Jenny Pearson is an author who has developed a justified reputation for balancing laugh out loud hilarity with a thoughtful look at life and her latest book, The Boy Who Made Monsters explores the subject of childhood bereavement with tenderness and understanding. It is an utterly lovely book in which smiles and tears combine to create a story of hopeful optimism.

Benji and his elder brother Stanley are moving to live with their Uncle Hamish in their Dad’s childhood home in Scotland at Loch Lochy Holiday Park. Benji is an eternal optimist and believes they will be happy there and that their parents who have been missing for months after a sailing accident will come home safe and sound. As the summer progresses and Benji and Stanley become involved in helping to save their Uncle’s business Benji’s powers of positive thinking are stretched to their limits. As he sets out to prove that the Loch Lochy monster does actually exist, in the hope of encouraging visitors to stay at his Uncle’s holiday homes, he gradually learns that monsters can appear in different guises.

One of Jenny Pearson’s skills as a writer is to create believable child characters and within a couple of chapters the reader cares very much about these two young brothers. Loveable ten year old Benji is upbeat and entertaining whereas thirteen year old Stanley is quiet, withdrawn and outwardly a little grumpy. However they are dealing with very similar emotions but displaying them in markedly different ways. It is perhaps useful for young readers to see these differing responses as it may help them empathise with others more easily. The conversations between the children ring true and show an understanding of behaviour and attitudes which adds to the depiction of the children’s relationships with each other and with the adults in the story.

Benji, his new friend the wonderful, wise cracking Murdy McCurdy and their loyal companion, Mr Dog, team up to help Uncle Hamish and their schemes are so outlandish but full of childhood innocence that even an adult reader is willing them on to success. There are many moments of hilarity including poor Mr Dog bearing the indignity of a green leotard with stoicism and the trio of roller skating girls made me smile too. Ultimately the sensible Stanley is drawn into their plans and also into revealing some of his inner feelings to young Benji. The story gradually alters from madcap adventure into a wise and kind look at how families, especially children, can learn to cope with grief and loss.

As adults it can be tempting to protect children from the more distressing aspects of life, we do not wish to expose them to unnecessary unhappiness. However books have an important role in providing children with the tools to help them deal with the emotional experiences they may experience in life in a safe way. Stories for children, especially when they are exploring difficult themes, need to have if not a happy ending at least a hopeful one. In Jenny Pearson’s capable hands the heartache of grief is balanced with humour and a huge amount of hope.

The Boy Who Made Monsters is published on 6th July and is highly recommended. The finished version, unlike my proof copy, will have illustrations by Katie Kear and I am looking forward to seeing them too. Many thanks to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne Books for my review copy.

You may also enjoy one of Jenny’s earlier books such as The Incredible Record Smashers or Operation Nativity both of which I can also highly recommend.