Read and Reviewed: Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery

Saturday, 22 November 2025

Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery

✦ BLURB ✦

Family secrets, a kingdom in danger, the adventure of a lifetime for two brothers and their horse . . .

'Small Wonder': that was what Tick's grandfather always called him. He taught Tick a lot of things: how to take care of himself; how to take care of his little brother, Leaf; how to take care of their horse, Pebble. But Grandfather is no longer around . . .

So when the family home is under suddenly threat, it's on Tick to put everything he's learned into practice and protect his family, by taking them on a quest filled with danger. Because it's not just their home at risk; enemies are invading the whole land. He has only six moons to get to Kings' Keep and warn their ruler . . .

Travelling through forests and mountains, encountering bandits and rogue knights along the way, the journey is not an easy one. But Tick is determined to honour his grandfather's last advice - Make it count, Small Wonder. . .

✶ PRE-READING ✶

After I Am Rebel, I was expecting great things from Montgomery’s next middle grade adventure, and this one didn’t disappoint. The set-up - family secrets, a dangerous kingdom, and a time-sensitive quest - promises a story full of clever problem-solving, suspense, and heartfelt sibling dynamics. I was curious to see how the brothers would navigate both danger and the occasional magical echo (hello, Maid Maleen vibes).

POST-READING

As I thought…

The adventure through forests, mountains, and encounters with bandits/rogue knights is paced perfectly - there’s tension but it never overwhelms the charm of the journey.
Tick and Leaf’s relationship shines; their teamwork, loyalty, and care for Pebble the horse makes the stakes feel personal.
Montgomery’s knack for creating vivid, slightly magical worlds carries over beautifully from I Am Rebel.

It surprised me by…

How much emotional depth is packed into a middle grade quest. Family bonds, courage, and grief are threaded throughout without ever feeling heavy-handed.
The “six moons” time frame: I kept reading it as months at first, but once I caught that it’s actually days, it made the urgency of the journey even sharper.
The backstory nods to fairy tale structures (like Maid Maleen) but in a subtle, fresh way that enriches rather than overwhelms the main plot.

MUSIC PAIRING

🎵 Featured Song: Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, for that sense of family, journey, and adventure.

🎶 Vibe Album: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey soundtrack – whimsical, epic, and perfect for travel and adventure.

🎧 Artist Recommendation: Mumford & Sons – folk energy, camaraderie, and highs-and-lows of a quest.

VIBE CHECK

Colour Palette: Forest greens, warm browns, and sky blues
Soundtrack: Rustling leaves, creaking hooves, distant rivers
Season: Spring - new growth, fresh beginnings, and open roads
Mood: Brave, hopeful, and adventurous
Scent: Pine, wet earth, and a hint of leather from Pebble’s tack

TAROT PULL

🌞 The Sun (Westwood Tarot) – a wooden horse stands in a field of sunflowers, radiating warmth and vitality. This card mirrors Tick and Leaf’s journey: steadfast companions, courage in the face of danger, and hope lighting the path forward. Even amid adventure and peril, the Sun reminds us that determination, care, and a little whimsy can guide the way.

FOR FANS OF…

Book: I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery – for whimsical adventure and clever world-building
TV Show: The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking – for daring, resourceful young heroes on exciting journeys

Small Wonder is available now. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.

🐾

Read and Reviewed