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Saving Neverland
A wonderful whirlwind of magic and adventure, and every bit as enchanting as the original Peter Pan . I absolutely loved it!' Catherine Doyle, bestselling author of The Storm Keeper's Island Number 14 Darlington Road, looks like a perfectly ordinary townhouse - at first glance, anyway, but magic is good at hiding . . . when it's waiting for the right person to discover it . . . Martha Pennydrop is ten, and desperate to grow up. But growing up is a tricky business. It means turning your back on imagination, fun and magic, because those were the things that led to the Terrible Day when something awful nearly happened to Martha's younger brother, Scruff , which would have been All Her Fault. But when Martha and Scruff discover a drawer full of mysterious gold dust in the bedroom of their new house - along with a window that's seemingly impossible to close - it's the start of an incredible adventure to a magical Neverland ! The Pennydrop's new house used to belong to another family - the Darlings - who once visited this world themselves. Now Peter Pan is back, and in need of their help. Neverland is in the icy grip of a terrible curse - cast long ago by Captain Hook . And only Martha and Scruff can save it . . . A reluctant Martha and excited Scruff are swept off to Neverland and into the company of the Lost Kids. But when Scruff is kidnapped, Martha must rediscover all the imagination, magic and belief she has buried deep inside herself for so long, to save him - and Neverland itself.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2023
15 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Abi Elphinstone
44 books433 followersAbi Elphinstone grew up in Scotland where she spent most of her childhood building dens, hiding in tree houses and running wild across highland glens. After being coaxed out of her tree house, she studied English at Bristol University and then worked as a teacher.
THE DREAMSNATCHER is her debut novel for 8-12 years (published by Simon & Schuster in 2015). THE SHADOW KEEPER is her second children's book (published by Simon & Schuster in 2016).
When she's not writing, Abi volunteers for Beanstalk, teaches creative writing workshops in schools and travels the world looking for her next story. Her latest adventure involved living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia…
THE DREAMSNATCHER is her debut novel for 8-12 years (published by Simon & Schuster in 2015). THE SHADOW KEEPER is her second children's book (published by Simon & Schuster in 2016).
When she's not writing, Abi volunteers for Beanstalk, teaches creative writing workshops in schools and travels the world looking for her next story. Her latest adventure involved living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 3, 2023
(Thanks to Net Galley & Penguin Random House).
Wow, Just Wow! I Never Expected for a Children's Novel Blow me Out of the Water & Back Again But this One Did, The Writing is Superb, The Cover Art is Exquisite & It Made Me A Part of the Adventure. 5 Stars, Highly Recommended!
Wow, Just Wow! I Never Expected for a Children's Novel Blow me Out of the Water & Back Again But this One Did, The Writing is Superb, The Cover Art is Exquisite & It Made Me A Part of the Adventure. 5 Stars, Highly Recommended!
January 6, 2023
I love Abi Elphinstone's writing and this was full of the magical storytelling and wonderful characters which I have come to expect from her. I really liked her version of Neverland, I felt she kept the magic of the original but updated it so it sits better with modern readers. This had a beautiful message to it which I think will resonate with adults and children alike, in fact I think many adults will get something special from this book as much as children will.
There are also some beautiful illustrations throughout the book which portray some lovely key moments from the story.
I was sent this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are also some beautiful illustrations throughout the book which portray some lovely key moments from the story.
I was sent this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ Such a beautiful addition to one of my favourite stories of all time. I loved how alive Neverland and Peter felt for me. It felt like coming home.
This reimagining made Neverland more inclusive, contemporary, and compassionate whilst retaining all that is precious of J.M Barrie's work. Beautiful ♥️
This reimagining made Neverland more inclusive, contemporary, and compassionate whilst retaining all that is precious of J.M Barrie's work. Beautiful ♥️
February 21, 2023
A luxuriously entertaining twist on the classic Peter Pan story that serves as an enthralling and action-packed sequel. Moving time along to contemporary London and featuring a strong female lead, “Saving Neverland” is a wondrous blend of fantasy magic and coming-of-age story. There is a lot of emphasis on cold and icy threats in this sequel which feels appropriate for the story being told - and the writing is silky smooth throughout.
June 24, 2025
#lezenuitdeschoolbieb
Leuk boek waarin je weer teruggaat in de fantasie van Neverland.
Creatief verzonnen, wel minder leuk dan het origineel. Wat ik wel heel sterk vind is dat er is nagedacht over de stereotypes uit het origineel en dat die hier niet inzitten.
Leuk boek waarin je weer teruggaat in de fantasie van Neverland.
