The finding of Freddy Perkins by Liz Baddaley

Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408186084.
(Age 10+) Highly recommended. Author Liz Baddaley tackles the loss of a mother with humility and care, opening up the emotions of a young boy and his dad as they face a new life.
Freddy Perkins' mum has died and their London home isn't the same without her. His dad packs them up and moves them to his childhood home in Scotland. Freddy isn't happy and doesn't see the magic that his dad experienced living in an old, creaky house. Furthermore, his Granny isn't happy and chatty like his mum was. Fortunately, Granny is wise and eventually the two form a lovely bond as they clean out the attic. When all the lost things in the house start to turn up, Granny and Freddy have a mystery to solve and the magic this brings gives Freddy a purpose, a desire to draw again and a new place to belong.
Highly recommended to independent readers aged 10+. It is an easy to read, quick paced story exploring the feelings of loss but with a touch of mythical magic. Freddy realises he has found everything he needs to be happy again.
Kylie Kempster