What do you think?
Rate this book
Robin: cosy up with a spellbinding winter story this Christmas
Courage starts small . . . discover the power of your own voice in a timeless winter's tale of family, hope and understanding, from the critically-acclaimed Sarah Ann Juckes, for fans of R.J. Palacio and Patrick Ness.
‘A poignant, lyrical story showing that Nature sometimes answers when no-one else can’ Lui Sit
'A gorgeous book. Eddie’s story will stay with readers long after they close the final page' Bookseller
Eddie feels invisible - his sister Scarlet isn't well and nobody seems to remember that he's here. Out in the forest, as the ice hardens and winter gets deeper, the world is quiet. But there's a monster deep among the trees - a monster that's growing with every sad and angry thought Eddie says out loud. When a little red bird takes him to meet Mari, a strange and fierce girl with blurred edges just like him, she shows Eddie how to be loud, how to make new friends at school and enjoy the music he loves again. As Scarlet's big operation approaches and Eddie gathers his courage to finally be heard, will he find his way back through the snow and put the monster to rest once and for all?
Capturing the rare beauty of winter's silence, Sarah Ann Juckes' powerful exploration of the experience of child illness, the healing power of nature, and the joy of finding hope is a future classic to be savoured every winter, beautifully illustrated by Linde Faas.
Praise for Sarah Ann Juckes
‘A haunting and lyrical portrait of courage, family and the power of nature. A spellbinding tale that is sure to echo in your heart’ Struan Murray on Robin
‘Sublime . . . a love song to nature’ Joseph Elliott on Robin
‘Will break your heart and mend it together again’ ? Piers Torday on The Hunt for the Nightingale
‘Full of hope, beauty & ultimately a healing song to nature’ ? Hannah Gold on The Hunt for the Nightingale
‘An incredibly moving story of feeling lost and finding your way again’ ? Lisa Thompson on The Hunt for the Nightingale
'An iridescent story that shines with hope and love' ? Katya Balen on The Night Animals
'A beautiful story about ghosts, friendship, and the courage it takes to ask for help' ? Emma Carroll on The Night Animals
‘A poignant, lyrical story showing that Nature sometimes answers when no-one else can’ Lui Sit
'A gorgeous book. Eddie’s story will stay with readers long after they close the final page' Bookseller
Eddie feels invisible - his sister Scarlet isn't well and nobody seems to remember that he's here. Out in the forest, as the ice hardens and winter gets deeper, the world is quiet. But there's a monster deep among the trees - a monster that's growing with every sad and angry thought Eddie says out loud. When a little red bird takes him to meet Mari, a strange and fierce girl with blurred edges just like him, she shows Eddie how to be loud, how to make new friends at school and enjoy the music he loves again. As Scarlet's big operation approaches and Eddie gathers his courage to finally be heard, will he find his way back through the snow and put the monster to rest once and for all?
Capturing the rare beauty of winter's silence, Sarah Ann Juckes' powerful exploration of the experience of child illness, the healing power of nature, and the joy of finding hope is a future classic to be savoured every winter, beautifully illustrated by Linde Faas.
Praise for Sarah Ann Juckes
‘A haunting and lyrical portrait of courage, family and the power of nature. A spellbinding tale that is sure to echo in your heart’ Struan Murray on Robin
‘Sublime . . . a love song to nature’ Joseph Elliott on Robin
‘Will break your heart and mend it together again’ ? Piers Torday on The Hunt for the Nightingale
‘Full of hope, beauty & ultimately a healing song to nature’ ? Hannah Gold on The Hunt for the Nightingale
‘An incredibly moving story of feeling lost and finding your way again’ ? Lisa Thompson on The Hunt for the Nightingale
'An iridescent story that shines with hope and love' ? Katya Balen on The Night Animals
'A beautiful story about ghosts, friendship, and the courage it takes to ask for help' ? Emma Carroll on The Night Animals
- GenresMiddle Grade
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
8 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ann Juckes
8 books58 followersSarah Ann Juckes writes books for young people. Her YA debut Outside (Penguin) was nominated for the Carnegie Medal Award 2020, shortlisted for Mslexia’s Children’s Novel Award, and longlisted for the Bath Novel Award.
