The Boy Who Lost His Spark

by Maggie O'Farrell, Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini (illustrator)

The award-winning author of Hamnet rejoins the illustrator of Where Snow Angels Go for a mischievous tale of ancient magic and modern-day moodiness.

Someone here was sad but pretending not to be. . . . Someone—and this thought made a smile curl up on its face—needed some nouka-mischief.

When Jem and his family first move to a small town, he struggles with his new life. The unhappier he grows, the stranger things become—mischief and chaos seem to bloom everywhere. His sister Verity is sure it is the work of a “nouka,” an ancient creature that lives deep down inside the hill above the town—a creature forged from the sparks of a long-extinct volcano. Jem is adamant that there is no such thing. But it is through the magic and mayhem of this small mystical creature that Jem finally finds a sense of belonging, a sense of home—and once again discovers a spark of magic.

Genres: Fantasy, Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Magical Realism, Juvenile

112 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Maggie O'Farrell (born 1972, Coleraine Northern Ireland) is a British author of contemporary fiction, who features in Waterstones' 25 Authors for the Future. It is possible to identify several common themes in her novels - the relationship between sisters is one, another is loss and the psychological impact of those losses on the lives of her characters.

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boy Who Lost His Spark is a book for young readers by award-winning British author, Maggie O’Farrell. When Jem, his mother and his little sister Verity move from the city to a small cottage on the side of a hill, he tries, but he can’t be happy. He misses the city and everything about their flat. “He felt so low and listless, sitting there, as if his insides had been stuffed with damp rags.”

When strange things start happening around their cottage, Verity is delighted, sure that it’s the work of a nouka. The folk tale describes creatures who lived inside the hill that was once a volcano, and came out to cause mischief. Jem just stomps away, out of sorts, annoyed about her fascination with an imaginary creature.

Under the hill, the nouka wakes: “It didn’t like unhappiness, not one bit. Contentment, the creature experienced as a spreading warmth on its paws and back; being near a happy human was like sitting in a sunbeam. But unhappiness travelled unpleasantly down its whiskers, like a prickle or an itch or the beginning of a sore throat. There had been too much unhappiness near this hill recently.” The nouka decides some nouka-mischief is needed.

The old lady who lives near the school seems to know a lot about noukas, and after he’s talked to her, Jem begins to think there might just be…

A charming little tale about finding magic and happiness after unsettling change. Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini’s illustrations are beautiful and perfectly evoke O’Farrell’s gorgeous prose and her sweet, whimsical story. Aimed at ages 5-11, but will engage most readers. Highly recommended.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

V hektickom predvianočnom období, keď sa práca a množstvo povinností neustále kopí, nie je nič lepšie, ako siahnuť po čomsi milom, detsky nevinnom, oddychovom. Po čomsi, čo by nám dovolilo vypnúť, uvoľniť sa i nostalgicky zaspomínať na časy, keď nás predstavivosť unášala do ďalekých, bájnych krajín a všemožne nám dávala najavo, že nič nie je nemožné, stačí popustiť jej uzdu...

Pre dospelákov zrejme ťažké, no ako sa zdá, rovnako tak aj pre malého Kuba - chlapca bez ilúzií, radosti či šťastia, chlapca, ktorému sťahovanie rozbilo dovtedy nerušený vnútorný svet a chcene-nechcene ho donútilo dospieť. Zvážnel, osamel, zanevrel na fantastické príbehy i babské povedačky..., no kdesi vo vnútri, v hĺbke srdca naďalej ostával dieťaťom.

Bdel, vyčkával, búril sa, odmietal, až nakoniec to potlačené opäť objavil. Stačilo pár nezvyčajných vylomením, dobromyseľných zlomyseľností a i on pochopil, že jeho nový domov oplývala starobylou mágiou, stačí sa načiahnuť a tam, kdesi uprostred zelenajúcej sa trávy, ju spolu so strateným detstvom opäť objaviť. Milú, chlpatú, no najmä tak rozkošne magickú...

Ach, toto duo 😍 Maggie čaruje slovami, Daniela zase štetcom a spolu tak tvoria príbehy spočiatku možno trochu neveselé, no predsa ľahučké, poučné a plné nádeje.

[Eva Lavrikova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veci sa menia a nie vždy na prvý pohľad k lepšiemu. Občas so sebou nesú smútok, odcudzenie, samotu. A občas je v tom celom ťažké veriť v mágiu všednosti, cítiť radosť z nečakaného. Ale nemusí to tak byť navždy a znovuobjavenie radosti zo života a drobností, aj tých nepredvídateľných, okolo nás, vie človeka naplniť útechou a mierom, ktoré sú vzácne. Aj táto knižka to vie.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Change can be a difficult thing for anyone, at any time in their life. Some will embrace it, but others will shy away from it. Change can be particularly hard to deal with when it happens and you have absolutely no control over it. For children, this can be especially so, as there are a few aspects of their life that they don't have autonomy over.

