“The Wild Way Home” is a children’s adventure novel written by Sophie Kirtley. It tells the story of a young boy named Charlie Merriam who discovers a mysterious, prehistoric creature in his grandmother’s garden. The creature, which he names Wishbone, seems to be from another time and place. As Charlie forms a bond with Wishbone, he embarks on an extraordinary journey to help his new friend find its way back home.

Set in the backdrop of the English countryside, the book explores themes of friendship, family, and the power of imagination. Charlie’s adventure takes him through various challenges and encounters with both friendly and not-so-friendly characters. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about bravery, resilience, and the importance of following one’s heart.

Sophie Kirtley’s storytelling in “The Wild Way Home” is known for its vivid descriptions and engaging narrative style. The book combines elements of fantasy and adventure with a heartfelt exploration of human emotions. Through Charlie’s journey, readers are encouraged to embrace their own sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.

When the younger brother Charlie has always wanted is born with a serious heart condition, Charlie’s world is turned upside down. Frustrated and scared, Charlie flees the hospital and goes to the ancient woods on the edge of town. There Charlie finds a boy face down in a stream, injured but still alive. But when Charlie returned to the hospital to find help, it seemed the forest had changed. It became a place as strange and wild as the boy wearing the deerskin.

Because Charlie accidentally escaped to the Stone Age with no way to help him or return to the present time. Or is there?

What follows is a wild and heart-filled adventure as Charlie and the Stone Age boy set out together to find what they’ve lost – courage, hope, family and the way home.

Fans of Piers Torday and Stig of the Dump will love this wild, wise and heartfelt debut adventure.

Today’s content at the beginning and end of the story is amazing. However, I am not convinced with this portal. I absolutely cannot see this happening both going back in time and to the present day.

I didn’t like the knife scenes – for the target reader, I thought it was a bit violent. Maybe some of that will be okay for some ten year olds but not all.

I also think that some ten year olds might find Harby’s mother’s death sad.

There are times when I think Charlie’s thinking is a bit old for a 12 year old.

It’s a very good story but not great and as stated above may be a bit disturbing and violent for some 10 year olds.

• The Wild Way Home

• By: Sophie Kirtley

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