The Hunt for the Nightingale

by Sarah Ann Juckes, Sharon King-Chai (Illustrations)

Discover the healing power of nature in one boy's journey back from the wilderness.

Bird fact no. 30: a nightingale song is one of the most beautiful sounds on the planet. 

Ten-year-old Jasper has been waiting all spring for his beloved nightingale to return to his garden and sing.  But it's not there, and neither is his sister, Rosie.  His parents seem sad and preoccupied,  so gathering his courage, his backpack and his treasured Book of Birds, Jasper sets out alone on a walk to find them both.  The expedition takes Jasper through town and country, meeting a host of characters who are also searching for lost things. Helping his new friends, Jasper begins to see that he may not find what he is looking for when he reaches the journey's end, but even in the darkest of moments, a nightingale's song can be heard somewhere.

Genres: Middle Grade, Audiobook, Fiction, Childrens, Nature, Grief, Friendship

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Sarah Ann Juckes writes books for young people. Her YA debut Outside (Penguin) was nominated for the Carnegie Medal Award 2020, shortlisted for Mslexia’s Children’s Novel Award, and longlisted for the Bath Novel Award.

Her latest novel, The World Between Us will be published by Penguin in March 2021 and has already sold in three other territories (Germany, France and Italy).

She works with writers from all over the world via Jericho Writers and is on the board for Creative Future – a charity supporting under-represented writers.

She collects old editions of J. M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan and Wendy' and feels most at home in the middle of a forest.

Reviews

[Yasmine Dero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een kinderboek dat je hart breekt... In het boek volgen we Jasper die een fervente vogelliefhebber is dankzij zijn zus Rosie. Zij was er altijd voor hem, in tegenstelling tot zijn ouders die zo druk bezig waren om hun bedrijf op te zetten en geld te verdienen. Jasper wacht op de komst van de nachtegaal die elk jaar naar zijn tuin komt maar de nachtegaal komt niet tevoorschijn. Toch had Rosie beloofd dat de nachtegaal zou terugkomen en zij is er nu ook al niet. Zijn ouders vertelden hem vorige week met een verdrietig gezicht dat Rosie nu naar 'Een Betere Plek' was. Dan denkt Jasper eraan dat hij vorig jaar met zijn zus de nachtegaal gevonden heeft aan een tankstation. Jasper besluit om op zijn eentje naar het tankstation te wandelen zodat hij Rosie en de nachtegaal kan vinden. Onderweg komt hij verschillende mensen tegen.

Een mooi, realistisch kinderboek dat rouw bij kinderen bespreekbaar maakt. Zeer herkenbaar voor kinderen, maar ook handig voor volwassenen. Zo toont dit boek aan dat je beter de waarheid vertelt en concreet bent dan dat je de boodschap zacht probeert over te brengen, zodat kinderen dit een plaats kunnen geven. Ook de ontkenning van het overlijden van Rosie is een veelvoorkomende reactie die je terugziet bij onder andere rouw. Mooi dat het boek afsluit met een hartverwarmende boodschap: dat er altijd mensen klaarstaan om je op te vangen en je te helpen, als je het maar toelaat. En dat je elkaar kan helpen, hoeveel pijn je ook hebt.

De prachtige illustraties van vogels en de vogelweetjes waren ook een aangename en unieke toevoeging aan het verhaal.

De quote die mijn hart deed breken was toch deze: 'Alsjeblieft Rosie, fluisterde Jasper. De Betere Plek is bij mij.'

Uiteindelijk geef ik dit boek deze rating omdat het boek toch wat te 'saai' was voor mij. Hoewel ik doorheb dat het boek vooral rond het personage draait en de rouw om zijn zus ging het boek te traag voor mij. Vooral de zoektocht had spannender of emotioneler mogen zijn. Pas tegen het einde van het boek voelde ik echt alle emoties.

