The Last Pebble by Alex Horne

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✦ BLURB ✦

Trader and his grandpa have combed the beach of Bognor Regis for as long as he can remember, and every time they find a beautiful or special stone, it’s added to the treasure collection. But when Trader finds a particularly special pebble, he stumbles on a secret that was supposed to be kept for ever...

Can Trader and his new friend Charlotte unravel the mystery of this treasure, and return it to its rightful home?

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✶ PRE-READING ✶

I knew Alex Horne primarily for his comedy - he's written adult books, but this is his first children's - so I was curious how his trademark wit and awkwardness might translate into a children’s book. I expected some humour, maybe a bit of silliness, and hopefully a meaningful message tucked in there too.

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✶ POST-READING ✶

As I thought... The tone was spot on - gentle humour, quirky characters, and that slightly offbeat storytelling that’s perfect for middle-grade readers. The intergenerational bond between Trader and his grandpa was really touching and grounded the story emotionally. And I absolutely agree with Trader about Wensday.

It surprised me by... …how much it packed in! There’s genuine mystery, a cleverly crafted reverse heist, lovely facts about rocks and geology, and even some thoughtful moments dealing with bullying and self-esteem. It never felt overloaded, just layered in a way that made it feel rich and engaging. Also: Charlotte is a fantastic character - resourceful, funny, and bold. I really hope Alex plans more in this series, as I'd love to see what they get up to next!

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✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦

Book: The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
This middle-grade mystery also involves a curious young protagonist, a quiet but determined investigation, and emotional themes like grief, friendship, and finding one’s place. It’s thoughtful, heartfelt, and grounded in a child’s perspective - much like The Last Pebble.

🎬 TV Show: Detectorists (BBC)
While it’s aimed at adults, Detectorists shares a similar gentle humour, love of the mundane turned meaningful (metal detecting vs. rock collecting), and a quiet charm rooted in British landscapes and quirky characters. It’s a lovely thematic echo of appreciation for overlooked treasures and human connection.

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✧ VIBE CHECK ✧

A colour palette: Sandy yellow and pebble grey, with flashes of tumbled crystal brightness.

A season: the warm days of early summer when everything stretches before you forever.

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★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★

Page of Pentacles – The Unfolding Path Tarot
This card represents curiosity, learning, and the beginning of a meaningful journey. In The Unfolding Path Tarot, the Page of Pentacles stands grounded and attentive, much like Trader himself - open to discovery and brimming with youthful determination. It’s the perfect mirror for a story about finding treasure in the ordinary and uncovering truths with care and wonder.