The Lost Dragonflies

<p><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Longlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition</strong></p><p></p><p><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>In a world where ancient earth magic runs deeper than science can explain one girl's journey may be nature's last hope.</em></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>In Whisper Valley dragonflies spin jewels of power donkeys sense danger long before it arrives and the land holds memories older than any map.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Twelve-year-old Belle lives between two worlds - her mum's scientific certainty and her Nana Willow's bond with the land. But when the lake at the heart of the valley begins to die a snowstorm blows in and the earth's magic turns unpredictable Belle is drawn into a mystery that threatens everything she loves.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>A charismatic scientist arrives promising a cure. A sacred healing ritual is sabotaged. And the once-gentle dragonflies begin to attack. To save her valley Belle must brave the blizzard follow an injured kite and descend into the earth itself - guided by a walking stick that grows with her and a friendship pushed to its limits.</span></p><p><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>A heartfelt eco-fantasy for readers aged 9-12 celebrating courage family and our connection to the natural world.</strong></p><p><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Perfect for fans of Hannah Gold Kiran Millwood Hargrave Abi Elphinstone and Katya Balen.</strong></p><p></p>