A captivating novel.
WHAT’S THE BOOK ABOUT
Do naught wrong by the mulberry tree, or she’ll take your daughters … one, two, three.
Ten-year-old Immy and her family run away from their storm cloud of problems to a tiny village in Cambridgeshire, England. When they find an adorable thatched cottage to begin a perfect new life in, the only downside is the ancient, dark and fierce-looking mulberry tree in the back garden. And the legend that comes with it – the villagers say the tree steals away girls living in the cottage on the eve of their eleventh birthday.
Of course, Immy thinks this is ridiculous.
Then she starts to hear a strange song in her head…
Allison Rushby’s new novel for middle-grade readers is a captivating, spooky mystery.

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK
The Mulberry Tree by Allison Rushby is a little gem of a book. It is a captivating middle-grade novel.
The book has an intriguing beginning. Ten-year old Immy relocates to Cambridgeshire, England with her family from Australia. They find a perfect thatched cottage with a beautiful garden to live in. The only problem is the dark, barren, menacing-looking mulberry tree in their backyard. Villagers say the tree steals girls who haven’t yet reached their eleventh birthday. Immy and her family does not believe in such superstitions. Until, Immy starts hearing a song in her head. Does the tree really steals girls? Is Immy going to suffer the same fate? Read this enchanting book to find out.
From the first page, the book grabbed my attention. It’s not often that a middle-grade book holds my attention so much that I don’t even feel the need to browse social media. I raced through the pages to discover the mystery behind the lore of girls being stolen by a tree.
The haunting prose does lend a spookiness to the story. The author’s visually descriptive and lucid writing brings out the scariness of the tree beautifully.
Moreover, The Mulberry Tree features a poignant exploration of Immy’s father’s struggle with depression and its effect on the family. Further, I loved the relationship between Immy and her dad. I was ecstatic when she understood her father’s predicament. It is a beautiful book that underscores the simple message of forgiveness. Rushby seamlessly blends real-life teachings with magic.
It’s an addictive story. To be honest, I wasn’t spooked on reading the story. I was just curious to know more about this scary mulberry tree. However, the target audience will surely feel the chills on reading this book.
I found The Mulberry Tree by Allison Rushby to be an absolutely engrossing middle-grade book. Highly recommended for my middle-grade readers and their parents.
BOOK DETAILS
Genre: Middle-grade, Fantasy || Pages: 294 || Published on July 1st 2018 by Walker Books Australia
AUTHOR BIO
Allison Rushby adores cities with long, winding histories; wild, overgrown cemeteries; redbrick Victorian museums; foxes; tea; and ivy. She lives in Queensland, Australia.
Author Link(s): Website || Twitter
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Sounds wonderful!
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I have not heard of this book before, but it does sound quite good. I will have to see if my library has it. Nice review Debjani, you hooked me.
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Thanks, Carla, for your appreciation! 🙂
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great review! i’m glad you enjoyed the mulberry tree. i’m surprised i haven’t heard of it before.
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I hope you love it if you get the chance to read it. 🙂
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I don’t read middle grade, but I do love the sound of this. Plus that cover is fabulous😁
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I agree, Tammy. The cover is fabulous. I would say try reading this one. I think you will like it.
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Lovely review on what sounds like a terrific story, Debjani!
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Thanks, Marialyce 😀
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oh wow! TBR! I have a small mulberry farm so how fascinating!
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That’s great to know. 😀 although beware, after reading this book, you may never look at the mulberry tree in the same way again.
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This sounds like a wonderful story, I’ll have to read this!
Great review and thank you so much for sharing it!
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I always look forward to your lovely comments, Sheri. Thanks for reading 😄
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Thank you, that’s so nice of you to say! Anytime! ☺
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