Children's Book review

Toby Alone

By Timothée de Fombelle

Published by Walker Books

Winner of the 2009 Marsh Award for Children's Literature in Translation.

Toby is one and a half millimetres tall. He lives happily in an oak tree with his parents until his father, a controversial scientist, discovers how to turn tree sap into energy. Realising that this discovery could destroy their world he refuses to reveal his secret.

The family are exiled and later imprisoned. Toby escapes and is pursued as he tries to find friends to help him.

This exciting adventure has a serious message about the wisdom of using up the Earth’s resources.

The plot has Orwellian overtones as Toby is betrayed by old friends to his enemy, the ' Friendly Neighbour.' Toby rises to all the challenges set him and his story will be completed in a sequel.

Reading age: 8+
Interest level: 10+