The Firework-maker's Daughter

Philip Pullman, best known for his powerful His Dark Materials trilogy, is the author of many other children's books, including this lively and humorous fairytale set 'a thousand miles ago'. A winner of the Smarties Book Prize, the tale features a spunky heroine who wants a fiery career rather than (horrors!) a husband. Lila has learnt all about fly-away powder and glimmer-juice. But one ingredient is missing: to become a true firework-maker she must travel to volcanic Mount Merapi, face down the fearsome Fire-Fiend and return with some prized Royal Sulphur. In this frightening quest, Lila is helped and hindered by a lovesick white elephant, an entrepreneurial elephant-minder, a scheming pirate-cum-restaurateur and a charming Water Goddess. Fabulous fireworks light up this story - golden sneezes, tumbling demons, and foaming moss flare from its pages. Often even the smallest touches are memorable: surely no self-respecting firework-maker could help being envious of Dr Puffenflasch's Wagner-playing lava-hurling Bombardenorgelmitsparkenpumpe. Enhancing the absorbing and imaginative story are Nick Harris's superb black-and-white drawings, which are beautifully integrated with the text. Particularly gorgeous is our first view of the white elephant, who rests on luxurious cushions, with his bell-lined bracelets and silly tasselled cap reinforcing our impression of a rare and pampered creature. The story of Lila's quest is a delight to read. Whether probing the dark secrets of parallel universes or, as here, telling the light-hearted tale of a tenacious girl determined to be the best she can be, Philip Pullman has the touch of a master story-teller. Ages 8-12 (Kirkus UK)