The Weather Weaver

My initial thought when I finished The Weather Weaver was that I now want my own cloud to give me cuddles and to teach to do such things as lightning in the house. Perhaps a bad example as I'm scared of lightning storms. However, the point still stands that due to Nimbus the cloud and Stella's friendship I now find myself wanting a cloud.

This book is wonderful, drawing on the myths and legends about the beautiful Shetland Isles and the wonders of Mother Nature's most unpredictable creation - weather.

Tamsin Mori has brought the Shetlands to life, with the mention of the seasonal occurance of the beaches being closed for the safety of the nesting birds, the colony of Puffins that inhabit the rocks surrounding the lighthouse and the relative isolation that exists for those who live there. All of which create a truly immersive world for the reader and I believe helps you feel as though you are there alongside Stella as she steps off the precarious gangplank and into an adventure she couldn't have ever imagined.

The Weather Weaver also deals with the sensitive subject of grief and how people react to, and handle the loss of a loved one in different ways. This is so well done that I found myself choked with emotion as I recognised my way of coping in the manner Stella's grandfather does - and although it confuses her, it shows that there is no right or wrong way of grieving. Something sadly, children at any age often have to face.

This book is everything and more than what I hoped for when it caught my eye. You can be lost to myths and legends of silkies, sea witches and more - and who doesn't love the opportunity to be lost to the 'what ifs' of the world. I truly hope that Tamsin Mori will be writing a sequel because I want to see more of Nimbus and his adorable reactions to making Stella happy. (See, this is why I want a cloud of my own)

Thank you to Netgalley for my eARC.

Right now quite a few of us are wishing we could control the weather - but Stella, the main character in The Weather Weaver can do just that.

Spending the summer with her grandfather in the Shetlands she learns to catch clouds, read rainbows and trap storms in jars. But when a dark force tries to take control of the island, can Stella handle it?

This is a book full of magic and adventure and Stella the main character is just the right mix of smart and stubborn. I loved her growing relationship with Nimbus her pet (but don't call him a pet) cloud where it transforms from irritation to a deep genuine connection. It's a middle grade book but it's a great read for dreamers of all ages and I can't wait to read more about Stella and Nimbus.

I received an advance copy of this via NetGalley.
Stella has to spend the six week summer holiday with her Grandpa on Shetland as her parents are working away. Her Grandpa seems angry with her but she discovers it is worry about her due to a dream her grandmother had when she was much younger.
Whilst out, Stella meets a woman who was apparently expecting her arrival. She also expects her to be able to control clouds and other weather. Stella struggles to keep her emotions in check to stop her cloud wreaking havoc.
All the myths and stories of Shetland Stella’s grandmother had read to her when she was younger seems to be very firmly based on truths that are coming back to threaten Stella and the island.
This is a fast paced adventure filled with myth and magic, clouds and storms. It explores family relationships, emotions and memories. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed this and I think children will love it too. Who'd have thought a cloud could be such a character? What an original idea - now everyone will want a cloud of their own! I'm guessing there will be more of these, as the ending wasn't quite resolved - what did the Haken want? Hopefully that will be answered in book 2.

A beautiful totally unique story. Full of magic and adventure with a gutsy female protagonist this book will appeal to both boys and girls and I see it being popular for a long time.

This is a charming story of hope, love and belonging. It also deals with loss in a sensitive and understanding way.

Stella is coming to Shetland to spend some time with her Grandfather and she is feeling nervous as this will be the first time since her Grandmother died. Unsure what to expect, she is disappointed to see some of her grandmothers things missing and the changes in her grandfather's demeanor.
Running away from the house, she runs into an old woman named Tamar who encourages Stella to capture a cloud. Tamar is a fascinating, witchy like character who is set to change the lives of Stella and her grandfather.
Stella is more than shocked when she catches a storm cloud with plenty of power! Learning to control the cloud is a steep learning curve for Stella but she is definitely up for the challenge!

Lore of the island mentions Weather Weavers and it seems as though Stella may be a powerful force for the weather and those set on destroying her will meet their match. Myths and legends are very much intertwined throughout the story and I was captivated by Stella and Tamar but also by the grief and loss suffered by the family.

Adventure, danger and a slightly creepy evil Haken will keep you turning the pages on this incredible tale.

I was very quickly engrossed in this story of 11 year old Stella who is left in the care of her recently widowed grandfather on a small Scottish island. Grandfather is not very welcoming and when things go badly, Stella runs off. She soon meets the only other inhabitant on the island - Tamar. Tamar soon has Stella catching a cloud. Apparently, Stella is destined to be a weather weaver - someone who can control weather - but she has a lot to learn and not much time to do it in. Something is coming and it's not good!
Tamsin Mori has real empathy for her characters, the struggles they each go through to control emotions and not let them take over. They were all very real, likeable people. The magical elements were also believable as they were tools for the people to solve problems.
There is potential for a second book following a cryptic statement by an as yet unexplored character. I, for one, would love to visit the island again!

I read every day to my Mum with dementia and she and I have both been utterly enchanted and absorbed in this wonderful magical adventure. It is written in a clever, engaging manner with pace that drives the story forward and just makes you have to read 'one more chapter'. Within the genre of magic and mystery the author is able to also touch on on issues such as grief and this is done with sensitivity and care. As an educationalist I would recommend this book to all middle grade readers and anyone who loves myths, legends and all those who look up at the clouds and dream..

