The old adage, “you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover” was broken with this request. I saw the cover and knew immediately I needed to read it. The cover, nor the story, disappoint!
I highly recommend this book for all aged 9 and older.
It is a fascinating story about a girl in Year 6, who transforms her world and the people living around her. The town has turned into a concrete jungle, and the love of gardening and plants has been erased from the lives of the townspeople. In order to seek revenge for a promise broken, a woman placed a curse on a package of seeds about a hundred years before. Sorrel, named for the herb, finds the seeds and so begins the trouble. The seeds bring a voice from the past promising “what you need will come to you”. The self-seeding seeds sound too good to be true, especially for a girl desperate to win an contest and holiday for her and her mum. The seeds grow, with hilarious results, and the entire town are caught up in the chaos that ensues.
I became lost in the story and couldn’t put the book down. I thought Sorrel was a brilliant character, full of doubt but also brave, kind but driven by the need to be the best. This drive is what truly gets her into trouble with her best friend, Mum, school and the entire town. She had made mistakes and caused havoc but ultimately she is good and there is a happiness to the ending, although not all returns to normal!
Brilliantly written and a joy to read! Pick this one up, you will not regret it!
My Shelves Are Full 