Book Review: Stonebird by Mike Revell

Book Review: Stonebird by Mike Revell

Stonebird is Mike Revell’s first novel and it’s influenced by Mike’s real experience of having a grandmother with dementia and his love of myths.

The story is about Liam, a ten-year-old boy who moves with his mum, sister and dog to be closer to his grandma who suffers from dementia. The new place is unfamiliar and the situation is difficult for the whole family. Liam wants to help make his grandma well again.

One day Liam’s dog runs off and Liam goes after it to catch it. Liam finds the dog by an old rundown church where he also finds a large stone gargoyle. The gargoyle is alive and it’s one Liam had dreamed about the night before. Was it a dream? It turns out the gargoyle acts out Liam’s stories and this is a dangerous thing. Liam who is bullied at school, tells a story about the gargoyle attacking his bullies and one of them ends up in hospital. After this experience, Liam promises to stay away from the gargoyle, but what if the gargoyle is the only thing that can help his family when his grandma gets worse and the whole family is struggling to cope?

I loved this book — it’s really special! It’s definitely a book that people of all ages can enjoy. For adults, it’s a quick read but it’s a beautiful and heartwarming story that’s funny too! It’s makes you feel like a kid again — like magic and stories could be real. For kids to read the book on their own, the book is suitable from about 8-9 years but it’s a great book too read together with your children when they are younger too.

Mike Revell writes in a gripping and mesmerising way and I’m sure his future projects will be brilliant too. I can’t wait to read Stonebird to my daughter when she’s a bit older.

I was sent a copy of Stonebird for review. As always, all my reviews are 100% honest and all thoughts and opinions are my own.