Max Milford is surprised when his grandfather contacts the children’s home and invites him to come and live with him. Since being orphaned three years ago, all Max has wanted is a family to love him and friends to like him. Only why hadn’t Grandpa been in touch before now, and should he worry about the rumours he keeps hearing about Grandpa?

In The Enchanted Library, Karen Andrea paints an insightful portrait of how a child’s experiences of rejection and loss can leave them bewildered and erode their trust in adults, and how the imagination has the power to transform their reality.

The main character Max is a typical modern child - football mad, with his skateboard, mobile phone and email. Feeling isolated in his new school and the target of the class bully, Max finds one piece of solace in his new surroundings, an out-of-bounds library in a deserted room where the books come alive. The living books befriend Max, bringing warmth and humour to the novel. Max must read the books to stop them from dying, even if that means defying Grandpa and the social workers, as the library casts its spell over him.

All the characters in the novel are well-drawn, but the living book characters stand out as brilliant. Their friendship helps Max solve an intriguing mystery at the novel’s heart, leading Grandpa and Max to form an unique bond. Most importantly, Max’s adventures in the enchanted library lead him to overcome his fears and to believe in himself again.

The Enchanted Library is a delightful read and a wonderful example of the healing power of books and the imagination. With its beautiful illustrations and original storyline, it is a must-have addition to any children’s library. It is aimed at 8 to 12 year olds, but parents will love it too.