My lovely and long-time agent, Pippa Masson, for her support and guidance. All the good folk at Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing but especially publisher, Marisa Pintado, for loving Tulsi and for her fantastic editorial input; and most excellent editor and human, Luna Soo – I simply cannot imagine finding a better editor. For behind-the-scenes magic, thanks to Penelope White, Lauren Draper and Sorcha Hennessy. Thanks to Julia Murray for the truly beautiful cover and for bringing Tulsi to life.

My critique group, whose feedback is encouraging but eagle-eyed: Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Zanni Louise and Lian Tanner.

The many people who shared their expertise with me, but in particular: Simi Genziuk, my circus advisor; Jane Meredith, magic advisor; Elin Meek, Welsh translator and advisor on all things Welsh; Linda Bates who talked to me about plants and herbs; Asphyxia who helped with writing a Deaf character, Neptune and Niamh who helped with writing a non-binary character and Sam Leader and Lyanne Compton who helped me get London right. Any errors, of course, are entirely mine.

Varuna The National Writers House and Affirm Press for the 2019 middle-grade fiction residency, and Davina Bell and Meg Whelan for their suggestions. My posse of eleven-year-old beta readers who told me which bits were funny or touching: Amelia, Autumn, Leia, Malia, Olive D. and Olive F. All the booksellers and librarians and teachers out there who champion books for children.

Alan Close, first reader, top-notch plot brain-stormer and awesome house husband. Finally, thanks to my darling girl, Amelia, for her enthusiasm, keen-eyed feedback and for bringing me home to the world of children’s books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Sarah Armstrong was a child, her family didn’t have a television and she read a book a day. She went on to become an award-winning journalist at ABC radio in Sydney, before moving to a rainforest valley in northern New South Wales to write. Her first novel, Salt Rain, was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin, among other awards. Two novels later, she became a mother, and in reading to her daughter, remembered just how much she loves children’s books. Big Magic is Sarah’s first novel for children and its sequel will be out in 2023. She lives with her partner, the writer, Alan Close, and their daughter Amelia, in the town of Mullumbimby, which features (although sometimes slightly disguised!) in all her novels, including this one.