[Omiai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting and didn't want to put it down once.
An absolutely beautiful tale of a little boy trying to come to terms the loss of his big sister, who was his whole world.
Jasper is obsessed with birds, something that he and his sister shared. She would take him on lots of adventures to find birds and together they wrote a book on bird facts and the times they had seen the birds. So birds play a big part in this story, each chapter starting with a short bird fact, which was really lovely.
Jasper's parents were distant before their daughters death, working all the time to keep the family afloat with their new business, and not understanding their children's love for birds. So when their daughter dies, they switch their attention to planning her funeral, and once again, Jasper is left alone and ignored. He doesn't understand that his sister is dead, or at least, doesn't want to admit it. He goes looking for her and the missing nightingale, which usually arrived in their garden at this time of year, but is so far missing. His sister, before she dies, makes a joke about the bird being at the motorway service station some way away. so he decides to go looking for it, thinking his sister would be there too.
along the way, he meets lots of lovely people who he helps find their lost things, working on his bravery, emotions and strength the whole time.
I dont want to spoil the story, as it's so well written and definitely worth a read.
I loved the descriptions, the emotional depth, the understanding of people with panic attacks and other mental issues and they were treated with such respect.
i also loved that although Jasper was constantly meeting strangers on his trip, and he had technically run away from home, this was never glorified as a great thing for kids to do. It was instead talked about as something that Jasper knew he shouldn't have done, felt awful about, knew he shouldn't be talking to strangers, had to cross roads safely etc. and this was reiterated at the end of the book as well. (I've read other childrens books where kids run away, and it's made out to be super fun and exciting, and always worried me that kids would try and copy the characters).
I have to say that i cried a lot, especially towards the end of the book, and i dont often cry when reading books (it's happened maybe 6 other times in my life), but the emotion and realness of the story and characters was so strong, that i just couldn't stop myself.
so obviously, i really recommend this book. It was beautiful from start to finish.

[Kirsten Paoline König]

Jasper begrijpt niet goed waar nu precies die Better Place is waar zijn negen jaar ouder zus vertoeft - als ze het liefst met hem samen is om vogels te spotten. Met een rugzak vol energierepen, een kaart van de omgeving en hun 'The Book of Birds' overwint hij nogal wat onzekerheden om de nachtegaal te vinden die ze van plan waren zoals ieder jaar te horen zingen. Op zoek naar zijn zus vindt hij vooral zelfvertrouwen, nieuwe vrienden en dankzij dit alles een manier om te begrijpen waar zijn zoektocht naar zal leiden.
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Een ontfermende grote zus, misverstanden en ouders die niet omkijken in een bitterzoete maar vooral warme middle grade voor liefhebbers van de 'De Nachtlantaarn', 'Adres Onbekend' en 'Ik ben Vincent en ik ben niet bang' 🌿🕊
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Dit hartverwarmende boek van @sajuckes met bloedmooi binnenwerk door van @sharonkingchai wordt dit voorjaar vertaald door Marjolijn Huiberts als 'Op zoek naar de nachtegaal' uitgegeven bij @uitgeverijbillybones 🧡

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story ❤️ it’s beautiful but also heartbreaking at the same time. A little boy called Jasper has been waiting for the nightingale to come, but it’s missing, along with his sister who’s gone to a “better place.”

Jasper sets out on a mission into nature to find both the nightingale and his sister. It’s such a sad story of a little boys grief for his sister but the way that it is written is absolutely stunning. I read this in two sittings finishing it this morning Sarah Ann Juckes is fabulous once again such a beautiful blend of empathy and subtlety with such a hard subject for children. Beautiful. 🌸

[Raquel Aliste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Por favor, leed este libro. Que maravilla.

[Helena Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

most beautiful children's book

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunt for the Nightingale is a beautiful story that explores themes of sadness, grief, loss, and is a journey towards acceptance. It highlights the importance of parents communicating openly and in clear terms that kids can understand, rather than trying to deliver simplified messages. Phrases like "being in a better place" were too abstract for Jasper, leading him to focus on where is Rosie? Jasper also would have benefitted from parents who weren't so preoccupied with their work. One's who didn't forget his birthday. Or parents that weren't dismissive of Jasper and Rosie's passion for bird watching by making comments like it's "only a bird." It minimized the importance of Rosie having taught Jasper facts about birds and that they had been writing Rosie and Jasper's Book of Birds together. Jasper and his sister were obsessed with birds and it's something that their parents should have been more encouraging about.

