Darcy Burdock - Laura Dockrill

Pages: 278

Publisher: Red Fox (RHCP)

Release Date: 28^th February 2013

Edition: UK proof, review copy

My name is Darcy.

I see the extraordinary in the everyday and the wonder in the word around me. this is my first book. One day it will be read by you.

Make way for a new, cool, all-conquering girl character for tweens!

And fall for Laura Dockrill – the bravest, freshest, funniest new voice in children’s books.

Oh man, did I love Darcy Burdock. Every single word of praise that’s been showered on this novel over the last few months is completely justified.

Darcy is a fabulous heroine. I love that she fought with her siblings, sometimes playing dirty, and got mad at her parents like any ten-year-old would. She loves mermalades and her pet lamb, Lamb-Beth. Darcy is so, so clever and has a wonderful imagination that I’m jealous of! It came through in the hand-written stories that were interspersed throughout the novel, based on the events and people in her life.

My favourite thing about Darcy by far is how thoughtful and insightful she is. From how there is ‘ear’ in ‘hear’ but not everybody listens; if everyone wishes of dandelions, what do dandelions wish upon?; that it doesn’t make sense that people who are unique and different don’t get picked. The way she tried to reach out to the people who needed help or a smile, especially her poem for Poppy at the end of the novel. It nearly made me cry. The message that you are who you are and that’s what makes you special is so important and something I think is so, so important for young girls to realise early. I love that Laura Dockrill included that in Darcy Burdock so clearly.

With the effortless way Darcy Burdock reads, the quirky illustrations, natural humour and the bubbly and brilliant Darcy to lead the way, this is a book that’s going to lodge itself in your heart.

For my 2013 Debut Author Reading Challenge, 2013 YA Contemporary Reading Challenge and 2013 British Books Challenge

Thank you to RHCP for sending me a copy for review.

Sophie