Imaginative and original. Recommended

Enchanting

(Of Deep Secret): We should treasure writers like Berlie Doherty who are incapable of writing a mediocre sentence

(Of The Starburster): A great story to read aloud or for new readers to tackle on their own

(Of Deep Secret): We should treasure writers like Berlie Doherty who are incapable of writing a mediocre sentence

(Of The Humming Machine): Doherty writes for children with simplicity, pace and zest, making thoroughly modern stories out of tales that have roots delicately lace in Celtic myth

I absolutely loved reading Muddle and Win. It took me right back to the books I read during my childhood. Back when children’s books were imaginative, clever and fun, and I’d devour a whole book in one go.

Muddle and Win is a must for young readers (and maybe some of us older ones too!). It teaches a few lessons along the way but is still witty, silly, light-hearted, touching, intriguing and exciting. An excellent read for pre-teens and teens!

I've never read a book like this before ... The author really knows how to turn a dark, deadly battle into something light-hearted and fun.

A fun, delightful and wacky story that’s very fast paced and full of vivid images. Dickinson has a wonderful imagination and the way he described the brain of Sally Jones and more importantly, the battle between good and evil, felt very unique. I raced through this funny and adventurous short book.

Muddle and Win balances light and dark with satisfying complexity. A fast-paced, joke-filled opening gives way to a subtly-layered novel which questions the easy assumptions we make about ‘good’ and ‘bad’. A book that reminds us that we can all break our mould - and also that bosses everywhere are much the same (even in heaven!)

Ideal for bright readers from 9 upwards with a wicked sense of humour and an interest in fairness, this book deals with some big concepts in a light-hearted way. ... The book could work well as a discussion text in PSHE for teachers – though the kids might laugh too much!

This is a quirky, comic tale, funny and full of fun.

Said is bold enough to know that sometimes, things can get scary, and young readers need that . . . [The illustration] uses the vastness and emptiness of space as a tool, filling this negative space with the movement of lines that enhance the vastness, and both the fear and joy that comes with being alone in it . . . A beautiful and awesome mythology, . . A remarkable adventure story for any age.

This book kept catching my eye in bookstores . . . The writing, as well as the illustrations, bring the story to life beautifully. . . Lucky is unforgettable.

There were some genius twists that kept me guessing at the ending. There’s no way I could have ever predicted the last chapters. They were heartbreaking, yet hopeful, and so beautiful . . . HIGHLY recommended for any sci-fi fans, fantasy fans, out there - and also anybody who wants a new favourite book.

It is layered with depth and meaning right from the get go . . . These multilayered themes and ideas, reinforced by strong characterisation, make this book shine . . . The result is a touching, meaningful story for children and adults alike.