The Boy Who Lost His Spark is about Jem, a young boy who lives with his mother and younger sister. Having recently moved to the country, Jem is feeling somewhat dejected. Not long after they move into their new cottage, which sits on one side of a large hill, strange things start to happen in their home. Shoes are filled with conkers, and wool is tied between the banisters of the stairs. Jem's sister is sure that they have been visited by a nouka, a curious little creature from folklore. But Jem doesn't believe in such silly things.

This tale is a gentle way of showing how life's changes can impact upon younger people. Jem has got to a stage where he doesn't want to do the things that he used to enjoy. School is a struggle for him. But maybe this nouka may just be able to help him in another way.

This is a lovely book. The illustrations are beautiful, truly bringing this tale to life. The nouka is incredibly cute; I am sure that there would be lots of children who would hope that this little creature really exists, after discovering it between these pages. The story is one that would be good to be read to a child, as there are words or concepts that they may have to have explained to them. But, overall, this is a very cute little tale.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical and lovely modern fairy tale - and a very cute little creature!

Like O'Farrell's previous children's book, this is light fantasy set in the real world. This I liked more, with some good characterisation of the lead, Jem (which reminded me of To Kill A Mockingbird), an undiagnosed dyslexic who can't open up to his mother that he hates the fact the family have had to move from a home and town he loved. To a rural cottage on the side of a hill (former volcano).

But strange things are happening in their new home - shoes filled with conkers. Wool wound round banisters. A cheese grater in the washing machine. His little sister Verity insists it's not her - it's the nouka she's heard about at school, causing mischief.

And under the ground, what's this we discover, but a nouka is awakening sensing a human's unhappiness, needing to spread mischievousness and silliness to counteract it.

The nouka is one of the cutest creations I've seen - I was desperate to run my fingers through its soft-looking fur, and I love the mixture of the fantasy element here with the real world.

Jem is a realistic creation too, frustrated and upset and unable to open up. His problems at school are touched on but not dealt with fully, which I had hoped to see a little more of.

It's quite short, with so many often full-page drawings, rather beautiful, and can be read in an hour or less. It's a modern sort of fairy tale, mystical and whimsical, and rather charming.

For ages 5-11.

With thanks to Walker Books for providing a reading copy

[Becs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encompassed everything that living in the countryside truly feels like. It’s not uncommon for unusual things to occur - maybe not conkers filling our shoes, but certainly with old houses and creatures all around, we have some strange happenings from time to time! This book really felt believable, and it’s not even too difficult to imagine how your mind would conjure up an unusual animal creating mischief out in the darkness of the quiet fields at night.

In this story, one family moves to the countryside and during the adjustment they notice some odd things happening. Living in the middle of nowhere has its perks, but it’s easy to get creeped out! The children are sure that the tales of a “nouka” are too, and they must just be right.

Rolling fields, creatures great and small and a real passion for the countryside pour from the pages of this family friendly book. It’s certainly a keeper for our collection.

ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Liberty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this at work in exchange for reviews, so I'm posting my review on here too.

4.5💫
This is such a lovely and heartwarming book. It screams to me cosy evening by the fire. The colours, the story itself and the writing style are a perfect match. The way its written would make it a brilliant story to share aloud.

It touches on some important themes, though I do wish they were expanded on further. But the true gem is the little Nouka. Its personality is so interesting and gives a great take on what little things can do for others.

Not to mention, the illustrations are stunning.

[Nicole Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased because I work for Candlewick Press, but this book is beautiful and very warm and whimsical. Truly a lovely story for any age.

(And yes, I’m letting this count towards my year-end reading goal.)

[Halflings of Enfys · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever feel like putting a Christmas tree up in summer then it’s probably a nouka nearby - 9yo

Do the nouka give you such silly thoughts that you’ll turn your house upside down?
The best book that we have read right now. I love it. - 6yo

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boy Who Lost His Spark.

This hardback book measures 22.5cm x 26cm – i.e., about the size of the old comic book annuals, and is a children’s story. Although the recommended reading age is 5-8 years old, a few of the words and concepts may need explaining to the younger readers. I would say it is more of a book for adults to read to or with children as there are lots of words and pages to get through.


The story is about a boy called Jem who is sad and struggles with some of his school lessons. He is also feeling lonely after a recent move to the countryside from the city. His younger sister has been told a tale about a creature called a 'nouka', a mischief maker who lives in the hill behind their house. When strange events occur in their house Jem gets angry and refuses to believe in the nouka, until the day that everything changes.


