From Australia’s favourite storyteller comes a story that shows us the extraordinary power of true love and solves a decades-old mystery.

Once upon a time, in a dark city far away, there lived a boy called Walter, who had nothing but his name to call his own …

The handwritten book, with its strangely vivid illustrations, has been hidden in the old house for a long, long time. Tonight, four kids and their teacher will find it. Tonight, at last, the haunting story of Walter and the mysterious, tragic girl called Sparrow will be read – right to the very end …

From one of Australia’s most renowned children’s authors comes an extraordinary story within a story – a mystery, a prophecy, a long-buried secret. And five people who will remember this night for the rest of their lives.

PRAISE

‘Another magnificent book from Emily Rodda’ – Readings

‘guaranteed to capture the imaginations of 8+ mystery lovers’ – Better Reading

AWARDS

Winner – 2019 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards (Children’s Literature)

Winner – 2019 Australian Book Design Awards (Children’s Fiction Book)

Winner – 2019 CBCA Book of the Year Awards (Younger Readers)

Shortlisted – 2019 Davitt Awards (Children’s)

Shortlisted – 2019 QLD Literary Awards (Griffith University Children’s Book Award)

Shortlisted – 2018 Aurealis Awards (Best Young Adult Novel)

Author Biography

Emily Rodda’s first book, Something Special, was published with Angus & Robertson in 1984. It marked the beginning of a career that has seen her become one of the most successful, prolific and versatile writers in Australia.

Since then, Emily has written or co-authored over ninety books for children. Her children’s books range from picture books to YA novels, and include the award-winning Rowan of Rin series as well as the outstandingly successful Deltora Quest fantasy series.

A full-time writer since 1994, Emily has won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year award a record five times and seems to instinctively know what children want to read.

We are committed to protecting your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act and working with our suppliers to assist with warranty claims. Products sold by Mighty Ape will be covered by a Manufacturer's Warranty for at least a one-year period from the date of purchase.

Your warranty will cover any manufacturing defects which, if existing, will present themselves within this warranty period.

Your warranty will not cover normal wear and tear, faults caused by misuse, and accidents which cause damage or theft caused after delivery. Using the product in a way it is not designed for will void your warranty.

Please refer to our Help Centre for more information.