This is appropriate to Charlie’s sense of disorientation, when, after squeezing the deer tooth tightly in his hand he finds himself in altered surroundings. Although the familiar landmarks are recognisable, the forest seems wilder and the colours and sounds have taken on a greater intensity. Then he spots the body, face down in the stream… I found Hartboy the most interesting character because he had a different life because he’s a Stone Age man, he has a lot of problems to solve and he speaks really weirdly which makes it really funny to read when Charlie is trying to work out what he is saying! The Wild Way Home by Sophie Kirtley is a stunning middle grade book set in the Stone Age. There is so much positivity surrounding this debut author and her wonderful book. I had the honour of putting together some questions for Sophie to answer- ones that I was curious about as a reader. Her answers did not disappoint- she answered amazingly! I really enjoyed reading how the two boys from different worlds make a strong friendship, connected by their loss of family, protecting each other through difficult encounters in their desperation to find their loved ones. Hello, I’m Sophie Kirtley, the author of The Wild Way Home. Come and take a little wander with me to one small corner of our wonderful planet; I’d like to share a special place with you – that place is Mandel Forest, where my new book is set.

This story contains all the ingredients for a fantastic adventure: wolves, storms, shadows and oodles of danger. However, the external obstacles are nothing compared to Charlie's inner struggles. Even if he survives the threats lurking amongst the trees, can he ever forgive himself for abandoning his baby brother? Coffee house Caffè Nero has announced the 16-strong shortlist for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, recognising the outstanding books of the past 12... Charlie has always wanted a sibling and was eagerly anticipating their arrival. His brother is born near midnight on the day before Charlie's twelfth birthday but the excitement is tinged with dread as his baby brother is born with a heart defect that needs immediate surgery. That news has Charlie literally running off to the nearby forest where he usually plays with his friends. This time, however, he finds a boy, lying in the river and discovers that he may be on familiar ground but he's no longer in his own time! Thus starts a moving adventure set in the stone age in which he discovers the meaning of family and how important it is to 'make safe'.

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My final choice isn’t really a book written for young people; it’s a book written by a young person… and it’s a book for everybody. Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty What research into the Stone Age did you have to carry out? Is this an area of history that has always interested you? Do you have an interesting Stone Age fact you can share with our readers? You are never quite sure where Charlie’s adventures will take him next, finding someone else who needs help in another way, helps him to think differently. It is not long before Charlie realises that he must work hard to keep them both safe from whatever they face next. Things are not always as they seem…

Great question! Charlie and Harby both care deeply for the important people in their lives – they each sacrifice a lot for their families…and for each other. They both are curious and they both are courageous too. Another similarity is that they both appreciate a good giggle… and a good meal!! Some of this book was funny but there were some very serious points too. One was when Charlie ran away without thinking. This could have been really dangerous - and it made Charlie swear!

My own children adored this book…and still do. I think it’s the perfect comfort read; a bit scary but deliciously warm and full of love too. And maybe I have a particular soft spot for it because those three owl babies remind me, just a little bit, of my own three (considerably less fluffy) hatchlings! The notion of siblings looking out for one another is something that resonates deeply with me and sibling love is one of the most important themes of my own book The Wild Way Home.