“Balen’s prose is hummingbird-beautiful, every line is so carefully crafted it seems effortless, yet every paragraph has a depth and a heft to it; her writing makes a home in your heart. Her characters are so well drawn you don’t read their story, you live it. From the opening lines to the final sentences, this book is a joy to read.”
REVIEW COVERAGE
*STOP PRESS* The Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week review confirmed
“Balen’s prose is hummingbird-beautiful, every line is so carefully crafted it seems effortless, yet every paragraph has a depth and a heft to it; her writing makes a home in your heart. Her characters are so well drawn you don’t read their story, you live it. From the opening lines to the final sentences, this book is a joy to read.” Irish Independent
“A glowing story about learning to find room in your heart for new life and new love… Katya Balen has a rare gift for understanding what it feels like to be a child and creating characters that reflect that that vividly.” LoveReading4Kids April 2022 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month April 2022
“This quiet, powerful book from October, October authorKatya Balen looks at the complexities and challenges of getting used to a new family through the eyes of two very different children. Tom and Zofia have polar opposite ways of processing their parents finding each other and starting a new life, but each are as valid and deserving of compassion as each other. It’s this compassion that leads to an ultimately happy, hopeful ending.” BookTrust
“When shy Tom and angry Zofia end up moving into the same home as they await the arrival of a new baby, frustrations and heartache rise to the surface in this powerful, moving storyof blended families and embracing change.” The Waterstones Round Up: April's Best Children's Books
“It took no time at all to be entranced by the beautiful prose and emotional depth of this wonderful story: I raced through it compulsively - and then felt a sense of loss when it was over too soon…The Light in Everything would be great as a whole class read in Year 5 or 6 or for the library if that's not possible. Recommend it to any children who enjoy the stories of Lisa Thompson, R J Palacio and Onjali Rauf - or who are struggling with adjusting to life in a newly blended family. In fact, recommend it to everyone; readers, I whole-heartedly recommend it to you.” ReadingZone
“A superb read,The Light in Everything is everything we have come to expect from Katya Balen - and more.” ReadingZone
“Emotional and honest, Katya Balen’s The Light in Everything is a beautiful story of the storms of life… There is no question that this is a book for adults to read themselves before sharing with children. Teachers must know their students well and be aware of triggers that may affect them. For all readers, this is a story that will build empathy and teach them that although everyone sees things differently, we all want the same things – to be loved, accepted and to have the hope of a happy future.” Scope for Imagination
“The ebb and flow of the dual narrative is very effective at pulling us through the increasing drama, and Balen’s skill at concentrating the thrust and conflict of this story solely on this pivotal moment in the children’s lives is truly astonishing. Long after I finished reading the novel, I found myself thinking about it, not only to indulge in the trademark beauty of the author’s words, but also to reflect own how, at the end of the story, Zofia and Tom managed to be so different, and yet so similar, all at the same time.” My Book Corner
“I have been waiting patiently for Katya Balen’s third novel for what seems an age. Her previous two have affected me and will remain with me for some time. This is no different.” In The Twelve
Our picks of the best children’s books coming out in spring 2022, The School Reading List
ACHUKA Book of the Day 12 Apr 2022