Malamander
The first in a hugely original and highly popular middle grade seaside mystery series for children aged 9, 10, 11, 12 from an award-winning author
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Walker Books
Nobody visits Eerie-on-Sea in the winter. Especially not when darkness falls and the wind howls around Maw Rocks and the wreck of the battleship Leviathan, where even now some swear they have seen the unctuous Malamander creep…
Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, knows that returning lost things to their rightful owners is not easy – especially when the lost thing is not a thing at all, but a girl. No one knows what happened to Violet Parma’s parents twelve years ago, and when she engages Herbie to help her find them, the pair discover that their disappearance might have something to do with the legendary sea-monster, the Malamander. Eerie-on-Sea has always been a mysteriously chilling place, where strange stories seem to wash up. And it just got stranger...
Creators
Thomas Taylor is an award-winning author-illustrator for children. He illustrated the cover for the very first Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and has since gone on to write and illustrate several picture books and young novels; most recently he illustrated Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter, written by Marcus Sedgwick. He lives on the south coast of England, and can be found on Facebook and Twitter: @ThomasHTaylor
Reviews
Middle school readers are sure to enjoy this fast-paced fantasy and are likely to be delighted to know that it is the first of a series. The archetypal characters are well-formed and believable, which is a strength for the intended audience. …Highly Recommended
CBCA: Reading Time Blog
So begins this rollicking, suspense-driven adventure that will thrill, frighten and delight readers
Readings
This story has everything a middle years lover of fantasy could wish for: loveable characters, a scary formidable foe, moments of wonder, and a fantastic adventure. It is hard to put this book down as it draws you in. I think it has all the ingredients to become a staple on the bookshelves of teen readers.
Glam Adelaide
Malamander is a fresh and charming tale of mystery and old-fashioned adventure; it is fast-paced and imaginative, and full of colourful characters. Highly recommended.
Magpies
The adventure is told in an endearingly rambling style that some kids might find a bit confusing, until they get into it. Then they won’t be able to put this book down.
MumLyfe
