Author(s): Peter Bunzl (author), Evan Hollingdale (illustrator)
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Publication date: April 2021
About the publisher: Barrington Stoke is a small, independent and award-winning children’s publisher. For over 20 years we’ve been pioneering super-readable, dyslexia-friendly fiction to help every child become a reader. From our specially designed font to the colour of our paper, accessibility is at the heart of everything we do. (Taken from the Barrington Stoke website)
Deryn’s father is the lighthouse keeper on Featherstone Island, keeping the lantern lit to protect passing boats from the treacherous rocky coastline. But when an emergency arises and her parents have to travel to the mainland for help, Deryn is left alone to keep watch over the lighthouse, and she finds herself in a terrible situation when the lamp runs out of oil during a wild storm.
With a fishing boat in peril on the sea, and time running out to rescue those on board, Deryn seeks help from an unusual source.
Well, if this book isn’t a big hot chocolate, blanket, and warm fire all wrapped up into one! This is the first book I’ve read by Peter Bunzl, although I own quite a few of them. No particular reason why I’ve not read them – it’s just that TBR life – but they are definitely going up the TBR list now I’ve read Featherlight.
Everything about this book is just so lovely. There’s a strong female protagonist, Deryn, who is brave, independent, and has a love of the natural world. Bunzl takes a story inspired by real women and beautifully entwines it with mythology, making it both engrossing and immersive.
I appreciated the nod towards Welsh culture within the story (no spoilers, you’ll have to read it and see if you can find them!) which certainly added to my love of the book.
A short but very gushy review from me today, but I just wanted to let you all know that I insist you read Featherlight – it’s simply wonderful.
Many thanks to Barrington Stoke for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Wishing you a wonderfully bookish week,
Roachie's Reviews 