On his way to the gas station, Jasper encountered many wonderful people, each leaving a lasting impression on him. There was Lulu, an older girl from his school with visual difficulties, who's searching for her lost dog. Madge who helps Jasper to navigate through a field of cows, Gan Tran Stevens and Ibrahim who help him to push through the tough questions and suggest breathing exercises for those panicky feelings he's been experiencing. Each offered him valuable advice, guiding him to come to terms with his loss. Jasper's raw emotions of anger, sorrow and denial are relatable and heartwarming for the reader. I must admit that it brought me to tears. Yet, there's also a tenderness and heartwarming sentiment in knowing that there were people who took the time to listen and cared for Jasper while he was in so much pain. Jasper changed following each interaction he made, becoming more courageous and gaining insight into his panic attacks. The book features Sharon King-Chai's exquisite bird illustrations and each chapter is punctuated with fascinating facts about birds. Overall, this is a beautiful story filled with emotion, warmth and lovely messaging. **A huge thank you to Kane Miller Publishing for the paperback in exchange for an honest review. **

[BookBairn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps one of the most spectacular children’s books I have read. This book is an emotional journey as the main character learns to understand and accept the death of his sister. With a neurodiverse main character, this is sensitively written and with magical weaving and storytelling it is a heartbreaking read. I really enjoyed the quietness of this read that still packed a mighty punch for all that the main character’s journey or adventure isn’t all that adventurous it’s still a story with depth and the ability to keep you turning the pages. If you read one children’s book this year, make it this one. It’s incredible.

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been sat on the tbr pile for ages. I read The Night Animals when a child at school lent it to me some time ago...this is school's book but has been on my pile!

Loved The Night Animals and loved this too!

Jasper & Rosie are brother and sister. Rosie is 18 and Jasper is in year 6. She gets angry at Mum and Dad for taking no notice of him. Rosie goes to Uni but she promises to be home every other weekend to take him out. Jasper suffers from panic attacks.

Rosie was supposed to be back last weekend to help him find the nightingale. But the nightingale isn't there and nor is Rosie. Mum and Dad are no help they went out last weekend and still came back without Rosie. And talked talked about her going to a Better Place. And then they locked themselves away in the study as they always do after starting the seedy-nut bar business. When he tries to ask them again where she is they look...

So Jasper decides Rosie is at the motorway services on the that is on the way to her Uni, she said she heard a nightingale there. And he needs to find her. So leaving Mum and Dad a note and packing all he needs in his bag he sets out. He's good at walking because he and Rosie do it a lot. He first catches a bus but when the bus hits a pheasant he gets upset, and gets off to find out if it's ok. Lulu who used to go to his primary school gets off at the same time. He talks to her, she 's looking for her lost dog. The bus has gone without him so he helps her look. When they find teh dog, Jasper decides to continue on foot. He's ok until he gets to a cows field. Then along comes Madge, she owns the cows and keeps him calm across the field. He helps her find something too.

Mum's been calling his phone but he doesn't have enough battery to call her. It get's dark and a storm brews up. He hides in a shed - and is found next morning by a boy his own age - when Jasper has an attack the boy talks to him until it's over. He says he has them too that's how he knows what to do. But the boy knows who he is, he's on teh news as missing. They have a picnic and Jasper continues before the boy can tell his mum.

He changes clothes in a golf club so he isn't wearing what has been described! He has to find Rosie before they find him. But his sweatshirt has a 'young ramblers' badge on it and teh next person he meets is a man who is rounding up the stragglers on a ramble. Ibrahim is in his 80s but he walks well! They talk about birds but Jasper doesn't say where he is going - it's not until they meet someone else who needs help that he knows who Jasper is. He tries to stop him but Jasper runs again. He has to find Rosie.

Can Jasper get to the end of the walk before they catch up with him? To where he thinks the nightingale and Rosie are both lost?

This is a beautiful story and the illustrations throughout are stunning.
Jasper's character is just perfect, as a sibling that is so much younger without the beloved older sister at home he is alone a lot. He didn't take in what his parents said because he was thinking about Rosie being lost. Rosie is a risk taker who took him for walks and on adventures. He loves and needs her. Loved it. Going to be giving this to one of my reading champions because it was her Night Animals that I read. She will love this.