Creatief verzonnen, wel minder leuk dan het origineel. Wat ik wel heel sterk vind is dat er is nagedacht over de stereotypes uit het origineel en dat die hier niet inzitten.
October 26, 2022
I loved this - so full of Abi’s typical magic, incredible characters and gorgeous fusion of real world and fantastical. I adored her take on Neverland and the new characters. There’s just enough of the original Peter Pan in this for me! Just wonderful!
December 29, 2022
I haven't read any Abi Alphinstone books before but I need to fix that now! My head teacher loves her books and we have several at school. I also haven't read Peter Pan for a very long time!
In this we meet Martha and Scruff Pennydrop, a girl and her younger brother. They have moved to 14 Darlington Road, Bloomsbury. Their bedroom has a window that won't close. Their father is distracted by work and has appointed a babysitter, a cat called Fluffington.
Martha is now 10 and we soon realise that this and the "Terrible Day" in the Guzzlehut (their former treehouse in the last house's garden) she says she is a grown-up. And grown-ups don't play games, hug toys (Scruffs Bear is None-the-Wiser), jump on beds, read under the covers or have adventures. They make lists, and at the bottom of every list Martha makes is "Check Scruff's Inhaler is" wherever they are. This gives us an insight into that Terrible Day.
One of her grown up jobs is checking Scruff has cleaned his teeth and brushed his hair before bed - but Scruff says brushing his hair is a waste of time because the fairy keeps coming and making it look a mess! Martha scoffs at this. Scruff is bouncing on the bed pretending to be a succession of different animals when he knocks into the chest of drawers and finds a drawer full of sand, but the sand is gold coloured, a strange wind picks up as they discover the sand.
Then a fairy flies in! Then a boy, Peter Pan! He says that the children have to go with him. Martha is not happy and tries to call Dad, but fairy magic is strong and Dad is fast asleep as is Fluffington. Scruff is very keen to go and have an adventure with Peter and Muddle, the fairy. Especially when Peter explains why they need to help.
As Scruff leaves Martha has no option but to go to to protect her little brother - especially as he didn't take his inhaler!
They find out more about Neverland and what his happening when they arrive, but still Martha is not happy and tries to leave but Scruff goes after her - and is dragged off by a snowtiger! Now Martha has no option but to join Peter and the Lost Kids in trying to free Neverland from the curse washed ashore by Captain Hook's lost hook.
We find that all the children are brave and loyal. Martha's beloved bean bag mammoth, Armageddon,(he's actually locked in the loft at home) makes an appearance to help them as Martha begins to believe in the magic of Neverland. Scruff meanwhile is in an Ice Cave, where he meets the Neverbird, he helps her attempt to dig out a tunnel with the fork (an important part of all adventures which he has in his pocket) and to work out what her language is.
This is a brilliant adventure story. The parallels with the original are there but the children are both girls and boys and there are plenty of magical creatures. Abi herself says she wanted to get rid of the stereotypes of the original book. I think this would go well at school.
In this we meet Martha and Scruff Pennydrop, a girl and her younger brother. They have moved to 14 Darlington Road, Bloomsbury. Their bedroom has a window that won't close. Their father is distracted by work and has appointed a babysitter, a cat called Fluffington.
Martha is now 10 and we soon realise that this and the "Terrible Day" in the Guzzlehut (their former treehouse in the last house's garden) she says she is a grown-up. And grown-ups don't play games, hug toys (Scruffs Bear is None-the-Wiser), jump on beds, read under the covers or have adventures. They make lists, and at the bottom of every list Martha makes is "Check Scruff's Inhaler is" wherever they are. This gives us an insight into that Terrible Day.
One of her grown up jobs is checking Scruff has cleaned his teeth and brushed his hair before bed - but Scruff says brushing his hair is a waste of time because the fairy keeps coming and making it look a mess! Martha scoffs at this. Scruff is bouncing on the bed pretending to be a succession of different animals when he knocks into the chest of drawers and finds a drawer full of sand, but the sand is gold coloured, a strange wind picks up as they discover the sand.
Then a fairy flies in! Then a boy, Peter Pan! He says that the children have to go with him. Martha is not happy and tries to call Dad, but fairy magic is strong and Dad is fast asleep as is Fluffington. Scruff is very keen to go and have an adventure with Peter and Muddle, the fairy. Especially when Peter explains why they need to help.
As Scruff leaves Martha has no option but to go to to protect her little brother - especially as he didn't take his inhaler!
They find out more about Neverland and what his happening when they arrive, but still Martha is not happy and tries to leave but Scruff goes after her - and is dragged off by a snowtiger! Now Martha has no option but to join Peter and the Lost Kids in trying to free Neverland from the curse washed ashore by Captain Hook's lost hook.
