Lucy Willow

‘There were three things that marked out Lucy Willow as different from other children. The first was that she lived on a train. The second, just as important, was that she had a snail called Ernest as a pet. And the third, the most important of all, was that she had green fingers.’

Thus starts this charming tale written by an author who until recently was known more for writing for younger children. Lucy Willow’s magical green fingers come in handy time and time again, not least in saving the day from the floristry position, for famous footballer Silverboots McCoy and his bride-to-be, Blossom B. This is achieved no thanks to nasty Ricky Sparks, owner of a local garden centre, who also happens to be the husband of Lucy’s equally repugnant headteacher, Mrs Sparks. The character traits of Lester Sparks, their son, are obviously inherited from his parents.

A great read. In 29 short chapters we escape to a world saved by a triumphant young horticulturalist and her eccentric and likeable family. Bailey’s simple sketch illustrations, lightly sprinkled throughout the book, help to depict the rich array of characters, introduced by Gardner, who won the Nestlé Gold Award (9-11 years old category) for I, Coriander last year.