[Omiai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting and didn't want to put it down once.
An absolutely beautiful tale of a little boy trying to come to terms the loss of his big sister, who was his whole world.
Jasper is obsessed with birds, something that he and his sister shared. She would take him on lots of adventures to find birds and together they wrote a book on bird facts and the times they had seen the birds. So birds play a big part in this story, each chapter starting with a short bird fact, which was really lovely.
Jasper's parents were distant before their daughters death, working all the time to keep the family afloat with their new business, and not understanding their children's love for birds. So when their daughter dies, they switch their attention to planning her funeral, and once again, Jasper is left alone and ignored. He doesn't understand that his sister is dead, or at least, doesn't want to admit it. He goes looking for her and the missing nightingale, which usually arrived in their garden at this time of year, but is so far missing. His sister, before she dies, makes a joke about the bird being at the motorway service station some way away. so he decides to go looking for it, thinking his sister would be there too.
along the way, he meets lots of lovely people who he helps find their lost things, working on his bravery, emotions and strength the whole time.
I dont want to spoil the story, as it's so well written and definitely worth a read.
I loved the descriptions, the emotional depth, the understanding of people with panic attacks and other mental issues and they were treated with such respect.
i also loved that although Jasper was constantly meeting strangers on his trip, and he had technically run away from home, this was never glorified as a great thing for kids to do. It was instead talked about as something that Jasper knew he shouldn't have done, felt awful about, knew he shouldn't be talking to strangers, had to cross roads safely etc. and this was reiterated at the end of the book as well. (I've read other childrens books where kids run away, and it's made out to be super fun and exciting, and always worried me that kids would try and copy the characters).
I have to say that i cried a lot, especially towards the end of the book, and i dont often cry when reading books (it's happened maybe 6 other times in my life), but the emotion and realness of the story and characters was so strong, that i just couldn't stop myself.
so obviously, i really recommend this book. It was beautiful from start to finish.

[rina dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunt For The Nightingale is an absolutely beautiful, emotive story about one little boy's journey to find something he's lost, something precious that thing being his big sister. A tale of coming to terms with death, how nature can heal even the biggest personal wounds and of community and finding friendship in often the most unlikely places.

Jasper is obsessed with birds, his sister Rosie is the same and it's a passion they share. Every moment together is spent looking for birds, talking about them or writing about them in the big book of birds. Jasper and Rosie have each other but ever since money got tight their parents have been distant, concentrating on their business and having little time for their children. Rosie has gone away to university, but she still comes home, promising Jasper they will find the Nightingale. When Rosie dies in a car traffic accident, Jasper's parents tell him that she has gone to a better place, feeling completely alone and not understanding where that is maybe she is looking at the service station for the Nightingale, a joke she made previously when it didn't appear in their garden as usual. Jasper runs away to find them both, with food and water and cash in his pocket to buy his Sister chips, He may not find his Sister but he does meet a host of characters along the way that have all lost things but maybe will help Jasper through the dark.

I wrote this review with tears streaming down my face because just wow, this is just breathtaking. It's poignant and powerful. It's easily one of the best middle grade books I've read that deals with the topic of grief. I cried a bucket, but the ending Is so hopeful. This would be such a wonderful tool to help children deal with grief, for adults too. Just absolutely a must read.

[Varsha Seshan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone to a better place.
Passed away.
Moved on.
Passed on.
We have so many euphemisms to help us talk about death. But what if, sometimes, you need to hear the harsh truth, unembellished?

Anxious, socially awkward Jasper Wilde puts all his faith in just one person–his sister Rosie. Rosie never breaks promises. She sits with him and helps him listen. She shows him birds and helps him create a book of birds, full of good, true facts, which calm him down whenever he panics. When he learns that she’s gone to a better place, he knows exactly where that better place is. It’s where Rosie told him they would go find their nightingale.

And so, Jasper sets off on a journey alone. A journey to find Rosie and the nightingale they listened to together.

The Hunt for the Nightingale by Sarah Ann Juckes is a heartbreaking, heartwarming story. It’s the story of a boy who loves his sister so much that he would do just about anything for her. As we follow in his footsteps, our hearts ache for we know that somewhere within him, he knows his sister is dead, but the journey is his way of coming to terms with it.

A slow, sweet book about discovering friends, learning to listen, and allowing others to help you, The Hunt for the Nightingale tells a lovely story. It’s about being there for someone else, but more, about letting other people help you. Full of poetic imagery as well as a range of eclectic bird facts, it is a beautifully crafted book, which invites you to stop, take a breath, and listen.

