Quick Look
- Hop on an enchanted tandem bike and set off on a spellbinding adventure full of magic, mystery and a fantastic cast of intriguing characters
- Winner of The Kelpies Prize 2018, Hannah Foley is a sparky, imaginative new voice in children’s middle-grade fantasy
- Set against the backdrop of Scotland’s majestic landscape, follow Avery (part-girl, part-cat) on a captivating quest to find where she belongs
- Perfect for fans of Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor and Cressida Cowell’s The Wizards of Once series
On a quest to uncover her forgotten past, Avery Buckle (part-girl, part-cat) is plunged into a haphazard world of shadowy monsters, bewitched libraries and flying bicycles. A warm and quirky whirlwind of an adventure, full of magical heart.
Description
Part-girl, part-cat, Avery Buckle has always known she's a little different (after all, her tail is a bit of a giveaway). What Avery doesn't know is that she is the only one who can uncover a forgotten magical secret and bring back a great lost wizard.
Teaming up with shape-shifting best friend Low, and with help from her witch guardians, Avery is plunged into a haphazard world of shadowy monsters, bewitched libraries and flying bicycles.
Grab your enchanted tandem bike and hold on tight! Wildly inventive and packed with fantastical thrills, The Spellbinding Secret of Avery Buckle is a warm and quirky whirlwind of an adventure, full of magical heart.
Reviews
'This is our favourite read of the year, so far – a fast-paced, magical adventure that takes readers to iconic settings in the company of characters who are memorable, endearing, and so much fun!
There are so many lovely touches to this story, from a flying tandem named Sparrow, to Orkney’s fiddle-playing stone giants, and even its darker elements are exposed with a gentle touch (which we value, having read several too-scary stories recently). There is a delicious shiver of danger that keeps us turning pages, but it never creeps into nightmare.
The Spellbinding Secret of Avery Buckle is a tale about courage, friendship and belonging. While lost in its pages, we felt we belonged with Avery and her extraordinary companions, and certainly hope to be spending time with them again before too long.
-- Roaring Reads
'Hannah Foley’s story of unforgettable friendship and finding out who you really are whether you’re a cat or not, is the best adventure of them all. From dragons to trolls and every magical creature in between, this is a fascinating tale that will have you racing through the fast-paced action and laughing along with Avery and Low as they find themselves involved in one fantastical escapade after another.'
-- Sarah Broadley, My Book Corner
'Incorporating legends, prophesies, and a diverse assortment of characters, this story will draw readers in, allowing them to experience it almost as though it can be viewed directly. Cinematic sequences make the story come alive and capture the attention of readers of all ages...
A fanciful story of friendship and self-discovery, this book will be especially enjoyed by middle grade readers with an interest in fantasy and Scottish folklore. Its pacing and delivery are well executed, pulling readers along until the final page is turned. This is a delightful addition to libraries for confident middle grade readers.'
-- Mary R. Lanni (Librarian, blogger)
Author
Hannah Foley grew up in Devon and worked as a registered nurse for a number of years before returning to school to study illustration at Edinburgh College of Art. She is now a freelance illustrator living in Devon, illustrating for children, young people and families in the educational and charitable sectors. Hannah loves creating narratives with both words and pictures.
