The Minute Minders

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.

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.