“My biggest benefit was learning that your imagination is what leads your life and you should never ignore your ideas because they are crucial. If Pam Golden didn't think of these tremendously imaginative thoughts, I don't think I'd be that interested! When I first started reading the book, I thought, "Well, this is just a normal start to a book, but as the story carried on, there was a burst of ideas; all the tribes, rules, characteristics, etc. Hopefully, I will be able to get a copy of this book once it is published because I have never been so mesmerised by a book before!'

Lola aged 11

“I really, really, really enjoyed this book and I can picture the Living and all the characters and animals. I wanted to see it for myself. I really liked the storyteller because I liked how there was a story within a story. I liked the idea of it. I found it really interesting because it is based on the past and something real and I liked the descriptions of the settings and the characters.” The book has helped me to understand how to respect nature and if you take something from nature then you should give something back and respect it for giving it to you. It also helped me to understand other people and how we are all different but we should get treated in the same way. “It is a good book for people my age because it has lots of brilliant descriptive writing, which makes me able to picture the characters and settings. I liked seeing a different world and a different way of life and there was a moral too; it that tells us if we live like the people in the Living, we can live a better life with each other. Near the end of the book it says something like; we can live a life not sharing and being greedy and live a long life, but be miserable or we can live a life sharing and have friends and live a happy life.”

Robin aged 10

“All of it is amazing, cool and fun. Love it, Great, Awesome, Lovely, Best Ever.” “I liked the bit describing the description of the path. I also liked the kind of magic weave through it.” RB

James aged 9

“I loved all of it and can’t choose a favourite part. I like it all.”

Ruby aged 9

“I like the powerful descriptions that add more drama.”

Josh aged 9

“I like the bit where Jenni was in the forest best.”

Margot aged 9

“I liked the bit describing the description of the path. I also liked the kind of magic weave through it.”

Roob aged 10

How the love is spread around in Middle Earth is fantastic; the singing too, how all of The Living connect is beautiful. Altogether, the story is about resilience, acceptance, kindness, caring for the environment. But most importantly, family. The fact Jenni still feels tied to her mother, even from a hundred years away is stunning. Thank you so much for letting us read your amazing book: it blew me away!

Jago aged 13

“Cool story. I loved the idea of a character going back to the Mesolithic forests. The author has a wild imagination.”

Boy, aged 11 (Wishing Shelf Award reader)

“I thought it was a tiny bit slow to get going, then it got lots better. There´s a bit of danger in the story but mostly it´s about Jenni finding a way of surviving in the old forests and also about the characters she meets. I enjoyed the story and was often surprised by what happened next.” “

Boy, aged 12 (Wishing Shelf Award reader)

“This is a truly amazing book. I loved the hero, Jenni. She´s sort of ordinary but turns out to be brave and adventurous. I also loved how the author described the earth all the way back then, where everything was nature. That was cool.”

Girl, aged 12 (Wishing Shelf Award reader)

“I found this impossible to put down and I was totally absorbed from the first page onwards. The main character, Jenni is easy to identify with and I liked the fact that she was unspoilt by modern technology; a rarity in this day and age. So many children have no idea how to tell an oak tree from a beech tree! While it is clear that Jenni doesn't always appreciate having acquired a love of nature, it proves to be invaluable to her later on in the story. There is a big contrast between our modern times and the lives of people in the Living in this book, where peace and quiet prevail and Jenni is glad to escape from the noise and turmoil of the future, especially when she makes true friends for the first real time in her life. In the Living humans and animals co-exist and help each other and Jenni learns to have respect for plants and creatures. There is a very strong message here for our modern day children. The book is geared at a good pace for readers of approximately 9 years old and upwards and the historical aspect is very interesting and obviously well-researched. I was left wanting to read more books by Pam Golden.”

Jo Remington (music teacher)

“I recommend this book for anyone, aged from 8 to 20 years old because the detail and description is very exquisite. Not only will you find this book amazing to read, but it will make you realize how important it is to do what you love. There is a lot of information in this book and the fantasy of the book is like no other. Kids will really benefit from this book!” I loved the fact that there were so many positive messages and aspects of the book, dealing with difficult relationships, negative feelings and bad things, which can happen in children's lives and the respect for all living creatures and unconditional love that is depicted. As a parent, it is important to feel that my children are exposed to positive messages, which deal with difficult issues. I especially liked the way the book forced the reader into examining a Western lifestyle, which we take for granted. It makes children think about concepts such as, money and technology and opens up lots of opportunities for discussing these. I will definitely recommend your book. It is a great story and it deals with some difficult issues that children can experience in a very positive way and enables children to examine our present way of life from a different perspective; encouraging children to examine and question 'Western' values and elements of our 'advanced ' society that we take for granted. There are lots of opportunities to discuss ethical issues, ranging from how we treat bullies to how and if we should use animals. This is all depicted in a fantastically descriptive, unique setting and utilises many fascinating and unusual experiences. A great yarn!”