The book is beautifully illustrated in colour on every page which helps to bring the story to life. It is a lovely tale with a folklore touch and I’m sure that readers will fall in love with the little nouka when they read all about it.

[Tim Roast · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Has anything strange ever happened in your house?”

“When Jem’s mother sold their flat in the city and moved them to a cottage on the steep side of a hill, it wasn’t long before peculiar things began to occur.”

Those strange things that happen are supposedly down to a nouka. Verity, Jem’s sister, says, “I think a nouka was here last night” Noukas are “little creatures who used to live inside the hill, occasionally coming out to cause mischief.” Mischief like: “the shoelaces of the police were replaced with liquorice. The eggs in a hen’s nest were painted in rainbow colours. Mud was smeared on the door handle of the grumpy shopkeeper so that he got his hands all mucky.”

Jem though doesn’t believe in them. He just feels low and listless, missing his old home in the city, his old friends, he struggles at school. He is the boy who lost his spark. The nouka can feel it too. “Someone in this house was unhappy, was the source of all the sneeze-making feelings… someone needed some nouka-mischief.”

All this leads to a fantastic ending where the nouka helps Jem get his spark back and you can see such a transformation. Lovely book that is less picture book, more story given it takes maybe one-and-a-half hours to read. Lovely, full-colour artwork along the way too. 5-stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Insert Name Here · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embarrasing bookseller confession: I haven't read Hamnet. I've heard it's fantastic, and it's definitely on my list! But, too many books, too little time - if you're here reading this, you know that feeling!

However, I have read this one. It's called a long-form picture book - illustrated like a picture book, but closer in length to a chapter book. The illustrations are absolutely amazing, bright and evocative, full of detail and so beautiful to look at. I spent a lot of time absorbed in them when I should have been reading on!

The story itself is very clever as well. As far as I can tell Maggie has invented the creature at the heart of the story, the Nouka, a sort of cross between imps and Miyazaki's soot sprites. They're a wonderful creation, feeling like the best folklore. A sequence where - well, spoilers - had me completely captivated.

I would have liked to have seen Jem's obvious (to us readers, with the benefit of narration) dyslexia and possible ADD addressed in the story, but I'll assume it's encompassed in the ending (which I loved). I would have loved to take part in one of those bonfires!

A fabulous read I will definitely be recommending as a Christmas gift to anyone who'll listen to me. Just wonderful.

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boy Who Lost His Spark is the story of a young boy, Jem who has moved from a flat in the city to a cottage in the countryside with his mother and younger sister.

Jem has noticed that he doesn't feel happy anymore and that things he would normally like to do he no longer does. He struggles with school work and the events that are happening in his new home, such as conkers appearing in his shoes or wool attached all over the banister.

His little sister believes that the goings on are the work of the 'nouka' a creature who lives in the local hills that likes to cause mischief, but Jem doesn't believe her.

The story is beautifully told and the illustrations are a real delight and bring the story to life. The story I would say is aimed at 8+ years old children, though it isn't a normal sized book, more that of a picture book. Plus, the one thing I didn't really like was that it had no chapters, it was just one long story. Chapters in my opinion are needed to give the reader a break, a point in which they can put the book down. But this had none.

Nether the less it was a great read and I am sure that young readers will love it too.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all go through change in our lives, it might be a new sibling, moving house, divorce, And no matter how old you are it can always be challenging, especially if you are a child.
When Jem and his family move to the countryside, he doesn’t like his new home one bit. It’s an old cottage on the side of a hill, where strange things keep happening: shoes are filled up with conkers, the stairs become tangled in a woollen maze. Jem’s sister Verity is certain it is the work of a “nouka”, an ancient creature from local folklore that lives deep down inside the hill. Jem, however, is adamant that there is no such thing.

But this small mythical creature, so attuned to the hearts and minds of others, does exist. And, what’s more, it is determined, through mischief and mayhem, to help Jem reignite the spark within himself once more.
This book is all about change, and how you can feel dejected, lonely and lost, and how it’s ok.
This is written in such a gentle way, that children,even young children can understand.
The illustrations bring the book to life and are so beautiful, and there are pages where no words are needed.

[Lisa Van Gemert | Gifted Guru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently become obsessed with this level and type of book. It's for readers who are ready for more than a typical picture book, but still thrive on beautiful illustrations and who are not quite ready for a lot of text with no illustrations.

This hits every note just right. It's based on the Irish folktale characters of the nouka, and you'll even get a song at the end.

It's a wonderful introduction to the fantasy genre, as well.
The story centers on a boy named Jem who moved to a new home in the countryside, and he's not happy about it. At all. He finds that his unhappiness attracts a little creature called a nouka who loves mischief and is attracted to people just like Jem.

