Thursday, 16 April 2026

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's/Kids Book Picks - April 2026 US Post

Brandon Mull - Forbidden Mountain - Published by Labyrinth Road (April 14, 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593712047 - Deluxe Hardback - Age: 8+
Every Anoran child dreams of the day they will enter the sacred bonding hut and match with a guardian—a spiritual guide who grants magically enhanced abilities. A lucky few will bond with Advocates, who promise greatness and glory. Others will be tempted by forbidden offers from the Accursed—dangerous spirits who bring nothing but destruction and a penalty of death to any Anoran who chooses them. But when Mako discovers that the worst of these agents of chaos has returned to spread an ancient evil through the empire, he faces an unthinkable choice: Will he bond with one of the Accursed to gain the power to stop another?

Halfway across the empire, Arden has no guardian and no prospects of adventure…until she infiltrates an underground criminal network to find her missing friend. Relying on her knack for sensing the truth through even the smoothest lies, Arden finds herself at the center of a sinister conspiracy that runs much deeper than she ever imagined.

Soon Mako’s and Arden’s fates collide, and together they must face bandit armies, dark secrets, and untold dangers to fight an enemy who could destroy all they’ve ever known. 


Mats Strandberg (Author), Sofia Falkenhem (Illustrator) - Frank the Monster - Published by Gecko Press (April 7, 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8348027285 - Hardback - Age: 6+

Frank is nipped by a dog on his ninth birthday, and his life turns inside out. His nights are filled with mysterious dreams and eerie adventures. A wild beast is reported roaming the town after dark. 

Frightening encounters lead to Frank’s discovery that he is a shapeshifter. But he can’t understand why everyone is afraid. Even in his monster form, Frank is still a boy inside―just one who feels a strong urge to have his tummy scratched.

Forced to own his new identity, Frank learns about the town’s secret underbelly. Beneath the library live other monsters, hiding from the humans. Perhaps he has found a place to belong. 

Frank the Monster is a gripping adventure about trying to belong, with a big, warm heart.



Deva Fagan - The Delta Codex - Published by 
Atheneum Books for Young Readers (April 14, 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1665963572 - Hardback - Age: 9+ 


A girl whose subconscious contains dangerous ancient knowledge finds her voice in this gripping middle-grade sci-fi fantasy perfect for fans of Diana Wynne Jones and Scott Reintgen.

Is there safety in silence?

In the city of Danak-Tol, children known as codexes are chosen to safeguard echoes—fragments of ancient knowledge too valuable to destroy but too dangerous to use. Forbidden to speak lest she accidentally release her echo, codex Delta lives a lonely life. Still, she knows she must obey the wardens’ strict rules to keep her home safe from the vicious beasts, heretical Scrappers, and toxic blood storms that lurk beyond the city walls.

But when Delta breaks her vows to help a young girl escape a blood storm, she begins to have strange dreams, which lead her to question everything she knows to be true about herself and her city. To find answers, Delta must journey to the one place she most fears: the wasteland beyond the walls of Danak-Tol.

Together with her small but feisty mechanical companion Flick, Delta dares the perilous ruins of a long-abandoned skyship, the gullet of a ravenous sphincter worm, and even befriends a young Scrapper named Drii. But all these adventures only lead to more questions. What is the true danger that threatens her entire planet—is it really her echo, or is it the silence that has imprisoned the truth for so long?



Sarwat Chadda - Crow's Revenge (Storm Singer) - Published by 
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (April 21, 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1665962476 - Hardback - Age: 8+


Nargis faces deadly new foes and the unintended consequences of bringing back the rain in this riveting middle-grade fantasy sequel to Storm Singer from Rick Riordan Presents author Sarwat Chadda. 

A year has passed since Nargis overthrew the centuries-old tyranny of the winged garudas by freeing the storm goddess Monsoon and bringing the rains back to the desert. Now, Nargis has everything she could have wished for—fame, wealth, respect. But success comes with a price, and an old foe, the crow assassin Sickle, is sharpening her talons for a piece of Nargis…literally.

