#lisathompson

I loved Lisa Thompson’s debut ‘The Goldfish Boy’ and it’s a kindred book to me, so when I heard of her new book at the beginning of the year I was so excited and intrigued at the story prospect ‘The Light Jar’ and I’m happy to say I bloomin’ loved it!

It’s always a mixture of feelings when an author whom you love their debut brings out a new book - there’s excitement, apprehension as to whether it’ll be as good as their first and anticipation of what the story will unfold and I can honestly say that Lisa Thompson’s done it! Fans of ‘The Goldfish Boy’ will not be disappointed and new readers are in for a wonderful encounter with one of the best children’s authors around.

In ‘The Light Jar’ we meet soon to be 12 year old Nate who is woken one night by his mum to go on an adventure to start a new life far away from their old life and the ties of his mums partner. They find themselves in an old family friends uninhabited country cottage that has only the woods, a lot of ornaments and a rather weathered but hardy chicken to keep them company. But despite the remoteness and unfamiliarity of the situation, Nate actually sees his mum more relaxed and happy than he has in a very long time indeed, and although their living situation is far from perfect, there seems to be a little light appearing around the corner. But Nate’s mum doesn’t come back home after going out for supplies one day and poor Nate is left wondering, worried and alone.

As time goes on he meets the wise and happy Sam - his long lost imaginary friend who he thought he’d never see again; and Kitty - a determined, funny, treasure hunting girl from the woods who’s on a mission to uncover the mystery of a family’s past. Together mysteries are solved, lessons are learnt and friendships are forged with plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you on your toes!

The pace of the book is easy flowing, kept you captured in the story long after you closed the book and is the type of book you can’t put down but equally don’t want to finish too soon!

I found the balance of the characters and the relatability and empathy you felt towards them as the reader was brilliant and the dynamics were real to life and accurate. I also love the fact that Lisa Thompson creates awareness of ‘taboo’ subjects in her books such as mental health, hard home lives, grieving and parents separating and gives kids and young people a chance to be able to relate, feel less alone, understand and  break down the barriers of these generally skirted around subjects that effect all of us in our lives at some point.