We find that all the children are brave and loyal. Martha's beloved bean bag mammoth, Armageddon,(he's actually locked in the loft at home) makes an appearance to help them as Martha begins to believe in the magic of Neverland. Scruff meanwhile is in an Ice Cave, where he meets the Neverbird, he helps her attempt to dig out a tunnel with the fork (an important part of all adventures which he has in his pocket) and to work out what her language is.
This is a brilliant adventure story. The parallels with the original are there but the children are both girls and boys and there are plenty of magical creatures. Abi herself says she wanted to get rid of the stereotypes of the original book. I think this would go well at school.
January 5, 2023
Martha Pennydrop has reluctantly left her childhood behind. No longer can she afford to spend time playing with her brother, Scruff, reading him bedtime stories under the duvet, or even enjoying one of his lovely hugs like she used to. Instead, now she's ten, it's all about to-do lists, being the sensible one, and never letting the Terrible Day happen ever again. Of course that also means adventures are no longer allowed which is a bit of a problem when you're visited by a fairy called Muddle and a boy who says he needs their help to save save a place called Neverland from everlasting winter and his own arch enemy!
This lovely book is author Abi Elphinstone's modern re-imagining of the J M Barrie classic children’s story, Peter Pan and was a joy to read. I have to admit to being a little unsure at the start but I was soon as caught up in the magic as Martha and Scruff! Although this is a positive, uplifting story there is also a sadness running through it which highlights how, at any age, or in any reality, the need for companionship, understanding, and trust are universal. The solution to these problems are also here, highlighting how, by being true to ourselves and those we love most, anything is possible.
As is mentioned in the Author's notes, the days of Wendy's sock mending talents are, thankfully, long gone with both Martha and Scruff having their own part to play in trying to defeat the menacing Captain Hook. There are however, enough nods to the original to keep the continuity and nostalgia strongly in place. The illustrations by Geraldine Rodriguez are beautifully crafted, compliment the written descriptions brilliantly and mean I now need a woolly mammoth exactly like her interpretation of Martha's.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. Despite my initial hesitancy I thoroughly enjoyed this modern take on a childhood favourite and happily recommend it, especially if it is to be read under a duvet on a cold winter's night.
This lovely book is author Abi Elphinstone's modern re-imagining of the J M Barrie classic children’s story, Peter Pan and was a joy to read. I have to admit to being a little unsure at the start but I was soon as caught up in the magic as Martha and Scruff! Although this is a positive, uplifting story there is also a sadness running through it which highlights how, at any age, or in any reality, the need for companionship, understanding, and trust are universal. The solution to these problems are also here, highlighting how, by being true to ourselves and those we love most, anything is possible.
As is mentioned in the Author's notes, the days of Wendy's sock mending talents are, thankfully, long gone with both Martha and Scruff having their own part to play in trying to defeat the menacing Captain Hook. There are however, enough nods to the original to keep the continuity and nostalgia strongly in place. The illustrations by Geraldine Rodriguez are beautifully crafted, compliment the written descriptions brilliantly and mean I now need a woolly mammoth exactly like her interpretation of Martha's.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. Despite my initial hesitancy I thoroughly enjoyed this modern take on a childhood favourite and happily recommend it, especially if it is to be read under a duvet on a cold winter's night.
December 11, 2022
I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
SAVING NEVERLAND is a wintry adventure story set in the well known world of Peter Pan that takes the magic of the original book and gives it a modern sequel that retains the spirit but gives it the author's own twist. It is a tale about growing up not needing to eliminate magic and adventure and the importance and loyalty of siblings and family
There are new characters and places that fit in perfectly alongside the old. In fact, much of the book is new, with Peter, Hook, some of the pirates, and a handful of the locations only held over from the original book. All the new additions fit in perfectly to the world, though, expanding it and making it larger. This is not a retelling that treads familiar ground, but a reimagining that breaks new ones while clinging tight to the spirit of the old.
As it's heart, this is a book about magic and the different ways you can grow up - how to do so without losing a sense of adventure and wonder. It is this heart that helps it feel like a sequel despite the many differences between the books.
Neverland is under an icy curse in this book, making it feel perfect for the season (I read this on a train with frost-covered fields on either side.) There are mountains made of ice and dreadful wintry creatures like frostbears. The mermaids lagoon has frozen over and is patrolled by icesharks. Plus there is even a mammoth in the mix too.
Key moment are illustrated in full page inserts, which adds a storybook feel to it. It's not lots of illustrations around the text (which I feel is the most common MG illustration style) but rather a few major images with a little snippet of text beneath. It gives the sense that this is a book that could so easily become a special edition.
