"The Minute Minders" by Mary Murphy is likely a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the concept of time management and the impact it has on our lives, both personally and professionally. The title suggests that the story revolves around characters who are obsessed with managing every minute of their day, or perhaps a group or organization dedicated to the meticulous tracking and use of time.

Murphy’s writing is probably engaging and insightful, delving into the lives of characters who either benefit from or are constrained by their obsession with time. The novel might explore themes of productivity, work-life balance, and the pressures of modern life, possibly contrasting those who rigidly manage their time with others who take a more relaxed approach.

"The Minute Minders" could serve as a reflection on how we value time in today's fast-paced world, and what happens when we allow the clock to dictate our lives. It’s likely a novel that prompts readers to think about their own relationship with time and the consequences of being too focused on efficiency at the expense of living in the moment.

This book would appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that touches on modern societal issues, particularly those related to work, time management, and the pursuit of a balanced life.

In this world, ideas can get sent to and fro in search of the right artist for them. They might even need a certain nudge en route to the person who will ultimately present them to the world. I wonder how circuitous the route of this idea was. Ultimately – and I don't make a habit of saying right out what the book is trying to do, but this was a time when it was so hard to see the point of it all through the woolliness that knowing in advance could only help – it's a warming attempt at showing two lonely kids get a firm friendship together in a new town. But there's a lot else besides, so back to the set-up.

We're in a world where humans share it with fidders – tiny, pixie-ish humanoid characters that are invisible to us, but that are constantly all about us, and constantly doing things for us. They may be the right voice in our ear at the right time, they may implant a life-changing or -saving decision, they may spread luck our way by tweaking or nudging us or the universe in our favour. Our heroine, Stevie, is growing up alongside her fidder dad, as it was either a case of boarding school miles from the only family she has, or shadow him at work. Only, dad is a bit inept, and would be nothing without Stevie. But as both of them are learning a new path through the world of helping humans, can they hope to get enough right?

It's a shame that with such a strong premise, so much of this is bodged, and doesn't quite get things right. And while nothing is terribly off-putting there are enough bad marks to make the reader frown upon frown upon frown. The bit where Stevie explains us being invisible to fidders and vice versa? Bodged. The fact we're pages in before realising she is a she? Bodged. (Oh, and the mis-gendering that happens later? Interesting.)

I said up front this is about the kids the fidders end up helping, partly as the fidders are less than fully likeable. Dad starts off getting his words wrong – and you think him being ill will be a plot thread. No. He'll just go about his work, badly, and in such a belligerent manner, talking trashily to all his superiors, as if he's that one kid at school that likes nothing more than goading teachers into giving him detention. Stevie gets in a ripe bit of sizeism and lookism at one point.

To see where the book is going, and to find it a lesson in small acts of kindness for fidders and humans alike is to see a spread of "very important" messages from Stevie to herself, dripped onto the pages almost in random fashion. And that sits against a really awkward maverick intent, both from the book and the characters. Their mindset is "rules, schmules" and I didn't appreciate that being the biggest take-away from this. According to this, the "say anything, do anything and it'll all come out right and if it doesn't it wasn't meant to be right just yet" kind of thinking is the best way to go. And all that this free-wheeling, maverick hodge-podge has done has proven itself rather wrong in that.

Having been a huge fan of 'the borrowers' as a child, I was worried that this might just have been a modern-day version of that story. I could not have been more mistaken and more charmed than I was by the Minute Minders who are a society of fidders who co-exist alongside humans. With their numerous talents and skills, they endeavor to help humans as much as they can. A delightful tale full of many messages and themes which would lend itself to being a class story time book. I can't wait to buy my own copy to share with my class as I'm certain they'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you NetGalley and Pushkin Press for this eCopy to review

The Minute Minders is a great children's story about Fidders who help humans. There are many different types, eg: ones that bring good luck, or creative inspiration. We are following Stevie and her Dad who was a truth finder (helps humans tell the truth) until he is fired and has to become a minute minder (they have 1 minute a day to help a human overcome their problems). The big problem is that Stevie's Dad is not good at following the rules so Stevie has to help him which is definitely not allowed. They are very creative and never give up which actually leads them to being a big help in their cases but their bosses do not agree

A great tale full of humour and about how small nudges in the right direction can make all the difference in someone's life. Something we could all put into practice quite easily

This is a very enjoyable book set in an imaginary world. The main character is a girl called Stevie and she is a fidder (the word is very close to fibber, which gives a poor connotation but these fidders and all very honest). The fidders can't be seen by humans, but they try to help lots of different people. Stevie means well, but does get herself in bother sometimes. There were plenty of events in the story that I didn't predict (and one or two that I thought might happen). The book tackles themes including a single parent family, looked after child (kinship care), bullying and the importance of kindness. I read it in one afternoon - it's engaging from the very start, and I wanted to read on and find out what happens. As a teacher, it would be a really nice story to read to a class of children, perhaps around 8 or 9, and there are lots of themes to talk about. But most importantly, it's a story that draws you in, it's gentle, but there is humour and excitement too. I can recommend this book.

Thank you to Net Galley for a free early copy to review.

Suitable for readers in KS1 this is a charming story about the tiny fidders who invisibly help humans. A timeless classic in the making and so full of heart.