Wilde knows she is not a “normal” girl ; strange things happen around her …When she moves in with her aunt, in her mother’s old home town Winter , she just wants to be a regular kid and to fit in. Yet Winter itself doesn’t appear to be a normal town. In an unusually oppressive heatwave, Year 6 of the local school are putting on a play about the shadowy, eerie legend of the Winter witch herself. Tensions are raised as parts are given out and when children begin to receive mysterious cursed letters many eyes are drawn to new student Wilde. Wilde is fabulously atmospheric and tense. As the heat of the sun builds in the story, so do the suspicions and accusations as more children receive threatening curses. Surrounded by distrust, Wilde’s own secrets emerge- she must find the inner strength to stand up, accept her uniqueness and be proud to stand out. The story is a brilliant blend of magic and realism as Wilde battles with her own astonishing powers and also against her hostile peers, The Sleeks, who attempt to belittle and alienate her. Enchanting and enthralling story about the magic created by the blend of belonging and individuality.

Williams' latest book, Wilde, is everything you could possibly want in a children's story. There are witches and curses and legends. There's lots of humour, some fabulous animal characters and a great baddy. On a deeper level, the novel addresses important themes such as self belief, the value of individuality, loss, and bullying. The main character, Wilde, is a gutsy, brave, quirky kid who longs to be 'normal' but deep inside her knows she never will be. She struggles with the loss of her mother and is determined to understand the secrets shrouding her family history, so she can understand who she really is. The characters and the settings are beautifully drawn, and the story is exciting, magical, wacky and weird. The Oscar WIlde quote in the front of the book, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken," is inspired, and this is the valuable message readers will take away from the story. I cannot recommend Wilde highly enough.

I love the way Eloise tells stories she draws you in brilliantly and you feel invested very early on. This book is a joy, with magic and beauty, headed up by such strong female characters. Easy to read to help a wide range of readers access this cracker of a story. Mystery, curses and strong friendships, giving children the message it’s ok to be different, in fact it makes you amazing. Now all I need is a waterfall...