1
of
1
The Secret Starling
'An absolute joy of a read.' Emma Carroll
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 363 ratings, 75 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock
Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Secret Starling. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Our debut of the year! Abandoned children running wild, evil child catchers, cunning cats and mysterious ballet shoes abound in this incredible first novel.
Our debut of the year! Abandoned children running wild on the moors, evil child catchers, cunning cats and mysterious ballet shoes abound in this incredible first novel.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Clara has lived a life of solitude, home schooled under her mean uncle's strict regime . . .
Until now!
Her uncle's house has been losing staff and furniture as his fortunes fail, and finally he disappears himself, leaving Clara all alone in the giant manor with nothing but a wedge of 'guilt money'.
Luckily, streetwise Peter has been sent to stay . . . at least he has some experience of the real world and how to survive.
And the children are far from unhappy with their newfound freedom: a life of sliding down bannisters, making dens in Uncle's study, warming themselves by a fire of text books, playing sardines with the village children and living off nothing but boiled eggs and mashed potatoes has its appeal!
But then an interfering grown-up turns up with the unwelcome news that the house is to be sold.
Perhaps the mysterious ballet shoe that Stockwell the cat befriends has the answers to Clara's unknown past . . . a past that might hold the key to a better future . . .
Until now!
Her uncle's house has been losing staff and furniture as his fortunes fail, and finally he disappears himself, leaving Clara all alone in the giant manor with nothing but a wedge of 'guilt money'.
Luckily, streetwise Peter has been sent to stay . . . at least he has some experience of the real world and how to survive.
And the children are far from unhappy with their newfound freedom: a life of sliding down bannisters, making dens in Uncle's study, warming themselves by a fire of text books, playing sardines with the village children and living off nothing but boiled eggs and mashed potatoes has its appeal!
But then an interfering grown-up turns up with the unwelcome news that the house is to be sold.
Perhaps the mysterious ballet shoe that Stockwell the cat befriends has the answers to Clara's unknown past . . . a past that might hold the key to a better future . . .
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780571346301
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 May 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Faber & Faber
Edition: Main
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Kim Geyer
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 16.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 217g
Pages: 272
About the Author
Judith Eagle's career thus far has included stints as a stylist, fashion editor and features writer. She currently works in two secondary schools as a librarian and library assistant.
Also by Judith Eagle
View all-
The Pear Affair
When Penelope Magnificent's awful parents tell her they're taking a trip to Paris, she surprises them by begging to go along.Nell is usually content to avoid her money-obsessed father and her fashion-focussed mother, but Paris holds something very dear to her... her old au pair Perrine - Pear - lives there. Pear used to write to Nell every week promising...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Stolen Songbird
When Caro Monday's mother disappears on one of her jaunts, she has no choice but to go and stay with a miserable woman that she's never met. Not only that but she's told that her beloved rabbit, His Nibs, is not allowed to go with her. Luckily, Caro's not one for following rules. With her rabbit in hiding, and her...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Great Theatre Rescue
1930, London Theatre Land. Charley has grown up behind the curtain in London's West End; she has even begun taking a turn on stage. But her dreams of being a performer are shattered when she is sent off to boarding school, a place where the girls are forced to do unpaid work in order to fill the pockets of the...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Accidental Stowaway
When Patch runs up the gangway of steamship, The Pride and Glory, she isn't planning to hang around. But if she leaves her hiding place the constable who is chasing her will ruin her reputation: sitting tight is worth the risk. Too late, she realises the ship is setting sail! Patch has become an accidental stowaway.Luckily, Patch's unconventional past has...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Pre-order
The Blitz Sisters
War has been declared and the lives of three sisters, Lydia, Peggy and Teddy, are about to be turned upside down. As bombs rain down on London, the girls will lose their homes, their things, their loved ones... But they will find lost kittens, friendships with fellow rebels, the need for art, the strength and love to carry on, and...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips from Supplier
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseDetective Beans and the Map of Mystery
Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseMei Mei the Bunny
Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...Hardback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseHunted: Wolf Girl 15
Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...Paperback$1699Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseWhat If You Could
From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....Paperback$2599Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New Release
Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Dawn Raid: The Apology
This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseBig Bang Bread
In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
B is for Bird
From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid August -
Signed CopyNew ReleaseThe Curse of the Carnivorous Cactuses
(Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......Paperback$1400Elsewhere:$1499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
17% offNew ReleaseBluey: Rain
It's raining! Bluey is trying to dam the water in the front yard, but does she need Mum's help? Join Bluey as she plays in the water when a heavy summer rain thunders over the Heeler home. Can Mum stop Bluey from dirtying the house? Featuring: A nearly wordless picture book with visual storytelling that mimics the dialogue-free episode. A...Hardback$1500Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
