The tale of Angelino Brown by David Almond

Ill. by Alex T. Smith. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406358070
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. 'Bert Brown discovered the angel in his top pocket when he was driving his bus. Bert and Betty's friends think he's lovely. So do Nancy, Jack and Alice from Class 5K. But Acting Head Teacher Mrs Mole is not so sure. Nor is Professor Smellie. And the mysterious bloke who claims to be a school inspector. He is downright suspicious.'
Then there's big, lumbering Basher Malone. He does not like Angelino at all. In fact he just might be out to get him . . . (Publisher)
Strange things begin to happen to Bert and Betty, while at the same time Angelino fills the huge void left when their own son died, bringing happiness and love to the house once again.
This is a lighthearted book for those willing to believe in a little bit of magic. Imaginations can run wild and strong connections made to both the storyline and characters. I particularly love the illustrations of Angelino as it is not your stereotypical angel. Good and evil is questioned and you can not help but feel sympathetic to certain characters. It would make a beautiful read aloud for students aged 9 and up.
Kathryn Schumacher