The Pinhoe Egg by Diana Wynne Jones

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Harper Collins
Age 10-14. Fans of the excellent Chrestomanci fantasy series will welcome the story of Cat and Marianne. Together with Cat, an enchanter with nine lives, Marianne uncovers a strange egg in Gammer's attic. When it hatches it proves to be a baby griffin. Meanwhile there are mysterious happenings in the enchanted woods near the Chrestomanci castle and a witch war breaks out between Ulverscote and a neighbouring village. Marianne and Cat perform some daring rescues and uncover dark secrets.
The Pinhoe Egg contains a variety of wonderful and entertaining characters. The reader will identify with the coming of age of Marianne, who is able to overcome the misuse of magic by her grandmother and will be thrilled to finally read Cat's story. The magical world that Jones creates is at the same time the world of a familiar old fashioned village with bicycles, a post office and recognisable people interpersed with magical spells and mythical creatures.
Those who enjoy the Harry Potter books will enjoy this book which can also be read as a stand alone.
Pat Pledger

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