Her latest novel, The World Between Us will be published by Penguin in March 2021 and has already sold in three other territories (Germany, France and Italy).
She works with writers from all over the world via Jericho Writers and is on the board for Creative Future – a charity supporting under-represented writers.
She collects old editions of J. M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan and Wendy' and feels most at home in the middle of a forest.
Her latest novel, The World Between Us will be published by Penguin in March 2021 and has already sold in three other territories (Germany, France and Italy).
She works with writers from all over the world via Jericho Writers and is on the board for Creative Future – a charity supporting under-represented writers.
She collects old editions of J. M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan and Wendy' and feels most at home in the middle of a forest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 3, 2025
Book 1000 on Goodreads and what a wonderful read to celebrity this landmark number !!!
"We all have monsters, Eddie, and we can't kill them. But you can't keep them locked up either."
Sarah Ann Juckes has written a beautiful story and powerful story.
Eddie Loxley is a well-behaved, attentive and good son and pupil. He lives in the shadow of his younger sister's health issues- heart disease. Eddie doesn't rock the boat but there is an inner turmoil which is growing and growing.
When he goes to stay with his Uncle John, while his sister, Scarlett, has surgery, he encounters the power of the natural world- forests, magical footpaths and the freedom to have time to explore. He finds himself enchanted by the song of a robin who leads him deeper into the woodland and changes his life. It is here he encounters Mari- a curious and strong individual who challenges him and his perceptions as to who he is and to find and release his inner "monster". The robin becomes a guiding force.
When a new friendship at school begins and Eddie takes the plunge to sing in a festive concert, a new voice arises within him - but can he control these unknown emotions and the potential monster?
This is a wonderful read- a snowy wonderland context in the forest makes it a great winter book - but this is a book about finding your inner voice; finding the courage to be yourself and in adversity not to be forgotten.
There is a very moving tipping point in the book when Eddie and his new friend Richard have a discussion about being lost in their respective lives. At this moment, the strength of the book and how it could help the healing and growing process of some readers/listeners aged 9-11 is palpable- really moving - especially in building /encouraging boys to open up about up feelings/emotions.
Sarah Ann Juckes has created a winner- highly recommended for upper key stage 2 readers or a good class read (PSHE discussions abound)
Linda Faas' illustrations addend heighten an ethereal quality to the tale.
A fantastic book - one I'll be recommending to colleagues in schools and friends and family too.
"We all have monsters, Eddie, and we can't kill them. But you can't keep them locked up either."
Sarah Ann Juckes has written a beautiful story and powerful story.
Eddie Loxley is a well-behaved, attentive and good son and pupil. He lives in the shadow of his younger sister's health issues- heart disease. Eddie doesn't rock the boat but there is an inner turmoil which is growing and growing.
When he goes to stay with his Uncle John, while his sister, Scarlett, has surgery, he encounters the power of the natural world- forests, magical footpaths and the freedom to have time to explore. He finds himself enchanted by the song of a robin who leads him deeper into the woodland and changes his life. It is here he encounters Mari- a curious and strong individual who challenges him and his perceptions as to who he is and to find and release his inner "monster". The robin becomes a guiding force.
When a new friendship at school begins and Eddie takes the plunge to sing in a festive concert, a new voice arises within him - but can he control these unknown emotions and the potential monster?
This is a wonderful read- a snowy wonderland context in the forest makes it a great winter book - but this is a book about finding your inner voice; finding the courage to be yourself and in adversity not to be forgotten.
There is a very moving tipping point in the book when Eddie and his new friend Richard have a discussion about being lost in their respective lives. At this moment, the strength of the book and how it could help the healing and growing process of some readers/listeners aged 9-11 is palpable- really moving - especially in building /encouraging boys to open up about up feelings/emotions.
