Children's Book review

Nutmeg

By David Lucas

Published by Andersen Press

In a vast junk-yard in a desolate landscape there is a dwelling: part-barn, part-potential flying machine. Is this the home of a mad-inventor, or is this in fact a post-traumatised landscape? And are the quirky trio that have made it their home actually survivors? There is no proper food and nothing to do until Nutmeg, our heroine, walks down to the Creek. Out of the dull colours appears a symbolic tiny light in a bottle … and then a genie. Nutmeg’s magic wishes transform everything: at first meals, then their home, then the land and sea and stars and then life itself. In times of natural and man-made devastation this is a book offering a biblical vision, with magic and hope for the future. Original and brilliantly conceived.

Illustrator: David Lucas
Reading age: 5-8
Interest level: 3-8