by Tamsin Mori
Cover illustration by David Dean Cover Design by Becky Chilcott
Interior illustrations by Hannah Blackman-Kurz
Published by UCLan Publishing
*Do you want the good news or the good news?!*
It's here! The next book following Stella's magical weather-related adventures with a rugged, remote & beautiful backdrop. For me, the fact that these stories involve the Scottish archipelago that is Shetland as a unique landscape makes the Weather Weaver Adventures extra special & sparks treasured childhood memories.
Can you imagine catching weather or ribbons of actual rainbows in a jar? Or speaking to a cloud?
You can if you've read Tamsin Mori's debut 'The Weather Weaver'. It's 100% recommended as one of the best middle-grade reads of 2021.
You know it's a great story when a group of youngsters asks to re-read it aloud before the next one arrives.
The writing style draws readers gently but completely into the action & the wild setting.
Stella is 11 in the first book. Reunited with her Grandpa whilst he was lost in grief. They initially struggled to reconnect after time apart & a shared sadness was an added obstacle.
We rejoin Grandpa, Stella & her favourite cloud, Nimbus, just 4 weeks before her parents' planned return.
Stella's keen to practice her own weather weaving skills. Some elements are way more exciting than others for her, with lightning being a particular favourite.
We meet a fascinating cast of new characters, brought together for the much-anticipated Gathering - a yearly event with Weather Weavers from all across the globe coming to trade weather, knowledge & traditions.
Stella is there with Tamar as an apprentice to participate in 'trials', the first step to test & hone her own weather weaving skills.
To be an apprentice at quite a young age, kind-hearted Stella is facing a lot of unknown factors. Other candidates are adding to the frustration but will friendship be stronger than the negativity & bullies? Does Grandpa know more than he's telling Stella?
With some unexpected connections amongst the other trial participants & a very competitive environment, Stella's patience & good nature will be tested as much as her skills.
The Trials might be the toughest tasks Stella has ever faced but she's always up for a great challenge. She has to put her own worries aside & find some extra confidence whilst staying true to herself. What could possibly go wrong?
A Gathering Storm has been an instant hit in the reading MiniClub (as well as treasured prizes for a very exciting book treasure hunt event!).
Everyone will love this second escape to a magical world. The chance to re-visit Shetland & weather weaving will be a great inspiration for creative writing & weather-related learning + craft activities.
This is a fantastic series. Everyone is really looking forward to the next one!
#StayStormy
*Photographs: my own*
*UCLan mini banner: used with permission*