To Antonia Wilkinson for publicity.

To those who read early chapters, and offered encouragement: Catriona Ward, Katherine Kingsley.

I am especially grateful for my Fellowship with the Royal Literary Fund, without which this book could not have been written.

ABOUT PHILIP WOMACK

Philip Womack is a critically acclaimed children’s author. His books for children and teens include The Double Axe and The Arrow of Apollo. The adult nonfiction How to Teach Classics to Your Dog was published in 2020. Philip lives in London with his wife, the architect Tatiana von Preussen, three children and lurcher. He spends a lot of time in Suffolk, looking at moats and mounds.

ABOUT LITTLE ISLAND

Little Island is an independent Irish publisher that looks for the best writing for young readers, in Ireland and internationally. Founded in 2010 by Ireland’s inaugural Laureate na nÓg (Children’s Laureate), Little Island has published over 100 books, many of which have won awards and been published in translation around the world.

RECENT AWARDS FOR LITTLE ISLAND BOOKS

Book of the Year, KPMG Children’s
Books Ireland Awards 2021
Savage Her Reply by Deirdre Sullivan

Children’s Book of the Year (Junior),
An Post Irish Book Awards 2019
123 Ireland by Aoife Dooley

YA Book of the Year,
An Post Irish Book Awards 2020
Savage Her Reply by Deirdre Sullivan

Literacy Association of Ireland
Children’s Book Award 2019
Bank by Emma Quigley

Judges’ Special Prize, KPMG
Children’s Books Ireland Awards 2020
The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan

Great Reads Award 2019
Dangerous Games by James Butler

Shortlisted: The Waterstones Children’s
Book Prize 2020 (Shortlisted)
The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan

Honour Award for Illustration,
Children’s Books Ireland
Awards 2019
Dr Hibernica Finch’s Compelling
Compendium of Irish Animals by
Aga Grandowicz and Rob Maguire

IBBY Honours List 2020
Mucking About by John Chambers