Looking for something to keep the kids entertained or away from their phones for a little while?
Emily Rodda, the Aussie author who penned the much-loved Deltora Quest series — who you might also know as crime fiction writer, Jennifer Rowe — has just released her latest children’s fiction book, and fans are in for a treat.
Full of the Rodda charm her global readership have come to know and love, The Shop at Hoopers Bend is a compelling tale of mystery and magic.
The narrative follows the story of spirited 11-year-old orphan Jonquil — Quil for short — as she sets off to camp for the school holidays. With an appetite for adventure, Quil decides to ditch the camp and disembarks her train early, at a stop named Hoopers Bend.
What follows is a tale of friendship and thrill, as Quil, along with the town’s new shop owner Bailey, and a spotted dog called Pirate, work together to uncover the ongoing mystery shrouding the dusty country town.
The Shop at Hoopers Bend by Emily Rodda, RRP $16.99
Perhaps one of the novel’s most enigmatic characters is the forgotten and rundown shop at Hoopers Bend. Brought to life with Rodda’s scintillating descriptions and gentle humour, Quil finds herself feeling oddly at home in the shop, and grows with it as it slowly swings back into life.
With reference to Sydney suburbs, Anzac biscuits and gum trees, the book has a distinct Australian tone. Glazed with a warming familiarity, it coaxes readers in with its spellbinding characters and dazzling adventure; both of which are signature to any one of Rodda’s literary treasures.
While it’s written for children, The Shop at Hoopers Bend is a heartwarming story for fans of Rodda, both young and old.
Keen to read it? Get a sneak peak of the book here, and look out for it when it hits shelves on 24 July.
Brought to you by HarperCollins
