The Firework-Maker's Daughter   by Philip Pullman Chiver's Press, 1999 (first published 1995), 96 pages, ISBN 0 7540 6055 1

How easy was it to get stuck into this book?
The background of the cover may be black but the oranges and reds in the flames make it look much brighter. The blurb doesn't explain everything in the story so you have to read the book to discover the events. The story is entertaining all the way through and keeps you interested as well.

Who are the main characters?
Lila who is Lalchland's daughter, Lalchland, a firework maker, Chulak, Lila's friend and Hamlet, a White Elephant who can talk. Chulak looks after Hamlet. Chulak's uncle, Rambashi, and his gang play an amusing part.

What's the storyline?
Lila wants to become a firework maker but little does she know that she has to go on a perilous journey and bring back some royal sulphur. Lalchland will not tell Lila this so she trusts her friend, Chulak, to find out for her. Chulak tells her what he has found out. Lila sets off on her journey unprotected. Hamlet along with Chulak follow Lila to bring her protection. In the end it finishes happily for everyone.

How's it written?
This is a short read with easily understood language. Pullman has thought up some imaginative names for some imaginative characters. I think it would be suitable for children around the ages of 9, 10 and maybe 11.

Other books by the same author that Helen Sanders knows about?
The Amber Spyglass, The Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and Clockwork all of which I have read and are extremely good.

The overall verdict is
Well worth a look

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