Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Children's UK and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Ziggy and Misha are twins with special gifts, one can talk with animals, the other can shape-shift into them. Their dad is a wild animal tv presenter who never takes them on the trips, until this time when he’s looking for the rare black lion.

This was such a fun book filled with so much adventure and so much going on within the story. I really loved that the children went on the trip, they got to explore everything, see and learn so much about animals, about nature and about poachers.

I loved how easily they became friends with the animals and in particular with the lion himself, they were so wonderful in helping him, to keep him safe and to try to heal him. I also really liked that even though it was dangerous they helped with the poachers, which that was awesome how they did that.

This is a wonderful new series, it’s going to teach children so much, from all about animals and nature, to the country the stories are set in themselves. The author also includes extra facts at the end which I loved reading any chance of getting extra information provided is always a win to me.

Lastly the illustrations were honestly so beautiful, I really enjoyed looking at them, seeing so much diversity in characters and a realistic look at the culture, the environment and the people that live there. I will say though the hands were a bit scary, they didn’t have enough fingers but other than that they were great to look at.

The first in a new series by this author and she is now writing for a younger audience. I loved the two children, who find themselves in East Africa, with their wildlife reporter father; he is searching for a rare black maned lion and the children want to help. Unknown to their father they have magical abilities, Misha can talk to animals and Ziggy can change into other creatures. When they discover there are poachers out to capture the black lion, they need to use these skills to save the day. What a great adventure, with strong messages about wildlife protection and the environment.

Wild Magic : Legend of the Black Lion is a joy to read from start to finish.

The 7-9 year fiction selection is often limited and lacking in great adventures for those emerging independent readers who aspire to read a good story but this wonderful story ticks the box.

Misha and Ziggy have magical powers; Misha can talk to animals whilst Ziggy can shape shift in to different creatures.

When the opportunity arises for them to travel to Ethiopia with their film making dad, they cannot believe their luck especially their father is in search of the infamous Black Lion .

Whilst their father works, the children find ways to begin to communicate with the local animals and soon find out that the Black Lion is in danger and has been injured and so begins their adventure to save the lion from poachers.

Abiola Bello has written a fast paced, full of facts and fascinating read. The text is pitch perfect and Emma McCann's illustrations add humour and excitement.

This is a book that will be recommended to colleagues in primary schools especially in Lower Key stage 2 ( great class read and exciting writing opportunities ) and also to friends and family with 7-9 year olds.

Roll on Book 2 Wild Magic: Journey of the Lost Elephant

A total winner - highly recommended