Candyfloss

Description

Candyfloss is a heartwarming and emotional story about a young girl named Floss Barnes (nicknamed “Candyfloss” by her dad) whose life is turned upside down when she has to make a very difficult decision between her parents.

Floss lives with her mum, Sally, and her stepdad, Steve, but she also spends weekends with her real dad, Charlie, who runs a struggling greasy-spoon café. Floss loves both her parents dearly, but her home life is complicated. When Sally and Steve decide to move to Australia for six months because of Steve’s work, Floss is faced with a huge choice: should she go with her mum to a glamorous new life in Australia — or stay behind with her kind but unreliable dad, who can barely look after himself, let alone a child?

Floss chooses to stay with her dad, showing incredible loyalty and love. But life with Charlie is not easy. Money is tight, her school life becomes difficult (especially because of mean girls like Rhiannon, her former best friend), and sometimes things feel overwhelming.

Throughout it all, Floss shows amazing resilience. She finds new friends, like the kind and supportive Susan, and starts to discover that real happiness comes from love, friendship, and being true to yourself — not from fancy houses, expensive clothes, or glamorous trips.

A highlight of the story is a fun day out at the fair, where Floss gets to eat candyfloss (cotton candy) and enjoy a simple but joyful time with her dad, which becomes a symbol of her sweet but sometimes messy life.

Key Themes:

• Family and Divorce: Floss’s story shows the struggles kids face when parents separate and how hard it is to choose between people you love.

• Friendship: Floss learns the difference between real friends and fake ones, and how true friendship can be a source of strength.

• Resilience and Loyalty: Despite the hard times, Floss never gives up on her dad or herself.

• Poverty vs. Riches: The book gently explores the idea that money doesn’t always equal happiness — love, kindness, and loyalty are far more valuable.

Why Kids Love It:

• Relatable characters: Many readers connect deeply with Floss and her emotions.

• Real-life challenges: Jacqueline Wilson doesn’t shy away from showing how hard growing up can be, but she always leaves room for hope.

• Emotional but hopeful: Though there are sad moments, the story ends with a sense of hope, strength, and love.