[Hwee Goh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasper Wilde is a 9-yo boy suddenly faced with the tragic death of his teenaged sister.

Rosie, who spent time with him when their parents were too busy to make time. And Rosie, who loved birds and wrote a “Book of Birds” together with him.

And Rosie, who was going to wait for the return of the migratory nightingale in their back yard, just before she died.

His parents unable to confront this even themselves, hole up in their own grief. They simply say, Rosie has gone to a Better Place.

“Things aren’t lost. They’re only ever in a different place.”

With that thought, Jasper sets out on a trek to the motorway services many squares on his map away, because he remembers Rosie mentioning that’s where the nightingale might be.

He thinks Rosie will be there too. A Better Place. Along the way, he copes by reading their Book of Birds, done up with bird facts and art in this book ❤️

Jasper meets all manner of people, and gives of himself equally despite his confusion and loss. Sarah Ann Juckes excels in a sparse, resonant voice that made my cry.

In the end, he “didn’t find Rosie but he did find quite a lot else.”

There are two types of solid middle grade books - an action-packed cliffhanger sort and there’s also this, a reflective piece that has an amazing way with words.

I recommend this to thoughtful young readers who appreciate words, and especially nature lovers.

Thank you, @definitelybookskids for this Advance Reader Copy 📚

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the UK, The Hunt for the Nightingale is a sweet story about a bird-loving 9-year-old with anxiety named Jasper, who is searching for both the neighborhood nightingale (who hasn’t shown up yet this year) and his college-age sister who, according to his parents, is now in “the Better Place”. When his parents basically forget they have children to raise, Jasper sets off to find both his sister and the missing nightingale. Along the way he meets various characters whom he helps as they too search for something missing. In the end, Jasper has to come to terms with the fact that his sister has unexpectedly passed away and that he needs to figure out a life without her. Sprinkled throughout the text are bird facts paired with lovely illustrations from Sharon King-Chai. The ending made me tear up and I’m glad that the parents were given a redemption arc because I was NOT a fan of theirs throughout most of this book. The main characters cue as white.

I think this is a great middle grade book to hand to a kid who might be going through a loss in their own life, or who is experiencing anxiety. Even though the outcome of Jasper’s search is sad, the overall message is hopeful; Jasper will learn to cope with his anxiety and will still have things to look forward to even as he grieves for his sister. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content warning: death of sibling, absentee parents, child endangerment, anxiety and mental health struggles, death of an animal

Set in the UK, The Hunt for the Nightingale is a sweet story about a bird loving 9-year-old named Jasper who is searching for both the neighborhood nightingale that hasn't shown up yet this year, and his sister who is in "the Better Place". With parents who basically forget they have children to raise, Jasper sets off on a long walk, where he is positive he'll find his sister as soon as he finds his nightingale. Along the way he meets various characters that he helps them find something important to them that they are missing. In the end, Jasper has to come to terms with the fact that his sister was killed in a car accident, and that he needs to figure out a life without her. Sprinkled throughout are bird facts paired with lovely illustrations from Sharon King-Chai. The ending made me tear up and I'm glad that the parents have a redemption arc because I was NOT a fan of their throughout most of this book.

I think this is a great middle grade book to hand to a kid who might be going through a loss in their own life. Even though the outcome of Jasper's search is sad, the overall message is hopeful that Jasper will be able to continue on without his sister and will still have things to look forward to.

[Sara Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heartbreaking book. Nine year old Jasper’s sister Rosie was supposed to come home and help him find a nightingale, but his dad says Rosie is in a better place. Jasper knows the best is when the nightingale, he, and Rosie are together so he goes on the search for her. Jasper suffers from anxiety and panic attacks but his Book of Birds that he and Rosie wrote help him calm down.

As he travels across town to the last place Rosie heard the nightingale, he meets four people who have each lost something. He helps them find it, and in return, he learns something himself.

Worth noting: Jasper’s parents are pretty negligent. They run a business and often close themselves in their office, even setting out a dinner outside the door for Jasper. Rosie pretty much raises him, so much so that when Jasper learns what “better place” means, he wishes that his parents would have gone instead of her.

