It’s World War II, and many children from the cities near the coast have been evacuated to the countryside. Briar Hill is a special place, reserved for children who have an infectious, and often deadly, disease: tuberculosis.

Emmaline is a special child. Upon her arrival at Briar Hill, she immediately discovers that winged horses live in the mirrors and other reflective surfaces in the big house. No-one can see them except her. One day, one of the horses miraculously crosses over into Emmaline’s world, and it needs her help. It’s snowing, she’s only a little girl and the ‘stillwaters’ (as she calls the disease) is slowly creeping up through her body. How can she make a difference? Luckily, she finds an unexpected ally in Thomas, the groundskeeper.

This extraordinarily beautiful story, brought to life by the wonderful pencil drawings of Levi Pinfold, explores grief, illness, fear, friendship and hope. Are there really winged horses at Briar Hill, or are they all in the imagination of a deeply troubled child?

Is our reality linked to other worlds and times, or is this the way this child’s psyche deals with her illness and her grief? Megan Shepherd leaves us wondering.

Reviewed by Wendy Noble

Age Guide 10+