It's a beautifully illustrated story. I mean BEAUTIFULLY illustrated. Every single page is illustrated. It's not a picture book, though, in the traditional sense, because it is much longer. A great read-aloud for sure!


*Note: I received an advanced copy for my honest review.

[Veronika Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘You ever have any trouble there?”
‘No,’ Jem said, quickly.
The old woman regarded him over her spectacles…’Good,’ she said. ‘If you ever do, just leave a little something outside your back door.’
‘Pardon?’
‘A bowl of porridge or a few crusts. It keeps them happy, you see.’
‘Who?’
‘You know who.’

But Jem doesn’t believe in the nouka. It doesn’t exist…

I don’t often review children’s literature but The Boy Who Lost His Spark is in a class of its own and I just had to. Of course the fabulous illustrations are part of its charm. It’s set to be a modern classic.

So what is the nouka? It’s ‘little and fluffy,’ Jem’s sister Verity tells him, ‘with black fur that sticks out all around. Unless it’s been raining…water makes their fur go droopy. Noukas hate rain.’

I can honestly say that this is probably one of the best children’s books I have ever read.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated, heartwarming and inspiring tale that aims to teach the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

Jem, his sister Verity and the his mum have moved from the city to the country and Jem is struggling to fit into his new life.

His little sister has become obsessed with a mysterious creature called a nouka, which is rumoured to live under the hill by their house. Jem is fed up with her going on about it and as the days go by he feels more and more unhappy.

But mysterious things keep happening and Jem starts to wonder if the nouka is real. He sets out to look for it - whatever it is - and as he does so he finds his spark starts to come back.

This is a lovely, gentle and hopeful book which would be a beautiful one to share with a child or a class.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly good piece, looking at a boy who shrugs off his new home, having lost all the places and friends he loved in their old flat. His younger sister however loves it, and seems so much more equipped to deal with all the weird sh*t going on in the home, such as you might blame on a friendly poltergeist. The girl knows it is a "nouka", but our hero knows that's rubbish, until... Well, it's best you discover the delights of this, which are certainly not only provided by the text. The visuals here are really strong (even if the mother looks very different at the end than she does at first), and the nouka (a kind of furry, hedgehog-sized gizmo) is quite charming, for all his cheeky quirks. A strong four stars.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem is struggling settling into his new house in the countryside. But strange things are going on inside the new house. Conkers are filled in shoes and clothes left everywhere. Verity, Jem’s sister, believes it is the work of a creature called the nouka. Jem knows that there is no such thing. But there is and the nouka is trying to get Jem to find his spark once more. This at times funny, at times, sad story is like no other. It takes you on a rollercoaster ride and I recommend this book to anybody that is between 6 and 12 and likes adventure books. The illustrations are very good and bring the story to life very well.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem is a young boy who has just moved with his mother and sister from the city to a small village in the country. Life is not easy for him. Strange things happen in their house, and his sister is sure that little creatures are up to no good. His rational mind rejects the idea, stubborn in his sadness. This is a beautiful story of hope and acceptance, illustrated with delicate colours and an incredibly cute little animal. I was very moved by this story.

https://redheadwithabrain.ch/index.ph...

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie O'Farrell writes beautifully which gives me hope that some of her more popular works like Hamnet will work better for me than this one did. This is a really short book and even backing up a couple times, I struggled to make connections between the main character who struggles with an unexpected and unwanted move and the fantastical element, a creature that lives in a dormant volcano in the town. I will hold out making any opinions on whether O'Farrell is the author for me.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely gentle tale of a young lad navigating big changes in his life, ably assisted by the love and gentle guidance of a wise woman and family and a mystery beastie.
Lovely illustrations
A life message applicable to us all
Already recommended to a young family reader who is embracing the joy and adventure that reading offers.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn’t a long book, but it took me a long time to read it because the text in the Kindle version was so tiny! Otherwise, it is a lovely, magical children’s novel by one of my favorite authors who usually writes for adults. The illustrations were beautiful too, and I’d like to get my hands on a physical copy of this book some day.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jem is unhappy about moving to the country with his family. He doesn't believe the village tales of a 'nouka' living behind his house who emerges to create mischief at night. However strange things start to occur. A lovely story, beautifully told and beautifully illustrated.

[Tweller83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet book and I enjoyed listening to it. I would love to take a look at the images that are in the book as well. Story about a young boy accepting change. Probably closer to a 3.5 rounded up for goodreads.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are just beautiful for a gorgeous story

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story I read aloud to my children. Maggie O'Farrell's lovely writing combined with the exquisite pictures made this a lovely read for all of us!

[Anna Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning book. Compelling storyline, gorgeous language and beautiful illustrations. Would make a fabulous read aloud for lower primary.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio Libby

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book falls between an early reader and middle grade. Good for boys growing up too fast.