A FLICKER OF COURAGE BY DEB CALETTI

Henry lives in The Timeless Province with parents who are cruel and unloving. One of the things that brings him joy in his grey world, are his next-door neighbours. Apollo Dante and his family are a loving, happy bunch and just listening to their hustle and bustle every morning brings a ray of sunshine into Henry’s lonely life.

The Province is governed by an evil and vindictive ruler, Vlad Luxor. If someone is taking attention away from him, or contradict him in any way, he is swift with his revenge. People are continually being turned into squirrels or other small animals on Vlad’s whim.

One morning, Henry gets up and goes to listen for the happy noises coming from Apollo’s house and is horrified to hear his next-door neighbour wailing. Vlad has turned his little brother Rocco into a naked lizard. Henry overcomes his shyness and offers to help. He takes Apollo and Rocco to his grandfather’s lighthouse – the only place he feels safe and loved. They are joined by Jo and Pirate Girl, two of their classmates who inexplicably felt the need to come along.

Once there at Captain Every’s, and with the help of The Beautiful Librarian, they are told something that will change their lives forever. He has called them together because Henry, Apollo, Jo and Pirate Girl are ‘Spell Breakers’. Since Vlad Luxor had taken over the Province and proven to be such a mean spirited, vindictive and crazy ruler, everyone has lamented the disappearance of the fabled ‘Spell Breakers’. A special person with the power to right wrongs and reverse spells of any kind.

Their job now, is to help turn Rocco back into a boy. It will be dangerous, and Vlad may turn them into critters at any time, but they must fulfil their destiny.

Deb Caletti’s novel is an adventure of the classic kind. An oppressed kingdom, ruled by a cruel leader and many challenges to be fought. Henry is beautifully portrayed with a mixture of loneliness and bravery that in itself is a challenge for him to overcome. The story is interspaced with marvellous pictures relating to the weird and wonderful experiences the children encounter. A great read for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned tale.

For Ages: 9-12 years

Number of Pages: 256 in hardcover

Published: January 2020

Themes: Family, courage and friendship

Rating: 3.5/5

I wish: that I had a friend like Henry