What is the secret of Mallie's picture?

The mystery unfolds as evacuees Tony and Alice escape the terrors of London's Blitz for the Lake District, where they befriend a fascinating and fearless old lady. Many years later, an after-school job in a pet shop enables well-meaning Mallie to buy her mum a drawing of a girl with a rabbit. Could this old picture bring past and present together - and change Mallie's life?

This novel has plenty to please both sexes; the descriptions of life from Tony's point of view make Blitz and the life of evacuee seem very real and will appeal to young teenage boys. These chapters would also work well as an introduction to World War Two and the evacuation of children. Mallie's story is slower and discusses aspects of modern life as a child of a single parent trying to be carefree but with responsibilities and restraints.

'A skilfully constructed, exciting and mysterious story'

This novel has plenty to please both sexes; the descriptions of life from Tony's point of view make Blitz and the life of evacuee seem very real and will appeal to young teenage boys. These chapters would also work well as an introduction to World War Two and the evacuation of children. Mallie's story is slower and discusses aspects of modern life as a child of a single parent trying to be carefree but with responsibilities and restraints.

'A skilfully constructed, exciting and mysterious story'

Mary Arrigan studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, University College, Dublin and Florence University. She taught art for 18 years before starting to write for children. She was awarded the International Youth Library (Munich) White Ravens title in 1997, the Bisto Merit Award in 2000 and has also won The Sunday Times Crime Writers Association Short Story Award and The Hennessy Short Story Award. Her books for Frances Lincoln include Mario's Angels and Esty's Gold.

To visit Mary Arrigan's website click here