The Storybarn Selects… From The Reader Bookshelf

The Reader Bookshelf 2024 is a carefully curated collection of literature for adults and children, exploring a different theme each year, this year’s theme ‘Wonder’ is about being bold, being curious and being open. Staff and volunteers around the country have selected 12 titles for children which explore what 'Wonder' means to them.

This month, Reading Heroes Coordinator, Rachel shares her thoughts on Katherine Rundell's Impossible Creatures.

A once in a lifetime book, that feels like an instant classic - this book pulls on the child within and harks back to islands, adventures, and a wild freedom that Rundell has created in the 'Archipelago' a mysterious and wonderful place which holds more magic than is first apparent....

The story follows Christopher and Mal, deep in the Scottish hills - and they find themselves embroiled in the plight of a magical world. Mythical beasts are injured and someone is on their tail, hunting them down.

Can they discover what is causing the changes in the land, and help the injured Griffin they discover?

A book that will stay with you long after you have set down its pages... And will leave you wanting to return to the Archipelago for more.