Benjamin Creek is an eleven-year-old boy who lives in Wyvern-on-the-Water and can often be found sitting in the ‘Once Upon a Time’ bookshop reading (non-fiction only). He doesn’t believe in magic and doesn’t like fantasy stories, unlike his dad. He receives a mysterious parcel in the post one day which contains a strange doll. His grandma tells him it’s a poppet, a type of doll used for witchcraft, but of course, Benjamin isn’t remotely interested in that, he prefers a scientific explanation for everything.

Meanwhile, in Wreathenwold, twins Edwid and Elizabella are surrounded by magic. Edwid hears whispering coming from a crack in the wall and doesn’t know whether to listen to the voice or not. Benjamin and Elizabella’s lives collide when Benjamin accidentally finds his way into Wreathenwold and can’t find his way out again.

I love the contrast between Benjamin and Elizabella – his scientific mind and thoughts struggling to process what is going on around him, Elizabella’s blunt refusal to accept his explanations. Wreathenwold is described as a labyrinth and that’s what reading the book feels like – at first, you know nothing, but then you slowly start to uncover its secrets and find your way around as you learn more about the characters and the surroundings.

This is a brilliantly written adventure for older readers in KS2, perfect for fans of fantasy and magic-based stories. And perhaps those who generally prefer a scientific explanation too.