The secrets of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt

Illus. by Katherine Quinn. Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781760651541.
(Age: 6-11) Recommended. Magnolia Moon is a young girl with enigmatic charm and joyful exuberance and zest for life . . . and an imagination that is unique and peppered with idiosyncrasies. Sometimes she also has secrets and conversations with the moon (wouldn't you if your last name was Moon). Her creative friendship with Imogen May meets a hurdle when Imogen announces that she is moving away. Who will she share lunch time with and who will understand her quirky conundrums? Magnolia's family are also loving and warm and they too have a secret ready to share.
This is a delightful and whimsical journey into the life of Magnolia - a slightly funny nine-year-old (soon to be ten). Sometimes she seems too naive to be this age, but her zest for life is delightful and will spark joy for readers aged 6-11. The writing by Edwina Wyatt has an energy and whimsy that is very appealing and I can imagine this book as a shared bed-time delight between a young child and someone older - especially for a young child expecting a new sibling. The illustrations are also gently sweet and slightly quirky - enough to create atmospheric charm. This is not a difficult book to read, so is a great recommendation for encouraging independence in reading or for older readers who might struggle with literacy.
Recommended for readers aged 6-11. Themes: Family, Friendship, Secrets.
Carolyn Hull