Book of the month (August'24) - The Whisperwicks

Published on 29 August 2024 at 14:48

The Whisperwicks

by Jordan Lees

★★★★★

Review

Chosen as book of the month, The Whisperwicks by Jordan Lees is by far my favourite children's fiction book that I have read so far this year. After borrowing this book from a pupil, it sat on my shelf for a few days as the length of the book (hardbacks always feel more of a commitment) was a little intimidating. However, it turns out there was absolutely nothing to worry about as once I had started reading, I didn't want to put it down! I suppose the message here is to give any book a go, because you never know what you will find between the covers.

In this story, we meet a range of different characters who all bring their own spark of magic to the storyline including giant ravens, Hanged Men and a mighty minotaur who rules over this dark land. For me, the story is made by the "poppets" which are magical dolls that are able to shapeshift into any animal through direction from their owner. (Each character within Wreathenwold is born with a poppet which they must protect as a matter of life or death). Benjimiah's poppet, an adorable and slightly problematic monkey, brings a little sparkle and chaos to an otherwise dark tale.

This book is the perfect combination of mystery, magic and friendship, and together they create a whole new dimension that I have never experienced before in a book. This is a story that I wish had been read to me as a child as the magical world of and adventures within Wreathenwold are something that easily transports the reader (and listener) away from reality and into a shared world full of suspense and adventure.

Dive Deeper

Key information

Author: Jordan Lees

Illustrator: Vivienne To

Release Date: 28th March 2024

Book type: Chapter, 432 pages, hardback

Reader level: Confident reader (9+)

Overview

When Benjamiah Creek is given a strange looking doll, he finds himself transported to a labyrinth of magic and hardship. He soon meets the totally endearing Elizabella - a girl on a mission to find her brother who vanished under mysterious circumstances. Although they don't see eye to eye, the two work together to solve seemingly impossible riddles that were hidden carefully around the world of Wreathenwold before her brother vanished. Unfortunately for them, Wreathenwold is an ever changing labyrinth that devours those who stray too far from home.

After passing through, Benjamiah finds himself in a peculiar world which is governed by "Hanged Men" (those who have lost their lives and are now devoted to serving the town of Wreathenwold). He soon learns that he is trapped within a labyrinth which people cannot escape. In fact, the people of Wreathenwold cannot stray too far from their homes without the risk of losing their way through the labyrinth, never to be seen again. Wreathenwold is ruled by an evil minotaur who hasn't been seen for centuries, but maintains a terrifying reign over the petrified citizens.

Soon after arriving, he is offered a place to stay by a man who is searching for his missing son. Here, Benjamiah meets Elizabella, the man's daughter, who is determined to find her missing brother, with or without their help. Despite an underlying resentment, the two children set off on an adventure through Wreathenwold, guided by a magical piece of string that once belonged to the underground organization called the "Map Makers". They must solve 3 clues that have been hidden by Elizabella's brother prior to his disappearance, but must do so whilst being hunted a man who wants nothing more than to keep secrets secret.