Author(s): Maggie O'Farrell

Picture books

The new children’s book from multi-award-winning author of Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell, paired once more with Daniela Terrazzini’s stunning illustrations.

When Jem and his family first move to a small town, he struggles with his new life. The unhappier he grows, the stranger things become … mischief and chaos seems to bloom everywhere. His sister Verity is sure it is the work of a “nouka”, an ancient creature that lives deep down inside the hill; a creature forged from the sparks of a long-extinct volcano. Jem is adamant – there is no such thing. But it is through the magic and mayhem of this small mystical creature that Jem finally finds a sense of belonging, a sense of home. He, once more, discovers a spark of magic.

A beautiful and atmospheric long-form picture book set against a dramatic backdrop of an ancient hillside and the mysterious mood-affecting creature that lives within..