Children's Web Magazine

 

The Professor of Wooden Birds is Hazel Houldey's first novel. The story is about a 12 year- old Welsh girl called Clara. She goes on holiday to Slovenia with her parents Jim and Celia.
It is a place that her mother fell in love with years ago and is keen to show her how wonderful the place is. But Clara discovers her own magical place. She meets Luka and they become friends. His grandfather Stefan Grasic is a woodcarver who makes beautiful wooden cravings in his workshop. He is known locally as the Professor of Wooden Birds. Clara and Luka help the professor in his workshop. Because she has worked so hard he asks her to choose something. Clara has her heart already set on the bear she saw earlier.
That night something amazing happens. The bear comes to life. He asks her to help him save the distant kingdom from Ignac; he is a goblin who has turned bad. He has stolen the fireball from Zelbar the dragon. The fireball is important to the distant kingdom and needs to be returned to Zelbar.
The problem is how will they get it from Ignac? Clara wonders if she is dreaming and Luka can't quite believe it either. How will they be able to help? There are also dangers along the way. They will have to kill Ignac. However Ignac has something powerful they want will he kill them? What about Clara's parents and Luka's grandfather? Aren't they going to be worried?
Fist of all they will need to visit King Miceve. He will be able to give them something vital to help them return the fireball. Their next visit is to Lipicia where they are given something else to help them with their journey.
As they get nearer they have to be more careful. Will they fall into one of Ignac's traps? Saving the distant kingdom could be impossible. Can they manage to all stay together? Will they all return safely?
I enjoyed this book I really got hooked. I became very concerned for the characters and the creatures. It was tense and exciting. I eagerly read on wanting to know what would happen. This magical adventure has good evil, kindness, bravery and true loyal friendship. You also discover along the way how they help and support each other.
The Professor of Wooden Birds by Hazel Houldey
will be published by
Stamford House Publishing in March. It is available online or can be ordered from all good bookshops and stockists.
© Children's Web Magazine 2008