The Lost Dragonflies by Julia Blackburn Review

When it comes to books for children there is plenty of choice for different age groups over a variety of genres. For younger, emerging readers picture books are always a winner. But as children get older and their reading and understanding improves, finding the right book gets that little bit harder. For middle-grade readers, eco fantasy/adventures immerse their young readers in the natural world, everywhere from a simple back garden to a hidden, enchanted landscape, and they have a special kind of magic. They spark curiosity, nurture empathy for the environment and deliver gripping stories full of wonder. The Lost Dragonflies by Julia Blackburn is a gentle yet compelling eco-fantasy that invites children to look more closely at the world around them while losing themselves in a beautifully imagined adventurous tale.

The Lost Dragonflies is a wonderfully written eco-fantasy brimming with family secrets, ancient magic and the healing power of nature. It’s an exciting adventure with real heart, beautifully crafted for readers aged 8–12+.

Welcome to Whisper Valley, a beautiful countryside setting. It is home to 12 year old Belle and the mystical Whisper Lake, along with its dragonfly guardians. The lake holds restorative magic that keeps the environment in balance, but when there lake starts to get ill there is something dreadfully wrong. The dragonflies that protect it are turning aggressive and vanishing, and the lake is growing sicker by the day. And Belle’s grandmother, Nana Willow, a spiritual being who lives in a hollowed out tree and is deeply connected to the land, has disappeared too. With strange newcomers lurking in the valley, Belle only has three days to uncover the truth, find Nana, save the dragonflies and protect the fragile ecosystem they guard. Belle also has a very difficult choice to make – does she put her faith in her eccentric Nana and her rituals or put her trust in a clever Professor who says science can save the valley?

Overall, after reading The Lost Dragonflies, all I can say is WOW! What a brilliant enjoyable story. Before opening this book, I was intrigued by the promise of magic, adventure and eco-themed family drama. But once I started reading, I discovered a story that was far richer than promised or expected. The Lost Dragonflies is a thoughtful, atmospheric and utterly absorbing story. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and I don’t think young readers will be able to either – it has characters that readers can relate to (being of the around the same age), animals, beautiful natural settings that leave you feeling you are there in the valley and enough action, adventure and excitement.

Set is the beautiful setting of Whisper Valley, a character in itself, it is a triumph of worldbuilding. The setting feels alive, almost sentient, humming with secrets and ancient energy. The lake’s restorative powers and the valley’s delicate balance give the story a vivid, tangible sense of place.

Belle is a wonderfully relatable protagonist, a young child that readers will love. She is curious, quietly courageous and caught between the pull of family tradition, scientific reasoning and her own instincts. While the book explores environmental damage caused through pollution and human impact, Belle’s journey is equally one of self-discovery and finding her place in a changing world.

Being a story of adventure, rather than relying on constant high stakes action, the story builds steadily through atmosphere and emotional depth. Short chapters and well timed twists keep young readers engaged: including a sabotaged ritual, a dangerous blizzard, an injured kite that becomes a vital clue, drones and even an explosion and sink holes. The magic of the valley enhances the plot without ever tipping into the unbelievable.

With themes centred around environmental awareness it also looks at trust, belonging and choosing your own path through life, all weaving naturally and expertly throughout the story. The supporting cast, which includes a charismatic scientist, loyal friends and a handful of memorable animals, adds warmth, tension and even some humour to Belle’s quest.

Now, despite its environmental focus, the book never feels preachy. The authors love of nature really shines through, bringing the story to life without ever overpowering the tale. The story thoughtfully explores how human interference, whether it is intentional or not, can disrupt delicate ecosystems. At the same time, it examines how balancing the progress of scientific ideas with ancient wisdom and natural magic can work together in a way that feels relevant and believable.

The Lost Dragonflies is an exciting, emotionally rich eco-mystery, a fantasy adventure, one that will appeal to young readers who love nature and adventurous stories that have a real depth to them. It’s not driven by relentless action, but by captivating storytelling that draws readers in and refuses to let go.

Julia Blackburn has created a magical, thought provoking adventure with excellent pacing, a fantastic setting and a story that lingers long after the final page. With themes that look at environmental awareness that include ecosystems, biodiversity and pollution as well as courage, trust, loss and resilience while posing questions around how science and nature intertwine, it is perfect for classroom reading as well as at home. It was even longlisted for the prestigious Times / Chicken House children’s fiction competition.

Rating: 5/5

RRP: £7.99 (Paperback) / £1.99 (Kindle)

For more information, visit www.juliablackburn.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a free copy of this book for the purposes of writing a honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you purchase through the Amazon link.