Rebecca Recommends: 'Fright Forest: Elf Girl and Raven Boy' by Marcus Sedgwick

This is the story of Elf Girl and Raven Boy. They are not their real names of course. In fact, they do not even know each other’s real name. For some strange reason, they adamantly won’t tell each other. There is no time to get the truth out though, as they are thrown together and must navigate their way through the spooky 'Fright Forest', full of trolls, witches and ogres in order to find both family and home.

If you are looking for quirky characters with endearing awkwardness and humour, this is a wonderfully whimsical children’s series to delve into. Elf Girl and Raven Boy have been created with brilliant chemistry and it is enthralling to watch them bumble their way through their perilous adventure. As with all thrilling quests, ‘Fright Forest’ is littered with adrenaline filled reveals and tempting answers in the shadows. Author Marcus Sedgwick has formed leads with plenty of personality but also with a touch of mystery. Enticing reading therefore can be found, not only from its exhilarating plot but by a driving fascination, as you follow them through the strange and creepy forest, of discovering who Elf Girl and Raven Boy really are.

I was drawn to this great find by spotting the work of illustrator Pete Williamson. Found in the previously recommended ‘To be a Cat’ by Matt Haig, his gangly wide eyed character style fits perfectly with the offbeat and charming story telling found in both books. Illustrations adorn almost every page, whether it is a spooky portrait, a moment of slapstick action or thorny branches curling its way around the page, creating visual appeal and enticement for a growing reader.

Elf Girl and Raven Boy’s adventure continues so keep an eye out for a future posts as they make their way to 'Monster Mountains'. I can’t wait! 

Illustrated by Pete Williamson. Orion Children's Books (2012)

For more information, please check out : 

http://www.marcussedgwick.com/egrb.html

http://www.petewilliamson.co.uk/