10, and will be loved by fans of Wildsmith, The Boy Who Grew Dragons, Five Children and It and The Wood Where Magic Grows.

Meet the Finders, the magical collectors of lost items… This delightful animal adventure story of friendship, courage and caring for the environment is ideal for independent readers or for reading aloud, and makes a perfect cosy bedtime story.

“We Finders have what we call the Golden Rule: Finders Keepers.”

While hunting for an old time capsule that his grandma once buried in the woods, Max never expects to discover the home of a small magical creature. Nor does he expect that magical creature to have an extensive collection of lost items, all catalogued and labelled. Yet this is how he meets Tuftorious Snook, collector of lost objects, and just one of the many Finders living in Silverthorn Forest.

Thrilled by his discovery, Max can’t wait to find out more about the Finders. But when he accidentally breaks their most important rule – never steal – he’s banished from their home. With Silverthorn Forest in danger, however, Max must somehow find a way to save Tuft and the other Finders before it’s too late.

This is the book equivalent of sitting wrapped in a duvet eating chocolate. It is simply delightful and while being an exciting adventure it also looks at finding your feet and the inner courage you need to get through. Author Lee Newbery wrote this story for his son, so that his son could see himself in a story. Newbery wanted a story where the child is adopted (and has two dads) but without the family set-up being the main focus of the story. His aim has been entirely achieved.

Yes, there is peril, a hideous monster and bullies, but it always feels as if it will work out in the end. All the pieces of an exciting adventure are here; two loyal friends, a sprinkling of magic, a very cute animal, a tense denouement. All of this is wrapped up with wonderful illustrations from Laura Catalan, which bring the story to life, topped off with a beautiful cover.

I can see this book becoming a ‘must read’ for lower Key Stage 2, and I for one would love to read it aloud to a group of children.

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