Enchanting

I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak is a most delightful, contemporary children’s novel that is just perfect for ages eight years and over.

The story is about family. We see the bonds between parents, twelve year old Max, five year old Emmaline, Uncle Reggie and of course, Cosmo the dog. Family pull together, sharing events – but then Mum and Dad start arguing. We see the effect this has on the family. What Max fears most about a possible divorce, is being separated from Cosmo. He has heard of others where one parent has the kids and the other has the dog. Max clings to Cosmo and shares his fears. There is a beautiful bond between them as Cosmo is just one year older than Max. We learn how Cosmo loves “doggedly… it’s the way we love, with our whole hearts.”

The book is written in the first person from the point of view of Cosmo. As such, we know how deep his love for Max runs. Carlie Sorosiak has perfectly captured Cosmo. The reader really believes that it is him speaking.

I, Cosmo shows the effects on a family when a marriage is in trouble. We hear of the children’s fears. We see that they and Cosmo are still loved even if their parents separate.

I thoroughly enjoyed I, Cosmo. It was both entertaining and enchanting. It is a gentle way to show children whose parents are divorced that they are still loved.

There were light-hearted moments from Cosmo which helped to break up the more serious topics. This is a very charming read.

JULIA WILSON