A tense and thrilling ghost story that revisits Cornwall's industrial past. Short-storytelling at its very best, from the UK's most beloved writer for children, the internationally acclaimed author of War Horse.

It all began with a necklace, made of glistening pink cowrie shells. A long, long necklace that had taken Cherry days – weeks – of careful, painstaking work. It was nearly complete, and Cherry was determined it would be the longest necklace she had ever made; that it would be fit for a giant! But the end of the holidays had arrived. "You've only got today, Cherry," said her mother. "Just today, that's all." Cherry didn't mind, a day would be enough – she only needed a few more shells. So, amidst the taunts of her older brothers, she set out to search for them. Then the clouds grew dark and the waves grew large, and as the storm blew in, Cherry realized, to her horror, that she was cut off from the shore. From then on, events began to take a decidedly dark turn. One from which there was no turning back...

Creators

Michael Morpurgo was 2003–2005 Children's Laureate, has written over 100 books and is the winner of many awards, including the Whitbread Children's Book Award, the Smarties Book Prize, the Blue Peter Award and the Red House Children's Book Award. His books are translated and read around the world and his hugely popular novel War Horse is now both a critically acclaimed stage play and a highly successful film. Michael and his wife, Clare, live in Devon. Visit Michael's website at: www.michaelmorpurgo.com.

Briony May Smith graduated in 2014 with a First Class BA (Hons) from Falmouth University. She is now a freelance illustrator specializing in children's books and graphic novels, and in 2015 her first picture book, Imelda and the Goblin King, was published by Flying Eye Books. Briony currently lives in Devon.

Reviews

Beautifully presented with stunning illustrations and delicious glossy pages, this is a treat for the senses.

Read Plus

“Now in paperback, a stunningly illustrated edition of his Cornish ghost story.”

The Bookseller

“It blew me away and I had to go back and read the book through again. That’s no hardship though – the writing is wonderfully clear and very accessible. […] Briony May Smith’s illustrations not only support the story – they add to it, particularly at the points when Cherry is frightened.”

thebookbag.co.uk

an outstanding example of an excellent story with the most unexpected, thrilling ending. Young readers of eight-plus will love it.

Newbury Weekly News

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