Instead of waiting for Sickle to strike, Nargis and her friends journey beyond Bharat to defeat the assassin once and for all. There, Nargis discovers the price of her success. The rains she freed have brought flood and devastation to villages across the country. And the vulnerability of that desolation has drawn the fabled bat-winged rakshasas, the ancient enemies of the garudas, out of hiding—hungry for garuda blood.

With the shadow of war looming between the garudas and rakshasas, Nargis is faced with a choice—ally with the assassin sworn to end her life or watch Bharat be torn apart.



Thursday, 9 April 2026

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's Book Picks - April 2026 - UK Post

 

Alastair Chisholm - We are Dragon (I am Wolf) - Published by Nosy Crow Ltd (9 April 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1805131274 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

An outstanding, highly original and unputdownable read. Following on from I AM WOLF and I AM RAVEN, this is a bold, thought-provoking adventure perfect for fans of MORTAL ENGINES and THE LAST WILD.

Rieka’s world is on fire.

She’s lived her whole life aboard Constructs, giant mechanical creatures that battle each other for territory. Now a new enemy has swept across the land – DRAGON. And even with all the survivors united against it, Dragon is winning.

Technically brilliant, Rieka believes that she alone can turn the war. But the path she sets out on is dangerous, both for her and her friends. And all the while, there is a truth about herself she must face…

If she doesn’t, she could destroy everything she’s trying to save. See Book Review HERE!

Also written by the award-winning Alastair Chisholm:

  • I Am Wolf - Shortlisted, Peters Children's Book of the Year award 2025 
  • I Am Raven
  • Orion Lost
  • The Consequence Girl



Katharine Orton - The Traitor Moth (A Moon Realm Novel) - Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (7 April 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1665982085 - Hardback - Age: 8+


A brave young moth sets off on an epic quest to save his clan and the kingdom from peril in this first book in the sweeping Moon Realm fantasy middle grade series--perfect for fans of Wilderlore and Erin Hunter's Warriors series.

Catclaw dreams that one day he will have the gift of prophecy, just like his Dreamkin ancestors. 

But many moons ago, the Dreamkins were exiled from the other noble moth clans for a crime too awful to even speak of, and their gift of prophecy was lost. No Dreamkin has seen the future in generations. So when Catclaw receives a vision telling him that all the moth clans are in terrible danger, he's branded a liar and exiled. 

Catclaw knows it's the right thing to protect his fellow moths, even if his own clan doesn't believe him, so he sets out alone on the long and treacherous journey back to Queen Adeia's Kingdom to warn them. 

But there is more to the moth clans' history than Catclaw ever knew, and the closer he gets to the kingdom, the more the danger grows.



Sophie Anderson - The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away - Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (9 April 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1803704364 - Paperback - Age: 7+ - See Book Review HERE


Brimming with fairy-tale magic, friendship and extraordinary adventure, The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is the epic, spellbinding return to the bestselling, award-winning world of The House with Chicken Legs.

All Marinka's life, she has lived in her house with chicken legs. Running across the world on magical adventures, Marinka knows how her house is feeling, and it listens to her, too. But something is wrong. And before anyone can stop it, the house has pulled itself apart and run away. 

With her friend Benjamin and crow Jack, Marinka races after it to find answers. Travelling across far-distant lands, through new realms and magical places, Marinka must face up to her fears to save her friends. But her house might not want to stop running...



Mina Ikemoto Ghosh - Hyo and the Deep-Rooted Demon - Published by Scholastic Books (9 April 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0702328961 - Paperback - Age: 12+ 


"A vividly imagined fantasy like no other. With a plot that keeps twisting, Hyo will satisfy both the mystery and anime fans alike." - Eliza Chan, author of Fathomfolk

Meet the Hakai Family Hellmakers: Purveyors of artisan hells and unlucky days to inflict upon your enemies.

They'll make it personal... But for a price!

Onogoro is in the middle of electing a new chief - but, as the deadline looms, a sword-wielding serial killer comes to town. Hyo, busy trying to solve a kidnapping mystery, soon crosses paths with the serial killer himself, who reveals a sinister conspiracy with the future of the island at stake. Promising vengeance, Hyo embarks on her strangest special commission yet - and learns more about the powers of being a Hellmaker...

