Barbara Else is a celebrated playwright and fiction writer, known for her insightful exploration of human psychology and masterful command of language. Her narratives delve into the complexities of relationships and moral quandaries, drawing readers into meticulously crafted worlds. Else skillfully subverts expectations while presenting profound themes, establishing her as a distinctive voice in literature.
"Fairy tale, time travel and adventure for middle readers Harsu has five droplets of god blood and a treasured cloak to remember his father by. Now his father is gone, he lives with his mother, his only friend an old onager donkey. And something is not right with Harsu's mother."--Publisher description
"Rufkin must learn to try harder. He is sent to work in a salvage yard, where vicious cave lizards lurk in the mud, among rusting ship hulks saved for scrap. When he hears a small voice cry "Help!" from the riverbank mangroves, Rufkin and his reluctant new neighbour, Nissy, are caught up in a perilous sea adventure that threatens to bring the end-of-days. Rufkin, the boy who suffers stage-fright, is suddenly centre stage: the only one who can right an ancient wrong and save the kingdom"--Back cover
Country of Origin: New Zealand When she finds an enchanted book with dire predictions, she must face her enemies. And who is the strange boy who has appeared in the Beastly Dark? Filled with humour, action, adventure, and magic, this is a truly gripping read featuring a large and memorable cast of characters. This stand-alone pre-teen adventure/fantasy novel is the third book in the Tales of Fontania series of novels, following The Travelling Restaurant and The Queen and the Nobody Boy.
An adventure story about greed, rebellion, and finding allies in the most unlikely places. In the reign of Lady Gall (Provisional Monarch of Fontania), the word magic is forbidden... When 12 year old Jasper Ludlow's parents flee the city, he gets left behind. He finds refuge on The Travelling Restaurant, a sailing ship captained by old Dr Rocket and crewed by feisty Polly. Where is Jasper's baby sister? He journeys across seas and rivers, faces whirlpools, storms and hungry pirates to find her. Who should he trust - his unreliable uncle, the mysterious journalist in black, or the gutsy, flute-playing orphan? Why did his parents abandon him? Who is the true monarch? Why is Lady Gall hunting him?