Two is a Crowd

Cath Howe has delivered another compelling book that will strongly resonate with pupils who have siblings and close family relationships. The story thoughtfully weaves together the themes of family dynamics, friendship and jealousy, offering a sensitive exploration of the ‘green-eyed monster’. The engaging narrative style draws readers in effortlessly, making this a highly immersive and difficult-to-put-down read. It is likely to connect with any child who has experienced feelings of jealousy or self-doubt, making it a valuable addition to classroom and library collections.

Hattie is ready for a summer of fun, including a trip to France with her family and the anticipation of starting secondary school with her bestie. Then Seren arrives! It ought to be everything she’s ever wanted, yet it feels entirely the opposite. Why is she so hard to talk to and be around? Everyone else seems to love her, so what is Hattie missing? Then school starts and Seren has to join too and everything falls apart.

This is a narrative that uses emotive language to allow the reader to fully empathise and understand the characters: ‘I was a patch of wintry snow in a sunny field.’ Hattie is a character many readers will recognise from their own school experiences. This is perfect for ages 8 through to pre-teens. Cath Howe is superb at writing about such prevalent topics within current school and home settings, understanding what children feel and go through as they navigate childhood, their families, friends and school. Utterly wonderful!