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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
"The Last Firefox" depicts a young boy who is facing the end of primary school and the transition to upper grades, incorporates a traditional coming-of-age struggle of one's own inner strength and bravery, and engages with changes in family dynamics as the two fathers begin the process towards adopting another child. Yet, this story is also fanciful and fun, with elements of magic, danger, and mild mystery that move the plot at an engaging pace. And few kids don't love cute, fluffy animals being central to the plot!
This story is set in Wales in a distinctive way that I can see could lead a younger (Very American) me to be somewhat confused about what is magic and what is real (castles existing near your home which you can just go visit? local garden mazes?) and this distinctive location in space and time really adds to the story.
I recommend this book for readers aged roughly 9 - 13, based on text difficulty and interest, but it would be appropriate for younger readers as well so long as they had the attention span for a longer chapter book and weren't too sensitive to mild elements of tension or danger.
...I turn slowly.
The head of the Grendilock is peering back through the curtain of ivy. I can see myself reflected in the empty blackness of its insect eyes.
I look afraid.
4.8 stars
Content warnings:
Spoiler
bullying; mild violence; one instance of homophobic microaggression (calling same-sex parents 'guardians')This was super fun to read and really heartwarming!
I really enjoyed reading the bonds between characters: family, friends and of course between Charlie and Cadno. I also loved how Charlie having two dads was so positively normalised - I'm glad children (and anyone reading children's books) now get to read stories like these! It's so important for us to see positive, casual representation of different families. The friendships were all so funny and sweet, and I loved how they stood up for each other against bullies and beasts. It made me nostalgic for chilled hangouts with friends and their pets - though of course none were little fireballs like Cadno!
Onto Cadno - what a scene stealer. Completely adorable from the tips of his ears to the end of his tail, in physical appearance, personality and behaviour. He's so brave and affectionate. If you like animals I'd definitely recommend this book!
The illustrations were super cute too, and for once this eARC was formatted properly for Kindle so the illustrations showed up as they should Honestly, this was THE BEST formatted ARC I have ever read on my Kindle. I was so happy that I could actually toggle between chapters with my Kindle button like a normal book! It's a small thing, but helps so much with the reading experience so I can properly appreciate Newbery and Catalan's hard work.
The fantasy elements were done well, with the world of Fargone built just enough to make sense but without overwhelming the main plot set in regular real-world Wales. I did want to know more about Teg, as he shows up so briefly but his role is so integral to the story. (A Teg/Fargone spin-off sequel? I'm intrigued by the world!)
This book was really funny too from the very first line, with distinct characters, a well-paced and believable plot, and I could really feel the action scenes too (the train!! The castle scene!! My heart!!). I also found it so funny that one of Charlie's dads is a firefighter and it made for some great humour and plot points. The penny-cog red herring-ed me a bit, and because I was tense about it, that made it even creepier to watch how the clues about the antagonist gradually build up.
'The Last Firefox' is a truly impressive and and entertaining debut! I'm excited to see what Newbery writes next, and thanks to this lovely book I've now discovered a great new artist to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and Puffin Books for an eARC for an honest review.
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This was just a joy to read and has really put me in the best of moods. I'm excited for my reading year if all the books are as fun as this one!
