MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS: Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition - HEAT FOUR - 2023/24

 Welcome once again to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 14th Annual Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition! This vibrant event showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of artists from all around the world. As we continue to foster a love for highlighting the unsung heroes/teams of our favourite book covers.  Join us on this exciting journey and spread the word as we embark on another year of discovering extraordinary artistry that brings enchanting stories to life through the power of illustrations. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and be a part of this remarkable celebration of children's illustration and design! Previous winners HERE!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Competition Rules 

There will be FIVE (4 of 5) weekly heats; each with SIX books to vote for. Although there will be 7 book covers in the final to vote for. All heat winners will make the grand final plus two book covers WITH the highest number of votes from all the previous heats. 

Congratulations! HEAT ONE WINNER: Bex Hogan - Bronte Tempestra and the Lightning Steeds - Published by Piccadilly Press (1 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Hannah McCaffery and art directed by Dominica Clements

HEAT TWO WINNER: Rachel Chivers Khoo - The Magician Next Door - Published by Walker Books (7 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Alice McKinley and cover designer Maia Fjord 

HEAT THREE WINNER:  Rhian Tracey Hide and Seek: A Bletchley Park Mystery - Published by Piccadilly Press (29 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by David Dean 

Each week you vote you will be in with a chance to win an exciting prize. 

This week's great prize is a £10 Book Voucher and hardback Book Rainbow Rowell - ALMOST MIDNIGHT/bar of chocolate. Good luck everybody! 

If you are interested all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll HERE  (or at the bottom of the post)
• Leave a comment through this post/poll or see pinned Tweet/X for more details on @Enchantedbooks
• This poll will end on the 18th of December 2023 at Midnight (UK). 

Have fun and share with the world through Twitter, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Watch the voting develop, and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed).

Here are the six brilliant book covers to vote for this week: 

BOOK ONE: Méabh McDonnell - Into the Witchwood - Published by O'Brien Press Ltd (25 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by ERIN BROWN -  VOTE HERE 

BOOK TWO: Piu Dasgupta - Secrets of the Snakestone - Published by Nosy Crow (14 Mar. 2024) Book Cover Illustrated by HELEN CRAWFORD-WHITE - VOTE HERE 

BOOK THREE: Nicola Davies - Skrimsli - Book Published by Firefly Press (14 Sept. 2023) -  Book Cover Illustrated by JACKIE MORRIS - VOTE HERE 

BOOK FOUR: Bethany Walker - Olly Brown, GOD of Hamsters - Published by Scholastic (13 April 2023) -  Book Cover Illustrated by JACK NOEL - VOTE HERE 

BOOK FIVE: Justin Somper - New Kid on Deck: Pirate Academy - Published by UCLan Publishing (7 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by TEO SKAFFA -  VOTE HERE

BOOK SIX: Michelle Harrison - Twice Upon A Time - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (11 April 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by NATALIE SMILLIE - VOTE HERE 

HAPPY VOTING!

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Festive and Christmas Children's Book and Gift Delights - 2023

 

Introducing our delightful festive children's book picks for Christmas 2023! Immerse your little ones and old ones in the magic of the season with enchanting stories, colorful illustrations, and heartwarming characters that will captivate your imagination. From tales of Santa's adventures to stories about friendship and the true meaning of Christmas, our book recommendations are sure to bring joy and wonder to your family's holiday celebrations. Get ready to embark on a memorable literary journey filled with holiday cheer!

Eoin Colfer (Author), Chaya Prabhat (Illustrator)  - Juniper's Christmas - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (26 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008475536 - Hardback - Age: 8+

A brand-new Christmas classic adventure about the magic of Santa Claus, set in North London and the North Pole – from the bestselling author of Artemis Fowl

IT ALL STARTED IN CHRISTMAS PAST . . .

It’s been ten years since Santa Claus performed his Christmas duties, but when Juniper Lane discovers the mysterious Niko, who lives in her local London park surrounded by Christmas trees and reindeer that can fly, she steps into a Christmas story like no other.

When Juniper’s mum goes missing and the park comes under threat from an ambitious park keeper, Juniper enlists Niko, who is surely Santa Claus, to help.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Juniper must find her mother, restore the festive spirit, bring to life the true magic of the season and learn to ride her very own reindeer.

A brand-new festive classic, Juniper’s Christmas is a rip-roaring magical adventure filled with heart and humour – where one girl’s love might just be strong enough to save her family and Father Christmas himself.

