5.0 out of 5 stars A Stone Age themed adventure story with lots of heart

K. · 20 June 2025

I loved the blend of past and present in this story, with the modern world merging with the Stone Age. I’m really drawn to stories where friendships form across people from different time periods, and this story really delivered on that front. Charlie steps back into the Stone Age by accident, but it proves to be exactly what he needs to come to terms with his new family circumstances.Charlie’s plight was beautifully shown, with his initial excitement at having a baby bother quickly turning to anxiety when his new brother proves to be not what he hoped for or expected. Lots of kids will empathise with Charlie as he grapples with unexpected stress and anxiety and struggles to make his loved ones understand how he feels.The Stone Age world Charlie is thrown into was fantastically shown, with the tame woods Charlie knows transforming into a wilderness in which bears and wolves roam. I loved how his friendship with the Stone Age boy, Harby, developed, starting from a place of deep mistrust and fear and progressing into a brotherly relationship.I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy adventure stories with lots of heart, and to readers who are interested in the Stone Age and in archaeology more generally. Fans of Michelle Paver’s Wolf Brother series will likely enjoy this.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beguiling

A.G. · 1 September 2020

I haven’t finished many books in recent years that I wanted to start all over again. This is a truly beautifully written children’s book. Charlie Merriam lives next to a wood where he plays with his friends. But, when his brother is born with a heart defect, Charlie flees into the woods to try to outrun his emotions. He stumbles upon an ancient tooth with a hole in the middle that transports him back to the Stone Age where he meets a boy called Harby and Harby has troubles of his own. Charlie embarks on a journey of growth and revelation in a strange yet familiar forest. It’s a story about life, about how it can be cruel to us and how we get through those tough times . . . together. This is, without a doubt, the most touching and heartfelt tale I have read in many years with a message that is needed in these trying times that we are living through. Just wonderful.

4.0 out of 5 stars I REALLY WANTED THIS TO BE BRILLIANT

E. · 17 October 2021

Reading the blurb, I really wanted this to be brilliant but I had a few niggles with it.The present day stuff at the beginning and end of the story was brilliant. However, I wasn't convinced with the portal. I couldn't quite see this happening both going back in time and coming to the present day.I wasn't keen on the knife scenes - for the target reader, I thought was a bit too violent. Maybe some it would be all right for some ten year olds but not all.I also think that some ten year olds may find the death of Harby's mum upsetting.There were times when I thought Charlie's thoughts were a bit too old for a 12 year old.It was a very good story but not brilliant and as stated above may be a bit too upsetting and violent for some 10 year olds.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely story

L. · 4 February 2025

A really beautiful book, suitable for year 5-6 readers so aged 9-11 years. If your child is learning about the rainforest this is an exciting tale with that setting.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good

P.G. · 14 January 2025

Bought for a gift

5.0 out of 5 stars Daughter loved it!

S.H. · 15 October 2021

I ordered this book as my daughters (age 7) class will be reading it after half term.She is a good reader and loves books but has never had that passion for them I had when I was little. Well! She could not put this one down. She was reading it at the breakfast table, on the way to school, on the toilet. She kept me updated on what was happening with th characters too. As soon as she finished it she asked me if there was a sequel. There is and I will be ordering it asap.

3.0 out of 5 stars Not accurate about the Mesolithic

P. · 5 August 2020

In parts the writing in this book is beautiful, you could paint pictures from the descriptions of the landscape which is clearly a place the author knows well. If you are looking for a story for a child who has an ill baby at home then this is the book for you.However, if you want a book about the Mesolithic then give it a skip. The Mesolithic doesn't even get a look in until you are 30% through the book. The author has represented the people of that time in a very babyish way particularly in terms of the language. These are anatomically modern people with the same brain structure as you or I, so either make it impossible for the two characters to understand each other fully or not at all. Life in the Mesolithic is glossed over as those she has done enough homework not to make the most common mistakes but not enough for a good grade. Ever tried picking up a pebble to sharpen a spear? It doesn't work, you need a sharp surface to do that. The only scene that seem remotely accurate was the fishing but again it is lacking in detail, is it fishing, using a spear or tickling the fish. The best thing I can say about it in terms of the period - it doesn't include mammoths, as they were extinct by the Mesolithic in the location the story is set.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully Wild Adventure with a beautiful heart.

D. · 16 July 2020

Wow what a beautifully written book, full of adventure and filled with so much heart and feeling. I buy children's books regularly so I can find some wonderful stories to read to or be read by my two youngest boys (well that's my excuse anyway). This is a definite hit.

Awesome!

J.W. · 8 November 2020

Anyone 9 and above will love this book. It has lots of adventures in the Stone Age and thrilling breathtaking moments. I recommend this book to children and all who like scary yet funny books.