The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet

The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet by Jaclyn Moriarty takes young readers on a fantastical journey through time and magic, filled with unexpected twists and heartwarming moments. On the surface, Lillian Velvet is an ordinary ten-year-old girl, yet her life is far from ordinary. Living under the watchful and detached eyes of her grandmother, Lillian yearns for adventure and connection. Her life transforms dramatically on her tenth birthday when she receives an enigmatic gift: a pickle jar filled with gleaming gold coins.

Accompanied by cryptic instructions—do not go out, do not open the door for anyone, and do not spend all the coins in one day—Lillian finds herself swept into a dazzlingly different realm. This world is vibrant and precarious, where she encounters a courageous young boy trapped in a deadly circus, a family teetering on the brink of multiple calamities, a skateboarder who defies gravity, and a girl with the empowering ability to Whisper.

Lillian must navigate a labyrinth of strange and dangerous magic, seeking to understand why she has been drawn into this world and what role she plays in unfolding its mystery. With stakes as high as the magical barriers surrounding her, Lillian must summon all her courage and wisdom to help those who need her most.

Nestled within the beloved Kingdoms and Empires universe, Moriarty weaves a tale where disparate threads converge into a beautifully realised narrative, filled with charm and imagination. This compelling adventure perfectly intertwines whimsical fantasy with the poignant exploration of friendship, bravery, and the power of self-discovery.

WINNER: 2024 Indies Children's Book of the Year
SHORTLISTED: 2024 Queensland Literary Awards, Children's Book Award

Described by Markus Zusak as one of the most original voices of our time, Jaclyn Moriarty delivers yet another extraordinary work that captivates readers from the very first page.

"Complex and clever," raves Reece Carter, bestselling author of A Girl Called Corpse, who sings high praise for Lillian Velvet's action-packed journey through time.

School Library Journal highlights the book as "a must-have for any middle grade collection" especially adored by fans of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman, and Lemony Snicket.

PRAISE FOR THE KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES BOOKS

"Charms, thrills, and delights," declares Garth Nix, author of the Keys to the Kingdoms series, asserting its echoes of Diana Wynne Jones. Karen Foxlee appreciates its "bright new magic," while young reader Daisy declares it "the favourite book ever." The booklist describes it as "a middle-grade version of Terry Pratchett's Discworld," full of fantasy adventure, humour, and a hint of satire.

The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet is a testament to the power of Moriarty's imagination and is sure to become a cherished favourite for young fantasy aficionados and adventurous souls alike.