Julia and the Shark: An enthralling, uplifting adventure story from the creators of LEILA AND THE BLUE FOX

Julia has to travel for her parents' work, to a new home for the summer. It's hard living in an unfamiliar place, making new friends. But the hardest thing Julia has to face is her Mother’s dangerous obsession for finding the infamous Greenland Shark. Will the obsession lead to the answers Julia's Mum seeks, or will it endanger them all?I could not put this book down, I literally read this in one sitting. It was so beautiful, lyrical, and heart-wrenching. (Please be aware for Trigger Warnings)I connected with the characters so easily and could really feel the depth and raw emotion written onto the pages.The description of the surroundings were written so well (especially when on the boat at sea) that you could visualise being there with ease.I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and struggled to not cry whilst reading it. I was very impressed with this book and highly recommend!

My 11 year old thoroughly enjoyed reading this book would highly recommend it

Great author my granddaughter loves this books

I loved this book and looked forward to reading it each evening. Not always comfortable but beautifully written and illustrated.

This middle grade book certainly packs a punch (in a good way!) From the amazing illustrations to the story being told from Julia’s point of view, it is the perfect middle grade book.Julia’s life as she knew it was turned upside down one summer when her parents headed several hundred miles north from their Cornish home to fulfil the opportunities that they had both been looking for. Poor Julia and Noodle (the cat) just had to pack-up their belongings and follow them, even though they really didn’t want to go.What then transpires is a narrative with so many hidden depths, all of which, I must admit I am not sure that I have uncovered in a single read of this book. I know that I will revisit this book, probably more than once as I really want to read this aloud to as many children as I can, so they too can share the joy and sorrow of this amazing book. Of course, I would willing read this aloud to adults too, as I really think anyone, and everyone should read this book.This is a comforting hug of a book, from the writing style and the beautiful descriptions of the bleak sea to the sense of community on the Scottish Island of Unst when Julia and her family needed people the most. It deals with some hard-hitting topics well, and even offers support and resources to help deal with these topics from a child’s perspective.I agree that this is a book for 9+ years, because of the topics discussed.Another book that I highly recommend, I read this in a day, curled up under a blanket with several cups tea and a few biscuits, so when you do settle down with this book, make sure you have no plans. Oh yes, and don’t forget the tissues.

It is a moving story about a girl living with a mother suffering from depression. The writing is exquisite. There are parts that are sad. I don't know if it makes sense or not, but the story kind of felt like the sea when I read it: calm at first, then a few tides and then a crushing wave before it settles back down.

What an astounding read. This story is incredible, but behind it all, we have such a deeper story with an even deeper meaning. Mental health is a huge subject, and this explores the depths of the topic in such a way that is engaging and enlightening for all ages. Through the ups and downs, we share this moving journey with the characters and explore the ways in which they adapt and search for the things that they believe in the most or to find what they believe means the most for a loved one.I read this from cover to cover in one sitting as I absolutely could not put it down. I love small town stories where everyone knows everyone as its cosy and easier to feel more involved, the settings perfect, the characters are relatable and it's written in such a way that you are in the story...right there with the characters. I really need to read more from this author.

Everything written by Kiran Millwood Hargrave is just outstanding. However, this partnership with illustrator Tom de Freston has blown me away. A truly wonderful story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The illustrations just create magic and go hand in hand with this story.

We read this as a class and although it took a while it got the best review ever from my student who hates to read the most after we were done she said I wonder what’s happening to Julia and her family now? I always feel like when you are wondering about characters when you are not reading is the best kind of book. Also touches on important subjects like mental health and bullying in a positive way.

I loved that this story talked about mental health issues, a topic we all tend to avoid. The author delivers a beautiful story and you cannot help but root for Julia, she is an excellent character, already a role model, despite her young age. Fantastic read!

Truly impressed from the very first page.

Beautifully written and illustrated The words weave their way into your heart. The brilliantly rendered illustrations are a perfect complement to the poetic words and together they tell an important story that brings mental health further into the light. I highly recommend this book!

A beautiful and important book