There have been many changes in Lily’s life. It used to be just her, Mum and Dad, but now a new baby is coming. Lily used to be healthy and happy, but now she must regularly spend hours and hours in a hospital receiving dialysis treatment. Even their house has been changed, remodeled, and built onto. She often wishes, “If only everything was like it was before.”

The baby is coming! Lily has sulked during the process of sorting old baby clothes, repainting the nursery or anything else to do with this new baby, but it is finally on its way. Lily feels 2nd grade to this new baby. Her illness has left her wondering if her parents just want a well child?

She is left with her grandmother while mum and dad travel to the hospital. Lily needs to go back home for something she’s left behind, and sneaks out… into a nightmare.

Back home in the dark, she finds somebody has taken over her house. Or more to the point, something. The things look like her parents, but are most definitely not, with their coal black eyes and desire to be rid of her. Who are they? What are they?

Little did her parents know, their house renovations have taken special protections from their home. Protections that have been laid for a hundred years or more, to keep the things like what Lily has found – out! With help from some very unlikely heroes – a bird, a reptile, a mouse and a mole, Lily fights back.

Before her sickness, and before the baby came along is no longer important. Now is what she must fight for, discovering along the way that her parent’s love for her has never wavered.

For me, the cover of this novel is beautifully created by the amazing Emily Gravett, but never hinted at the fantastical, charming and creepy tale within. Lily has lost herself because of her illness and her anger at the unfairness of it, losing not only her health, but her school friends and her general happiness. She pines for what she had before, certain that a new baby in the family will just make things worse for her.

The sudden need to step up and fight for what she does have is brilliantly written, as she realises she must put aside her anger at the world, and aim it at what is trying to take even more from her – her family. The animals that come to her aid are wise, cute and funny, adding lightness and understanding to the story. Lily’s metamorphosis from resentful big sister and daughter to her family’s defender is a thrilling ride. Loved it.

Author – Nick Lake

Illustrator – Emily Gravett

Age – 9+

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(2022, Simon & Shuster, Courage, Family, Fantasy, Growing up, Humour, Love, Secret, Creepy, Spooky, Iron, Demon, Well, Crow, Snake, Key, Mole, Snake, Imposters, New Baby, Protection, Bravery, Determination, Strength)