Amber's Secret
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Cover Story
This issue’s cover illustration by Fangorn is taken from Brian Jacques’ Lord Brocktree (Hutchinson, 0 09 176877 2, £12.99), the thirteenth title in the internationally best-selling Redwall series. Salamandastron, the ancestral home of the Badger Lords, is under threat from Ungatt Trunn, an enemy whose power would seem to be absolute and whose evil knows no bounds. The only hope for survival is the badger Lord Brocktree who is drawn to the fortress by an undeniable sense of destiny. Brian Jacques' masterful storytelling as always spins a web of high adventure that will enthral the reader from the first page to the last. Thanks to Hutchinson Children’s Books for their help in producing this September cover.
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Amber's Secret
Illustrated by Victor Ambrus
Living in the early 1950s in small-town Britain, Sally has been sent to stay next door while her Mum recuperates in hospital. While trying to get the family grandfather clock going again - symbolic of her mother's recovery and the reunion of her family - she knocks it over, causing extensive damage. The book tells of her quest to restore the clock, which she manages with the help of the many kind people she meets after phoning 'Amber's Secret' number. There's magic in the air here - the magic of benevolent people looking out for Sally and being one step ahead of her as she takes on her huge task, growing in courage and strength as she fulfils it. I found the old-fashioned (but not dated) feel, in both language and type of story, and echoed in Ambrus' delightful illustrations, refreshing and enjoyable, though I was not always convinced by period detail. Easily read, this is a sympathetic story, gently told yet well-paced.
