An exhilarating, awe-inspiring debut from a master storyteller writing for children for the first time, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Eva Ibbotson and His Dark Materials. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.

"A new and important voice for young people." Michael Morpurgo

"Dazzling! An instant classic. An eye-wateringly funny and jaw-droppingly fantastical adventure, chock-a-block with rare books, airships, and penguin-shaped hats." Ben Miller

"A wonderful story. Gripping and magical." Anthony Horowitz

When Rachel and Robert are passed a stolen book by their librarian father, they have to go on the run and protect it at all costs. With their father captured and everyone hunting for the Book, they must uncover its secrets and track down the final, missing page.

But the cruel and calculating Charles Malstain is on their trail. When the children discover the astonishing, magical truth about the Book, they resolve to do everything in their power to stop it falling into his hands. For if it does, he could rule forever.

Step inside the pages of an immortal adventure and discover a truly unforgettable journey of wonder, courage and magic...

About the Author
David Farr is one of the UK's leading screenwriters and directors for film, TV and theatre. In 2009, he was appointed Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, where his productions of The Winter's Tale, King Lear and The Homecoming all opened to critical acclaim. David is known for his work on Spooks and his 2016 BBC adaptation of The Night Manager, starring Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston. He completed his first feature film, Hanna, in 2009, and has since adapted it into a hugely successful series for Amazon Prime, and has recently adapted The Midwich Cuckoos for Sky.

Reviews
A new and important voice for young people. * Michael Morpurgo *
Told by a distinguished script writer with clarity, feeling and clever plotting, this involving tale asks who can be trusted in a world full of traitors, but finds the good in the end. * Children's Book of the Week, The Sunday Times *
A heart-stopping adventure of the kind that should appeal to fans of Eva Ibbotson and Philip Pullman. * The New Statesman *
An unforgettable adventure * The School Librarian *


Awards
Short-listed for Redbridge Children's Book Award 2022 (UK) and Juniper Book Awards 2023 (UK) and Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2023 (UK) and Sefton Super Reads Award 2023 (UK). Long-listed for The Branford Boase Award 2022 (UK) and Young Quills Award for Historical Fiction 2023 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781801315135
Author David Farr
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Usborne Publishing Ltd
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd
Weight(grams) 335g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 25mm