Rachel Chivers Khoo on Finders of Silverthorn forest and fantasy books for younger readers

The book we've shared with our Parakeet subscribers this month is a fun, gentle, quirky fantasy adventure that is perfect for newly independent readers. Author Rachel Chivers Khoo has created a magical world reminiscent of Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree books, with wonderfully quirky characters, a stunning setting and an important message about our relationship with the natural world. Add in some gorgeous illustrations by Laura Catalan and a lead character that young readers will find hugely relatable, and you have the perfect summer read for the whole family! Here Rachel answers our questions about what inspired the book and which fantasy books for younger readers she recommends you read next.

What inspired you to write Finders of Silverthorn Forest?

As someone who is always losing things, I’ve often wondered where on earth my various belongings have gone: lost keys, a missing purse, a mislaid library card. Mysteriously, the lost item will often turn up exactly where I thought it would be – despite that being the first place to have been searched. Or else the item won’t turn up at all, which is an even bigger mystery when you think about it. When I set out to write this series, I wanted to delve into the mystery of lost objects and write about magical creatures who collect our missing treasures.

What lessons would you say Max learns?

Max learns a lot from Tuft, and Tuft learns from Max too. They are each coming from very different worlds and have different perspectives. Tuft trusts his instincts and commits to his friendship with Max from the outset. Max is a bit taken aback, but grows to be an equally loyal friend to Tuft. I think the lesson we can all learn from Tuft is that doing the right thing is more important than always following the rules. I’m a bit of a stickler for the rules but I often think to myself: ‘Be more Tuft!’

Do you think ‘finders keepers’ is always a good rule?

Definitely not! The Finders call it their Golden Rule, much to the frustration of poor Max who is desperately trying to retrieve an item of great sentimental value (his grandma’s time capsule). As a Finder, Tuft has always believed in the rule of ‘finders keepers’, but his friendship with Max causes him to see things from a different perspective.  

Can you tell us anything about what the future holds for Max and the Finders?

There are a few hints in the story about the next book: Finders of Silverthorn Forest; The Faraway Adventure. The second book begins with Tuft waking up early from hibernation and seizing his chance to set off on an adventure while Old Grey and the others are sleeping. You’ll be glad to hear he is quickly reunited with Max! Tuft becomes a stowaway on Max’s holiday camp in the New Forest. As you can imagine, Tuft is rather mischievous and it's not long before trouble ensues.

What would you put in a time capsule and why?

I have recently created my own time capsule to bring along when I visit schools and libraries. It's an ode to my 1990's childhood: Disney video tapes, a Polly Pocket toy, a slinky and my favourite Steps CD. I plan to hide the time capsule under a loose floorboard in my study. Hopefully someone will find it one day and discover a little snapshot of history inside.

Why did you choose to write books for this age group?

I think learning to read and discovering chapter books is such an exciting time in life. I can still remember my mum reading me chapter books at bedtime. I’ve always loved magical adventure stories and when I began to read independently, those were the books I gravitated towards. In many ways, this book was inspired by some of the books I enjoyed most as a child: The Borrowers, The Wombles and The Magic Faraway Tree. 

Do you have a favourite place to write?

The city I live in, Oxford, is full of libraries. I do a lot of writing in the Bodleian Libraries. If I'm a bit stuck on a story, I just take a break and wander the shelves or explore parts of the library I've never been to before. I love the feeling of being surrounded by books. But if I had to choose one place to write, it would be my study at home. I like to wake up early sometimes and get to my desk before anyone else is awake. Writing magical adventures is the best way to start the day!

Which other fantasy books for younger readers would you recommend our subscribers read next?

I love The Thames and Tide Club series by Katya Balen, which has lost treasures and mudlarking. Another great magical series I’d recommend is The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd. As a child, my favourite magical series was The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy. The main character, Mildred Hubble, is always accidentally getting into trouble. I relate to her a lot and really enjoyed reading about all of her adventures at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches.

Copies of our Finders of Silverthorn Forest pack, including a copy of the book and loads of fun activities to go with it, are now available for individual purchase. Grab a copy while stocks last!

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