Mel Scott (mother)

“A memorable story and I have recommended your book to other people to read already, as soon as it is published. It is a story all children will gain benefits from reading, it will enhance their emotional intelligence, in learning how we must respect and love our environment and that the world is miraculous and beautiful. Also, that people need love to flourish and that violence does not serve us. This story has a very visual quality and will make a great film.” This book stirred and warmed my heart. I am still feeling the feelings and dwelling on the life lessons your book has brought to me. A positive story on many levels, bringing together a sense of the truth of a loving way of being together in community.”

Rachel Low (homeopath)

"This beautifully told book swept away my fondly held preconceptions of what life was like in this largely ignored time period. With clever use of snippets of old legend and ancient ways, archaeological facts and a liberal sprinkle of a marvellous imagination, an amazing tapestry of a tale has been woven. A wonderful story told through the experiences of a girl from our own time who 'somehow' travels back to an earlier place, where everything is very strange to her. Torn between missing her family and amazement at her discovery of a people living a fascinating, but very different way of life than the one she is used to. Jenni has to find her way and survive in this world where little is familiar. This very absorbing tale goes on to tell us about all the challenges she has to face and the many adventures that come her way. As a reader you get to see how these events help her to adapt and fit in with the people who take her in. As her journey progresses, Jenni learns from the Elders and her new friends - who help to shape her and grow as a person. This is never more evident than when she's taught new powers that change her life and the way she thinks forever. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. Filled with spiritual and heart-warming moments, its essence is of hope and love, which ultimately links the past with the present in a very satisfying conclusion. A book for everyone to enjoy and gain from; full of love and compassion, with just the right balance of adventure and peril. Next book please... "

Sandra Mcleod , (retired Children’s Residential Social Worker)

If you're looking for something other than wizards, dragons and teenage angst in your teenage fiction I highly recommend giving "A Tree in Time" a go. This is Pam Golden's first published work of fiction and it's concept is (as far as I'm aware) unique. Jenni, brought up by her mother to appreciate nature and the earth, rather than the technological trappings of the 21st century, is transported back to a time when nature and the earth was all there was. A fascinating journey into the lives of the Mesolithic people, you are taken on an exploration of a time when humans lived by hunting and gathering and worshipped the earth and nature for what it provided. The story about Jenni and how she learned and grew in her time with these people is good but, personally, I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the houses, the settlement, the way of life the people and their relationship with the world around them. Pam has obviously done a lot of research for this book and brings it to life superbly.

Hazel Bregazzi (editor Scallymag)

We are taken back to a softer and more gentle world where nature is respected and ancient crafts taught. The modern heroine is at first startled and dubious but gradually learns to love her new friends and environment. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but although this is aimed at younger people, as an adult, I found it very enjoyable. Beautiful descriptions and well-crafted emotions. Thank you for the hard work.

Liz Martinson (author)

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read your book. It is such a lovely story. I really enjoyed it. It is a beautiful way of teaching tolerance and appreciating nature. I would recommend anyone to read ‘A Tree in Time.’

Joyce

I really enjoyed ‘A Tree in Time’ and finished it in four days (reading before bed) which is amazing for me at the moment as I find it really difficult to concentrate on reading for leisure after a day of translating. I was completely hooked. And now I need you to write a sequel so that I can find out if Jenni sees Druantia and her friends from the forest ever again! It’s honestly such a wonderful, magical story. Just full of warmth, and the most beautiful vivid imagery. I loved the way the concept of shape and colour was used to express her emotions; as a reader it made her experiences so tangible. Even though it’s a “children’s book”, I really felt it got to the core of what it means to be a human at any age: our need for a sense of belonging and acceptance; our fear of the unknown; and our mixed up relationship with the spiritual and natural worlds. The style reminded me a little of ‘The Secret World of Polly Flint’ by Helen Cresswell, which I have fond memories of reading as a child. Anyway, I could go on about it for hours but I just loved it.

Lauren Reed

I bought this book for my Grandson, but this is a book for all ages - I'm 78, simply adored it and couldn't put it down! The brilliant idea that a child could lean against a tree and morph into other worlds with the experiences while there teaching them respect for the environment and the people around them! This book should be compulsory reading in all schools to help children understand that while they might feel they are different, they are still worthy people. Truly inspirational and can't wait for the Authors next book.

Glenjo (reviewed on Amazon)

This book highlights that when integrity and gratitude are recognised, your mind can and will be open to all possibilities. I didn't know what to expect when I first started reading, but once I started, I couldn't put it down. The philosophies and teachings demonstrated in the book are all eternally timeless, which is why it is critical to have books like these when the fundamental principles are often overlooked in the modern world. From the Mesolithic history to the awe-inspiring beauty of the earth, and lastly to the main character, most people can identify with. Overall, fantastic!

Imara Smith

I may not be in the age group listed to read this book, but us oldies never loose our childhood memories of reading books. We grow up to devour more books! This book was written by my childhood friend, we shared many times of play being creative and you never loose those special memories. I really loved loosing myself in this well written and researched book and will certainly recommend it to friends for their children and grandchildren. Pam always did have a very creative imagination and I am thrilled that her talent has been put into this wonderful children's book. I do hope there will be a sequel and I certainly love the idea of planting a tree. I will share a secret with you - Pam loved coming to my house, she didn't come to play though, she came to watch our television!

