Philip Pullman is one of the most highly acclaimed children's authors of the decade. He has been on the shortlist of just about every major children's book award in the last few years, and has won the Smarties Prize (Gold Award, 9-11 age category) for THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER and the prestigious Carnegie Medal for NORTHERN LIGHTS. He was the first children's author ever to win the overall Whitbread Prize for THE AMBER SPYGLASS. He lives in Oxford.
Exuberant, intelligent fun . . . Once again Pullman has created a work of art that is enchanting for a child but equally appealing to an adult -- Amanda Craig * The Times * Tantalisingly short, irresistibly snappy and full of dangerous derring-do * Independent * This is a real treat, and easily one of the publishing hightlights of the year that will be devoured by fans old and new * The Bookseller * Small and elegant, the book is exquisitely illustrated with woodcuts by John Lawrence and rounded off with bits of memorabilia including a newspaper clipping giving a different spin on events plus a board game. Fast and powerful, this is an exciting read -- Anne Faundez * Carousel * A short, simple, elegant story . . . cloth-bound, with enhancing woodcuts by master-engraver John Lawrence -- Claudia Fitzherbert * Spectator *