Compelling reading . . . Sensitively depicted

Atmospheric and intriguing . . . The quality of the writing never flags

This novel braids the fantastic and the everyday together into a very skilful and readable story, full of real emotions and fairytale echoes

A finely choreographed novel of displacement, death and friendship

The mystical and beautiful fable is one of my favourite titles of this year

I found I was thinking about it long after I'd turned the final page, because it's wonderful . . . It's a wonderful story of trusting and believing in the unknown and keeping a legacy alive. You'll remember to look for Lob whenever you hear a rustling of leaves behind you

There is something intensely comforting about this book that I'm sure parents will enjoy as well as children. Especially if they are gardeners!

Newbery holds the reader with her endearing characters, evocative scene-setting and poetic language . . . An uplifting, enchanting book

There's something timeless about this lovely story, not only in its theme, which links us back to generations past, but also in the telling of it: elegant, sedate, beautifully crafted, filled with a warm kind of hope and old-fashioned charm

Lob will sneak under the skin of cynical early teens

A tale told as much by Pam Smy's black and white line drawings as by Newbery's quiet, bright, clear prose. The book belongs in that English tradition of writing for children in which relationships, time and nature are explored through gardens

Very young gardeners will love Lob, by Linda Newbery, the story of Lucy, Grandpa Will and the mysterious green man who lives in his garden

[Linda's] eponymous Lob, made of rain and wind, of time gone and time waiting, embodies regeneration

Laced with poems, and beautifully illustrated, this is a magical story of believing in the unknown

If you must have more contemporary fantasy for your almost-teens, then the bogglingly prolific Terry Prachett has a new junior Discworld title: I Shall Wear Midnight

Although I Shall Wear Midnight, the fourth volume in the Tiffany Aching books by master of fantasy worlds Terry Pratchett is marked as being for younger readers, this is a book that older fans can't help but enjoy. Full of puns, allusions and some very odd characters, including Tiffany's ex, this is a book to laugh your way through.

There are suprising revelations about other acquaintances in this action packed story with dark moments lightened by humour, not least from the wonderful Nac Mac Feegles. Full length novel for older, capable readers.

Teen witch Tiffany is one of Pratchett's most formidable creations yet

As Tiffany tackles domestic drudgery and the monstrous villain, Pratchett brings us reflections on the role of women, the dangers of religion and the follies of society. And, writing at the height of his powers, he makes us laugh a lot

Pratchett's trademark wordplay and humor are much in evidence, but he's also interested in weightier topics, including religious prejudice and the importance of living a balanced life. Tiffany Aching fans, who have been waiting for this novel since Wintersmith should be ecstatic

There are suprising revelations about other acquaintances in this action-packed story with dark moments lightened by humour, not least from the wonderful Nac Mac Feegles