Harklights - A Review


Harklights

Written and illustrated by Tim Tilley

Published by Usborne, 2021

 

The October book in my series of recommended environmental reads for children is Harklights. Winner of the Joan Aiken Future Classics Prize, this debut middle grade novel will appeal to fans of Piers Torday’s Wild books as well as Melissa Harrison’s BB-inspired By Ash, Oak and Thorn and it’s follow up By Rowan and Yew. A teacher of children’s book illustration at City Lit in London, Tilley’s accompanying pictures beautifully compliment this magical story celebrating family, friendship and the natural world; a story that reminds us of the power of nature and our role in maintaining and preserving the environment around us.  

 

Protagonist Wick is a resident of the ghastly Harklights Match Factory and Orphanage, where he works tirelessly for menacing Old Ma Bogey. He spends his time dreaming of escape until one day a bird drops something incredible at his feet in the yard - a tiny baby in an acorn cradle. Soon after, Wick is visited by the Hobs, minute protectors of the woodland, who offer him the chance to leave Harklights out of gratitude for the kindness he has shown to their stolen child. Agreeing, he begins a new life with the Hobs in the wild, where he is trained to perform the role of ‘Forest Keeper’ and charged with protecting the wood. As a dark force closes in, will Wick be able to fulfil his duty and protect his new-found family and friends?

 

This is a story full of heart and hope. The themes of nature, conservation and family that run through the story do so delicately and allow space for what is an exciting and highly accessible tale. The book could be used to aid discussions about our relationship with the natural world in Year 3 classes or up. In a similar way to Melissa Harrison in By Ash, Oak and Thorn, Tilley ends the novel by encouraging readers to engage with nature by listing ways to be a ‘Forest Keeper’. I recently came across an article in the brilliant Inkcap Journal about how nature tables were once a thing in classrooms all over the UK. Reading this book made me think even more about how reintroducing them would help spark discussion around nature and books such as Harklights.

I would recommend this book for children throughout Key Stage 2. It would certainly make a good text for any adventure story teaching in English, and the broader themes of environmental issues and friendship will make it relevant to both Geography and PSHCE learning also.

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