    * The second YA fantasy from author and illustrator Mina Ikemoto Ghosh. * This beautiful package is highly illustrated with Manga-style art. * Perfect for fans of Six of Crows, Iron Widow and Spirited Away.



    Tuesday, 7 April 2026

    ROSS MACKENZIE - THE NOWHERE EMPORIUM NEW ILLUSTRATED EDITION - BOOK COVER REVEAL + COMPETITION - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

    Are you ready to rediscover The Nowhere Emporium

    Exclusive book cover reveal!


    Today, we are really excited to REVEAL the stunning new book cover for Ross MacKenzie's illustrated edition. We will be sharing it here and on social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram @Enchantedbooks) to win a great prize. See below for more details.


    Ross MacKenzie's beloved, Blue Peter award-winning fantasy adventure has been capturing young readers' imaginations for over a decade! Now loyal fans and new readers alike can explore the magical Emporium like never before, in this stunning new illustrated hardback edition, published 24th September 2026.


    Today, we’re excited to reveal the spectacular new book cover, illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum. Plus, enter our giveaway for the chance to win the first-ever signed copy of the new book!



    Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the thousandth time, step inside the mysterious Nowhere Emporium as it arrives in Glasgow, where orphan Daniel Holmes stumbles upon it quite by accident. Before long, the 'shop from nowhere' and its owner, Mr Silver, draw Daniel into a breathtaking world of magic and enchantment.


    With the help of Mr Silver's daughter Ellie, Daniel explores the Emporium's vast labyrinth of passageways and rooms -- rooms that contain wonders beyond anything Daniel has ever imagined. But when Mr Silver disappears, and a shadow from the past threatens everything, the Emporium and all its wonders begin to crumble.

    Can Daniel and Ellie save their home and their friends before the Nowhere Emporium is destroyed forever?


    This modern classic has been reimagined for a new generation with magical, atmospheric illustrations by Mariano Epelbaum. A unique die-cut hardback design invites readers to open the door and step inside the fantastical shop from nowhere. Just bring your imagination!


    WIN THE VERY FIRST SIGNED COPY of The Nowhere Emporium illustrated edition! All you need to do to be in with a chance to win is simply like, share and comment on this or any of our social media posts. The winner will receive their prize by the end of August 2026.


    If you would like to preorder a copy using this link to take you to the publisher's (DiscoverKelpies) website HERE


    Wednesday, 18 March 2026

    Alastair Chisholm - We Are Dragon (I Am Wolf) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books



    The highly anticipated final book of the series, We Are Dragon, hits the shelves on April 9th, 2016, and it does not disappoint! This thrilling conclusion is a whirlwind of action, adventure, and unforgettable moments that will leave readers wanting MORE. 

    The narrative unfolds with a relentless, cataclysmic energy that keeps you on the edge of your seat. From the very first chapter to the last, there's barely a moment to catch your breath as the plot hurtles forward. Rieka has lived her whole life aboard Constructs, giant mechanical creatures that battle each other for territory. Now a new enemy has swept across the land – DRAGON. And even with all the survivors united against it, Dragon is winning.

    Technically brilliant, Rieka believes that she alone can turn the war. But the path she sets out on is dangerous, both for her and her friends. And all the while, there is a truth about herself she must face…

    Are you ready? Prepare for a journey that leads you through treacherous landscapes and heart-stopping encounters. The characters face challenges that test their limits, making for an engaging and emotional ride. The author has brilliantly built a new distant world that feels alive and vibrant. Every detail is carefully crafted, making it easy to lose yourself in the rich setting and dynamic surroundings.

    The growth of the characters throughout this series has been phenomenal. You witness their final transformations as friendships are forged and loyalties are tested. The emotional stakes are incredibly high, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them until the very end.

    We Are Dragon is not just a conclusion; it’s an experience that encapsulates everything we love about the series. With its fast-paced action and breathtaking narrative, it sets a new standard for storytelling. Don't miss this must-read adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression! 

    Mark your calendars for **April 9th, 2016. Published by Nosy Crow Books. 



