Uplifting tale of an ordinary town

Children's books: When an established writer of adult fiction turns his/her hand to writing a novel for children, the finished work attracts quite a bit of attention. People are interested to see if the author can successfully cross age boundaries and tell a story that will engage these new readers or whether he/she will merely create versions of previous novels for a younger age group.

So when Snakes' Elbows, the first children's novel by Irish author Deirdre Madden, arrived, I was as keen to read it as my nine- year-old-daughter, who was quietly intrigued by the wacky title.

First off, for those who have read such Madden classics as The Birds of the Innocent Wood or One by One in the Darkness, it is interesting to note that the author has, appropriately, opted for a lighter, more playful writing style for this book for 7-10-year-olds. The story's short chapters also make it a joy to read.

Snakes' Elbows is the story of Barney Barrington, a successful pianist and art collector who returns to his home town of Woodford to live. A quiet and reclusive man, he means no harm to anyone. However, already living in Woodford is the extravagant and flamboyant millionaire Jasper Jellit, who is not pleased to have a rival.

Madden develops an intriguing plot for the two characters which involves the mysterious disappearance of Barney's paintings, a kidnapped cat, the discovery of illegal arms and the acquisition of a valuable collection of paintings by the Woodford Art Gallery which brings fame and fortune to the town.

Madden's gift as a storyteller is in evidence throughout. As she builds up a picture of Woodford as "a most unremarkable little town" the reader is already anticipating that something extraordinary will happen. Then, as several extraordinary events occur, readers begin to develop a strong sympathy for Barney and an antipathy for Jasper.

Curiously, there are no children in the story but Barney's cat, Dandelion, and Jellit's two dogs, Cannibal and Bruiser, play starring roles. A moral thread runs through the tale and in the end, the shy and lonely Barney does find happiness in his native town. Overall, Snakes' Elbows is an uplifting tale perfectly pitched for this young audience.

Sylvia Thompson is an Irish Times journalist

Snakes' Elbows By Deirdre Madden Orchard Books, 206pp. £9.99