Sophie Anderson (Author), Melissa Castrillion (Illustrator) - The Snow Girl - Published by Usborne Publishing (26 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1803704357 - Hardback - Age: 7+ 

From award-winning and critically acclaimed Sophie Anderson, comes a fairy-tale story of friendship, belonging and bravery, in an adventure through a winter wonderland. The perfect read for the whole family this Christmas.

I wish the snow girl would come to life. Then I would have a friend, a real friend I could trust, and I wouldn't feel so alone.

When Tasha builds a snow girl with her grandpa, all she wants is for her to be real. If only wishes on snow could come true... Then Tasha meets Alyana, a friend made of wishes, starlight, snowfall and magic. But when your best friend is made of winter, what do you do when spring comes?

Alex T Smith - The Nutcracker: And the Mouse King's Christmas Shenanigans - Published by Macmillan Children's Books (5 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1035028177 - Hardback - Age: 5+ 

A gorgeous retelling of children's Christmas classic The Nutcracker - a Christmas Story in twenty-four-and-a-half chapters. 

The Mouse King is up to some very sneaky shenanigans.

The night before Christmas, he steals the key to the Kingdom of Sweets and sets out to cause as much festive mayhem as he can!

Clara and Fritz Strudel, and their new friend the Nutcracker, are the only ones who can stop him. But when a magical curse is put on Fritz, it's a race against time to make it to the Kingdom of Sweets and find the Sugar Plum Fairy – the only one who can break the spell!

Can the adventurers stop the Mouse King's naughty plan and save Fritz, before it's too late?

With irresistible colour illustrations, a festively foiled cover and a chapter to enjoy each day in December, The Nutcracker And the Mouse King's Christmas Shenanigans is a gorgeous hardback, perfect for reading together.

J.R. Buchta (Author), Erin O'Leary Brown (Illustrator) - The Wonderful Once - Published by Warbucks Inc. (6 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8986989525 - Hardback - Age: 4+ 

"Most things in life happen over and over again.

Some things happen only once.

This is the story of a wonderful once."

A little boy goes on a fantastic Christmas adventure in this story of a kind gesture that results in a magical journey, full of stardust and snowflakes. It's an all-around feel-good story with a surprise ending and a powerful message. Brought to life by beautiful illustrations, this enchanting tale captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of a single good deed that changed the world forever. It has all the makings of an annual read for families at Christmastime and a fresh look at some age-old traditions that will surely capture the interest of readers around the world.

Why Readers Love The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story:

• A new family Christmas tradition for readers around the world
• Teaches kids the values of giving and kindness that will last throughout the year
• A feel-good tale for readers of all ages (0-102)
• Makes a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for children, parents, grandparents, and teachers
• Screen-free family time during the cold winter months and holiday season

Julian Sedgwick & Chie Kutsuwada - 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café is a captivating and enchanting book that seamlessly blends manga/graphic novel and prose to deliver a rich collection of ghost stories. Written by Julian Sedgwick and beautifully illustrated by Chie Kutsuwada, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey through Japan 'between the worlds'.

The story revolves around Akira, a young boy who is abducted by spirits, who sets out on a quest to find his family and rescue his sister before time runs out. As Akira and his companions venture deeper into northern Japan, they encounter a myriad of yokai monsters and famous ghosts, unravelling a tapestry of interlinked and ghostly short stories.

Julian's storytelling prowess shines through as he masterfully navigates his imaginative skateboard by weaving together tales that are both heartfelt and eerie. He really does create a delightful balance of emotions. The prose effortlessly transports readers into the mystical folklore realm, allowing them to immerse themselves in the vivid and rich atmospheric setting of the Tokyo Ghost Café.

What sets this book apart is the inclusion of manga illustrations by Chie Kutsuwada. Her artwork beautifully complements Sedgwick's prose, bringing the characters and the supernatural world to life with stunning detail and evocative imagery. The combination of manga and prose adds a unique and dynamic element to the storytelling, enhancing the reading experience as you go on a journey throughout the story.  

Each ghostly tale within the collection is carefully crafted, presenting a diverse range of narratives that explore themes of loss, redemption, and the power of human connections. Sedgwick's ability to capture the essence of Japanese folklore and mythology is commendable, offering readers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japan. The book connects really well to the previous book Tsunami Girl which was also excellent and fabulously immersive. 

