Best of All Worlds

When Xavier wakes up on the first morning of a family weekend with his pregnant step-mum, Nia, and dad, Caleb, which he doesn’t want to be on, he doesn't recognise where they are. Everything inside seems the same- but it’s as if the house has been transported to a different location. Having thoroughly explored their new surroundings, the family discover that they are trapped in what appears to be an invisible, self-healing dome from which they cannot escape and have mysterious markings on their lower backs. When the birth of Nia’s baby proves complicated, it becomes apparent that they are being monitored by a benevolent, unseen power which intervenes when they need help.

Three years later, although he still desperately misses his real mother and older brother, Sam, who were left behind, Xavier and his family, including his little brother, Noah, have adapted to life on the farm which they have been given, adopting a self sufficient lifestyle and living off the land. Suddenly, another farm and then a new family- the Jacksons- appear in the dome. A family with very different views, a family with weapons…and a teenage daughter. Tension mounts on many levels as these differences drive a wedge between the two families as the actions of one seems to bring consequences for the other, creating an impossible situation.

‘Best of All Worlds’ is an utterly absorbing read which is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. On one level, it is an intriguing dystopian novel, with people trapped, controlled and isolated, forced to live their lives according to the ‘rules’ imposed upon them. However, it is also a provocative, challenging read, designed to spark discussion- argument even!

Once Xavier’s family- the Oaks- have explored all possibilities for escape, they have become resigned to their fate and adapted to their new lives, believing they have been victims of an alien abduction. For Xavier- Zay- things are different. Thirteen when first trapped, sixteen when the Jacksons arrive, there are things which he struggles with- missing his mother and brother, his friends, gaming, no sex; however, he too has fallen into the new daily rhythm of life. The appearance of a teenage girl, albeit one with a boyfriend, is unsettling enough, but he is also presented with the government conspiracy theories of Riley Jackson, father of the new family, and someone who is determined to escape. Zay finds himself caught between the two families.

There are other differences. The Oaks are pacifists, environmentally aware whilst the Jacksons are weapon-owning, deeply religious and hold some extreme racial views. This gulf between them highlights many political and social divides, encouraging exploration of human nature and disparate viewpoints. There is so much to explore here, not least the hints at the reasons behind the abduction, making this an excellent read for a book group.

Well written and engaging, ‘Best of All Worlds’ is a real page turner which leaves the reader with much to mull over, long after they close the book.

Best of All Worlds

Kenneth Oppel

Guppy Books ISBN: 978-1916558458

The Animal Lighthouse

Washed up in a barrel of rum on a tropical island when a baby, Jim has been brought up by his animal family ever since. He helps them to run the island’s special lighthouse which has the dual purpose of keeping ships from hitting the rocks and completely hiding the magical island from the wrong eyes. But trouble is on the horizon as someone has stolen the lighthouse bulb filaments, exposing the island. To make matters worse, a pirate ship is on the way…

Bursting with humour and heart, ‘The Animal Lighthouse’ is a swash-buckling adventure sure to capture the imagination of its readers. A wonderful menagerie of animals support Jim in his action-packed quest and the story is peppered with Ciara Flood’s brilliant illustrations.

Recently, I was delighted to be asked to organise some school visits for Anthony- and these were incredibly successful! Both schools he visited were effusive with their praise for Anthony and the pleasure he had given to their children. One teacher told me: Anthony was fantastic! He had the children captivated and engaged. There was a real buzz from staff and children about his visit. It was interactive and very funny! Another said that her son had enjoyed the talk so much that he has had his nose in the book all weekend.

Lots of happy children were enthused by the event and enjoyed having their copies of the book signed as these comments show!

Alicia: The author was really funny; he made funny voices for the characters.

William: He was really good-he was just the best! I read a whole chapter of his book last night.

Mia: I liked that he was funny. He read the story to us in different voices.

Jenny: He tried to make us all laugh and it actually did work!

High praise indeed!

Many thanks to Anthony for his wonderful visits, to Liz Scott for her support and to Alastair at Books on the Hill in Clevedon for book sales!

The Animal Lighthouse Anthony Burt

illustrated by Ciara Flood

Guppy Books ISBN: 978-1913101527