Impossible Creatures, by Katherine Rundell

Magical beasts once populated the world but they are now hidden away in the Archipelago, a group of secret islands. Christopher has always had an affinity with animals and when he visits his grandfather in Scotland he discovers he comes from a line of gatekeepers to the magical world. Mal lives in the Archipelago with her great aunt and she is worried about a creeping influence that seems to be draining the magic from the land, putting all the creatures at risk. When an assassin threatens Mal she recruits Christopher to the cause of saving the Archipelago. They are helped on their difficult and dangerous quest by a Berserker and a marine scientist, as well as some of the magical creatures they are trying to save. Griffins, centaurs, dragons, unicorns and nereids are amid a plethora of less familiar creatures that are difficult to keep track of, despite the helpful guide at the start of the book. Power, sacrifice and conservation are strong themes in a book aimed at older children and Rundell pulls no punches in this rather violent adventure tale.

The Silver Arrow, by Lev Grossman

Readers familiar with Lev Grossman’s Magicians trilogy, and expecting something similar, should be aware that this is very much a children’s book. On her 11th birthday Kate receives a steam train from her mysterious uncle. She and her younger brother then embark on a magical journey, transporting animals to places of safety. Along the way they experience excitement and adventure, making new friends in unexpected places and learning resilience by using their initiative. This well-meaning story has the worthy goal of educating and empowering children. Unfortunately, it does so in a heavy handed and didactic fashion, with a tone that talks down. Although the heroine is 11, the simple language and unsubtle messaging seem pitched at a much lower level. It might be admirable that Grossman seeks to inspire the next generation of Greta Thunbergs, but it is hard to see this book achieving that high aim.