When Joe Jackson is told by his dad that they are to move from London to Wales, he is horrified: 'First Mum, and now this.' It's a long time until we find out just what has happened to mum. Has she run away with another man? Has she some mysterious illness that keeps her away from the family? Or has she died? In fact, the last is the case, and Joe's sadness as well as his dad's depression are a major theme throughout the book, even though we aren't told until near the end exactly what has happened to her. Living in the village of Manorbier on the west coast of Wales turns out to be the best thing that can happen to Joe and his dad, and the adventures that follow, while pure fantasy, are wonderfully imagined. They involve a girl Joe meets, M, and the Keeper of Manorbier Castle, who watches over a lovely dog-like dragon called Gerald, and the four of them share the secret of Gerald's existence. The descriptions of the country around Manorbier are lyrical, and it is evident that the author knows the area well. Thirteen-year-old Joe's bravery as he and Gerald search for another dragon sited at sea near the coast put them both in great danger, and we are mightily relieved when both come through. There's a happy ending (not wholly unexpected), and Joe and his dad are finally able to talk together about their loss. While there is a little repetition that could have been edited out, this is a powerful story that children will enjoy whilst also learning about the sadness that comes with the loss of a parent.