"100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café" is a must-read for fans of ghost stories, manga, and captivating storytelling. Sedgwick's imaginative experiences and love for the Japanese culture make the narrative very special. Kutsuwada's exquisite artwork makes for a truly immersive reading experience. Whether you are seeking spine-chilling encounters or heartwarming moments, this book delivers an abundance of both, leaving readers spellbound until the very last page. The book was published by Guppy Books (23 Nov. 2023). BUY HERE!

MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS: Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition - HEAT THREE - 2023/24

 Welcome once again to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 14th Annual Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition! This vibrant event showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of artists from all around the world. As we continue to foster a love for highlighting the unsung heroes/teams of our favourite book covers.  Join us on this exciting journey and spread the word as we embark on another year of discovering extraordinary artistry that brings enchanting stories to life through the power of illustrations. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and be a part of this remarkable celebration of children's illustration and design! Previous winners HERE!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Competition Rules 

There will be FIVE (3 of 5) weekly heats; each with SIX books to vote for. Although there will be 7 book covers in the final to vote for. All heat winners will make the grand final plus two book covers WITH the highest number of votes from all the previous heats. 

Congratulations! HEAT ONE WINNER: Bex Hogan - Bronte Tempestra and the Lightning Steeds - Published by Piccadilly Press (1 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Hannah McCaffery and art directed by Dominica Clements

HEAT TWO WINNER: Rachel Chivers Khoo - The Magician Next Door - Published by Walker Books (7 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Alice McKinley and cover designer Maia Fjord 

Each week you vote you will be in with a chance to win an exciting prize. 

This week's great prize is a £10 Book Voucher and a Hardback book - Sally Nicholls/Julia Sarda - GODFATHER DEATH and a bar of chocolate. Good luck everybody! 

If you are interested all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll HERE  (or at the bottom of the post)
• Leave a comment through this post/poll or see pinned Tweet/X for more details on @Enchantedbooks
• This poll will end on the 7th of December 2023 at Midnight (UK). 

Have fun and share with the world through Twitter, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Watch the voting develop, and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed).

Here are the six brilliant book covers to vote for this week: 

BOOK ONE: Norm Konyu - A Call To Cthulhu - Published by Titan Comics (5 Dec. 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by Norm Konyu - VOTE HERE

BOOK TWO: Nicola Baker - Finding Hope (A Whistledown Farm Adventure)- Book Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (29 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by Rachel Dean - VOTE HERE 

BOOK  THREE: Stuart White - Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time - Published by Penobi Press (30 Nov. 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by Jennifer Jameson - VOTE HERE

BOOK FOUR: Andy Ruffell - Lily Grim and the City of Undone - Published by Hodder Children's Books (11 May 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by Francesca Cabonari - VOTE HERE

BOOK FIVE: Rhian Tracey Hide and Seek: A Bletchley Park Mystery - Published by Piccadilly Press (29 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by David Dean - VOTE HERE 

BOOK SIX: Sam Sedgman - The Clockwork Conspiracy - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (1 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole  - VOTE HERE 

HAPPY VOTING! 

The Best Children's Book Picks NOVEMBER 2023 - US Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Sharon Cameron - ARTIFICE - Published by Scholastic Press (November 7, 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1338813951 - Hardback - Age: 11+ 

A dramatic story of duplicity and resistance, betrayal and loyalty, set against the backdrop of World War II, by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Light in Hidden Places.

Isa de Smit was raised in the vibrant, glittering world of her parents' small art gallery in Amsterdam, a hub of beauty, creativity, and expression, until the Nazi occupation wiped the color from her city's palette. The "degenerate" art of the Gallery de Smit is confiscated, the artists in hiding or deported, her best friend, Truus, fled to join the shadowy Dutch resistance. And masterpiece by masterpiece, the Nazis are buying and stealing her country’s heritage, feeding the Third Reich's ravenous appetite for culture and art.

So when the unpaid taxes threaten her beloved but empty gallery, Isa decides to make the Nazis pay. She sells them a fake--a Rembrandt copy drawn by her talented father--a sale that sets Isa perilously close to the second most hated class of people in Amsterdam: the collaborators. Isa sells her beautiful forgery to none other than Hitler himself, and on the way to the auction, discovers that Truus is part of a resistance ring to smuggle Jewish babies out of Amsterdam.

But Truus cannot save more children without money. A lot of money. And Isa thinks she knows how to get it. One more forgery, a copy of an exquisite Vermeer, and the Nazis will pay for the rescue of the very children they are trying annihilate. To make the sale, though, Isa will need to learn the art of a master forger, before the children can be deported, and before she can be outed as a collaborator. And she finds an unlikely source to help her do it: the young Nazi soldier, a blackmailer and thief of Dutch art, who now says he wants to desert the German army.

