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What to expect

The importance and meaning of home is explored in this thought-provoking new novella from Carnegie Medal winning author Katya Balen.

Juno’s furious about being sent to stay with her grandfather for the summer. She’ll miss all the fun she and her friends had planned for the holidays. She’ll also miss her mum, but it’s her mum’s fault for leaving anyway.

Then Juno discovers a long-forgotten little family in her grandfather’s attic. As she works to carefully craft a new home for them, can she learn to forgive her mum and understand her reasons for going away?

Critics Review

  • “This enchanting novella about a girl who works through her worries by bringing a doll’s house back to life with some help from her grandpa has all the signature style, sophistication and emotional intelligence you’d expect from the Carnegie medal-winner Katya Balen, distilled into 80 easy pages.” – The Times

    “A powerful and emotive story about having the courage to strive for a better world.” – The Scotsman

    “An enchantingly told, exquisitely illustrated story about a young girl’s move from cosy innocence to a growing understanding of some of the sadnesses in the wider world. It oozes with all the charm of a beloved grandparent’s home – a wild garden, creaking staircases, and a sloping attic with true treasure to be found. And so much good food it made my mouth water!” – Nicola Penfold

    “Fierce, brace and compassionate” – Natasha Farrant

    “It was charming, tender and shone a sensitive spotlight on the true meaning of home. As for Juno’s grandfather’s cooking … well, all I can say is I would like to stay there myself!” – A.M. Howell

    “Beautiful and heartbreaking and glorious all at once. A little masterpiece.” – Struan Murray

    “Another tiny grenade of a novella from Katya Balen, packed with emotional truth and wisdom … Balen excels at giving voice to emotions children might believe they are not supposed to feel … full of beautiful and evocative descriptions… enhanced by Richard Johnson’s soft pencil illustrations which match the gentle tenderness of this story.” – Stephen Dilley, Just Imagine

    “Katya Balen has done it again … a wonderful catalyst for discussions about disasters in our world and how we can help … There is so much to discuss with children after reading this book. It is written in such a way that allows adults to approach the issues sensitively and at an appropriate level.” – Scope for Imagination, blog

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