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Tick lived a quiet life in the forest with his grandfather and his brother Leaf.. After his grandfather's death, Tick takes over responsibility for the care of his younger brother; after all, his grandfather taught him well how to protect himself and Leaf and this is useful when the Hunter from Drenish arrives at their cabin. Tick knows he has to flee, so with only their horse Pebble and a knife, the trio head out into the winter forest. With the Hunter and his hawk on their tail, Tick is intent on getting the trio to the King's Keep, a castle in the mountains where Tick believes they will be safe. However, time is not on their side as he knows the gates of the castle soon will close as the Drenish draw in. With danger lurking at every bend, Tick is going to have to draw on all the skills his grandfather taught him if he is to reach his destination safely and on time.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Ross is a versatile writer whose work I always look forward to reading; whether it's scaring me with Christmas Dinner of Souls (which famously kept me awake in a hotel room on my own!), to the magic of Spellstone or the mystery of The Chime Seekers; not to mention his picture books. I Am Rebel saw him travel back in time and write from the perspective of a dog, and his first novel for adults The Murder At World's End is a triumph. He is a writer who seems to be able to create magic whenever he puts pen to paper, so I was utterly thrilled to get home from my recent holiday to find a signed copy of Small Wonder waiting for me. I'm sure it will come as no surprise that the book completely by-passed my tbr pile and I began reading it on Sunday evening.

Can I say from the start that the book is just wonderful? In his foreword, Ross talks about his desire to write a book with a simple story and to tell it well and I can uncategorically say that he has absolutely done that. Small Wonder (the name his grandfather used for Tick) is an epic adventure of good versus evil and a classic story set in a time when knights and kings ruled their castles and bandits stalked the land.

Told from Tick's point of view, the book is all about the journey that he and his five year old brother make on their horse, Pebble. Faced with having to flee the only home they've ever known without warning, Tick needs to rely on all his strength and the lessons his grandfather has taught him (I love that you get his grandfather's voice throughout the book through Tick's memories of what his grandfather had told him). Danger lurks at every turn and it's impossible for Tick to know who to trust, and readers will find themselves rooting for Tick and willing him on. He is a character who is both brave and tender, loyal and fierce, but most of all, he's a boy who's simply doing everything he can to keep his brother safe.

Publishing on the 28th September, Small Wonder is a timeless tale of bravery and finding inner-strength that will have readers desperate for 'just one more chapter'. My class are going to love it!

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Small Wonder is about a brave young boy named Tick, who lives with his younger brother, Leaf and their loyal horse, Pebble, on the edge of the kingdom of Ellia. When a deadly assassin, The Hunter arrives and enemies of Drene begin to threaten their land, Tick’s life is changed forever. Tick embarks on a dangerous journey on Pebble with his little brother to reach Kings’ Keep and warn the ruler before it’s too late. Along the way, Tick faces many challenges like the encounters with bandits, Drenish horse archers and strangers who offer help but can't be trusted, all while keeping Leaf fed, safe and hopeful. This is a story about bravery, loyalty and the strength it takes to do the right thing, even when you're just a boy on a horse trying to save a kingdom. I really liked this book because I have a little brother who is 6, just like Tick has Leaf. While I was reading, I imagined I was Tick, going on the adventure and trying to keep my brother safe. It made me think about what I would do if something scary like that happened to us.Some parts were a bit scary, like when they met people who couldn’t be trusted. But it was also really exciting and brilliant. I liked how Tick was brave even when he was frightened and how much he cared about Leaf and Pebble their loyal horse. I think anyone who enjoys a good adventure and likes brave, kind characters would absolutely love this story.Every time I read a book by Ross Montgomery, it feels completely real, like I’m the one having the adventure. If there’s ever a kids fan club for author Ross Montgomery, I’ll be the president!

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Thank you NetGalley and Walker for this ARC.

When I first started reading it it immediately reminded me of Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings but if they were siblings.
Although I would say it's all predictable, it still felt like
going on an adventure.
If you like adventures that have typical sibling things, fighting, companionship, love, and fighting this is for you.
It was a quick read for me :)
Also, I like that the names are easy to say as most in this sort of world you tend to get names everyone struggles to say.

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There's a map! That gets full marks for me already.

In his introduction, Ross talks about his desire to write a simple, classic, epic adventure story, good vs. evil, and I love it. I love complicated books, layered books etc. but sometimes you want a simple, joyful, fun story - and you don't get that often with adult books, which is why I so often turn to children's fiction. And you can't do much better than Ross Montgomery in my opinion.

