'I have no idea how long I have been incarcerated in these ancient walls . . . Let me explain how I find myself in this predicament . . .'
Set in the hot houses of a stately home in eighteenth century England, a gardener falls from grace when the Duke sets him the impossible task of growing prize pineapples fit to show off in high society.
The gardener's star falls further when he is replaced by Mr Amicus, a pineapple 'specialist', whom he believes to be a charlatan and a trickster - but nevertheless miraculously produces fruit to delight the Duke.
Determined to uncover Mr Amicus's tricks, the gardener sneaks into the pineapple house to uncover the mysterious shrouded birdcage Mr Amicus carries with him. And what he finds changes his life for ever . . .
A cautionary tale with echoes of myth and fairy tale, this bewitching fable will make you careful what you wish for - inspired by Sally Gardner's residency at Alnick Castle, Northumberland.
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Sally Gardner is an award-winning novelist from London. Her books have been translated into 22 languages and have sold more than 1 million copies in the UK. Sally continues to be an avid spokesperson for dyslexia awareness, working to change the way it is perceived by society. She was recently awarded the CARNEGIE MEDAL and the COSTA BOOK AWARD.
Rovina Cai creates illustrations that evoke a sense of intrigue and she is often inspired by the past. From myths and fairy-tales to gothic novels, she loves stories that bring a little bit of magic and wonder to the present day. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.
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