The Apprentice Witnesser (Bren MacDibble, A&U Children’s)

Bren MacDibble has become well-known for her unique and heartfelt adventure novels for middle-grade readers, including How to Bee, The Dog Runner and Across the Risen Sea, as well as The Raven’s Song, her CBCA Award Honour Book co-written with Zana Fraillon. MacDibble’s latest solo creation, The Apprentice Witnesser, is no exception to this lineup of high-quality children’s literature. She is particularly astute at writing timely and inventive stories exploring the impacts of climate change. A masterclass in world-building, The Apprentice Witnesser draws the reader into the life of Bastienne Scull, an orphan who lives with the local Witnesser of Miracles, Lodyma Darsey, in the town of Atherton. Lodyma has experienced her fair share of loss, and together with Bastienne, the pair heads out on a mysterious mission to visit an obscure monastery. This trip ends up being more life-changing than expected, with plenty of twists for younger readers who enjoy a good dash of marvel and intrigue with their adventure stories. MacDibble’s use of language is unparalleled, and the way she illustrates hope and resilience through her characters is far from didactic. With themes of family, courage, loyalty, and caring for the environment, The Apprentice Witnesser will spark plenty of discussion among the young people aged 9+ who pick it up, and it is sure to be a favourite for classrooms and libraries.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian, author and the current vice president of CBCA VIC Branch. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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