The Lotterys Plus One

Sumac is looking forward to the summer – and in particular her project on Ancient Mesopotamia. The news that the family – already numbering seven kids, four parents and assorted pets – is going to become one more is not welcome. The newcomer is their grumpy, opinionated grandfather who does not fit in. Sumac decides she will have to do something about the situation.

Emma Donoghue has already made a name for herself with her adult novels. Now she turns her talents to writing for a much younger audience – and proves a very welcome addition to world of children’s books. She creates a warm-hearted, eccentric family community that encompasses all ages – and all backgrounds; for the Lotterys are very much a blended family. The writing is assured and her characters emerge full of life and in glorious technicolour. This is no ordinary family, but there will be many young readers who either in imagination or even reality will recognise themselves. And what happens when the ‘normal’ meets the different? For confident readers who want a thoroughly enjoyable read that is both thoughtful and fun this must be recommended. Let us hope Emma Donoghue will continue to write in this way, joining authors in a tradition exemplified by Eve Garnett, Elizabeth Enright and Hilary McKay.