Eddie's sister Scarlet has a heart condition that means she can't live the life of a normal child, which means that she needs so much more attention, leaving Eddie feeling invisible. When she needs to go back into hospital for another serious operation, Eddie is sent to stay with his Uncle John. John introduces him to the forest close to his home and Eddie finds that he can tell the trees the things he can't tell anybody else. However, the more he talks, the more the monster in the forest seems to grow. When he meets a robin and Mari, they teach him how to become visible to everyone again, but can he find enough of a voice to banish the monster?
Sarah always writes books that are full of emotion (The Hunt For The Nightingale , The Night Animals , Storm Seal) and Robin is no exception. From the beginning, your heart goes out to Eddie who is struggling to feel seen, both at home as well as at school. Understandably, he doesn't want to make his feelings known as he believes he's being selfish when he knows what Scarlet is going through. He feels guilty that his sister is so unwell and feels he can't be himself whilst she is so ill. Going to stay with Uncle John gives him time to find himself, only he doesn't quite realise this. With the help of Mari, the robin and Richard (his new friend at school), Eddie begins to discover who he is and what he enjoys doing.
Robin is a beautifully written book that encapsulates what it must be like to be the sibling of a seriously ill child. It's a poignant book that will warm your heart and make you feel like you are being wrapped in a hug. A gentle story that packs a punch, Robin is a story of hope, courage and find yourself; it's a story that should be savoured and is one that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
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