Book Review- The Wizard In My Shed
Title: The Wizard In My Shed Author: Simon Farnaby Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group Published: 1st October 2020 Genre: Middle-Grade, Fantasy Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Merdyn the Wild is from the Dark Ages. He’s the world’s greatest Warlock (don’t call him a wizard), banished to the 21st century for bad behaviour, and determined to wreak vengeance on his nemesis.
Rose is a totally ordinary girl, on a mission to mend her broken family.
Bubbles is Rose’s guinea pig. He just poos a lot.
When Rose bumps into Merdyn and discovers what he is, she quickly realises that he could be just what she needs. Rose agrees to help Merdyn navigate the confusing ways of the modern world (things like: the lidded bowl in the bathroom is NOT a sink, it’s a TOILET, so definitely DON’T wash your face in it) if Merdyn gives her a spell to fix her family in return.
Now they just need to hide him in the shed without Rose’s mum noticing, track down Merdyn’s magic staff and find a way to send Merdyn back through time to the Dark Ages. What could possibly go wrong…? -Goodreads
I was very lucky to receive a proof copy of The Wizard In My Shed from the publisher in return for an honest review.
I am obsessed with the tv show Ghosts and Horrible Histories which Simon writes and co-stars in, so I absolutely jumped at the chance to get to read this exciting new kids book!!
I had high expectations for this book, I was hoping for a very funny book, and this book delivered! It has a very funny narrator who makes lots of jokes which are accessible to kids, but there is a lot of jokes in the book for older readers too, which I always enjoy.
The book tells the story of Rose, who runs into Merdyn, a Wizard from the Dark Ages who has been banished to the 21st Century as punishment. Rose agrees to help Merdyn get home in return for some of his magical spells.
This is a very funny and quirky kids book. It is told by a narrator who is a character in themselves, which I always love, who gives the story a very chatty conversational tone and which makes the book very enjoyable to read. I also find that these kind of chatty books can be excellent for reluctant readers or those who lack a wee bit of confidence, as the casual narrative can be easier for them to read and a lot less intimidating!
The book is crammed full of magic, from spells to make you travel through time, fly, and even allow you to talk to animals, there is magic on every page, and Farnaby make the magic flow with such a fun style.
Overall I really enjoyed The Wizard In My Shed, its a very funny and clever kids book, the first of a series I hope!!
Buy from Waterstones here
