Greenwild by Pari Thomson

This is a portal fantasy for children with crossover appeal, set in London’s Kew Gardens and the Greenwild. Daisy Thistledown, 11, is the daughter of an investigative reporter. They travel the world together until Daisy’s mother has a new, dangerous, assignment in the Amazon. Daisy is sent to a boarding school in London until her mother’s return. She runs away and finds herself in the Greenwild with magical botanists. Commander Artemis White brings her to the Roost, and the Greenwild kids Prof, Indigo, and Acorn welcome her to the 5 O’Clock club. There’s also a secret garden Daisy visits at night where she meets Hal.

The is a high stakes adventure, and Daisy has no magic. There are allies, enemies, a cat, more new friends, and a magical market on the river every full moon. Magical plants are everywhere! A sequel, Greenwild: The City Beyond the Sea, has just been published and a third volume is planned. Readalikes include Greenglass House, A Wrinkle in Time, The Secret Garden, and the Morrigan Crow books beginning with Nevermoor. I’m looking forward to reading The City Beyond the Sea.

Brenda