“Witty, wise and occasionally wicked, nobody tells a story like the great Tony McGowan” – Phil Earle

“The Beck is constantly entertaining, equally thought-provoking, and proof yet again of Anthony McGowan’s wonderful storytelling skills. Full of hope and humour, there’s heart and soul on every page” – Keith Gray

“A sharply observed book about the power of nature. Fun, hopeful and wise.” — Hannah Gold

“Anthony McGowan is a miraculous storyteller. He has the power to move you, make you laugh out loud, cringe in embarrassment and recoil in disgust in a single page. This book is a small piece of magic from the mind of a very great writer” – Katya Balen

“Such brilliant, immediate story telling; one of those books that takes you into the landscape and along with the characters. I was right there with Kyle, the reluctant hero, as Karthi and Grandad prodded him from behind … Absolutely brilliant” – Hilary McKay

“A gorgeous story, told with McGowan’s signature wit and tight, spare prose. I cried. I laughed. I crossed my fingers for Kyle and Karthi and Rude Word too” – Joanna Nadin

“Love, love, love this ⁩. A boy’s relationship with his grumpy grandpa in Leeds, a three-legged dog, a terrific heroine, bullies and a battle to save an urban stream. It’s like Kes, but funny, warm and hopeful. Another winner!” – Amanda Craig

“Anthony McGowan’s novels are always ones to look forward to – books for children that go beyond the usual suspects. Books that make children think” – Vaseem Khan

“A timeless, exquisitely crafted tale of resistance and standing up for what’s right, McGowan’s environmental tale revolves around a boy and his grandfather’s determination to save their beloved beck from developers.” — Waterstones

“There is not a word out of place in this perfectly crafted, wise and extremely witty novella about caring for the natural world.” — Highlights of the Season, Children’s Buyer’s Guide