Trapped within the oppresive warrens of the city's chimneys, young sweeper Tom longs for fresh air and freedom in this atmospheric and ghostly tale from Lucy Strange.

Young chimney sweep Tom has started seeing strange, supernatural things - fairies in the flowers by the river, a soot monster crouching in the darkness of a chimney, and then the mysterious river spirit Elle. Elle joins Tom and the other children apprenticed to cruel master sweep Mister Crow. Together, they shimmy up the town's narrow, filthy chimneys. But Tom has an ominous feeling in his bones, and when he faces his most dangerous job of all, the reason for Elle's magical appearance becomes clear . . .

A ghostly new historical tale from award-winning author Lucy Strange

About the Author

Lucy Strange is the best-selling children's author of titles including The Secret of Nightingale Wood, a Waterstones Children's Book of the Month, and Our Castle by the Sea, which was nominated for the Carnegie Medal, shortlisted for the Waterstones Book Prize 2020, and was the first Independent Booksellers' Children's Book of the Month.

Reviews

"Combining fascinating and important history with the magical and supernatural, this captivating, beautiful and tragic story is sure to become essential reading for Upper Key Stage 2 children learning about the Industrial Revolution and the plight of those involved in child labour." - Kate Heap, Scope for Imagination

"A brilliant combination of the supernatural and historical fiction. Perfect for a history topic on the Industrial Revolution." - Father Teacher Reader

"This beautifully written book with equally beautiful illustrations had us immersed from the first page ... We were really drawn to the kindness of the characters and the warm and happy ending of this beautiful, evocative book." - Bentley Heath PS Book Club

Book Information
ISBN 9781800903258
Author Lucy Strange
Format Paperback
Page Count 80
Imprint Barrington Stoke Ltd
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 140g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 8mm