Eliza and Jonty, her little brother, move to Henrietta Street from the beautiful suburbs of Rathmines after their father loses his business and to say that their lives change indescribably is an understatement. Eliza doesn’t love her new home to begin with but when she meets a colourful character called Annie she realises that it’s not about where she lives it’s about having a healthy family, good friends and a roof over their heads. Moving to a crowded tenement from their comfortable home was a shock to both children but as events unfold it becomes clear that more lies in store for the children as they encounter the kind folk from the circus.
This book was captivating. I love the parallels between Eliza’s mum and Sarah Webb’s mum who was also a French teacher and loved bees. I think it’s wonderful how Sarah Webb brought part of her own personal story into this book and I’m sure her mum loves this fantastic tribute too.
I think this is a magical book and Sarah Webb drew me right into the story with her rich and colourful language and the unexpected turns that the story took. I found it hard to put this book down and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. The story has lots of highs and lows and I found myself really feeling sad for Eliza and her family during the difficult times and feeling excited and happy for them when things began to go well for them again.
I would give this book 10/10 and I think that it’s best suited for readers aged 9 and up.
By Abigail, 5th Class, Faugher NS, Co. Donegal
“The Little Bee Charmer of Henrietta Street” by Sarah Webb, illustrated by Rachel Corcoran, published by O’Brien Press, is now on sale for €12.99 (P/B).
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, O’Brien Press, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review