SAVING NEVERLAND is a wintry adventure story set in the well known world of Peter Pan that takes the magic of the original book and gives it a modern sequel that retains the spirit but gives it the author's own twist. It is a tale about growing up not needing to eliminate magic and adventure and the importance and loyalty of siblings and family
There are new characters and places that fit in perfectly alongside the old. In fact, much of the book is new, with Peter, Hook, some of the pirates, and a handful of the locations only held over from the original book. All the new additions fit in perfectly to the world, though, expanding it and making it larger. This is not a retelling that treads familiar ground, but a reimagining that breaks new ones while clinging tight to the spirit of the old.
As it's heart, this is a book about magic and the different ways you can grow up - how to do so without losing a sense of adventure and wonder. It is this heart that helps it feel like a sequel despite the many differences between the books.
Neverland is under an icy curse in this book, making it feel perfect for the season (I read this on a train with frost-covered fields on either side.) There are mountains made of ice and dreadful wintry creatures like frostbears. The mermaids lagoon has frozen over and is patrolled by icesharks. Plus there is even a mammoth in the mix too.
Key moment are illustrated in full page inserts, which adds a storybook feel to it. It's not lots of illustrations around the text (which I feel is the most common MG illustration style) but rather a few major images with a little snippet of text beneath. It gives the sense that this is a book that could so easily become a special edition.
January 2, 2023
Saving Neverland is a brilliant retelling packed full of adventure and imagination.
Ever since the Terrible Day, Martha Pennydrop has been determined to grow up. That means no more cuddly toys, no more jumping on beds and definitely no more adventures. When Peter Pan arrives at her window one night to take her and her little brother, Scruff, to Neverland, Martha has no interest in getting sucked in by quests and curses. But Neverland needs Martha, and so does Scruff. Can two brave mainlanders face down frostbears, icesharks and ghost pirates and break Hook's curse before Neverland is lost forever? And can Martha learn that you can grow in more directions than 'up' and that you should never say no to adventure, no matter how old you get.
At the heart of Saving Neverland is a really special sibling relationship filled with love and fun. Martha and Scruff were brilliant heroes you'll root for from page one and their desire to get back to each other is the driving force of much of the action.
With her gymnastics skills and quick thinking, Martha is a perfect protagonist for this retelling, showing that girls can be every bit as adventurous as boys. Her interactions with Peter are brilliant, and she forms bonds with each of the Lost Children, who each had their own brilliant personalities.
Saving Neverland celebrates growing up (or down, or sideways) at the pace that's right for you. It's a reassuring novel about change and childhood, celebrating the importance of play and fun, and is perfect for its target age range.
I love Abi Elphinstone's novels, and in Saving Neverland she brings her trademark imagination and endless creativity to Neverland, with magical worldbuilding and an inexhaustible host of surprises. From riddles that open doors to magical mermaid songs, it's impossible to guess where the magic of Neverland will take children next, making this an exciting and faced-paced adventure. I can't wait to start it all over again with my children.
I was provided with an advanced copy for review via NetGalley.
Ever since the Terrible Day, Martha Pennydrop has been determined to grow up. That means no more cuddly toys, no more jumping on beds and definitely no more adventures. When Peter Pan arrives at her window one night to take her and her little brother, Scruff, to Neverland, Martha has no interest in getting sucked in by quests and curses. But Neverland needs Martha, and so does Scruff. Can two brave mainlanders face down frostbears, icesharks and ghost pirates and break Hook's curse before Neverland is lost forever? And can Martha learn that you can grow in more directions than 'up' and that you should never say no to adventure, no matter how old you get.
At the heart of Saving Neverland is a really special sibling relationship filled with love and fun. Martha and Scruff were brilliant heroes you'll root for from page one and their desire to get back to each other is the driving force of much of the action.
With her gymnastics skills and quick thinking, Martha is a perfect protagonist for this retelling, showing that girls can be every bit as adventurous as boys. Her interactions with Peter are brilliant, and she forms bonds with each of the Lost Children, who each had their own brilliant personalities.
Saving Neverland celebrates growing up (or down, or sideways) at the pace that's right for you. It's a reassuring novel about change and childhood, celebrating the importance of play and fun, and is perfect for its target age range.
I love Abi Elphinstone's novels, and in Saving Neverland she brings her trademark imagination and endless creativity to Neverland, with magical worldbuilding and an inexhaustible host of surprises. From riddles that open doors to magical mermaid songs, it's impossible to guess where the magic of Neverland will take children next, making this an exciting and faced-paced adventure. I can't wait to start it all over again with my children.
