The second sensational middle-grade standalone that follows an epic voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WW1, from the bestselling author of The Children of Castle Rock In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti’s horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!) And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiance. Just as they think they’ve found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan – to cross the Channel on Ben’s narrowboat and find Sam. And there’s something in France that Lotti is looking for, too… Buffeted by storms, chased by the police, Lotti, Ben, Clara and a growing number of dogs set out on an epic journey, on the search for lost loved ones and a place to call home. ‘One of the most compelling, joyous, tearjerking and delightful reads of the year.’ The Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week ‘Empowering, rollicking, wistful and joyful.’ Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks’ War ‘Magnificent odyssey . . . a rich and rewarding read . . . it deserves prizes.’ New Statesman ‘Heaven sent out of a blue sky, it blew me far away on a wonderful advdenture, and for a blissful while, I really was somewhere else.’ Piers Torday, author of The Frozen Sea ‘So much more than a gripping adventure, this is a story that’ll make you love your friends and family a little bit more. I stayed up all night reading it!’ Emma Carroll, (The Children of Castle Rock) ‘Echoes of JK Rowling but also Eva Ibbotson.’ The Sunday Times (Children of Castle Rock) ‘Feels like a classic.’ WRD (Children of Castle Rock) ‘Blyton-esque, fast-paced, witty.’ Daily Mail (Children of Castle Rock) ‘Thrilling adventure.’ The Times (Children of Castle Rock)