The Weather Weaver is wise, and touching. A story that grabs you by the hand and spins you along, with magic that wraps you up and warms you along the way. Stella is fierce and wears all her emotions on her sleeve. A reluctant adventurer who doesn’t always get things right but whose heart is firmly in the right place. Perfect for fans of the Storm Keeper’s Island, this book is a fantastic adventure. Wise, touching and full of surprises. We loved it.

Absolutely delightful. This beautiful story will appeal to young and older readers alike. Stella arrives on the Shetland Islands for what she thinks will be a boring summer holiday with her grandpa. Instead? She has the most exciting adventures involving the weather! Can you imagine catching a cloud, fighting a sea witch or maybe stirring up a storm! Stella is faced with all these. Can she manage? Can she keep her cloud and her grandpa safe - along with her tutor Tamar? This is just a lovely story and anyone who reads it, will love it. A refreshing change of subject matter for a magical fantasy.

Stella’s parents’ work takes them abroad for the summer, so Stella is sent to stay with her grandfather in the Shetland Islands, the first time she has been back since her grandma died. Eager to explore, she is frustrated by his attempts to keep her inside the cottage, and disappointed by the loss of the rapport they had when she was younger. With her attempts to help resulting in the breaking of Grandma’s puffin mug, Stella runs off angrily, and meets Tamar, an eccentric local … and manages to catch a cloud, which reacts to her moods, causing serious consequences when another row erupts between her and Grandpa. Trying to get rid of the cloud, Stella returns to Tamar who begins to train her as a weather weaver, little realising how quickly their skills will be needed.
Fans of mystery and magic will love this story, which weaves Scottish myths into a thrilling tale of battling environmental forces with powerful female characters at its heart. The Shetland setting is beautifully realised, as is the healing relationship between two characters of different generations who have been set adrift by grief. Excitement, a genuine sense of menace, touches of humour and ultimate reconciliation combine in a thoroughly enjoyable novel for upper Key Stage 2 readers and beyond.

'The Weather Weaver' is a gem of a book for middle grade readers. Set in the Shetlands it quickly establishes a cast of compelling characters, and weaves a world of magic and folklore with ease and conviction. The story is told with economy and clarity but emotions are never far from the surface, and the themes which preoccupy young readers - such as independence, the role of parents and the meaning of place - are brought out with subtlety and humour. This looks like the first book in what should prove to be a very popular series.

I absolutely loved reading this book! Nimbus is so cute and I really would love a cloud of my own.
Stella is a great, strong character and I like that Mori lets her explore a whole range of emotions while showing that they can each be helpful (not the stereotype that girls have to be quiet and hide their emotions).
The magic in this book is so beautifully written. Mori manages to get everything to tie together so well. I especially love all of Tamar's jars!
As a crafter, I loved reading about the spinning wheel, knitted scarf, and woven towels. I think there is magic in crafting in my life and reading this book made me wish that I was able to weave like Tamar.
I really hope that this story turns into a series because I really want to learn everything there is to know about cloud magic, and I would love to spend some more time with Nimbus!

I loved the idea of a weather weaver and was very quickly drawn into the story. The excitement is palpable and full of Shetland magic and folklore.

Stella and Nimbus endear themselves to the reader, whilst Grandpa and Tamar sometimes seem not to understand them, the reader always does.

In this atmospheric and magical tale Stella and Nimbus learn a lot and are put to the test. I am hopeful this is not the last we have seen of them because I for one would enjoy another tale of weather weaving and the magic it brings.

Stella goes to visit her Grandpa for the summer holidays on a remote island, her dad told her there was lots to explore but he Grandpa does not want her going out.

After and argument Stella leaves the house and meets Tamar - who asks her something very strange - it catch a cloud.

It turns out the Stella is a Weather Weaver and Tamar needs her help, will Stella be able to help Tamar and bet the storm the sea witch brings?

I loved the fact that as well as the story of Stella being a Weather Weaver it looks at the relationship between Stella and her Grandpa,

I feel that there may be another adventure waiting for Stella and I cannot wait to go on another adventure with her.

Eleven year-old Stella is going to spend the summer with her grandpa on Shetland Island. She’s full of mixed feelings – memories of good times when Grandma was alive (puffins, selkies, hot chocolate and the lighthouse) but nervous about spending an entire summer away from her parents with the sea, boats and Grandpa who just isn’t the same anymore.

Armed with her favourite book, Shetland Myths and Magic, Stella would love to explore the island and look for adventure. Sadly, Grandpa won’t let her out, giving every excuse to keep her inside. Then, she meets Tamar, a strange lady who seems to be able to speak to clouds and control the weather.

Stella is intrigued by the idea of being a weather weaver and charmed by the funny little cloud who seems to have adopted her. She has so much to learn. Will she be prepared in time to face the sea witch who threatens the island?

The Weather Weaver is a story of strength, bravery and finding out who you really are. The strength of Stella’s relationship with her grandparents is key as she learns about belonging, trust and a wonderful future.

Thank you to UCLan Publishing for this beautifully woven book!