The Little Secret - Softcover

Saunders, Kate

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0312674279 ISBN 13: 9780312674274

Publisher: Square Fish, 2012

Synopsis

Jane is spending the summer with her odd new friend, Staffa, going to parties and wearing fancy dresses. Staffa's slightly scary mother, Lady Matilda, tells crazy stories, drinks a vile-smelling tea, and never strays far from a glowing painted box that the girls are under strict orders never, ever to open. But Jane can't resist; upon opening it, she is sucked into an amazing and terrifying new world so small that insects are the size of horses. Jane knows she must escape immediately or be trapped forever. But first, she has to wrangle a flying bumblebee, rescue the king, and free the people of Eck.

Kate Saunders's The Little Secret takes readers into a wildly imaginative miniaturized world of castle balls, death-defying bee riders, and giant racing spiders. A world where wicked plots are hatched, exciting rescues staged, and where the power of friendship can be a match for even the most dastardly of villains.

About this title

About the Author:

Kate Saunders worked as an actress until she was twenty-five and then became a writer. She has written books for children, books for adults, and many, many articles for magazines and newspapers. She lives with her family (and her cats) in London. She has never ridden a bee, but she's certainly had an adventure or two.

William Carman draws pictures in his studio in Boise, Idaho, where he also has a family. Though his house is more like an Animal Garden than a Boy Garden, he enjoys living there anyway. He has received many honors for his artwork, including a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. Whenever he has a chance, he fishes.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

    “Before I leave, however,” Lady Matilda said, “I must remind you—both of you—to take very special care of the painted box.” The box was resting on a chair beside her. She patted it fondly. “Remember that it must never be tilted or jolted, but carried upright at all times. Staffa, if you're walking any distance with the box, please wear the harness—we can’t risk dropping it.”
     “Yes, Mother.”
     Jane saw that the painted box was immensely valuable. Staffa and her mother were very serious.
     “When you arrive at the hotel tonight,” Lady Matilda went on, “don’t allow anyone else to carry the box to its room. And don’t forget to set the two candlesticks in front of it right away. You’d better keep the key to the box’s room under your pillow. Most important of all—Jane, I hope you’re listening to this!”
     “Yes, Lady Matilda.”
     “Most important of all, THE BOX MUST NEVER BE OPENED! Do you understand?”

About this edition

• Publisher: Square Fish
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0312674279
• ISBN 13: 9780312674274
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240
• Illustrator: Carman William