It’s been too long since book launches were live and in person, so it was with great pleasure that I was able to attend the launch of Abigay’s Farm — a charming new middle grade novel by Odette Elliott.

Title: Abigay’s Farm | Author: Odette Elliott | Genre: Middle Grade (Fiction) | Publisher: Silverwood Books | Release date: October 27, 2021

Book Description: For the first time ever, Abigay arrives at her grandparents’ farm, Willowfield, without her twin brother Gabriel. She misses him a lot. To make matters worse, she learns that the farm is in serious financial trouble and Grandpa is losing hope.

In desperation, Abigay comes up with a bold plan. Grandpa is not impressed. Will the mysterious discovery in the barn make a difference? Is Christopher King’s threat real? Will the plan be enough to save Willowfield and their hopes for the future?

This multigenerational story is written by the author of the ground-breaking ‘Sammy’ books about a mixed-race family. It is based on her own family experience of diversity and family-run farms.

My Thoughts: In the idyllic setting of Willowfield Farm, a young girl must find a way to save the financially ailing family farm while her twin brother undergoes yet another surgery. How can Abigay convince her grandfather to listen to her ideas and stop the neighborhood bully from interfering? It will take courage, creativity and the help of new friends to save her beloved Willowfield Farm.

Abigay’s Farm is a modern classic — a delightful family tale with a diverse cast of characters, contemporary problems and an action-packed, pacy read. I especially love the multi-generational aspect of this novel where the grandparent-grandchild relationship takes center stage. In addition, the twin bond between brother and sister is masterfully presented — touching, tumultuous and humorous all at once.

In the midst of high fantasy and magical mystery books galore, young readers will enjoy this realistic story with its contemporary drama and relatable personalities set in charming rural surroundings. A great read — highly recommended!

Buy The Book:
Amazon, Silverwood Books, Author Website
Add to Goodreads

About the Author: Odette Elliott has been writing stories ever since she was ten years old. When her youngest child started school, her grandmother asked “So when are you going to send off all your stories and write some more?” This was the push that she needed.

Her dream came true when her picture book Under Sammy’s Bed was published, followed by Sammy Goes Flying. Two other “Sammy” books followed. Sammy’s Christmas Workshop (1992), is still being borrowed in libraries. My Big Brother JJ was published in 2009. 

Odette’s stories are family-based, portraying diverse families that reflect her own family. The “Sammy” books are based on her youngest child who always pretended he could keep up with his older brother and sisters. Abigay’s Farm was inspired by cousins who ran an Open Farm in rural Herefordshire for twenty-five years.

Odette enjoys writing, reading, walking in the Scottish Highlands, gardening and being a grandmother. 

For more information about Odette Elliott and her latest book, Abigay’s Farm, visit the author’s website and blog at http://www.odetteelliott.co.uk.