Freddie Jones: the mystery of the troublesome trees by Kate Foster

‘Troublesome trees’ make for a fantasy-based mystery, sure to draw in young readers, but there is also plenty of factual information about cassowaries and the Daintree rainforest to inform those curious about the natural world. Find out about golden orb spiders, lizards, crocodiles, butterflies, birds, and of course the seed-pooping flightless cassowary.

I love how the interaction between Freddie and his assistance dog Hobnob is depicted. It enlightened me as to the difference a reassuring animal connection can make to an autistic person, along with earphones to block out over-the-top sensory stimulation and sign language to communicate distress. The reader gets to understand how overwhelming the ordinary environment might become to the sensory-sensitive autistic child. And it’s not only the child; Freddie’s Grandma Lilly is an adult that is surely a bit on the spectrum. But what a lot of fun she is!

This is definitely a book to be recommended for primary school libraries, raising awareness about neurodivergence, in a format that will be attractive to all young readers. There’s a mystery to be solved. The clues eventually come together, thanks to the detective team of Freddie, Grandma Lilly and the trusty Hobnob. Kate Foster promises another Freddie Jones adventure to come.

Themes: Daintree rainforest, Cassowaries, Autism, Mystery, Environmental issues.

Helen Eddy