Jake’s dad is away and his pregnant mum is in hospital, so his gran is looking after him – or so they think. But Gran has changed. She is dazed and confused, fills Jake’s sandwiches with strange food combinations, leaves the cooker on, and wanders down the road in her nightie in the middle of the night. Jake doesn’t want to worry his parents so he tries to look after Gran himself. He is almost at breaking point when help comes from a mysterious quarter, in the form of a strange girl called Verity.
A deeply touching story, ‘Loose Connections’ gently explores how a young boy deals with his granny’s increasing confusion. Gran is not what she was. Jake’s packed lunch gets increasingly bizarre and being driven by Gran is nothing short of terrifying. Jake doesn’t want to worry his parents but can’t cope alone. And then Verity appears. Jake knows nothing about her but she and Gran have an immediate connection. Who is Verity and why does Gran remember her? How Jake sorts through the complications of his life is tenderly and thoughtfully explored. Julia Eccleshare, Lovereading4kids
A beautiful story of a young boy trying, by himself, to hold things together for the sake of his family, in the face of the tremendously distressing circumstances. Beautifully told – and the wonderful inclusion of Verity and the unfolding and resolution of her mystery is the icing on the cake. Highly recommended.
Loose Connections was shortlisted for the Hull Children’s Book Award
ISBN 978-1847802934
