Annette Sharman

Hollie and Figgs: The Missing Rainbow is the second book in the Hollie and Figgs series. Aimed at children aged 5-8, it is a fun, charming story about a little girl and her magical talking cat.

Figgs hates to see Hollie looking sad and feeling lonely after she has to move to a new school and finds it hard to make new friends. One evening Hollie has some homework to do; writing a 'wishes' story. She looks at Figgs for inspiration and wishes he could take her to a far away land. She doesn't finish her homework, but falls asleep. This is when Figgs reveals that he can talk and is magical. He takes her on a magical adventure to a 'land Hollie has never seen before', where you can eat bushes and flowers pop open with candy canes. She befriends a princess who is also sad and lonely and in need of help. When she is back at home, Hollie doesn't know if it has all been a dream. Can Figgs really talk and take her to a magical land. She gets a big surprise when she has to read out her homework in front of the class. A little girl in her class called Annie, loved her story so much that she made friends with Hollie and wanted to meet Figgs. This book addresses issues some young readers may face like moving to a new school, leaving behind friends and finding it hard to make new ones in a subtle, creative and imaginative way. The story would suit a classroom discussion or a bedtime read. It also has a colouring in page at the back of the book. The book is colourful throughout, with a typeset and wording for young readers (ages 5-8); has charming illustrations they will love, a happy ending and leaves the reader wondering what their next adventure will be.