I was provided with an advanced copy for review via NetGalley.
January 6, 2023
One of the best visits to Neverland I have ever made!
I loved this, and I'm going to dive right in to what I loved most: the charm and wit and insight with which Abi Elphinstone writes. She manages to retain the wordplay and charm that I associate with J.M.Barrie's original while writing a Neverland adventure that includes contemporary children and offers deeper meaning and bittersweet elements to older readers as well. I always just thought of Peter Pan as an adventure, until, when I was a teen, I watched the 2003 film which seemed to show how Neverland reflected Wendy's relationship with her father, and what Peter misses out on by being The Boy Who Never Grew Up, and Saving Neverland has the same depth that I recognised then. Younger children can read this and enjoy a land of frost beasts, pirate ghosts, fairies, derring-do, toy friends come to life, and just general wonder, and adults will get the nostalgia, the element of tragedy, and the need to remember to 'Grow down' as well as 'Grow up', if we grow down a little bit, we'll be able to retain that joy of small things so much easier! Love it!
The cover design is gorgeous, I love the names of the toys and the characters the children meet, I love the lessons this teaches children, and older siblings about the importance of their responsibility without the neglect of their own sense of adventure (I am an eldest child, so I get it!). Neverland was always a semi-tropical place of sunshine and lagoons, Saving Neverland turns Neverland into a snow and frost-filled setting with mountains and snow and promise, so readers who love polar adventures, Frozen, and snow tales will love this.
Here's a line from near the end, it doesn't spoil too much plot-wise, but it's such a nice exchange, that you might want to ignore the next sentence if you want to discover it for yourself:
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Children's UK for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review, and thank you for sharing a book that I can genuinely rave about!
I loved this, and I'm going to dive right in to what I loved most: the charm and wit and insight with which Abi Elphinstone writes. She manages to retain the wordplay and charm that I associate with J.M.Barrie's original while writing a Neverland adventure that includes contemporary children and offers deeper meaning and bittersweet elements to older readers as well. I always just thought of Peter Pan as an adventure, until, when I was a teen, I watched the 2003 film which seemed to show how Neverland reflected Wendy's relationship with her father, and what Peter misses out on by being The Boy Who Never Grew Up, and Saving Neverland has the same depth that I recognised then. Younger children can read this and enjoy a land of frost beasts, pirate ghosts, fairies, derring-do, toy friends come to life, and just general wonder, and adults will get the nostalgia, the element of tragedy, and the need to remember to 'Grow down' as well as 'Grow up', if we grow down a little bit, we'll be able to retain that joy of small things so much easier! Love it!
The cover design is gorgeous, I love the names of the toys and the characters the children meet, I love the lessons this teaches children, and older siblings about the importance of their responsibility without the neglect of their own sense of adventure (I am an eldest child, so I get it!). Neverland was always a semi-tropical place of sunshine and lagoons, Saving Neverland turns Neverland into a snow and frost-filled setting with mountains and snow and promise, so readers who love polar adventures, Frozen, and snow tales will love this.
Here's a line from near the end, it doesn't spoil too much plot-wise, but it's such a nice exchange, that you might want to ignore the next sentence if you want to discover it for yourself:
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Children's UK for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review, and thank you for sharing a book that I can genuinely rave about!
December 2, 2022
Beautifully written Saving Neverland hooks you into the up and coming adventure from the start. It is a superb contribution to all previous Peter Pan stories and sagas, complimenting the books and movies perfectly. Abi Elphinstone has obviously done a lot of research as it met all my hopes and expectations for a novel based on the incredible world of Peter Pan with some brilliant imaginative twists. She has created a fantastic cast of well-rounded and believable new characters, including new Lost boys and even a new Fairy called Muddle.
I particularly like the way Peter Pan has been kept in character from the original book in that he is as arrogant as ever and there is still the underlying theme of the transition from childhood to adulthood. I also loved the complete move away from the gender stereotypes of the original novel written in 1911. It made my laugh out loud when Martha puts Peter in his place when he expects her to resume the duties Wendy used to do.
Saving Neverland will drew me back into the magical world I remembered reading as a child. I recommend this book to all Peter Pan fans. It is a great addition to the permanent bookshelf. I can see Saving Neverland and this ingenious quest becoming a new Peter Pan movie.
I particularly like the way Peter Pan has been kept in character from the original book in that he is as arrogant as ever and there is still the underlying theme of the transition from childhood to adulthood. I also loved the complete move away from the gender stereotypes of the original novel written in 1911. It made my laugh out loud when Martha puts Peter in his place when he expects her to resume the duties Wendy used to do.
