Becoming Grace, written by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Keith Robinson, reviewed by Pippa Goodhart

        What a wonderful book this is! As with all Barrington Stoke books, this story is told simply and efficiently, here in ten short chapters. And yet Hilary McKay's writing feels relaxed and welcoming, vivid and exciting, full of love and fun.

    Rather than plunging straight into the drama of young woman Grace Darling's heroic rowing to rescue those shipwrecked in a storm, here we get to know Grace the child, her big family of characterful siblings, her parents and animals, and their lighthouse keeper life. Grace's childhood experiences all feed into that story finale of the famous rescue, making us feel very personally for Grace and her family. We know and love them by that point, and I read some of that last part of the story through tears because I'd been made to care and believe so strongly.

    Keith Robinson's illustrations match the writing for atmosphere and character and beauty. Here, for example, 'The little lantern they'd hung up rocked so hard in the wind that all the shadows jumped' -

Very highly recommended for almost any age.