Author:Andrew Zurcher
Fitz thinks he is an ordinary eleven-year-old and loves to turn simple things into mini-adventures, like sneaking next door and filching books from Mr Ahmadi's vast library of mysterious tomes, and goading the guard dog into giving breakneck chase.
But one tranquil evening three sharp knocks on the front door change everything . . .
'I said I would come for him. He is my jewel. It is time. It is past time.'
Now on the run from a threat that has been waiting his entire life, Fitz's only hope is to put his life in the hands of his enigmatic neighbour, Mr Ahmadi. Taken on as an apprentice in a secret society who keep all they really do cloaked in mystery, Fitz has to quickly learn the ropes within the most skilful, most powerful, most dangerous and wealthiest organisation in the world . . .
William Trundle and the extraordinary Christmasaurus are back
—— GuardianStonkingly good . . . a compelling adventure and a nuanced celebration of friendship and family love
—— Guardian[A] riotously funny re-telling of Hansel and Gretel... Hilarious
—— Eithne Farry , Sunday ExpressNo-one does the straight to camera narrative style of the diary better than Kinney ... This is as authentic and funny as the original Wimpy Kid books and makes just as irresistible reading
—— Andrea Reece , LoveReading4Kids ReviewerA unique piece of high fantasy . . . Now very witty and politically aware in its revised version with the new ending
—— VectorThe story is inventive in its carefully worked-out central conceit, often very funny, and dotted with some genuinely scary bits.
—— Publishers WeeklyMouth-watering attention to names and place names add greatly to the story's enjoyment factor.The story itself - part saga, legend and adventure - swings along at a fair old clatter. Terry Pratchett's writing is vivid and immediate . . . For young readers unaware of Pratchett's oeuvre, The Carpet People is a fine introduction
—— Junior BookshelfThe concept is fascinating and is told with Pratchett's customary wit plus touches of cynicism. It's a winner
—— The School LibrarianI feel it’s a new dimension in imagination and the prose is beautiful. It is exciting and adventurous.
—— The Irish TimesMouth-watering attention to names and place names... adding greatly to the story's enjoyment factor. The story itself - part saga, legend and adventure - swings along at a fair old clatter. Terry Pratchett's writing is vivid and immediate. He wastes no time. There is little padding. The swiftness of the storyline is everything.... For young readers unaware of Pratchett's oeuvre, The Carpet People is a fine introduction
—— The Junior BookshelfWacky, weird stuff which should make you think twice about crossing the living room!
—— TV Hits MagazineIt's a winner
—— School LibrarianCatherine Doyle's delightful novel moves deftly from melancholy to "jolly holly", genial all the way
—— Financial TimesAn instant Christmas classic
—— The Irish TimesAction-packed, full of imagination...uplifting
—— The Independent