The Trouble with Goats and Sheep

this is the most unnatural sounding child narrator I have experienced

They assumed I didn't understand the conversation, and it was much easier to let them think that. My mother said I was at an awkward age. I didn't feel especially awkward, so I presumed she meant it was awkward for them.

'You'll understand as you get older. You can spot them a mile off, You'll learn to cross the street.' [...] 'Perhaps that's why they don't mix,' said Tilly, 'because everyone else is on the other side of the street?'

I really enjoyed this. This novel is warm, funny and lighthearted, set in a 1970s cul-de-sac. At it's a heart the book is about intolerance, sharing out some painful truths about a close-minded group of neighbours. Perhaps some of the religious allegories are a little heavy-handed, but honestly this didn't irk me too much. The children, Grace and Tilly, were adorable and I loved how often their thoughts seemed much more wise than those of the adults around them. A fun and easy read with a good message, especially recommended if you like coming-of-age stories.