Sarah Ann Juckes has created a winner- highly recommended for upper key stage 2 readers or a good class read (PSHE discussions abound)
Linda Faas' illustrations addend heighten an ethereal quality to the tale.
A fantastic book - one I'll be recommending to colleagues in schools and friends and family too.
January 12, 2026
A very sweet children's story about letting out your heavy emotions and allowing yourself to feel everything. Listening to descriptions of the snowy forest while walking through the snow was lovely.
December 3, 2025
Absolutely adorable.
December 19, 2025
Beautifully written. Heartwarming and adorable.
December 18, 2025
Another lovely book from Juckes dealing with big emotions and big family troubles. Her methods for showing kids how to cope is stunning.
Eddie’s sister is in the hospital again for a big heart operation. He always feels guilty about being able to do things she can’t, so much so that he’s made himself as invisible as he can. But the invisibility is starting to wear on him, and he’s starting to get angry about not being seen. Especially when he gets up the courage to join the school choir.
A wonderful, winter family tale of finding your voice and putting yourself in others’ shoes.
Eddie’s sister is in the hospital again for a big heart operation. He always feels guilty about being able to do things she can’t, so much so that he’s made himself as invisible as he can. But the invisibility is starting to wear on him, and he’s starting to get angry about not being seen. Especially when he gets up the courage to join the school choir.
A wonderful, winter family tale of finding your voice and putting yourself in others’ shoes.
October 19, 2025
This is one of those wonderful books that everyone should read. It may be a children's book, but I think adults could learn a great deal from it as well.
It reminds me a little of Juckes first book, hunt for the nightingale, as it deals with strong emotions and difficult situations. But in such a powerful yet understandable way.
Eddie's little sister is very sick. She was born with a heart condition and often needs surgery and extra care and attention. He adores his sister, loves her more than anything, would do anything for her...but sometimes he feels invisible. Everyone is so worried about her that they forget about him. And Eddie is scared to do anything wrong or think anything negative incase it somehow hurts his sister.
But while staying with his Uncle John for a few weeks, while his sister undergoes a very serious surgery, Eddie meets a robin. This robin leads him to a wild girl in the forest and she wants to make him brave. To stand up for himself and his needs too.
I don't want to say more, because it would spoil this beautiful, emotional book. But we can all learn a lot from it. Especially that we needn't make ourselves small just because others are suffering more.
I adored every moment of this book. Cannot recommend it more highly.
It reminds me a little of Juckes first book, hunt for the nightingale, as it deals with strong emotions and difficult situations. But in such a powerful yet understandable way.
Eddie's little sister is very sick. She was born with a heart condition and often needs surgery and extra care and attention. He adores his sister, loves her more than anything, would do anything for her...but sometimes he feels invisible. Everyone is so worried about her that they forget about him. And Eddie is scared to do anything wrong or think anything negative incase it somehow hurts his sister.
But while staying with his Uncle John for a few weeks, while his sister undergoes a very serious surgery, Eddie meets a robin. This robin leads him to a wild girl in the forest and she wants to make him brave. To stand up for himself and his needs too.
I don't want to say more, because it would spoil this beautiful, emotional book. But we can all learn a lot from it. Especially that we needn't make ourselves small just because others are suffering more.
I adored every moment of this book. Cannot recommend it more highly.
November 29, 2025
Final rating was a 4.5 star, if you read one middle grade this festive season then pick this up. This was absolutely glorious and again Sarah Ann Juckes doesn't disappoint. This was beautiful and the illustrations were absolutely darling in the hardcover copy. Highly recommend
December 26, 2025
Eddie feels his outline, his definition, his very essence, is becoming more see-through, more ignorable, less corporeal, due to the massive amount of attention his ill baby sister is taking. The girl's latest heart operation means Eddie has been packed off to his wood carver uncle John, in the forests. And over the fortnight of his stay there we see layer upon layer, of ever-descending likeliness, until we get to the heart of the story and see it play out.
