Nell on Earth by Dave Rudden

Twelve-year-old Nell Cafferty didn’t ask to be the eldest of four children. Acting as babysitter, bodyguard and bouncer all week long while her parents work has left no room for her ambitions of being a wrestling star. But when her siblings are taken hostage by enormous were-otters, it’s on Nell to save them, and she’ll do anything to get them back. Even if that means challenging their monstrous king who has terrible ambitions of his own …

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✶ PRE-READING ✶

I love a middle grade series with heart, humour, and a bit of magic, and Nell on Earth ticked all the boxes immediately. The Dark Isle books are connected but each story stands alone, and the idea of expressive wereotters, cosy adventures, and competent parents sounded exactly like my kind of read.

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✶ POST-READING ✶

As I thought... the artwork makes this book. Every wereotter had a personality, which is surprisingly hard to pull off visually, and it brought the story to life in a way words alone couldn’t.

It surprised me by... how competent the adults are! Nell faces real problems, and instead of flailing alone, she tells her parents - who are actually helpful. It’s revolutionary for middle grade fiction and gives the story a warm, reassuring foundation, even when things get magical and chaotic.

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✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦

Book Recommendation: Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend - whimsical MG adventure with a strong heroine and magical world-building.

TV or Movie Recommendation: Hilda (Netflix) - quirky, magical creatures, and a warm found-family vibe.

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✧ VIBE CHECK ✧

Colour palette: soft greens, golden sunlight, splash of seaside blues
Soundtrack: energetic folk, fiddles, hand percussion - lively, playful, and a little magical
Season: spring - full of growth, mischief, and new things
Mood: curious, spirited, warm-hearted
Scent: salty sea breeze, wet grass, and warm pastries

🎵 Featured Song: The Parting Glass (upbeat, fiddle-forward version)
🎶 Vibe Album: Solas – The Words That Remain
🎧 Artist Recommendation: Gaelic Storm or The Elders

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★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★

Ten of Pentacles. This card is all about home, family, and the safety net of people who’ve got your back. No one in this story has to face things alone - especially Nell. When problems pile up, she tells her parents, and they help (revolutionary, honestly). Between the supportive family and the tight-knit wereotter community, the whole book feels grounded in that sense of belonging and shared strength.

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Final Thoughts

A delightful, warm, and funny middle grade adventure with magical creatures, family support, and enough chaos to keep readers hooked. The wereotters shine, the parents are shockingly competent, and the story is anchored in heart. Perfect for readers who love quirky fantasy, strong family dynamics, and a little mischief.

Nell on Earth publishes on the 5th March, 2026. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.