It’s Jeremy’s 10th birthday and all he’s asked for is a watch. He’s just about poised to open an enormous gift (that doesn’t look much like a watch, alas) when little brother Oliver goes missing.
It’s probably cousin Rona May’s fault for leaving the front gate open when she arrived with her mum and dad, but whoever’s fault it is, the seriousness of Oliver’s absence – beyond ruining Jeremy’s birthday – becomes increasingly clear as The Day I Turned Ten unfolds.
At first, Jeremy is just annoyed. Oliver is such a pain most of the time – trust him to pull this stunt on such a special day. But when the police become involved and when his parents begin to show signs of devastation and panic, Jeremy soon realizes how insignificant painful little brother antics can be.
Godwin has penned a simple yet heart-rending story that is done in a totally age-appropriate way (in fact, I suspect adults will feel more ‘distressed’ at the thought of a missing toddler than kids ever will) with a warm (and relieving!) ending. The suspense will engage children and the subtle messaging is something kids will relate well to (especially the part about annoying younger sibs!).
Title: The Day I Turned Ten
Author: Jane Godwin
Illustrator: David Cox
Publisher: Puffin, $11.95
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 9780143301097
Format: Soft cover
For ages: 6 - 10
Type: Junior Fiction
