An Unforgettable Adventure: Read Our Review of The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna

Matthew stood on the snowy peak and stared out at the world spread before him. Every picture in his books had been limited by the size of the page, contained within frames. Here, there was no frame. Here, the picture didn’t end.

Beyond those icy plains, the sea, and beyond the sea, a land that floated on the ice, drifting northwards. Matthew put the binoculars to his eyes and saw valleys and cliffs and rivers all made of snow. Everywhere was white.

Matthew has dreamed and read and thought about the North Pole for as long as he can remember. And he has done it secretly. It is a place that cannot be tarnished by the world in which he lives – a world in which he struggles to find answers and make friends, while everything seems to come easily to other children.

But one day, a crow called Lewis Carmichael lands at Matthew’s window – a crow who believes in Matthew in the most simple and ordinary ways. Soon, the unexpected voyage of a lifetime begins, and it will change everything…

The Song of Lewis Carmichael is an unforgettable adventure story from award-winning children’s book author Sofie Laguna, with enchanting illustrations by Marc McBride, illustrator of the bestselling Deltora Quest series.

I know a lot of children will love this book. Matthew gets to experience every reader’s dream: to go to places only accessible in books. It’s fascinating and enthralling. Naturally, Matthew’s first reaction to the things he sees is that he’s dreaming, though this also demonstrates his level of confidence in himself. But Lewis trusts his abilities and pushes Matthew to trust in himself and his capabilities. It’s a good reminder to believe in yourself and step out of your comfort zone.

The Song of Lewis Carmichael is a moving and vivid story with captivating pencil illustrations throughout. McBride’s illustrative style gives middle-grade readers aged 8+ the freedom to envisage colour where they want while following the direction of the story. I recommend this to readers of adventure stories and fans of The Polar Express.