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 move to the countryside, he doesn’t like his new home one bit. It’s an old cottage on the side of a hill, where strange things keep happening: shoes are filled up with conkers, the stairs become tangled in a woollen maze. Jem’s sister Verity is certain it is the work of a “nouka”, an ancient creature from local folklore that lives deep down inside the hill. Jem, however, is adamant that there is no such thing.
But this small mythical creature, so attuned to the hearts and minds of others, does exist. And, what’s more, it is determined, through mischief and mayhem, to help Jem reignite the spark within himself once more.

"an autumnal balm for anyone in need of a little magic in their lives." - children's book of the week, the Times

"Expert storytelling conjures up an unhappy boy whose little sister believes in naughty magical creatures. It suggests that a bit of wild behaviour can be cheering.” - ‘Watch Out For’ for children’s fiction in the Sunday Times

"Traditional in its style, this beautiful book will tug at the heart of any reader regardless of age. […] No one would be unhappy after seeing the stunning illustrations that accompany this extraordinary story." - Sunday Times, “The 60 children’s books you should buy this Christmas as chosen by the booksellers of Ireland”

"a tender story […] Jaglenka Terrazzini’s illustrations sit at the book’s intersection of mythical intrigue and emotional turmoil." - ‘The next chapter in children’s picture books’, Financial Times

"A gentle, empowering tale with entrancing illustrations.” - Daily Mail