Yet, worth is not always seen from the surface, and a fake can be difficult to spot. Both in art, and in people. Based on the true stories of Han Van Meegeren, a master art forger who sold fakes to Hermann Goering, and Johann van Hulst, credited with saving 600 Jewish children from death in Amsterdam, Sharon Cameron weaves a gorgeously evocative thriller, simmering with twists, that looks for the forgotten color of beauty, even in an ugly world.

Adria Knudson - Wispwood Chronicles - Published by Red Dirt Road Publishing (November 16, 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8989458516 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

An enchanted forest. A long-lost treasure. Mysteries to be solved. Dive into an exciting adventure for children ages 8-12 full of magical creatures and friendship!

In the heart of an ancient forest lies the mystical town of Wispwood, where magic thrives and secrets rustle among the trees. When an injustice shatters their peaceful existence, four unlikely friends unite to restore honor and harmony. Ghosts stand accused, a treasure long lost beckons, and a web of deception unravels.
Together, Lily, Theo, Noah and Ella confront the unknown, forging unbreakable bonds and discovering their true strengths. Will justice prevail, or will fear and revenge forever shadow Wispwood?

Ben Lerwill (Author), Grahame Baker-Smith (Illustrator) - Stone Age Beasts - Published by Candlewick (November 7, 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536231342 - Hardback Picture Book - Age: 6+ 

The spectacle of Stone Age life stampedes off the page in an engaging, eye-popping gift book illustrated by a Kate Greenaway Medal winner.

Are you brave enough to come face-to-face with the biggest and most awe-inspiring prehistoric beasts? In this dramatic introduction to the Stone Age world, the stupendous giants that shared the earth with our human ancestors—from the woolly mammoth and the fearsome saber-toothed cat to the elephant bird and the giant wombat—leap, slither, and swoop to life on eighteen atmospheric and densely packed double-page spreads spotlighting animals from around the globe. Each lively profile is anchored to a stunning illustration by Kate Greenaway Medal winner Grahame Baker-Smith and features jaw-dropping facts about the animal’s anatomy and behavior, with an emphasis on how it interacted with early humans. Sidebars highlight scientific name, weight, territorial range, and extinction dates, while a glossary and end notes offer additional color and context to round out a boldly packaged and richly absorbing journey of discovery.

Olivia O'Bryon - Little Bird & the Graveyard - Published Independently published (November 11, 2023) - Paperback - Age: 7+ 

Ten-year-old Indie has a lot of questions. Not only is she on a mission to find a ghost in the graveyard across the street from her house, but she also wants to know why her mom left her and her brother with their dad a few months earlier. After all, if she figures out why her mom is gone, then maybe she can stop feeling so upset. To find answers, Indie will have to be brave. She needs to befriend the family of caretakers who live at the graveyard, which means coming face-to-face with the old man who hates her dog and dealing with a boy who is a couple of years older and clearly doesn't want her around. Her quest will also push her to snoop through the creepy apartment downstairs and visit the graveyard with her brother at night. While none of these adventures will keep Indie out of trouble, they will lead to some life-changing answers, including the realization that a ghost has something to do with her mother's absence.

MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS: Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition - HEAT TWO - 2023/24

 Welcome once again to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 14th Annual Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition! This vibrant event showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of artists from all around the world. As we continue to foster a love for highlighting the unsung heroes/teams of our favourite book covers.  Join us on this exciting journey and spread the word as we embark on another year of discovering extraordinary artistry that brings enchanting stories to life through the power of illustrations. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and be a part of this remarkable celebration of children's illustration and design! Previous winners HERE!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Competition Rules 

There will be FIVE weekly heats; each with SIX books to vote for. Although there will be 7 book covers in the final to vote for. All heat winners will make the grand final plus two book covers WITH the highest number of votes from all the previous heats. 

Congratulations! HEAT ONE WINNER: Bex Hogan - Bronte Tempestra and the Lightning Steeds - Published by Piccadilly Press (1 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Hannah McCaffery and art directed by Dominica Clements

Each week you vote you will be in with a chance to win an exciting prize. 

This week's great prize is a £10 Book Voucher/Dan Smith's Book - The Wall Between Us/bar of chocolate. 

