Title: Hugo and the Bird: The Tooth Fairy
Author: Jeff Mills
Publisher: AuthorHouseUK
ISBN: B00TCLDGSG
Pages: 140
Genre: Children’s, Fantasy
Reviewed by: Jennifer Weiss
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When nine-year-old Hugo moved into a new town called The Village of Westward Ho, he discovered a multitude of places for his adventurous young spirit to explore. During one of his adventures, Hugo discovered a mysterious stone engraved with a zigzag pattern, which appeared to attach to a large magical bird. Thus begins Hugo and the Bird: The Tooth Fairy; an adventure by author Jeff Mills which has elements of danger and survival for his young protagonist. One which takes Hugo deep into England’s history including the witch trials; as he finds himself meeting new and interesting people – including the Tooth Fairy whom he had to rescue from an evil witch. Hugo often needs to rely on his best judgement to think quickly and creatively to “Save the day.”
Hugo and the Bird: The Tooth Fairy is simply written in a way, which young readers will easily understand and fully comprehend. Too often books listed as children’s novels have complex themes and wording thus making reading too complicated for children; not this book. This is a perfect genre for children learning how to read. While reading (or listening) to the story, children will no doubt be interested in England’s history and perhaps the history of their local areas. This tale will keep kids entertained and hopefully inspired, looking for more to read, not just from author Jeff Mills, but from books in general.
Hugo is a character kids can easily relate to and feel as if they can identify with him or at least become friends. He’s a very strong character with intelligence, charisma, creativity, leadership skills and a sense of knowing right from wrong; which will make children want to emulate him as much as they would characters like Harry Potter or Peter Pan. While young readers are learning aspects of the English history, they are also learning what it means to be a good person and help those in need.
The story starts out with background on how exactly Hugo came to be in Westward Ho along with the events leading up to his discovery of the stone. This is a well articulated character development that explains to kids the circumstances which Hugo finds himself later involved with, thus building credibility to the story’s theme. It helps to heighten their interest while cleverly drawing them deeper into the story. Jeff Mills relies heavily on descriptions in a good way as he embellishes the mental staging to the story. Mills is a master at weaving a fanciful tale with suspense and excitement that will hold kids’ attention until the very last word; while leaving them wanting more.
Although a terse book, it is the perfect length for young readers so as not lose interest and become bored. This is an outstanding book for children of all ages to enjoy, but primarily between the ages of 7 and 12. It is a book that will help develop a child’s love for not only reading but history as well. Hugo and the Bird: The Tooth Fairy will easily become a childhood favorite while making a great addition to a growing family library.
