Twins August and Jesse ask their dad to make up a story one night, instead of them reading from a book. Dad thinks about it for a bit then decides to tell them a true story, from when he was their age. But they must keep everything he tells them a secret…

There once was a boy named Billy who loved to make things. He also loved to hang out with his friends Anna, Andy and Jimmy, and go exploring on weekend adventures.

On the edge of the small town they lived in was a forest called Waterfall Wood. It was surrounded by a tall wall, and there were stories about strange goings on in there. An old man who lived close by always warned kids away from it, saying it wasn’t safe. When one of Billy’s friends found a way in, they decided it was too good to ignore.

Inside seemed so much bigger than it seemed from the outside, and it wasn’t flat land like it should’ve been either. Gathering their courage to explore further, they ventured deeper into the wood, wondering about the Waterfall in its name.

There has always been talk of strange creatures in the wood, and the first they encounter is a fairylike creature called Basil who looks like a fairy but insists he’s a Sprite. Getting to know him and his fellow Sprites is a magical adventure for the friends, but they are soon caught up in battles inside and outside Waterfall Woods.

There are definitely other beings among the trees, and also something nasty happening on the other side of their village. Unfortunately it is all connected, upsetting the natural order of things. Plants are dying, fish are drowning and the children’s new magical friends are extremely worried about the Rhythm of their world being tipped out of balance.

Billy, Anna, Jimmy and Andy must muster all their courage and cleverness to discover what is ailing nearby Nature, and help their new friends find answers inside the walls of Waterfall Wood.

Set in the 1980’s, (which is indicated by music and movies of the time), this would make a great read aloud for children 6+

It reads just like it’s designed – a story read by a dad to his children, with action, excitement, magical monsters and fart humour. The characters face a bully, some nasty monsters whose smell is almost worse than their bite, but nothing too terrifying for young readers 8+

Written by such a famous foodie, recipes pop up throughout the story as Billy’s mum and dad own their small town pub, and like to feed him and his friends for their adventures.

With an environmental theme, and Mónica Armiño’s fabulous illustrations throughout, this first book in this new series will capture many imaginations.

Author – Jamie Oliver

Illustrator – Mónica Armiño

Age – 7+

Read a review for the next book in this exciting series here

(2023, Penguin, Action, Courage, Friendship, Adventure, Magic, Mystery, Sprites, Giants, Brothers, Crime, Environment, Balance of Nature, Food, Recipes,  Celebrity Author, Inventions, Treehut, Series)