Freddie Jones: The Mystery of the Troublesome Trees
Meet Freddie Jones in a new series full of adventure and mystery from award-winning author Kate Foster
Freddie, along with his trusty assistance dog Hobnob and Grandma Lilly, is off to join his parents at a luxury resort for his first ever holiday. He can’t wait to see the rainforest and its incredible and dangerous inhabitants like cassowaries and crocodiles.
But it turns out there’s more to explore – and in store – than Freddie ever imagined. The ecosystem is not behaving as it should, and noises, lights and sounds are popping up all around the resort, leaving behind a trail of mysterious and unexpected trees. Who, or what, is behind it?
Can Freddie, Hobnob and Grandma Lilly solve the mystery, or will it be too late?
Resources
Creators
Kate Foster is a children's author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the south east of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via positive approach and representation.
Reviews
Set amid the spectacular Daintree Rainforest, the story unfolds through Freddie’s inquisitive, detail-oriented perspective with cassowaries. Readers learn early on that Freddie is autistic- something he discusses candidly often. His clear understanding of how his brain works offers readers insight into how some autistic people experience the world. one of the books strengths is Freddie’s vivid internal monologue – a constant stream of anxious thoughts, sharp observations and deep empathy. These traits shaped by neurodivergence, may feel intense to some readers, but will be recognisable and perhaps affirming to others. This thoughtful portrayal sits alongside a genuinely adventurous plot, making Freddie Jones: The Mystery of the Troublesome Trees an excellent choice for readers aged 8 and over.
Books + Publishing
This book was a joy to read, especially because it had an assistance dog in it, so getting to see the different jobs an assistance dog can do was so interesting. As a Guide Dogs volunteer, I know a bit about it and I love novels and books that show what these amazing dogs can do for their humans. This is an element that makes this book an important book, amongst all the fun it has with the mystery. Understanding autism, disabilities and how assistance dogs can help people is important, and part of the work I do with Guide Dogs. So it is my hope that this book informs and educates as well as entertains readers. I have read Kate’s other books, and I think this series is going to sit well with these ones on the shelf. It’s great to see her explore the different ways autism presents in different people and the different types of support or strategies they use to manage their days or get through the unknown. Bringing these themes together with the mystery makes this book work sing and work so well. I actually felt like I was in the humidity of the Daintree Rainforest, and the adventure was such fun that I think anyone who picks this book up will be enthralled. It’s a great #OwnVoices book, and I hope it flies along with the rest of the series, giving autistic people a voice. This was a great start to a new series!
Book Muse
