Sophie Anderson - The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away - Book Review/Pre-order - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd, 9th of April 2026. Book Cover art by Melissa Castrillion and inside illustrations by Elisa Pagnelli.

The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is a magnificent and magical follow-up to Sophie Anderson’s enchanting tale that has captured the hearts of thousands, ESPECIALLY ME. This sequel is a spellbinding return to a universe where fantasy and heartfelt emotion intertwine, so much so you might JUST shed a tear or two. 

From the very first page, Anderson’s lyrical storytelling draws you into a realm bursting with wonder and fairy-tale magic. The narrative whisks you away on a pestle and mortar called Valiant, you heard it! In a breathtaking adventure Marinka, with the help of her loyal friend Benjamin and the quick-witted jackdaw Jack, races across fantastical lands in pursuit of answers. The story’s adventurous pace and imaginative settings keep readers of all ages on the edge of their seats. 

What makes this book truly shine is its blend of folklore, fairy-tale wonder and deep, relatable emotions. Marinka’s journey is not just one of physical pursuit but also one of self-discovery and courage. Facing her fears whilst unravelling the mysteries behind her house’s unexpected rebellion, Marinka’s quest is both a vivid adventure and a touching exploration of identity, freedom, and the bonds of friendship.

The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is, without question, one of the best reads of the year. It offers a continuation of a beloved story while standing on its own as a masterful fairy-tale adventure. Whether you are a longtime fan of the series or new to Marinka’s world, you will find yourself captivated by the book’s charm and warmth.

Get ready to run wild with this house again, the epic tale reminds us that even when everything seems to fall apart, there is always magic waiting just around the bend. 

Why not Pre-order The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away to receive a limited-edition print of Elisa Pagnelli's gorgeous art and a brilliant badge pack so you can carry the house with you ✨E-mail proof of pre-order to marketing@usborne.co.uk✨ Offer ends 08.04.26 UK Only 🙏 You can pre-order from anywhere... but please also remember to support independent bookshops.  

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Emma Rea - ENTANGLED - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

By Emma Rea | Cover artwork by Kade Doszla
Published by Firefly Press| 2nd April 2026 | ISBN 9781917718189

A Thrilling Venetian Quest! 

Emma Rea’s upcoming novel, set against the evocative backdrop of Venice, promises a captivating blend of suspense, emotion, and mystery that can grip readers from the very first page.

An Imaginative Setting - One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its rich portrayal of Venice. The labyrinthine canals, bustling carnivals, and shadowed alleyways not only create a picturesque setting but also serve as the perfect stage for the unfolding mystery. This vibrant yet mysterious backdrop elevates the narrative and adds layers of depth, immersing the reader in a city where beauty and danger coexist.

A Tale of Family and Determination - At its heart, the story is a moving exploration of sibling love and resilience. Tia’s triumph in winning an art prize trip contrasts sharply with her vulnerability as a blind individual. Her brother Thomas, whose endearing clumsiness only makes him more relatable, embodies the fierce determination of a protective sibling. His journey through the darkened streets in search of his missing sister is both a literal and metaphorical quest, highlighting the lengths one will go to for family.

A Gripping Conspiracy - The disappearance of Tia is the catalyst for a suspenseful narrative that keeps the reader guessing at every turn. With no one to believe his concerns, Thomas's lone crusade into the hidden corners of Venice uncovers a conspiracy that is as hair-raising as it is complex. Rea weaves this mystery wonderfully, mixing elements of psychological intrigue with high stakes, ensuring that every page is steeped in tension and urgency.

Emma Rea’s novel promises to be a memorable journey through both the vibrant heart of Venice and the intricate landscape of family loyalty and human determination. With its blend of atmospheric settings, heartfelt emotion, and a twisting plot, this book is set to become a standout read for those who crave a story that is as visually rich as it is emotionally compelling. Keep an eye out for its release early April 2026—it might just be the next literary adventure that captivates your imagination.

Stéphane Servant - MONSTERS - Translated by Sarah Ardizzone Illustrated by Nicolas Zouliamis - Book Preview - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

It all starts when a travelling circus arrives in a small village... Everyone is intrigued and excited to see the show, which is said to feature a terrifying monster. That evening, Otto, the narrator, takes a seat in the tent. But when the curtains open, the reader gets a big surprise: the monster on the stage is actually a human child, while the audience is full of terrifying, grotesque monsters! Otto, whose face is finally revealed, is also a hairy monster. Little by little, Otto and the human child get to know each other, and change the way they both look at the world.

A gorgeously illustrated middle-grade novel / graphic novel hybrid, set in a deliciously gothic world of monsters. Published by Pushkin Children's Books ( 12 Mar. 2026) Hardback. 

Our village lay at the end of the world. Truly, the end of the world.

Beyond it was nothing, apart from the shadow cast by the mountains, a sea of dark mossy trees and lakes as deep as night.

The only way to reach our village was by a dusty, back-breaking track.

Meaning hardly anyone ever made it there. Sometimes, a blind peddler might pass by selling ointments and potions, or books nibbled at by rats. Sometimes, a few foolhardy walkers strayed this far: it was fun terrifying them, and they were gone in a flash. But it was rare indeed for anyone to venture along the treacherous stony path.

Pa, Ma and I lived in the house at the end of the village, by the silent road where only the dust danced.

Perhaps that’s why, on the day I was woken by the noise, I knew something unusual was afoot.
It sounded like tumbling stones.

Except it wasn’t coming from my dreams, or from the house. Although it felt that close.

I stood on my bed and pressed my nose against the cold windowpane.