Worry Angels by Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray
| Worry Angels by Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray | |
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| Category: Dyslexia Friendly | |
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Reviewer: Sue Magee
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| Summary: A delightful, reassuring story about complex emotions, particularly dealing with and overcoming worry. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 98 | Date: September 2017 |
| Publisher: Barrington Stoke | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1781126950 | |
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Amy-May was devastated when her parents split up: she and her mother left the delightful seaside cottage where the waves had sung her to sleep and moved into a 'garden flat'. That didn't mean that it had a garden, just that it was on the ground floor. They didn't have a lot of possessions as the bailiffs had taken most of them. Her father was living in another old cottage now and hopefully he'd be able to set up his kiln, but he wouldn't be able to home-school Amy-May. The alternative was Sandcastles Secondary School but the rather nervous Amy was considered to be too anxious to start at the school full time. As a gentle introduction to schooling she went to Grace's art school instead.
By the second day Amy wasn't the only pupil at the art school: she was joined by Rima, a refugee from the war in Syria, who spoke no English. Gently the girls help each other to heal, to some to terms with the situation they were in and what had gone before. Sita Brahmachari handles the girls' emotions with a great deal of sensitivity: there's never any sense that one girl's worries are more valid than another's or that they should be able to cope. They are two people who find themselves in a difficult situation and who need to be allowed to work their way out of it. It's gentle, reassuring and there's no sugary ending where everything goes back to just how it was, only the cottage now has roses around the door. Illustrations are in black and white from Jane Ray and they complement the text perfectly.
The book is dyslexia friendly and is aimed at children who, for whatever reason, are struggling with reading. The paper on which the story is printed is thick so that there's no chance of whatever's on the reverse showing through, which can be a distraction. For the same reason the paper has a matt finish - shiny paper can make reading more difficult - and it has a creamy-yellow colouring which is easier on the eye. The font - one specifically designed by Barrington Stoke - is double spaced and not justified (so you don't lose your place quite so easily). Even people who are not dyslexic - and particularly reluctant readers - will find that all these factors make reading easier.
This book has a reading age of eight and an interest age of nine plus and you could probably extend this into the early teens. But are early teens and upper tweens going to want to be seen reading the book? Well, there's a 'super readable' sticker on the cover which peels off easily and there is then nothing to distinguish this from a book published by a mass-market publisher. The cover is stunning and the author and illustrator are well known and respected. What's not to like? I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag.
If this book appeals then you might also enjoy The Girl With The Sunshine Smile by Karen McCombie.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Worry Angels by Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Worry Angels by Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray at Amazon.com.
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