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The Turnkey Of Highgate Cemetery by Allison Rushby

Apr11

Unique, Exciting & Engaging

The Turnkey Of Highgate Cemetery by Allison Rushby is an entertaining children’s novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is perfect for ten years and over.

The action is set during World War II in London. We join a young girl who is deceased and who also looks after the dead in Highgate cemetery. She is the turnkey. She witnesses the destruction of London, and stumbles upon a deceased Nazi officer with evil intent.

There are battles between good and evil as the veil between ‘now’ and the afterlife grows thin.

Family is important. Family make a difference. We all want someone to love us.

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The Ghost Locket by Allison Rushby

Apr2

Something Truly Beautiful

The Ghost Locket by Allison Rushby is a charming contemporary children’s novel that is perfect for ten years and over.

Though the tale is set at Christmas, the story is suitable for any time of year.

A house in London is set up to be a living museum. It is occupied by three people who have passed but are trapped within the building. Eleven-year-old Lolli sees spirits and realises that they need her help – but needs to work out what must be done.

Lolli had a bond with Elsie, the old lady who lived in the house. She imparted words of love and wisdom. Her love reaches beyond the grave.

As the days pass, Lolli realises she does not want to live afraid any longer. “I don’t want to be the person I am. Always scared. Always afraid. Always saying no.” Lolli must face her fears in order to defeat them. She remembers what Elsie would have said and is motivated by that. “She would help me without question. That’s what people who love each other do. Even when they’re scared, they show up.”

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Third Year At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

Apr2

Friendships & High Jinx

Third Year At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton is a superb girls’ book set in a boarding school. It is the third book in the Malory Towers series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for character and timeline progression.

The girls are now fourteen as they head back to school in Cornwall. It is the spring term and there are two new girls – an American who is an aspiring actress, and a tomboy who loves her horse.

Once more we join in for lessons and pranks. There are friendships and squabbles; highs and lows; good behaviour and high jinx.

We see the kindness of a teacher when a beloved horse is in trouble.

We learn the lesson of being yourself and do not think of yourself as above others.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book as much today as when I first read the series fifty years ago.

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Five On Kirrin Island Again by Enid Blyton

Apr1

Derring Do & Loyalty

Five On Kirrin Island Again by Enid Blyton is a thrilling children’s adventure and just perfect for ten years and over. It is the sixth book in the Famous Five series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Once more we join the children and Timmy the dog as they have another adventure on Kirrin Island, foiling the baddies plans.

We hear of derring do and loyalty from Timmy.

Though first written in 1947, there is a timeless appeal to the tale. It will entertain a new generation of children.

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