a captivating adventure story with an important message - our world is magnificent but it is delicate ... This splendid tale is full of adventure and delight and is a friendly reminder to its young readers that with great bravery and determination, one small person can make a big difference. A charming book with an important message
* Irish Examiner *
Strong world building, clever, confident writing and oodles of imagination make this a must read
* Sarah Webb *
Sometimes a book comes along that allows your imagination to run wild
* Book-Bound Blog *
A brilliant character who follows her heart with intelligence, boldness and curiosity. Tabitha is charming and indomitable. Each of the other characters is carefully knitted into the story giving a real sense of who they are and how they fit in Tabithas' world, so we are never confusing one for the other; or weighed-down by extraneous information. The back-stories of all the characters must be as unusual as what we see, but it is left to the reader to build the characters histories. And this adds additional intrigue to the tale. Narrated in a casual style that speaks directly to the reader, we are given intricate descriptions of place and action that bring it all to life without breaking the perfect pace. It is relaxed, fluid and endlessly appealing, keeping the reader on their toes while lulling us into a false sense of security. We may think we know what's coming next, but....Throughout, we get what we need, when we need it and with great surprise. The book has quite a Pratchett-esque style, weaving outlandish characters, thrilling action, bizarre twists and turns with effortless humour and poignant impact of the message behind the story. The illustrations lend so much to the telling of the tale; gorgeously detailed black and white drawings that harbour clues to the journey or remind us of details that may have escaped previous notice. The expressions; the landscapes! And just look at that cover....outstandingly wondrous! Incredibly well-written with a cast of brilliant characters; gently humourous, yet thoughtful, bold and captivating; full of spirit and wonder; what a wonderful book! Simply fantastic!
* Fallen Star Stories *
In scenes reminiscent of The Magic Faraway Tree, Tabitha climbs with the agility of a mountain goat from ledge to precarious ledge as she visits the weird and not-always wonderful dwellers on the cliff wall that forms the edge of the world... If this novel itself serves as an eco-warning of the dangers of abusing the Earth, it is also an action-packed adventure with a teak-tough young female hero. Sending out positive messages about girls' bravery, physical stamina, and capabilities as scientists, Tabitha reminds all young readers that however small and insignificant they may feel, their actions can make a big difference to the world. McGann, author of picture books Where Are You Puffling? and Wee Donkey's Treasure Hunt, finds her voice for a pre-teen readership as the chatty narrator of a story that has everything. Packed with fantastic beasts, the surrealism of The Edge Chronicles meets James and the Giant Peach here as Tabitha's really rotten adoptive family rivals Roald Dahl's Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker for gratuitous nastiness
* Evening Echo *