This is a novel heavy with death, grief, and absent parents. I think it would trigger some younger readers. However, it is well written, has great bird facts, and techniques for how to deal with anxiety. Plus, the last couple of chapters show how Rosie’s death helped bring Jasper and her parents closer together. I wouldn’t suggest it for those ages 9 or 10 and younger. So while it is heavy, it would be a great book to read for middle schoolers.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. It was sad, but I liked that by the end it was hopeful... hopeful, not happy.
The parents were awful, btw, jeez.
I liked all the bird facts, some I knew, some I didn't.
Though, to say that this would be a helpful book for anyone who is dealing with grief is bit much, cause Jasper's circumstances are very specific, what with the absent, neglectful parents (who were like that for years already) and him having trouble dealing with stressful situations even outside his sister's death.

[Jennifer Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book certainly pulls at the heartstrings! It is written is a short chapter style that reminded me of The One and Only Bob book which made the storyline move quickly. You go with Jasper as he runs away (not intentionally running away) to find his big sister who has passed away (but he doesn’t want to accept that and doesn’t fully understand yet). You will learn lots of interesting bird facts along the way & love to tales of friendship, coping with loss, parent/child/sibling relationship dynamics, and birdwatching!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and sad story about a young boy struggling with everything in life due to his anxieties, but made easier for him by his exceptionally close relationship with his older sister.

Following a tragic accident his parents tell him that his sister has gone to a better place so he sets off on a remarkable journey to find his sister.

I really enjoyed this book and could understood how Jasper felt on his journey from working with people like him.

[Annukka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herkkä, koskettava kirja lapsen surusta. Kirjassa kulkevat rinnakkain, osin erillisinä ja osin toisiinsa kietoutuneina oikeastaan neljä eri juonnetta: Jasper ja Rosie, linnut, Jasperin matka satakieltä etsimässä ja Jasperin suru. Lisäksi taustalla viidentenä juonteena vanhemmat. Hieno kirja, jonka taidan ostaa ihan omaksi, jotta voin tähän palata. Nyt luin kirjastosta laanaamani kirjan. Ei helppo kirja ja kuitenkin tietyllä tasolla helppolukuinen. Laittaa tunteet liikkeelle.

[Sarah5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read and I highly recommend this. This is a story about Jasper and the death of his sister, Rosie. It has beautiful illustrations of birds and the imagery and descriptions throughout are brilliant. This would be a very poignant and helpful book for children who are struggling with grief. And adults too.

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and heart-warming story about a young boy's grief and how his love of nature helps him cope with the loss of his sister. The book is beautifully illustrated and there are lots of facts about birds, nature and country walks that middle-graders will love. So nice to read a book set in the real world.

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een bijzonder mooi en gevoelig verhaal over een broer en een zus, over verlies en ook over vogels. Over een zoektocht en iets anders vinden dan je van te voren had verwacht. Over dapper zijn en weten dat dat nodig is om verdriet te kunnen accepteren en te voelen.

"Om haar te zien hoef ik alleen maar te blijven vliegen."

[Katy Congdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great read. Well written, thoughtful and creative.

And sad. Not a book I would necessarily recommend for a child, but as an adult, I appreciated it. Just a heavy plot line and topics that might be difficult for a 9 year old (recommended age) if they haven't experienced loss or anxiety.

Again, as an adult I enjoyed it and it made me ponder important things.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow- read in a day on a train journey then in the evening.

I think this might be my new favourite book.

Such a beautiful and emotive story of nature, friendship and family. Gripped from the very start of the book- we all know a Jasper today!

[Lucy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It's sad because of Jaspers sister Rosie going to her "better place" but at the end it re fixes your heart back together. I 💯 percent recommend this book for young readers and old ones.
This review was written by Naomi Pease who is nine years old.😁😄

[Lisa C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ended up skimming this book. There might be a small child audience this story would be appropriate for, however I will say it’s sad. Very much about loss and how a boy deals with coming to terms with losing a family member. The artwork in the book is rather stunning though.

[Montse · Rating 5 out of 5]

un llibre molt trist però molt tendre.

"un bon company escurça el camí més llarg"
"una cosa només està perduda fins que la trobes"

Club lectura el Genet blau

Tinc el llibre en anglès a l'ipad

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read & reviewed for The Bookbag
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/T...

[watermelonreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HATE THIS BOOK. It made me so sad and I cried so hard and please send help because I have work tomorrow and I don’t want to wake up with swollen eyes.