    Thursday, 12 March 2026

    Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's Book Picks - March 2026 US

    Matteo L. Cerilli - Fathom Fall - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (March 3, 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1547616527 - Hardback - Age: 12+ 

    The Maze Runner meets Fortnite in this action-packed young YA about a boy who finds out the monsters from his favorite video game are real.

    They came for our water, but they'll settle for your blood.

    On 
    Fathom Fall's leaderboard, player Wyatt “DoctorDoctor” Docherty ranks at number three. In real life, he's seen only as the privileged kid of head engineers at Hydrexo, the company that supplies 75% of North America's water. He has easy access, while others must line up to pay exorbitant prices at public water taps, and he feels totally useless. 

    To prove he's more than a spoiled Water Baby, Wyatt wants to win the upcoming 
    Fathom Fall competition and finally make a name for himself. But when he starts seeing Bluddites – the water-guzzling monsters from the game – in real life, Wyatt suspects that the tournament is about more than just prize money.

    Wyatt wants to 
    win, but as the tournament approaches, he starts to worry: Why won't anyone tell them what's really going on? Why would the game – the military, even – be training kids to hunt monsters for them? And how far is he willing to go to prove himself?

    Set in a near-future, water-scarce Toronto, 
    Fathom Fall is a high-octane speculative thrill ride that questions the ethics of new technology and how it defines our very reality.


    Micah Johnson (Author), 
    Durk van der Meer (Illustrator) - Aku: Journey to Ibra - Published by Random House Books for Young Readers (March 3, 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593811788 - Hardback - Age: 7+

    Aku has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. It’s easier to picture life among the stars than deal with the bully at school—or the pain of his grandfather’s mysterious disappearance. But when a strange space helmet shows up in his basement, Aku is pulled into something far bigger than he ever imagined.

    The space helmet doesn’t just look cool—it teleports him to Ibra, a distant planet under siege. There, precious Lunaberries are being stolen by a ruthless space militia, and Aku’s grandfather may be the key to stopping them. With the help of his best friends and a few unlikely allies, Aku must dream bigger than ever before, find the courage to lead, and discover that bravery isn’t about having no fear—it’s about rising above it.

    Ross Montgomery - Small Wonder - Published by Candlewick (March 3, 2026) - ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1536252468 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

    Remember everything I taught you, Small Wonder. Take care of Leaf. Take care of Pebble. I’ve done all I can. The rest is up to you . . .
    Tick, called Small Wonder by his grandfather, lives peacefully at the edge of Ellia, along with his little brother and faithful horse. But then a deadly assassin and an invading army arrive. The kingdom is in danger and Tick has six moons to get to King’s Keep and warn their ruler. Traveling through forests and over mountains, encountering bandits and rogue knights, Tick is determined to honor his grandfather’s last words of advice . . . Make it count. Can Tick warn the kingdom in time and protect his little brother from the dangers they encounter? As they make their treacherous journey through Ellia, Tick starts to uncover a long-buried history that will change everything he thought he knew.


    Christina Uss - 
    Midnight Mayhem - Published by Holiday House (March 3, 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0823456352 - Hardback - Age: 8+  

    Kaz Jakobsen can’t sleep.
    Ever again.

    Kaz Jakobsen knows things will never be the same after his family’s sudden move to Philadelphia. He’ll have to make new friends, which isn’t his strong suit. But an even bigger change arrives at a restaurant where he orders a bagel sandwich. Kaz eats a potent combo of the world’s greenest mustard and rootiest rootbeer and loses his ability to sleep.

    Scientifically, brain + no sleep = kablammo. The longest a human insomniac has gone without sleep is eleven days. What will happen to Kaz without sleep for more than seventy 
    years? How will he survive the lonely boredom?

    Kaz luckily meets Floyd, a fellow non-sleeping kid, at a sleep study lab. Floyd thinks being sleepless is a super-power, a chance to try a million new things. He takes Kaz on madcap midnight adventures, introducing him to all the things kids are allowed to do at night in Philadelphia. And a few things they aren’t. The bad news: his ideas always seem to lead to mayhem.

    Kaz wants to keep Floyd’s friendship but lose the mayhem. When he learns there’s an antidote to a lifetime awake, he has a tough choice to make. If Kaz cures his sleeplessness, will he lose the best friend he’s ever had?



