Matt McAvoy Book Review

This is the first in the Magic Islands series of books from Welsh author Irene Edwards, and it is something of a treat.  These are charming books for younger kids, I’d say from the eight to twelve age range, and the series gets off to a promising start with this exciting tale combining light-hearted magical fantasy with an important environmental message.  There may be some people who say why does this always have to be the case; why can’t we just allow kids to be kids without always telling them something they will inevitably learn soon enough anyway, but Irene’s book doesn’t preach; it does a very good job of getting the message across in a way that doesn’t overpower the story or get kids asking too many serious questions, that message being a clear one of loving your environment and respecting the species on it – and you can tell that Irene absolutely loves hers.

I enjoyed this book, and disclosure is due here: I did help Irene work on it a little, but this in no way influences my review.  It was a pleasure to read, both before and after, and I highly recommend it if you have kids around that age.  The fantasy is of the childlike kind: dragons, wizards and witches who all mean well, but can be quite naughty.  Children might learn a lot from Magic Islands – but, more importantly, I’m sure they’ll love it, too.