Toby and the Silver Blood Witches: 1 (Toby Bean Trilogy)

I'm so late to the party reading Sally's award winning children's book 'Toby and the Silver Blood Witches'I've heard many good things about this book and they're all true - this is a wonderful magical story full of escapism and adventure whilst still highlighting the difficulties child carers can face daily.At first glance, this mix of themes may seem incongruous but it works perfectly. The realism and magic combined are what helps Toby's character grow on his personal journey and what makes the book so powerful.At its core this story is a heartfelt tale about Toby, a 12 year old boy who is single-handedly caring for his bed-bound mum. A boy who is being bullied and has pulled away from his friends. He keeps his head down and his feelings shut away. But when a witch crash lands in his attic he becomes part of an adventure that is scary but life changing in ways he couldn't have imagined. A whole new world exists beyond the mundane, and the witches that inhabit this magical realm need Toby's help. So begins a page turning fantasy that will capture your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat. With memorable fantastical human and animal characters that you'll likely love and cheer for.I really enjoyed this book and the best thing about being late to read it means I haven't got long to wait until the sequel is published end March 2023!Recommended book for young and old, 8 - 108!

I bought this book for my 12 Yr old Grandson to help encourage him to read alone. We started the book together because he loves my different character voices but he was soon ahead of me and finished the book by himself and absolutely loved it. He said it was exciting, funny and easy to read and has asked for the next one, so that's a result!

I have M.E. myself, the disease Toby’s Mum has and my favourite genre of books is magical fantasy fiction. So yes, I loved this book! Sally writes beautifully, I laughed, and I cried a little. The characters are well rounded and feel true, the story is just lovely although sad at times. The ending is heartwarming. I had to read this slowly due to my limited energy, but it was well worth it. I’m looking forward to the second one x

I read this book after seeing the magical world of Toby brought to life on a short animated promotional video. I’m not an MA aged reader (much older) but was tempted so here’s what I think.I was hooked from the off, wanting to know more about Toby and his conflict in the classroom. The scenario and description of events and confrontation(s) at school brought back memories of my own school years and time spent working at a school.Characters are introduced at a nice pace and are developed well. I liked Toby very much.When the witches and magic come into the tale there is also mystery, excitement and intrigue that kept the pages turning. I love how the unique characters of each witch was developed and also the imaginative secret place that they inhabit.There’s a lovely balance of actual real life struggles alongside magic and humour, fun and poignancy. The way that the author has shone a light on the micro world of Toby’s mum (who has M.E) is beautifully done.I think my daughter (when she was nine/ten) would have raced through this book. The author has built a fascinating world of earthen (human) and witches within the area of an unsuspecting quiet street and locale. There’s a good mix of good v bad, turmoil, conflict with just the right amount humour, poignancy and well paced storytelling.I loved it.

This fun MG adventure has plenty of heart and magical mayhem!When young carer, Toby, hears a strange noise coming from his attic, the last thing he expects to find hidden among his old toys is a witch! Witch Bumble needs Toby's help - she's crashed her broom, lost her wand, and her niece, Skylark, has been captured. But between looking after his mum and facing the school bullies, Toby has enough to deal with without being caught up in a magical rescue mission. He doesn't even have time for football any more, let alone broomstick flying. But Toby soon realises that some challenges are too important to say no to, no matter the risks.Young readers will delight in this novel's fun world building and magic.Toby is a relatable protagonist and I loved how he responds to the increasingly strange situations he finds himself in - from searching through his garden for a wand, to visiting a witch village hidden in a bubble! This book was a lot of fun to read and I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next in Toby and the Wizards of Wildhaven

I have just finished the first Toby book and I just wanted to say how fantastic it was. I mean, I knew it would be good, but it really does deserve all the awards it won, it's more than just a good story, it's really excellent, beautifully written, just the right blend of creativity, real life characters, intrigue and drama. I can't wait to read the next one.

Excellent story. Very engrossing, glad to see it`s part of a trilogy. Witches had some great personalities as well as their animals. Toby is a very noble character facing a lot responsibility due to his mom's illness but still needs to be a kid.

I loved this book! Toby’s life is a bit dreary, consumed as it is with the worries of caring for a sick mum. Until one day a witch crash lands in his attic, leading him into a wondrous and perilous adventure.Toby and the Silver Blood Witches is fun mix of magic and adventure, with just enough danger to keep things suspenseful without being too scary. I also appreciate that it creates empathy for the situation of young carers. So many kids carry burdens that we don’t see.We could all use a bit of magic in our lives. This book reminded me that sometimes I need to shake up routine and step out of my comfort zone. I can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy!

I really enjoyed reading this book. The story is good and kept me reading. Lots of fun creativity throughout the book. The author shares her wonderful imagination, creating a memorable and entertaining world. What really endears me to this book though is it’s heart. There is a lot of love and good friendship underpinning the entire story. Give it a try! You won’t regret it.

I read book 1 in under a day. Incredibly well written, I couldn't put it down. You'll love all the characters but especially Toby and the world he lives in. Great for kids AND adults, the story has important moral themes but isn't harsh. A beautifully crafted story.

This is a fast little book. It has a sweet message and is a fun read. The story is basic and easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and plot. I’m confused about there only being 2 books. It says it is a trilogy. So, is the third one just not out yet?