MG Takes on Thursday

This is my weekly meme celebrating amazing middle-grade books. I hope others will enjoy taking part in this too!

How to take part:

• Post a picture of the front cover of a middle-grade book which you have read and would recommend to others with details of the author, illustrator and publisher.
• Open the book to page 11 and share your favourite sentence. 
• Write three words to describe the book.
• Either share why you would recommend this book, or link to your review.

This week, I’m celebrating …

Favourite Sentence from Page 11:

Twig got down on his knees so he could talk to the little gnome woman who was staring angrily up at Glimfinkle and shaking her fist.

This book in three words:

MAGIC, FRIENDSHIP, HUMOUR

I absolutely loved this brilliantly warm, magical story filled with adventure, humour and friendship with the MOST brilliant characters who everyone needs to meet. I really, really hope there will be more adventures for Twig, Vile and Glimfinkle because they were just what I needed in my life over the last few days. They are guaranteed to bring a much-needed smile to any reader.

In order to escape his large family, Twig has become apprentice to Ripplemintz the Sage who, it is fair to say, is not the most successful wizard in the Kingdom of Muckwood. After releasing an accidental spell, he tasks Twig with finding and containing the escaped spell. As he hunts the spell down, he finds that it has been working its magic – he meets Glimfinkle the gnome who has grown rather large and declared himself King of the Garden Gnomes, much to the chagrin of the other gnomes. After hanging him on a tree branch by his braces, Twig continues to hunt down the spell, but it has become too large and enters him as he tries to trap it, accidentally making him the world’s greatest wizard.

Twig is rather enjoying his new power until King Mervyn hears of it, and insists that he takes part in the annual Euphonium, a gathering of wizards, witches and hags from across the Kingdoms. He is determined to get rid of his power and become the Twig no-one had any expectations of again …

So begins THE most wonderful, action-packed, fun-filled adventure as Twig tries to rid himself of his new powers whilst finding himself being ever drawn towards the Euphonium. He meets the young hag Vile who is incredibly disappointed not to look as ugly as her sister. Vile is such a brilliant character – strong, feisty and oodles of fun. Her arguments with Glimfinkle, who joins them, uninvited, are utterly brilliant.

The friendship that develops between Twig, Vile and Glimfinkle is incredibly heart-warming and genuine. They may argue (which gives rise to lots of humour) but they also look out for, and support, each other.   This story has a powerful message showing that it is what is on the inside that is important rather than outward appearances and that learning to accept yourself and have self-belief has its own magic.

The illustrations throughout are just perfect, and really capture the magic of the book brilliantly.

I was lucky enough to spot a promotion on Twitter where some bookshops were sending wands and Certificates of Authenticity made by the very talented author. I immediately ordered another copy in the hope that I was lucky enough to be sent one – and I was! I can’t believe that I got Wand No. 7 out of 30, and that it had a green decoration: 7 is my lucky number and green is my favourite colour!

I’d love if anyone who wants to give this meme a go would comment in the comments box and include a link to your post so I can visit, comment and find some great middle-grade recommendations. If you do create a post and are on Twitter, and would like to share your post, please use the hashtag  #MGTakesOnThursday so I can find it, read it and share it!