Joss and Sam’s Fantastic Adventures by Scottish writer Marilyn Reid is a charming little middle-grade fantasy about a boy who discovers magic in his grandmother’s attic, and gets swept into a world of sprites, evil wizards, and magic battles. It’s a book with a lot of heart that will doubtless stir up young children’s imaginations, with its purple skies, winged dogs, castles, and timeless message of bravery. I don’t have any children, but if I did, I think I would absolutely love reading them this book.
The story follows young Joss, who splits his time between his grandmother’s house during school term and his parents’ farm in the Scottish Highlands. When he discovers a spell book in the attic, he can’t resist experimenting with it, curing his grandmother’s sick budgie, giving his school bully a rash, and eventually trying to control the weather to help his dad’s crops. But the spells are real, and using them alerts forces in the magical realm of Rangnar, including the wise Lord Dakton who owns the book, and the villainous Lord Naylor who wants to steal it. Joss and his loyal white terrier Sam are soon whisked away to a world where Joss must prove his courage, and protect the spell book from falling into the wrong hands.
This book belongs to that classic strain of children’s fantasy where good and evil are clearly defined, and a happy ending is more or less inevitable. You can tell it’s a passion project, written by someone who clearly loves traditional Scottish storytelling and working with children. The author’s apparent background in drama and teaching shines through. The book feels like it was written with read-aloud sessions in mind, with simple vocabulary choices that never talk down to young readers and a clear moral framework that invites discussion.
The writing is deliberately simple and accessible, which suits the target age group of 6–12 perfectly. Reid writes the kind of sentences children of almost all reading levels will be able to read effortlessly, “At last, at last! The school holidays! Joss could hardly contain himself”. The story moves quickly, perhaps too quickly at times. At just 72 pages, Reid packs in world-building, kidnapping, escape, and a climactic battle. It’s a lot for such a brief book, but even though the pacing may feel rushed to me I’m sure children will not complain, as it makes a perfect bedtime story.
My favourite part of the book was absolutely Sam, Joss’s faithful white terrier. Sam gave me serious Tintin and Snowy vibes. Whether he’s licking Joss’s face after a reunion, or bounding faithfully across magical realms with wings sprouting from his back, Sam is the heart of the story.
The illustrations help bring the story to life, but I will say the quality is inconsistent. Some are beautiful and evocative, while others feel less polished or not quite necessary, or like a more childish art style would have been better. Still, for young readers, having any illustrations at all adds to the appeal, and the best ones such as the one of Sam and Joss flying through the sky are brilliant.
The Battle of the Ancestors is a standout concept. Warriors from different eras of Joss’s family history literally appear to fight alongside him, from Vikings to Highland fighters to World War II Spitfire pilots. It’s a creative way to explore themes of heritage. A Viking warrior tells Joss, “Never fear evil… good is always the stronger,” and it’s exactly the kind of reassurance young readers need to hear. The ending sets up future adventures perfectly. It’s sequel-bait that may feel abrupt, though young readers who loved the first adventure will surely be delighted to know more is coming.
Overall, Joss and Sam’s Fantastic Adventures is a lovely little escape for young readers. It’s a warm, ethically grounded story with a relatable hero, a wonderfully loyal dog, and just enough magic and danger to keep pages turning. Reid has created something sweet and sincere, but more importantly just fun, and for children aged 7–11 who are probably addicted to screens that’s exactly what matters.
Final verdict: A charming, accessible fantasy that treats young readers with respect and delivers a solid message about courage and responsibility. Perfect for animal lovers, fans of gentle adventure stories, and children taking their first steps into fantasy literature who liked Enid Blyton or C.S. Lewis. If you’ve got a young reader who loves dogs and magic, this is a safe bet, and they’ll probably come away wanting a spell book of their own.
You can get your copy of Joss and Sam’s Fantastic Adventures here!
