by Barbara Else
* LIANZA Children’s Book Awards 2015, finalist
* Storylines Notable Book 2015
Another magical mystery from the land of Fontania. This enthralling tale can be read as a stand-alone novel or as part of the award-winning Fontania series. All three books in the series will appeal to pre-teens who enjoy well-written stories with a touch of magic, humour, and plenty of action. —Bookrapt (NZ)
Else contrives a plot that leaves neither characters nor readers much chance to catch their breaths. Many chases and narrow squeaks later (highlighted by a nerve-wracking ride in a small homemade submarine…with a bear), a tumultuous face-off brings just deserts…An entertaining romp, more comical than scary and with a poignant but hopeful close. —Kirkus Reviews (US)
It is an excellent tale of magic, adventure, invention, humour and silliness...The crazy motorbike riding anarchists are a highlight but the true strength of the novel is the snappy, witty dialogue between the characters. —Your Weekend (NZ)
The detail is magnificent. The sentences marvellous. The characters magical. The story mesmerising...This book comes with a tiptop recommendation from me and is one of my favourite reads of the year. —Poetry Box (NZ)
It’s exciting and fun and full of action, with a wonderful feisty heroine. —Create a Kids Book (Australia)
First published in 2015 by Gecko Press
PO Box 9335, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, New Zealand
[email protected]
Text © 2015 Barbara Else
Cover and illustrations © 2015 Sam Broad
© Gecko Press Ltd
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted or utilized in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher.
First American edition published in 2016 by Gecko Press USA,
an imprint of Gecko Press Ltd
Distributed in the United States and Canada by Lerner Publishing Group,
www.lernerbooks.com
Distributed in the United Kingdom by Bounce Sales and Marketing,
www.bouncemarketing.co.uk
Distributed in Australia by Scholastic Australia, www.scholastic.com.au
Distributed in New Zealand by Upstart Distribution,www.upstartpress.co.nz
The author and Gecko Press acknowledge the generous support of
Creative New Zealand
Design by Luke Kelly, Wellington, New Zealand
ISBN hardback (USA): 978-1-776570-03-4
ISBN paperback: 978-1-776570-04-1
Ebook ISBNs: 978-1-776570-48-5 (epub); 978-1-776570-49-2 (mobi)
For more curiously good books, visit www.geckopress.com
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