In a medieval land, where monks produce illuminated manuscripts, Brother Edik adds a prophecy to the book of the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing. Edik lives in a violent time of war and treachery, so when he finds a sick young girl in the monastery’s stable guarded by one of their most vicious and contrary goats, he feels compelled to help her but is fearful of her origins. As he nurses her back to health, he realises she is the figure at the centre of the prophecy, one that foretells of a girl who will unseat the king and bring about great change. Her life and the lives of those around her are in dire peril.

So begins this wondrous, thrilling tale of a brave girl, a scared monk, an orphaned boy, a wise old man, and most importantly, a menacing but extraordinary goat. Two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo has created a magical story and once again proves she is one of the most original children’s writers of our time.

Illustrated by the marvellous Sophie Blackall, this lovely hardback will be a perfect gift for ages 9+.

Alexa Dretzke is from Readings Hawthorn