If you are interested all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll HERE  (or at the bottom of the post)
• Leave a comment through this post/poll or see pinned Tweet/X for more details on @Enchantedbooks
• This poll will end on the 27th of November 2023 at Midnight (UK). 

Have fun and share with the world through Twitter, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Watch the voting develop, and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed).

Here are the six brilliant book covers to vote for this week: 

BOOK ONE: Annet Schaap - GIRLS - Published by Pushkin Children's Book (5 Oct. 2023) - Book Cover Illustration by Annet Schaap - VOTE HERE 

BOOK TWO: Rachel Chivers Khoo - The Magician Next Door - Published by Walker Books (7 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Alice McKinley and cover designer Maia Fjord - VOTE HERE

BOOK THREE: Rachel Greenlaw - Compass and Blade - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (29 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Nico Delort - VOTE HERE

BOOK FOUR: Benjamin Dean - The Boy Who Fell From the Sky - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (18 Jan. 2024) Book Cover by Paddy Donnelly - VOTE HERE

BOOK FIVE: Matt Goodfellow - The Final Year - Published by Otter-Barry Books Limited (7 Sept. 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton - VOTE HERE 

BOOK SIX: Julian Sedgwick - 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Cafe - Published by Guppy Books (23 Nov. 2023) Book Cover Illustration by Chie Kutsuwada - VOTE HERE 

HAPPY VOTING!

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Best Children's Book Picks November 2023

 

Kate DiCamillo (Author), Julie Morstad (Illustrator) - The Puppets of Spelhorst - Published by Walker Books (2 Nov. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1529512854 - Hardback - Age:7+ 

From master storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes an original fairy tale, enchantingly illustrated, in which five puppets confront circumstances beyond their control with patience, cunning and high spirits.

Once, there was a king. And a wolf. And a girl with a shepherd’s crook. And a boy with a bow and arrow. And also, there was an owl... They were puppets, and they were waiting for a story to begin.

In this new work of short fiction by twice winner of the Newbery Medal Kate DiCamillo, exquisitely illustrated in black and white by Governor General Literary Award Finalist Julie Morstad, five puppets who find themselves together in an abandoned trunk are carried off into the adventure of a lifetime.

Peter Bunzl - Glassborn - Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (9 Nov. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1801313681- Paperback - Age: 8

Fairy Tree, tall and grand, open a path to Fairyland.

The year is 1826, and the four Belle siblings arrive at their new home in Tambling Village. Acton, the youngest member of the Belle family, immediately befriends a bright, red robin, leading him to discover a hidden key. That night, when the clock strikes thirteen, Acton is called to Fairyland. For in finding the key, Acton has become the Chosen One and must steal the Glimmerglass Crown, for the cruel Fairy Queen.

When Cora, Elle and Bram realise their brother has been taken, they set out on a quest to rescue him. But Fairyland is full of dangers...and to overcome the Queen, and her deadly curse, they will need courage, cunning and a great deal of hope.

An enthralling tale of magic, riddles, and curses, from the bestselling author of The Cogheart Adventures.

Robin Scott-Elliot - Finding Treasure Island - Published by Pokey Hat (2 Nov. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1911279563 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

A summer that will change lives forever

The Highlands, 1881

A boy seeking a father...
A girl seeking treasure...
A writer seeking a story...

When Robert Louis Stevenson sketches a map to amuse his stepson Sam, it sets them off on the adventure of a lifetime.

While Stevenson is inspired to write his first great story, Sam has a treasure hunt of his own to pursue, guided through the hidden forests and dangerous glens of the Cairngorms by the mystical Jen Hawkins.

Finding Treasure Island is the missing memoir of Sam Osbourne, which reveals his part in the birth of the greatest adventure story written.

‎

Reyaansh Joshi - An Alienn's Biography: Life on Earth - Published by Michael Terence Publishing (8 Nov. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800946736 - Paperback - Age: 11+ 

As the alien embarks on this interstellar odyssey, disaster strikes when an asteroid collides with their spacecraft, forcing a crash landing on the unforgiving terrain of Mars. With determination in their heart, the alien assesses the surroundings, glimpsing the distant blue jewel of Earth. A decision is made: they must traverse the cosmos to reach their ultimate destination.

Arriving on Earth, the alien faces a daunting challenge - transforming into a human and blending into the human world for several years while repairing the damaged UFO. With only two options for escape, the clock ticks relentlessly. Will they mend their craft and return home, or dare to hold onto the fragile hope that their parents can locate them, despite the odds?