Saving Neverland will drew me back into the magical world I remembered reading as a child. I recommend this book to all Peter Pan fans. It is a great addition to the permanent bookshelf. I can see Saving Neverland and this ingenious quest becoming a new Peter Pan movie.
December 28, 2022
Saving Neverland brings the legendary tale of Peter Pan right bang up to date! Ten year old Martha is determined to be a grown up and take care of her little brother, Scruff when they're visited by Peter. He delivers a letter to Martha in which she has been tasked with saving Neverland from the curse of Captain Hook.
Unlike Wendy, Martha has a brains and bravery and we're rooting for her and Scruff from the start. The Lost boys have gone home and now we have a new group of Lost Kids to get to know and of course, the threatening ghost of Hook and his pirates make an appearance!
This is a beautifully written, truly magical book, teeming with adventure, danger and magic. It was a true joy to read and one I would love to read with a class or my own children.. It brings all the wonderful elements of Neverland to life while avoiding all those issues that haven't aged well with this novel.
This tale focuses on the magic of childhood, families and loyalty. It's a brilliant novel bringing Peter and Neverland to a new audience whilst still retaining the heart of Barrie's original novel.
I genuinely loved this book and devoured it in less than 24 hours! Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.
Unlike Wendy, Martha has a brains and bravery and we're rooting for her and Scruff from the start. The Lost boys have gone home and now we have a new group of Lost Kids to get to know and of course, the threatening ghost of Hook and his pirates make an appearance!
This is a beautifully written, truly magical book, teeming with adventure, danger and magic. It was a true joy to read and one I would love to read with a class or my own children.. It brings all the wonderful elements of Neverland to life while avoiding all those issues that haven't aged well with this novel.
This tale focuses on the magic of childhood, families and loyalty. It's a brilliant novel bringing Peter and Neverland to a new audience whilst still retaining the heart of Barrie's original novel.
I genuinely loved this book and devoured it in less than 24 hours! Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.
January 6, 2023
(Thank you to NetGallery and Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
I love middle grades as they bring the magic and whimsical feeling that many adult fantasy books miss. I feel as if they bring forth so much that they just can't be accepted into an adult fantasy world which is why I always reach for them when I need a feel-good book that will make me smile.
I requested it firstly because of the cover! The stunning illustration and colours make it the perfect wintery read. In addition, the cover promises magic and adventure, which is precisely what this book is.
This book may be a fairytale, but if you delve deeper into the story, you can see that it's genuinely about the bond between siblings and the fun and love they share. It's about two heroes, Martha and Scruff, who are desperate to get back to each other, which will ultimately have you rooting for them from the beginning.
The story is beautiful and whimsical and took me back to when all I wanted to do was 'grow up' too fast. It celebrates growing up in a way and how it may not be exactly what we want when we are forced to grow up.
This was a perfect read, and as someone that has never read books by Abi Elphinstone before, it has made me want to binge the entirety of her works.
I love middle grades as they bring the magic and whimsical feeling that many adult fantasy books miss. I feel as if they bring forth so much that they just can't be accepted into an adult fantasy world which is why I always reach for them when I need a feel-good book that will make me smile.
I requested it firstly because of the cover! The stunning illustration and colours make it the perfect wintery read. In addition, the cover promises magic and adventure, which is precisely what this book is.
This book may be a fairytale, but if you delve deeper into the story, you can see that it's genuinely about the bond between siblings and the fun and love they share. It's about two heroes, Martha and Scruff, who are desperate to get back to each other, which will ultimately have you rooting for them from the beginning.
The story is beautiful and whimsical and took me back to when all I wanted to do was 'grow up' too fast. It celebrates growing up in a way and how it may not be exactly what we want when we are forced to grow up.
This was a perfect read, and as someone that has never read books by Abi Elphinstone before, it has made me want to binge the entirety of her works.
December 27, 2022
Abi Elphinstone's books are always a joy to read and a re-telling of the Peter Pan story for a new generation was an intriguing idea.
Martha Pennydrop finds herself in limbo between childhood and adulthood - she feels she has to grow up and look after her younger brother Scuff after their mother's disappearance and her father's continual working. The window to their London home will not shut - waiting for Peter Pan's return. When he appears in their bedroom one night to ask for their help to save Neverland, Martha must make a decision - does she still believe in adventure?
With a host of new characters, this is a different Neverland, one covered in ice and snow and featuring new dangers. Can Martha embrace her childhood once again and help Peter, Muddle the fairy and the Lost Kids to triumph over Captain Hook once more?
This is a glorious re-telling, updated for a modern audience but still showing the magic of adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy.
