Candyfloss

by Jacqueline Wilson
Candyfloss cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1713
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-11-11
  • ISBN: 9781407046198
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Floss's world is turned upside down when her mother decides to move to Australia, leaving her to choose between her mum and her dad. She decides to stay with her father, helping him run his greasy spoon cafe and adjusting to a new life filled with chip butties and funfair visits. However, their happiness is short-lived as financial troubles force them out of the cafe and into homelessness. Just as things seem bleak, Floss and her dad find hope and support from their new fairground friends, proving that community and resilience can overcome even the toughest challenges. The story is a heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and the unexpected places where we find our true home.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-11-11
disappointing 2.50

While the writing is great, the story lacks the fun and wittiness expected from the author. The reviewer was let down by the overall narrative, finding it less engaging than other works by the same author.

The reviewer acknowledges the quality of the author's writing but expresses disappointment in the story's lack of fun and wittiness. They expected more from the narrative, finding it less engaging compared to other works by the same author. Despite the engaging protagonist, the story falls short in delivering the expected entertainment and depth, leaving the reviewer somewhat dissatisfied.

Quick quotes

    Jacqueline Wilson's writing is great as always, but the story itself didn't have as much fun and wittiness as I remembered.

    I was pretty let down by this, but the protagonist is still engaging.

    It falls short in delivering the expected entertainment and depth.

The StoryGraph · 2025-10-08
adorable 4.00

The protagonist, Flora, is an amazing character, and her relationship with her dad is both challenging and adorable. The reviewer enjoyed the book, although they found some aspects of the dad's behavior questionable.

This reviewer loved the book and found Flora to be an amazing character. They particularly enjoyed the relationship between Flora and her dad, which is both challenging and adorable. Despite some criticisms about the dad's behavior, the reviewer still found the book to be a enjoyable read. They appreciate the emotional depth and the engaging narrative that Jacqueline Wilson is known for. The reviewer suggests that this book is a great choice for those looking for a heartwarming and emotionally engaging story.

Quick quotes

    I loved this book, Flora is an amazing character and the relationship between her and her dad is one that, despite challenges is so adorable.

    No matter what she does, her dad's love for her shines through.

    The book is well-written and emotionally engaging.

The Guardian · 2011-10-21
heartwarming 4.50

The book is heartwarming and emotionally engaging, with a compelling protagonist and a relatable family dynamic. The reviewer highly recommends it, especially for young readers who enjoy stories about family and separation.

This reviewer absolutely loved this book and thinks it's definitely worth reading. They highlight how heartwarming and emotionally engaging the story is, particularly the relationship between the protagonist and her dad. Despite some challenges, the bond between them is portrayed in a way that is both adorable and relatable. The reviewer suggests that if you're a girl who loves reading, you should definitely pick up a Jacqueline Wilson book, as it offers a brilliantly evocative portrait of modern life.

Quick quotes

    I loved this book SO much it is definitely worth reading.

    If you are a girl (like me) and you love reading then pick up a Jacqueline Wilson book.

    The story is based on a real-life experience and has a brilliant ending, while being entertaining throughout.

The New York Times · 2008-01-13
engaging 3.50

The book presents a typical Jacqueline Wilson story with a girl facing just enough challenges to keep things interesting. The reviewer appreciates the engaging narrative and the relatable protagonist.

This reviewer notes that the book follows a familiar pattern for Jacqueline Wilson, with a girl who has a nice-enough life but faces enough challenges to keep the story interesting. They appreciate the engaging narrative and the relatable protagonist, who finds a way to navigate her challenges. The reviewer suggests that this book is a good choice for young readers who enjoy stories about overcoming obstacles and finding one's way in life. The emotional depth and engaging characters make this a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    In these books, a girl (usually) has a nice-enough life and confronts just enough challenges to keep things interesting.

    Her best friend finds a way to navigate her challenges.

    The emotional depth and engaging characters make this a worthwhile read.

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