Elizabeth reviews~ By Ash, Oak and Thorn by Melissa Harrison
At the beginning of this fictional adventure book, we are introduced to three main characters: Cumulus (the oldest), Burnet, and Moss (the youngest).
They are none other than Hidden Folk. Hidden Folk are very small people, measurement wise they are described to be as tall as your hand, and live in the Wild World, hence why some humans may have not encountered them before…
Their age range varies as they are centuries apart and each one has a very distinctive look: Cumulus wears a green robe and hat, Burnet wears a kilt and a waistcoat made out of an adder whilst carrying a knife inscribed with the name ‘Stanley’, and Moss wears a hat made out of an acorn-cup and his garment is made out of onion skin.
The plot centres on Cumulus who begins to notice that parts of his body are starting to turn invisible. Together the trio set out on an adventure to seek help and an explanation for this mysterious change.
The descriptive nature of Melissa Harrison’s writing style in her first children’s novel transports the reader into the tale immediately. Throughout this book, the young reader is able to view the world from the Hidden Folk’s perspective and see nature and the animals who inhabit our world in a different light which I believe makes this tale magical in itself.
What I particularly enjoyed is the heart-warming friendship the trio share, the animals and other Hidden Folk they meet on their journey, the wonderful insight into the relationship between animals and the environment, and the outlook the characters have on human beings as they have to travel to the ‘Mortals’ Hive’.
This tale ultimately encourages and inspires us to look after our world. This notion is further enhanced at the back of the novel which includes a comprehensive list of suggestions so that the reader continues to explore and care for the beautiful surroundings we share with other creatures, magical or otherwise!
To request a copy of Ash, Oak, and Thorn by Melissa Harrison here.