Martha Pennydrop finds herself in limbo between childhood and adulthood - she feels she has to grow up and look after her younger brother Scuff after their mother's disappearance and her father's continual working. The window to their London home will not shut - waiting for Peter Pan's return. When he appears in their bedroom one night to ask for their help to save Neverland, Martha must make a decision - does she still believe in adventure?
With a host of new characters, this is a different Neverland, one covered in ice and snow and featuring new dangers. Can Martha embrace her childhood once again and help Peter, Muddle the fairy and the Lost Kids to triumph over Captain Hook once more?
This is a glorious re-telling, updated for a modern audience but still showing the magic of adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy.
January 8, 2023
This is a really lovely reimagining of the Peter Pan story. It draws on the original, and doesn't lose any of the charm, but brings some more modern aspects to it, such as 'lost kids' instead of lost children, as there is a little girl there too. And the fact that Martha (the main character) isn't anything like Wendy. She isn't there to darn Peter's socks and mother the lost children. She's very reluctant to believe any of the story is happening at first, and very much wants to grow up, but finds herself drawn deeper into adventure, and eventually having to save Neverland from Hook's curse.
It was a really charming read, bringing new life to an old classic. It's technically set modern day, but feels like it could have been set in the same time frame as the original.
Overall, a really nice read, and worth the time to read, whether you were a fan of the original book or not. Or even if you've never read it, as it doesn't rely on you knowing anything from the original story.
It was a really charming read, bringing new life to an old classic. It's technically set modern day, but feels like it could have been set in the same time frame as the original.
Overall, a really nice read, and worth the time to read, whether you were a fan of the original book or not. Or even if you've never read it, as it doesn't rely on you knowing anything from the original story.
November 18, 2022
Saving Neverland by Abi Elphinstone is a wonderfully modern reimagining tale of Peter Pan. Martha and her younger brother Scruff have come to live in a house which once belonged to the Darling family. Martha, aged ten, is feeling that she needs to grow up and be more responsible but Peter Pan entices her and her brother to go with him to save Neverland from an icy curse that was cast upon it by Captain Hook.
Martha is a reluctant but feisty adventurer, well able to hold her own with Peter and determined to protect seven year old Scruff. Neverland is full of surprises, including the Lost Kids, frostbears and ghostly pirates. Martha soon finds that she needs all her wits about her to save her brother and end the curse, whilst helping Peter come to terms with his own misgivings.
This is an ideal story for eight to twelve year olds with strong characters and plenty of action.
Martha is a reluctant but feisty adventurer, well able to hold her own with Peter and determined to protect seven year old Scruff. Neverland is full of surprises, including the Lost Kids, frostbears and ghostly pirates. Martha soon finds that she needs all her wits about her to save her brother and end the curse, whilst helping Peter come to terms with his own misgivings.
This is an ideal story for eight to twelve year olds with strong characters and plenty of action.
November 15, 2023
I love the story of Peter Pan, and this is a lovely story to try and tell us what happens after the story we know and love. We return to this enchanted land where no-one grows up and magic fuels the land to follow the emotional journey of our protagonist who needs to break a curse, save her family, move away from her past and learn to believe in herself. The world is magical, the characters are all so unique, and each have their own personalities. This was a fun story, and it's great for a cosy evening read. Although it was enjoyable, for my own reading preferences, I'd have enjoyed a slower story as at times it went from point to point quite quickly missing bits which I'd love to have been described more. The storyline is engaging and easy to follow, the creatures are fantastical, and overall, it's quite a lovely 'back to my childhood' read
August 1, 2024
Neverland is built on imagination and stories and this new journey, past the second star to the right and straight on until morning, is a dazzling adventure. With characters familiar and new, I loved this modern reimagining of Neverland adventures. Martha Pennydrop has outgrown magic, imagination and the playfulness of childhood. She’s done with all that. And yet she follows her little brother to Neverland and must cast aside her “grown-up-ness” when he is kidnapped and she must find her belief and childlike wonder to rescue him. And in doing so she rescues Neverland. And herself.
Abi Elphinstone has also woven that very particular magic of creating a sibling pairing that have a bond of friendship that is deepened by their adventure. It’s the perfect read for my pair. It’s also a rather marvellous swashbuckling adventure full of pirates, magic, frostbears, mammoths and fairies. Some of the things that a magical childhood is made of.
Abi Elphinstone has also woven that very particular magic of creating a sibling pairing that have a bond of friendship that is deepened by their adventure. It’s the perfect read for my pair. It’s also a rather marvellous swashbuckling adventure full of pirates, magic, frostbears, mammoths and fairies. Some of the things that a magical childhood is made of.
