What a delightful read! The book of legends contains amazing illustrations and a sprinkling of stories within the main story which I really enjoyed. With zebracorns and murder fairies, this book is perfect for travelling to a different world from the comfort of your own chair. I look forward to seeing what Sir Lenny Henry writes next.

My thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Book of Legends: What if all the stories were real?’ by Sir Lenny Henry. The book is illustrated by Keenon Ferrell.

Following the mysterious disappearance four years ago of their father, twelve-year-old twins Bran and Fran are living with their mum in a small Midlands town. She has always told them wonderful stories and now works as a storyteller at the Once Upon a Wow bookstore. A number of her stories are scattered throughout the text.

Then their mum goes missing in a manner similar to their dad. Yet it turns out that her stories serve as a portal to a another world: the Nine Dominions Along the way they face evil princes, murder fairies, mud monsters and even Vikings! Luckily, they also find allies in Wilma, the Wizard's Wife, and Zack, the wisecracking Zebracorn.

This was such a delightful tale, bursting with magic and adventure. There are also plenty of jokes. Keenon Ferrell’s illustrations were a perfect addition to the text.

In both this and his first children’s book, ‘The Boy With Wings’, Henry focuses upon young black characters, and is consciously addressing the lack of diversity in children’s literature. Here this includes Bran being deaf and both he and Fran attend a British Sign Language school.

I enjoyed this very much. While intended for readers aged 8 and older, I feel that like many Middle Grade books it will appeal to readers of all ages.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.