    Thursday, 5 March 2026

    Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's Book Picks - March 2026 UK




    Beth O'Brien - Feather Vane - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, 26 March 2026 - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008642044 - Paperback - Age: 8+

    In the village of Greeth-Under-Edge, magical creatures are causing chaos. A green-toothed hag lurks in the river, a nest of gnomes are up to no good and a scatter of salamanders threaten to set everything on fire.

    Creirwy and Morfran, trainee sorcerers, have been sent to banish the creatures by brewing an almost impossible potion. To collect the ingredients, they’ll need to go on an adventure with dangers at every turn.

    But as the twins journey through a moon fairy forest, into a hag’s watery lair and to the top of a giant’s beanstalk, they find that the most powerful magic is not always where you’d expect. 



    M. G. Leonard (Author), Polly Dunbar (Illustrator) - The Adventures of Portly the Otter - Published by Farshore, 26 March 2026 - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008667771 - Hardback - Age: 7+ 

    Beautifully illustrated in full colour by award-winning illustrator of The Hug, Polly Dunbar, this gorgeous hardback gift book celebrates the 95th anniversary of EH Shepard’s iconic artwork for The Wind in the Willows. 

    There is a time in a young otter’s life when they must be introduced to their river. For Portly, today was that day …

    Told across four seasons in one year, little Portly has the greatest of adventures. Among other fur-raising encounters, the youngest of Mrs Otter’s pups learns to swim, battles a large trout, rescues a human girl, outwits the weasels and stoats of the Wild Wood and sleeps in the care of the god Pan – a scene familiar to readers of the original book.

    Full of all the charm, nostalgia and sounds of splashing in the river that fans of The Wind in the Willows have fallen in love with over the years, M.G.Leonard’s faithful spin-off will enchant an entirely new generation.



    Catherine Doyle (Author), Rachael Dean (Illustrator) - Scare B'n'B - Published by ‎ Bloomsbury Children's Books, 12 March 2026 - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1526655141 - Paperback - Age: 7+

    Spooky silliness reigns in Catherine Doyle's brand new series as Ted and Frankie team up to save their hotel from a ghostly duke and his restless spirits. Featuring hilarious illustrations from Rachael Dean. 

    Ted McKenley would rather live anywhere than with Frankie "spawn-of-the-devil" Stark. And Frankie wouldn't go near a coward like Ted. Too bad - their parents just got married and blew their savings turning a creepy old mansion into a boutique hotel. At least it's big enough for the stepsiblings to stay 
    far apart.

    But when Ted encounters a disappearing housekeeper and Frankie runs into a screaming suit of armour, their feud becomes the least of their problems.

    With cranky spirits on the loose, Ted and Frankie reluctantly team up to stop the devious Duke of Snoring from turning their new home into haunted rubble.

    The battle for the hotel has begun!


    • Aaron Starmer - You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This - Penguin Workshop, 24 Mar. 2026 - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593751091 - Hardback - Age: 10+ 
    • There's always more to the story. 

      In the latest middle-grade speculative novel from Spontaneous author Aaron Starmer, Roman follows the twisted threads of bizarre family legends and magical secrets to write his own chapter in his peculiar family narrative.

      The Toe Beast looms large in the Barnes family lore--a tale concocted by twelve-year-old Roman's grandpa to explain his missing toe. But Roman has never actually heard the full story, and after his grandpa dies suddenly, it seems like he never will. 

      That is, until Roman is tasked with clearing out his grandpa's house and stumbles upon some strange things. An old mason jar full of formaldehyde, a mysterious handwritten book about a girl and a pack of dogs, a rusty metal bucket with peculiar abilities. And they all tie back to extraordinary secrets from the distant past. 

      By unraveling even more unbelievable stories that have been hidden from him, Roman is forced to rethink how he fits into his family's history. Now it's up to him to see his own story through to the end. Because the Toe Beast was only the beginning . . .


    Friday, 20 February 2026

    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.  

    Friday, 13 February 2026

    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 SettingOne 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.

    Sunday, 8 February 2026

    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.