Neon's secret universe by Sibeal Pounder

Imagine if your parents made you move house, start a new school and work in their ridiculous Ratty’s cafe. This is the reality for Neon when her parents move to Brunty and open a rat themed café. All Neon wants to do is fit in and blend in but with parents like hers this is proving to be very difficult. 'I just want to be normal' is Neon’s favourite phrase but when she finds a secret compartment in her new bedroom and uses the lipstick inside to draw on the wall she never expects a portal to another universe to open, nor does she expect Moya to step through the hole and drag her back to the unicorn universe where magic is made from goo and Neon’s only hope of getting home is to learn how to command and control the goo, in three days!!

Neon discovers the secret of the unicorns, gets a job and tries to learn everything she needs to so that she can become a unicorn before her 10th birthday as this is the only way she can return home.

With the help of Moya and her problem-solving skills along with a bit of luck and her unique way of dealing with issues, Neon is anything but normal in the unicorn universe as she develops her unicorn skills.

This book is a great read, both as a shared text and as an independent read. I would recommend it for ages 8 and up, with older children, 10 and up, enjoying reading it independently.

This is a book that will be enjoyed by most children, although some might question the author's idea about unicorns!  It is a great read for parents to share with children, the goo will either make them laugh or cringe but the story is fun and moves quickly making it an easy and engaging read.

Neon’s secret universe is a well written story that is sure to engage readers.

Themes: Friendship, Unicorns, Magic, Friendship, Family.

Mhairi Alcorn