An evil ice queen rules over Erkenwald, a snowy kingdom where whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunts on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. A place where the children have been left all alone because their parents - lured by a haunted organ - have become the ice queen’s prisoners at Winterfang Palace.

Hope seems futile and despair seems inevitable, until fate brings together young inventor Flint and Eska, a girl who is trapped in a music box by a wicked curse. Together they must travel to the ends of their kingdom in the hope of discovering the truth behind the prophecy that tells of the Sky Song, which is their only hope of defeating the queen.

Sky Song is a magical, wonderful tale and magnificently atmospheric. Abi Elphinstone transports the reader to vast snowy plains - with dark magic rumbling beneath the surface - where tribes are hidden to protect themselves from the grasp of the ice queen.

Moving at breathtaking speed, this adventure is dark, thrilling and captivating. The author has created a cast of characters that are sublime: fearless eagle huntress Eska, wondrous inventor Flint - who believe in the old magic against all the odds - and Blu, who teaches them Eska and Flint that bravery and knowledge lie in the most unexpected places. Together, they risk everything they love in their battle to save their tribes from the cruelty of the ice queen. It’s only the bravery of Eska and Flint that offers a glimmer of hope that the darkness across Erkenwald can be overcome.

Ultimately, this is a story about acceptance and tolerance. We learn how easily divisions can occur when hate is brought into people’s lives. Blu and Flint are unique in that they go against the wishes of their tribe to reject outsiders - and it’s this courageous decision that saves them all.

Sky Song would be a really engaging and thought-provoking class novel for Years 4-6.

The author, Abi Elphinstone, has also created a scheme of work to accompany this book (bit.ly/SkySongSchools), with lots of writing and comprehension activities that teachers will find really useful.

Jo Clarke is school librarian at Whitchurch Church of England Primary in Hampshire. She writes a book blog (bit.ly/bookloverJo) and tweets @bookloverJo

Pupil reviews

Pulled into an effervescent adventure

‘An eruption of magic’

Wow! That was the first word that popped into my head after finishing Sky Song, a tale of battles, tribes and hope.

I followed Eska, a wild girl, and Flint, her inventive friend, through their pulse-racing journey. The author knows how to capture you and pull you into her stories.

If this book was a drink it would be a bottle of Coke filled with Mentos that causes an eruption of magic and wonder when you lift the lid.

Edie, age 10

‘Lots of cliffhangers’

I liked the way that all of the magic in Erkenwald is hidden in one tiny voice. It is really exciting and creates lots of cliffhangers.

The best part was when Flint and Eska destroyed all of the dark magic in Erwkenwald by blowing the frost horn and sending the ice queen back up to the sky gods.

I thought that at the end - when Eska met her father again and when all her memories came flooding back - was the happiest part of the story. If I could rate this book out of 10 I would definitely give it a nine, because I really enjoyed reading it.

Zoe, age 9

‘Magic, hope and ice’

Sky Song is a wonderful story full of magic, hope and ice. It has to be the best of the author’s books. It makes you feel part of your own tribe. I loved it!

My favourite character was the golden eagle, Bala, because he was brave and strong.

I thought the book was really exciting and I hope there is another one coming.

Lucy, age 9

If you or your class would like to write a review, please contact adi.bloom@tes.com