Elizabeth reviews: The Wizard in my Shed by Simon Farnaby

This vibrant book is one for children who love magic. It is a heart-warming tale of friendship, family values, good vs evil, and of course magic. The reader is taken on an epic adventure which merges the Dark Ages with the 21st Century. Merdyn the Wild is a Warlock who finds himself in an era of technology as he is banished to the 21st century as a result of misbehaving and Jeremiah Jerabo’s, Merdyn’s evil nemesis, incorrect sentencing spell.

Merdyn is fortunately befriended by a young girl called Rose and as he looks frightfully similar to Rose’s Uncle Martin, Rose’s mother allows Merdyn to stay in the family’s shed. Rose comes from a family that has been deeply affected by the loss of her father and Merdyn the Wild provides this family a new lease of life. Merdyn wishes only to return to the Dark Ages so that he can return to his love Evenhart. Will he able to with the help of Rose and her family? Or will he be stopped by Jeremiah Jerabo?

I think this book will engage the young reader from the very first page as Simon Farnaby uses a clever writing style including the use of definitions, different fonts and sizes, and poetry to capture the young reader’s attention. The plot also draws on the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site, which I believe enhances the magic of this book and may even encourage children to unlock a love for the historic past.. The book is brought to life with illustrations, and interesting spells which I believe all magic books should have.

If you like the sounds of stepping into the magical realms of this book you can request a copy here.