Yes, first Eddie finds it therapeutic to actually speak his fears about his sister to the trees. Then he befriends a robin who overhears him. But then the robin takes him to meet a wild girl of the woods – and that girl is even less corporeal and even closer to invisible than Eddie has ever felt himself to be. And then that girl says she's hunting a monster – how much closer to the implausible are we to get here?
But worry not – that's not inaccurate, yet is also me playing devil's advocate almost, as this gets to the mundane heart of it all pretty quickly after the first mention of monsters. This is a piece about a lad finding his voice, making him know he can say 'yes' and 'no' and he's not to be guilty when his sister hasn't got that choice through having a dodgy heart. It's Eddie defeating the silence of home, where eggshells must not be trodden on, and yes, ignoring the doubts and fears that we might well call monsters.
And it's a remarkable piece. I know it bears a lot in common, from monsters to woods to house-trashing and ill relatives, with something else equally wonderful, but this is enough of its own beast to stand level with it. The robin is an unlikely character, however friendly and unafraid of us they are, but also a great one, and the ups and downs Eddie faces are portrayed very well with the help of everyone on these pages. The wintry locations and mood are carried nicely, and while there are obvious dips into nature writing, with trios of sounds from the wild woods and more, it's not overdone.
Yes, I really liked the author's "The Night Animals" (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) and made sure it was junior book of the month at the store I advised on such matters, but this surpasses that. That was great but for its episodic nature and clunky bullying side-matter. This is much more even, more refined and assured. And it is practically, for all its similarities, and for its sheer wonderfulness, this generation's "A Monster Calls".
Yes, first Eddie finds it therapeutic to actually speak his fears about his sister to the trees. Then he befriends a robin who overhears him. But then the robin takes him to meet a wild girl of the woods – and that girl is even less corporeal and even closer to invisible than Eddie has ever felt himself to be. And then that girl says she's hunting a monster – how much closer to the implausible are we to get here?
But worry not – that's not inaccurate, yet is also me playing devil's advocate almost, as this gets to the mundane heart of it all pretty quickly after the first mention of monsters. This is a piece about a lad finding his voice, making him know he can say 'yes' and 'no' and he's not to be guilty when his sister hasn't got that choice through having a dodgy heart. It's Eddie defeating the silence of home, where eggshells must not be trodden on, and yes, ignoring the doubts and fears that we might well call monsters.
And it's a remarkable piece. I know it bears a lot in common, from monsters to woods to house-trashing and ill relatives, with something else equally wonderful, but this is enough of its own beast to stand level with it. The robin is an unlikely character, however friendly and unafraid of us they are, but also a great one, and the ups and downs Eddie faces are portrayed very well with the help of everyone on these pages. The wintry locations and mood are carried nicely, and while there are obvious dips into nature writing, with trios of sounds from the wild woods and more, it's not overdone.
Yes, I really liked the author's "The Night Animals" (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) and made sure it was junior book of the month at the store I advised on such matters, but this surpasses that. That was great but for its episodic nature and clunky bullying side-matter. This is much more even, more refined and assured. And it is practically, for all its similarities, and for its sheer wonderfulness, this generation's "A Monster Calls".
November 4, 2025
Some books grab you from the get-go; not this one. The first two pages did not hook me, but then it kept growing on me until I could not put it down. The story is told through the narration of an anxious child. The extended simile used here feels like a muffled cry. It really is beautifully written.
December 10, 2025
A sensitive, heart warming read about a young boy trying to figure out how to express himself and that it’s okay not to be perfect all the time. It’s about family and friendship with a fantasy twist mixed in. Perfect wintery/Christmas read. “I feel like I have really grown feathers and I can fly.”
January 11, 2026
What a beautiful book! I could not put it down. Written for UKS2, it’s a beautifully told story about speaking up and facing our own monsters when others’ monsters seem bigger.
January 11, 2026
Another beautifully sad story..
I wish I had read this book when I was ten years old, but even now it holds weight.
I’d reread this story every winter.
I wish I had read this book when I was ten years old, but even now it holds weight.
I’d reread this story every winter.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews