Super Sister and the Birthday Party

The sequel to Super Sister, this story follows Emma and Saffie, sisters who have the super power of animation: they are able to bring inanimate objects to life. While elder sister Emma is sensible, Saffie is always getting both of them into trouble and her mischievous spirit passes on to the dolls and teddies she brings to life too. With the neighbours getting suspicious, Emma and Saffie’s parents send them to stay with their grandparents for the holidays. The only trouble is, their granny also has super powers. She is able to help Emma to develop her gentle talent, but has more trouble convincing Saffie to reign hers in. When Saffie unwittingly animates a difficult doll, Queenie-May, the doll takes on a life of her own and chaos ensues. Will the girls be able to work together to put things right before their grandpa’s birthday is ruined? With plenty of action and adventure, as well as a few subtle moral messages about learning to take responsibility for your actions and the satisfaction of doing your own work, there is lots to admire in Gwyneth Rees’ latest book. Put upon big sisters are sure to recognise the dilemma in which Emma finds herself as her younger sister thoughtlessly creates drama. But there is something quite creepy about a naughty porcelain doll which comes to life bearing a malevolent grudge. Parents of sensitive children might be warned.