Barbara Doodson

“This author is excellent at describing setting in an interesting and utterly absorbing way. My class enjoyed the story and discussing what it would be like to travel back in time.”

Primary School Teacher, aged 48 (Wishing Shelf Award reader)

‘A fascinating journey into the distant past. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

A young girl from the present time is suddenly transported back to the Mesolithic era where she lives and makes friends with the people in that area. A charming fantasy and a fascinating glimpse of how people lived, their beliefs and their care of the environment they inhabited.

Jill Shapcott (Goodreads)

This is such a beautiful book. You're very quickly taken to a world that is so carefully crafted that it feels real. Alternative worlds can sometimes feel frustrating as there are gaps and contradictions - not the case in A Tree in Time. Any child would become absorbed and forget that it's a piece of fiction. And this is partly because of the obvious historical and local research that has gone into this novel. I love books where you know the 'facts' that you're reading are reliable. Enjoyed the section at the end that outlined some of the research. Great plot, that kept you reading. Great world, that made you want to try to find your own special tree, and hopefully a portal of your own.

Gabriella Gordon (Goodreads)

I'm not a huge reader, but this book is one of few that I have read right the way through. Beautifully written to take the reader on a full magical journey through another time. Another life. Easy to get fully submerged into the life of the character too.

Jenni-Lea Finch (Goodreads)

Meander back to the past in this intriguing Mesolithic novel that gives the reader a glimpse of what time may have once been like… We meet Jenni in the opening pages, a young and frustrated young girl who feels left out by her classmates and misunderstood by her mother. Through some strange magic, she is transported back to the Mesolithic era where she spends a year living with a group of early people and learning their ways and ultimately, learning how to be more accepting and forgiving of her own life in the future. Although fictional, the storyline is certainly one of a kind and I found my curiosity piqued; the possibilities of what life on our very earth may have once been like were certainly fascinating. Each page delivers yet another idea of what our mesolithic ancestors faced and how they lived. As well as the historical journey we find ourselves on, there’s also the personal and emotional one as the novel dives and delves into themes of love and self-acceptance. Despite the book grabbing your attention, the storyline itself isn’t exactly action-packed and pacey as it is mostly concerned with Jenni learning about the Mesolithic era. Consequently, a lot of the chapters seem a little repetitive in structure but this isn’t necessarily off-putting. Jenni is a strong female lead although her character rapidly develops and changes in the latter fifth of the book; the lessons she learns could potentially have been made more explicit earlier in the story rather than all being crammed into the last few chapters. There are a few editing issues and the book does seem to lack a certain flow, both of which occasionally distract the reader but on the whole the book is enjoyable and easy to follow. The Book Dragon reviewed this book on behalf of the author and found themselves transported to another world, a world of awe and wonder. A strong middle grade book for slightly older readers due to some adult themes (12+), we award it 3.5 stars. Meander back to the past in this intriguing Mesolithic novel that gives the reader a glimpse of what time may have once been like… We meet Jenni in the opening pages, a young and frustrated young girl who feels left out by her classmates and misunderstood by her mother. Through some strange magic, she is transported back to the Mesolithic era where she spends a year living with a group of early people and learning their ways and ultimately, learning how to be more accepting and forgiving of her own life in the future. Although fictional, the storyline is certainly one of a kind and I found my curiosity piqued; the possibilities of what life on our very earth may have once been like were certainly fascinating. Each page delivers yet another idea of what our mesolithic ancestors faced and how they lived. As well as the historical journey we find ourselves on, there’s also the personal and emotional one as the novel dives and delves into themes of love and self-acceptance. Despite the book grabbing your attention, the storyline itself isn’t exactly action-packed and pacey as it is mostly concerned with Jenni learning about the Mesolithic era. Consequently, a lot of the chapters seem a little repetitive in structure but this isn’t necessarily off-putting. Jenni is a strong female lead although her character rapidly develops and changes in the latter fifth of the book; the lessons she learns could potentially have been made more explicit earlier in the story rather than all being crammed into the last few chapters. There are a few editing issues and the book does seem to lack a certain flow, both of which occasionally distract the reader but on the whole the book is enjoyable and easy to follow. The Book Dragon reviewed this book on behalf of the author and found themselves transported to another world, a world of awe and wonder. A strong middle grade book for slightly older readers due to some adult themes (12+), we award it 3.5 stars. https://www.thebookdragon.co.uk/book-reviews/a-tree-in-time-by-author-pam-golden/

Josephine Park (Reviewer for The Book Dragon)

I loved this book by Pam C. Golden. I bought it because I love trees and have always liked the idea of Tree Spirits. Yet it was much more than that. It showed us a world that seemed both past and future - and let us know in a non-preaching way, that we have to change our ways if we want future generations to enjoy this Earth. The historical research for the book was extensive. More than anything, it made me want to live in Druantia's 'Living' and just live a simple life. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.

Susanna Scott (author)