A lavishly illustrated woodland tale with a classic sensibility and modern flair, from the author of the novel Wicked, which inspired the hit musical.

Gregory Maguire turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on and finding community. When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It's a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what's left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse superintendent, a rowdy family of squirrels and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone's business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbours, and no Papa, ever be home?

In the timeless spirit of E. B. White and The Wind and the Willows - yet thoroughly of its time - this read-aloud and read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages features an unforgettable cast that leaps off the page in glowing illustrations by David Litchfield.

About the Author

Gregory Maguire is the author of the incredibly popular books in the Wicked Years series, including Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which inspired the musical. He is also the author of several books for children, including What-the-Dickens, a New York Times bestseller, and Egg & Spoon, a New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year. Gregory Maguire lives outside Boston.

David Litchfield started to draw when he was very young, creating comics for his older brother and sister. Since then his work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, and books and on T-shirts. His first picture book, The Bear and the Piano, won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. He is also the illustrator of Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and War Is Over by David Almond. David Litchfield lives in Bedfordshire.

Reviews
Every now and then, along comes a story with all the hallmarks of a children's classic... a magical world of animals with an irresistible nostalgic flavour, and fabulous illustrations which leap off the page. [...] With the feel of a timeless classic but still retaining a contemporary vibe, this unforgettable and tender meditation on coming-of-age is brought to vivid life by the colour, vibrancy and dynamism of Litchfield's extraordinary illustrations. A read-aloud or read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages. -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Evening Post *
Cress Watercress is a classic in the making and is one of the most stunning books I have ever seen. A wonderful woodland tale full of adventure which will pull on the heartstrings of any reader. Covering themes of loss within the family this book will not only support young readers but educate them about grief too. * Little Blog of Library Treasures *
Full of heart, with some sadness, essentially this is a charming story of moving on, growing up, forming friendships and learning to love, becoming part of a new community and flourishing. * Red Reading Hub *
At times humorous and always touching, this story manages to be both timeless and modern, and would make a wonderful gift for fans of Charlotte's Web and Wind In The Willows. * My Book Corner *
With Christmas just around the corner, Cress Watercress would make a great present for an animal lover. * Story Snug *



Book Information
ISBN 9781529507102
Author Gregory Maguire
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 650g
Dimensions(mm) 238mm * 160mm * 25mm