WINNER: 2024 Indies Children's Book of the Year 'Jaclyn Moriarty is one of the most original writers we have.'Markus Zusak Lillian Velvet lives a very lonely life with her cold and remote Grandmother. That is, until her tenth birthday, when she is given a pickle jar of gold coins, along with a note with clear instructions: don't go out, don't open the door for anyone, and don't spend all your coins in one day. What happens next seems impossible. The coins whisk Lillian away to a different time and place. There she meets a small boy in a circus about to be crushed to death; a lively family, each member in a distinctive form of mortal danger; a boy with a skateboard; and a girl who can Whisper. And a web of dangerous magic closing tight around it all. Why is Lillian here? How is she supposed to help these new friends? And - most importantly - what happens if she fails? An exciting tale in the magical Kingdoms and Empires world, where seemingly disparate elements are spun until all is revealed as one delicious, tantalising whole. 'Complex and clever, Lillian Velvet's adventure through time is expertly plotted and a joy to read. She's won my heart.' Reece Carter, bestselling author of A Girl Called Corpse 'A must-have for any middle grade collection with fantasy lovers, and those who enjoy the likes of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman, and Lemony Snicket.' School Library Journal PRAISE FOR THE KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES BOOKS 'Charms, thrills and delights ... brilliantly evoking echoes of Diana Wynne Jones.' Garth Nix, bestselling author of the Keys to the Kingdoms series 'Brimming with bright new magic ... Just perfect.' Karen Foxlee, award-winning and bestselling author of Dragon Skin 'It's my favourite book ever. I want to put it in a glass case to look at always. 5 stars!' Daisy, age 7 'Humorous, whimsical and beguiling ... intricately and ingeniously plotted tale.' The Australian 'A middle-grade version of Terry Pratchett's Discworld - fantasy adventure steeped in humour, with a touch of satire.' Booklist (starred review)