The Wonderling

(Paperback)

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Description

In this extraordinary debut novel, Mira Bartk tells the story of Arthur, a shy, fox-like groundling who sets out on a quest to find his destiny.

Welcome to the Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, an institution run by evil Miss Carbunkle, a cunning villainess who believes her terrified young groundlings exist only to serve and suffer. For the Wonderling, an innocent-hearted, fox-like eleven-year-old known only as number 13, it is the only home he has ever known. But when unexpected courage leads him to rescue a young bird groundling named Trinket, the Wonderling is given two incredible gifts: a real name Arthur, like the good king in the old stories and a best friend. Using Trinkets ingenious invention, the pair escape over the wall and embark on an adventure that will take them out into the wider world and down the path of Arthurs true destiny.

Reviews

[] a richly imaging fantasy adventure. * The Bookseller *
The Dickensian atmosphere of the orphanage he eventually escapes from is cut with the magical whimsy of Bartoks strange universe: its fantastic creatures, secret hideaways and the characters extraordinary gifts. Bartok relishes in descriptive minutiae, which she complements with delightful pencil sketches that give a tantalising glimpse of what the inevitable film adaptation will look like. * The Irish Times *
Theres a steampunk style to this quirky and remarkable novel [] Bartoks world has the feel of Dickens, with added fur and feathers, but also wonderful and whimsical illustrations to bring it alive. * The Herald *
Sparkling with the wit and wonder of a childrens classic, this exuberant quest-driven debut is a treat for readers of ten and over. [] Special mention must be made of the books physical gloriousness. Its a satisfyingly weighty tome, with evocatively intricate illustrations by the author. This is truly a book to treasure [] * Joanne Owen, LoveReading Debut of the Month *
Momentum builds toward a thrilling crescendo and, rarest of all, a wholly satisfying ending that still whets the appetite for a sequel. * NY Times *

Author Bio

Mira Bartk is a writer and artist whose New York Times best-selling memoir, The Memory Palace: A Memoir, won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography. The Wonderling is her first novel for young readers.