The Firework Maker's Daughter by Phillip Pullman
What Lila wants to be more than anything else in the world is . . . a Firework-Maker!
But firework-making is not just about being able to make Crackle-Dragons and Golden Sneezes. There is also one special secret: every Firework-Maker must make a perilous journey to face the terrifying Fire-Fiend!
Not knowing that she needs special protection to survive the Fire-Fiend's flames, Lila sets off alone. Her friends, Chulak and Hamlet - the King's white elephant - race after her. But can they possibly reach her in time?
Thanks to everyone for coming to our last meeting. Everyone who came along had read this book and I think enjoyed it. Really great story. We had a lot of discussion about where the book might be set but agreed on somewhere in Asia. Lila wants to be a firework maker like her dad and sets out on a trip to Mount Merapi to get the royal sulphur that she will need but doesn't realise what danger she is in. She has many adventures along the way while her friend Chaluk tries to save her... Is Lila completely bonkers setting off to climb into a haunted volcano by herself? We thought so!
I think our book club would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something different to read, it contains magic and adventure and it's not a very long book so it can be read quite quickly.
After chatting about the book we did some crosswords based on the story and then we had a quiz. We divided up into two teams, well done to Alex's team who won by two points, very close!
If anyone is interested in reading more books by Phillip Pullman check out his website, he has also written some books for teens and adults. We have most of his children's books in the library.
Our next book for our March meeting is "Beyond the Cherry Tree" by Joe O'Brien.
For anyone who didn't get their copy yet it is available from the library desk, just ask for the Junior Book Club Book
Also don't forget World Book Day is on Thursday 5th of March! Happy Reading
