The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The New School
Harriet Muncaster
Oxford Children’s Books

Oozing with charm from cover to cover is Harriet Muncaster’s first book in her new series. It stars Wiska Wildflower, who has moved with her Mum and Dad from Twitching to Acorn, on the other side of Wiskling Wood. where they’ve bought a new business.

Wiska has to start at a new school, Inkcap’s Academy, and she’s very upset to be so far from her best friend, Luna. However, two of her classmates, Primrose and Cleobelle take her under their wing and they’re impressed at her talent for drawing and designing clothes. They don’t though, see why she spends time with a little ‘twigling ‘doll, thinking of adventures for her. Are these two really as welcoming and friendly as Wiska thinks? Could they have an ulterior motive in wanting her to do everything they do, especially working with them on a joint entry for the annual Spellbrooke fashion show for young wisklings?

Young readers will be delighted by the new miniature world of magic with its wonderful Wiskling lore, that Harriet Muncaster has conjured up. Magic it is, but Wiska has to deal with issues that confront real world inhabitants such as resisting being pressured into conforming, finding new friends and most importantly, remaining true to your real self. All these its creator cleverly weaves into Wiska’s story. Moreover, readers familiar with characters from other series by Harriet will be happy to see that Victoria Stitch is a bit part player herein.

Destined to be a great hit, the series opener has enchanted this reviewer and will enrapture countless children from around seven.