This is a difficult book to classify. Erin, January and Mouse are 'damaged' children - at least they are to Maureen, who runs the children's home in which they live. They have all lost parents, either through death or desertion, but they (and Erin in particular) don't accept they are damaged. Erin has vivid memories of her mum, who died when she was quite young, and these memories are so real that she communicates with her 'lovely mum' often. The three children are always running away, and in this adventure, they sail a homemade raft down the river, wrecking on the shore of the Black Middens. Here they meet Heaven Eyes, a fairy-like child with webbed fingers and toes and an elfish mode of speech. She and her Grampa live in the derelict buildings next to the river, and Grampa calls her Heaven Eyes because she sees heaven in all of life. The rest of this gripping and unusual story tells of the four children and Grampa (who is forgetful and rather fierce) and their discovery of Heaven Eyes real identity. The writing is lyrical, beautiful and full of joy. After Grampa's death, Erin, January and Mouse take Heaven Eyes back to the children's home to live with them, and her innocence and simplicity makes the house a happier place. This will not appeal to all children. There is very much a fantasy element, but to some it will be life-changing. Superb.