Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien is a haunting, atmospheric reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood - and I absolutely loved it. It has that eerie, misty quality of The Village (yes, the film), where fear and superstition hang thick in the air, but it’s also full of heart, courage, and compassion. Red, our heroine, is partially sighted, and her perspective gives the whole story a fresh, intimate depth. The way O’Brien describes the forest - alive, watchful, almost breathing - is gorgeous, and the connection between Red and nature feels sacred. I especially loved how disability isn’t treated as a limitation here, but a different way of sensing and understanding the world. The story balances mystery and folklore with family and friendship. The relationships are rich - especially between Red, her sister, and her grandmother - and I loved how the book slowly unravels its secrets about the woods and the wolves. There’s also a quiet feminism running through it: women as guardians, truth-seekers, protectors. It’s short, accessible, and beautifully written, perfect for Year 6–8 readers who enjoy magic, danger, and emotion woven together. My only wish? That it had been longer as I wasn’t ready to leave the woods when it ended. Lyrical, empowering, and quietly fierce.

Mrs Naden