"A grown-up gothic fairy tale" - The Guardian's "five best young adult books of 2023"

"With its silver-sprinkled jacket, this elegiac story . . . is perfect"
Children's Book of the Week - The Sunday Times

The award-winning, bestselling Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett unite for the first time to conjure up a thrilling fairy tale of ghosts and magic, highly illustrated throughout with a luscious blue ink.

On the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. When young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father's sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead.

Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission?

From the Costa Book Award-winning Frances Hardinge, author of The Lie Tree and Unraveller, with spectacular illustrations from double Kate Greenaway Medal winner Emily Gravett, this riveting coming-of-age tale will sweep you away on an unforgettable journey.

Island of Whispers is a beautiful hardback glittering all over with silver moths, making the most exquisite gift for anyone who loves mysterious fantasy worlds and graphic novels. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

Take a trip to the misty island of Merlank in this gothic thriller by Frances Hardinge, a coming-of-age tale, interwoven with stunning illustrations by Emily Gravett.

About the Author

Frances Hardinge spent a large part of her childhood in a huge old house that inspired her to write strange stories from an early age. She read English at Oxford University, then got a job at a software company. However, a few years later a persistent friend finally managed to bully Frances into sending a few chapters of Fly By Night, her first children's novel, to a publisher. Macmillan made her an immediate offer. The book went on to publish to huge critical acclaim and win the Branford Boase First Novel Award. She has since written many highly acclaimed children's novels, including Fly By Night's sequel Twilight Robbery, as well as the Carnegie-shortlisted Cuckoo Song and the Costa Book of the Year winner, The Lie Tree.

Emily Gravett has a rare talent for creating exceptional books for children. The winner of two CILIP Kate Greenaway Medals, her skill and wit are second to none. Emily first sprang into the limelight with the ground-breaking Wolves, which has been followed by such modern classics as Meerkat Mail, Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears, Monkey and Me and Again! and the fabulous Bear and Hare series for younger readers, as well as the beautiful Tidy, Old Hat, Cyril and Pat and Meerkat Christmas. Each book is unique and different from the last - and each features endearing, beautifully drawn characters that touch the heart and tickle the funny bone. Emily lives in Brighton with her family.

Reviews
A fabulously eerie tale that boldly confronts mortality.. the stunning illustrations by Emily Gravett cleverly capture the narrative's haunting mood.. the book is deceptively multi-layered * The Telegraph *
With its silver-sprinkled jacket, this elegiac story, part way between picture book and novella, is perfect for autumn.. with each word carefully and often surprisingly chosen, this gothic fable weaves a frisson-filled spell. * The Sunday Times *
Heightened by Gravett's blue-white expanses and stark black bricks and timbers, Hardinge's spare coming-of-age parable is laced with her trademark wisdom and subtlety.. this is ideal for 11+ readers who enjoy highly illustrated storytelling. * The Guardian's 'five best young adult books of 2023' *
Island of Whispers is a melancholy, mist-shrouded triumph * TLS's best children's books of 2023 *
The book features beautiful illustrations from Elisa Paganelli and perfect for children aged from nine. * School Reading List *
Frances Hardinge.. is a terrific YA author * The Observer *
Hardinge is an extraordinary writer for teenagers.. atmospheric illustrations add to the ghostly drama * Daily Mail *
An ideal gift book for both reluctant teen readers and enthusiastic readers with a penchant for the macabre. * Irish Times *
A dazzling coming-of-age story by the Costa-winning author. * i news *
Young readers will be in thrall to this unforgettable and ultimately heartwarming adventure. * Lancashire Evening Post *
Full of powerful images - in text and illustration - it should be read and reread * Books for Keeps *



Book Information
ISBN 9781529088076
Author Frances Hardinge
Format Hardback
Page Count 120
Imprint Two Hoots
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 574g
Dimensions(mm) 258mm * 204mm * 17mm