November 3, 2022
I love retellings and Peter Pan was one of my favourite books as a child and remains so until this day so I was excited to read this reimagining of the book and I wasn't disappointed.
This is a wonderful book and I don't think you would have to read the original Peter Pan or know the story inside out to enjoy this version. I loved the modern take on it in this book as well as recognising somethings fromm the original that I loved, however for me the thing that made this book was by far the characters and teh relationships between characters.
This book is both heartwarming and emotive in equal measure, making me both laugh out loud and reach for tissues. I can't wait to read more by this author.
This is a wonderful book and I don't think you would have to read the original Peter Pan or know the story inside out to enjoy this version. I loved the modern take on it in this book as well as recognising somethings fromm the original that I loved, however for me the thing that made this book was by far the characters and teh relationships between characters.
This book is both heartwarming and emotive in equal measure, making me both laugh out loud and reach for tissues. I can't wait to read more by this author.
October 23, 2022
This book is a real page -turner and heart warming adventure. Martha Pennydrop and her brother, Scruff, have moved to London with their father. Following an 'incident', Martha is determined to grow up.
Peter Pan arrives in desperate need of help to save Neverland and Martha and Scruff might be just the people to do it!
I don't recall reading the original Peter Pan but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Neverland. The writing is beautiful and I was fully transported to Neverland.
Will be pre-ordering this book and thoroughly recommend.
Peter Pan arrives in desperate need of help to save Neverland and Martha and Scruff might be just the people to do it!
I don't recall reading the original Peter Pan but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Neverland. The writing is beautiful and I was fully transported to Neverland.
Will be pre-ordering this book and thoroughly recommend.
January 30, 2023
I've read and enjoyed several of Abi Elphinstone's other novels and this one didn't disappoint. Neverland, Peter and the lost boys are in trouble: Peter turns to two children to help who live in the former home of the Darling family, Scruff and Martha. Martha has buried inside herself her love of magic and imagination following an accident to Scruff sometime before, and for which she believes she is responsible. However, once in Neverland she needs to re-awaken her love of magic to help Scruff, who is now in trouble, and save Neverland. A magical read, perfect for years 4 and above.
May 25, 2024
I'm a huge Peter Pan fan, and this didn't disappoint. 2 children end up in Neverland, and it needs saving. There are familiar characters and some new friends too. Martha must learn to be a child again, and Scruff knows she can do it. Their relationship changes as the story unfolds, and we discover why Martha wants to grow up.
This story is all about hope and adventure and how working together solves problems and builds relationships.
This story is all about hope and adventure and how working together solves problems and builds relationships.
January 16, 2023
I adored this book so much. As an adult reading this it just gave me that feeling of when I was a child myself and playing with all my favourite toys and using my imagination so much as a child gave me so much nostalgia.
Amazing book that makes you feel all wholesome inside and makes you feel like your inner child again.
Truly magical ✨
Amazing book that makes you feel all wholesome inside and makes you feel like your inner child again.
Truly magical ✨
February 13, 2023
I have to admit that Peter Pan has never been a favourite of mine, so I took a little while to put that behind me and immerse myself in Abi Elphinstones story. I love her writing and her world building so wanted to give it a fair go. As we left the traditional Neverland and moved into the new parts in this book it grew on me and I ended up really enjoying the tale.
March 20, 2024
Attended an inspiringly beautiful talk with the author and bought her book straight after.
While I loved her dedication to retell one of my all-time favourite stories from a female perspective, I found it surprisingly hard to get into the story but (alas!) I’m not the target audience.
Kudos to Abi and all the fantastic writers who shape children’s minds through inspiring storytelling!
While I loved her dedication to retell one of my all-time favourite stories from a female perspective, I found it surprisingly hard to get into the story but (alas!) I’m not the target audience.
Kudos to Abi and all the fantastic writers who shape children’s minds through inspiring storytelling!
October 23, 2022
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was a modern take on a classic story and it was so well done. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
January 24, 2023
This book is just joyous. I loved 'Sky Song', and this takes me back to my enjoyment of that book. Abi Elphinstone has crafted a wonderful new storyline around an established and loved story. So much to commend. I can't wait to read it with my class!
March 24, 2024
So this was just a cute read. I dont' think that I loved the characters as much as previous books by this author. but i loved the focus on siblings dyamics and also loved the advnture and quest elments i don;t think this book wowed me but it was cute and very cute winter read!!
October 20, 2022
A great spin on a classic tale. Deeply imaginative and heartwarming. Huge thank you to the publisher for this ARC via NetGalley.
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