I know I'm only two books of his in (although I do own others), but what I love about his books is this connection he creates between people - mainly children - and animals...it's really beautiful.

As I was reading it, I kept having this nostalgic feeling, like it reminded me of something, and I think that 'something' is The Hobbit. Whilst it may not be in-depth or perilous as that, it has the same themes - fighting, hope, trust, love, revenge, adventure - and I could really feel that influence.

It is quite predictable but I don't see that as a negative I this context. It follows the fantastical elements we love from the classics but gives us something fresh.

I think I loved I Am Rebel just a smidge more, but this has everything that made that such a beautiful book. I have made a list of his other books too (or the ones I don't already have), because his stories are beautiful. They are what I want from a good classic kids book, but it has enough heart to thrill older readers.

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Ross Montgomery’s Small Wonder is a heartfelt and imaginative middle-grade fantasy that follows the brave and unlikely hero, Small Wonder, on a perilous quest to save his homeland. When his grandfather is struck down by a mysterious assassin, Small Wonder must reach Kings’ Keep within six moons—armed only with a faithful horse, his younger brother Pebble, and a message to “make it count.” What unfolds is a fast-paced and emotionally resonant journey through a vividly realised world, filled with ancient forests, danger, and moments of quiet tenderness. Montgomery excels at crafting a sense of urgency while weaving in deeper themes of courage, family, and responsibility. Though the quest structure follows familiar fantasy tropes, it’s executed with charm and sincerity, and the animal protagonists bring a unique and endearing quality to the story. Small Wonder himself is instantly likeable—an underdog full of determination and heart—and readers will root for him from the very first page. This is a warm, well-paced adventure that feels both classic and fresh, and it’s perfect for fans of timeless animal-led epics like Redwall or The Tale of Despereaux. Montgomery once again proves his skill for writing meaningful, magical stories that linger long after the final chapter.

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Small Wonder has all the beauty of fantasy, fairy tale and classic adventure story rolled into one. Focussing on the innocence, determination and bravery of Tick and his little brother Leaf, this is a masterclass in characterisation. As they set off on the most incredible journey with their faithful horse, Pebble, the boys face seemingly insurmountable challenge, danger at every turn and situations that test every strand of their moral fibre.

Tick and Leaf live in a cabin overlooking the Ellian Sea. It’s their first winter without their grandfather so Tick is trying his best to prepare for the cold months ahead and look after 5-year-old Leaf. One day, they spot an armada making its way from the rival Kingdom of Drene. Tick knows danger is coming and he must move fast to get Leaf to the safety of King’s Keep – the castle in the mountains built by Good King Avery. There they wll be safe. Pursued by a deadly hunter, the boys make their way on Pebble, a 20-year-old dappled grey mare, who can sense every emotion and will stop at nothing to protect them. Tick feels the huge weight of responsibility as he take Leaf through the forest. The words of his grandfather echo in his mind – “Remember what I taught you, Small Wonder….Take your chance. Make it count.”

Each stage of this perilous quest raises more and more questions. Who can they trust? What does it mean to be brave? What is truly most important? Is there strength in the castle? What will they risk to keep each other safe?

Small Wonder is a beautiful story of brotherhood and hope. Tick’s narration provides a wonderful example of finding strength within yourself and what it means to be noble. Through truly listening, helping others and making connections, unanswered questions become answered and family secrets are revealed. Written in a classic style, this story draws out a nostalgia for stories of goodness, love and the fulfilment of destiny. Readers will feel empowered to discover their own inner strength and forge bonds with their loved ones that will withstand all tests.

Thank you to Walker Books for an early read of this stunning book.

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I love Ross Montgomery’s stories and this one didn’t disappoint. The story follows Small Wonder, his brother, and their faithful horse pebble. After the death of their grandfather, the boys come to terms with surviving alone. But then a deadly assassin arrives and forces the boys to leave their home and journey toward safety. But is all what it seems?! Montgomery has a gift for creating amazing characters, both human and animal, and the same can be said for his latest instalment. Loved the adventure.

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I usually love Montgomery's books, but I just felt this wasn't up to his usual standard. it didn't quite have the same charm and previous books, and the storyline was pretty predictable throughout.
I mean, it's worth a read if you're a bit fan but otherwise don't bother.

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