Saving Neverland by Abi Elphinstone

‘Neverland’ conjurs up so many images – Peter Pan, the magic of childhood, Captain Hook, fairies and never having to grow up. I used to tell my daughter we’d find our way to Neverland one day and she would always watch for ‘the second star to the right’.

From the very first page of this delightful book, Abi Elphinstone has captured the familiar, comforting tone of JM Barrie’s classic story. Readers are transported to 14 Darlington Road, the open window and mysterious golden dust on the floor. This time it’s ten-year-old Martha Pennydrop and her little brother, Scruff, who are visted by the notorious Peter Pan. Dad is always stressed with work in London and Mum is hundreds of miles away living life as a free spirit so there’s no one to check on them at bedtime. Martha feels so much responsibility for Scruff and is always worrying about him. It’s time to leave childhood behind. Ever since the ‘Terrible Day’ six months earlier, she’s been doing her best to grow up, be sensible and protect her brother.

But Neverland is in danger. Cursed by Captain Hook, it is haunted by ghost pirates and held in an icy grip. Martha and Scruff agree to help Peter Pan try to save it and are whisked away on a wintery adventure. Frostbears, snowtigers, and the legendary Neverbird bring excitement to every turn. Martha starts to realise that a life full of adventures is far better than a life of worry and that believing in impossible things can make all the difference. She is able to deal with her guilt of the ‘Terrible Day’ and find a way to embrace childhood again.

Abi Elphinstone has drawn out everything that is good about the original Peter Pan story while carefully replacing the problematic aspects with more contemporary, compassionate and inclusive elements. The Lost Kids welcome Marth and Scruff to Neverland with an expectation that both girls and boys can do anything if they just believe.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Children’s & NetGalleyUK for an early read of this fantastic story!

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