Astrid the Unstoppable

Author:

Maria Parr

Illustrator:

N/A

Published by:

Walker Books

First Published:

2 Nov 2017

Ideal for readers aged

6-9y

My Review

From the moment you meet Astrid, you start to smile. Quirky, daring, and just a little bit crazy, she is the girl every fun-loving child wants to be friends with. She lives in a small community in the mountains of Norway, and key to the novel is her friendship with her Godfather, Gunnvald. His relationship with his estranged daughter, and Astrid's attempts to intervene in their relationship, form the main thread that runs through the story. What she learns about the complexity, but importance, of family, and the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, make this book really stand out. Maria Parr is funny, and deals with these big themes with a kindness and lightness of touch that belies their weightiness. It's one of the best children's books I've read this year!

Heads Up!

If you like the look of this, check out 'Waffle Hearts', also by Maria Parr, and suitable for slightly younger children.

Publisher Review

Maria Parr's second novel is a hilarious and heart-warming story about family and friendship that will delight fans of Pippi Longstocking. Astrid Glimmerdal loves to spend her days racing down the mountainside on her sledge and skis – the faster the better! She just wishes there were other children to share in her adventures. Instead, she has to put up with a grumpy 74 year old for a best friend (although secretly, she knows she wouldn't have it any other way). Astrid's world is about to be turned upside down, however, first by the arrival of a strange family, and then a mystery woman. Her best friend, Gunnvald, has been keeping a secret from her – one that will test their friendship to its limits. Everything is changing in Astrid's world and she's not happy about it. Luckily, she has a plan... A feisty and irrepressible heroine, Astrid is sure to charm readers in this modern classic in the making.