Description

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The first story in an illustrated magical adventure series from the bestselling author of the Unicorn Academy, brimming with drama and an environmental theme.

The Keepers are a secretive tribe of little people who live in the middle of Whispering Woods, coming out at night to care for the countryside and rewild it when humans (or Ruffins as they know them) are careless with it. Young Keepers Cora and Jax have just finished school and are embarking on a trial, with several friends, to become fully-fledged Keepers. But their first venture out on their own ends in disaster when they become distracted with playing in the Ruffin children's playground instead of concentrating on the task they've been given. Can they ever be trusted to be Keepers in their own right?

A brilliant new magical series perfect for 6-8 year olds combining animal rescue, nature conservation and adventure.

About the Author

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Julie Sykes is the bestselling author of more than 100 books for children of all ages and is published around the world. She has recently moved to Cornwall with her family and a white wolf - cunningly disguised as a dog. When she's not writing she likes eating cake, reading and walking, often at the same time.

Katy Riddell grew up in Brighton and was obsessed with drawing from a young age, spending many hours writing and illustrating her own stories, which her father (award-winning illustrator Chris Riddell) collected. Katy rediscovered her love for illustrating children's books after graduating with a BA Hons in Illustration and Animation from Manchester Metropolitan University. She has worked on a variety of commissions including Pongwiffy by Kaye Umansky (Simon & Schuster), Midnight Feasting by A.F. Harrold (Bloomsbury) and Ever After at the Oxford Story Museum. She lives and works in Brighton.

Praise For…

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"This series is just right for young readers who are ready for longer novels and stories with more meaning. They will love the fun, relatable characters and cute animals. Messages of conservation and responsibility will inspire them to take care of their world." —Scope for Imagination

"The combination of fast-paced adventure, conservation and illustration topped with a dash of magic will totally engage young readers. . . . Julie Sykes has crafted a gentle, enjoyable story which presents its ecological message in a wonderfully subtle manner." —V's View from the Bookshelves

"With just the right amount of magic sprinkled throughout this story, young readers will love meeting keepers and discovering this secret world hidden from sight from humans." —Just Imagine