It was the cover that first caught my attention: a little girl and her strange zombie friend sitting on top of a hill under a spreading tree with the moonlight behind them. A promise of magic.

The little girl’s name is Livy, and she’s travelled across the world to visit her grandmother in Australia. She’s been here before but, because she was only five then and now she’s almost eleven, she doesn’t remember much: not even a mysterious little creature living in her wardrobe. His name is Bob and he remembers. He’s been waiting for her to come back all this time because that is what she promised. She was the one who found him and saved him when he was lost and now he’s hoping she will help him find where he lives and take him home.

As they set out to solve this mystery, there are many clues along the way, like a green chicken suit, a black pawn from a chess set and a glass bottle with a metal lid that looks suspiciously like a time capsule.

Livy and Bob tell this story in alternate chapters which makes it all so real. It’s a fun story but quite moving and you can’t help falling in love with Bob just a little.

I’m off to check my wardrobe.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 7+