1
of
1
The Midnight Guardians
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 991 ratings, 177 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
$2000
$2199
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Midnight Guardians
$2000
$2199
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
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?
Latest News
Movie Review on One Night Only
I didn’t watch the trailer. I sat down expecting just another brain-dead, conveyor-belt romantic comedy...
New Hero Alert! Meet Theresa – our new Warehouse Sidekick
We’re thrilled to welcome Theresa to the Book Hero team! Whenever we bring a new...
Our Rolife Range Is Getting Even Bigger!
Our Rolife range is getting even bigger! We’ve got a huge new shipment on the...
How to Make 1000 Piece Puzzles Easier
1000 piece puzzles can seem a little intimidating, but a few simple tricks can make...
Pick up a Microhistory (and become a very niche expert)
If you've seen people talking about a book about Salt and wondered what was happening...
See more
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
Discover a world of magical storytelling with Ross Montgomery.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH
HIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH
TOPPSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH
“One of our finest children’s writers.” Phil Earle
“A master storyteller.” Aisling Fowler
“Another absolute triumph from one of my favourite children’s authors.” Catherine Doyle
Sometimes at the darkest hour, hope shines the brightest…
When Col’s childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians – a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight – Col must race to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister.
But there are darker forces at work, even than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness down over everything.
PRAISE FOR The Midnight Guardians
"Montgomery's latest is an enthralling, Narnia-flavoured novel with the folkloric feel of a Christmas classic." Guardian
"Beautifully drawn fantasy characters ... a story of hope and love underpinned by witty humour.” Daily Mail
"A magical slice of historical fantasy fiction.” i Newspaper
"This lovely adventure story has the feel of a classic children's book." Book of the Week, The Week Junior
“Ross Montgomery’s beautiful writing and epic storytelling weave together a magical adventure set against the backdrop of World War Two.” WRD Magazine
"Spectacular. A story of real and rare power - The Midnight Guardians is one of the best books I've read in years." Kiran Millwood Hargrave
The Midnight Guardians is torch-under-the-duvet, can't-stop-reading magic. British folklore rebooted … in an edge-of-your-seat, heart-filled search for hope in the darkest hour." Piers Torday
"Embark on a mythic, comic, classic adventure with the finest fellowship since Frodo set a hairy foot beyond the Shire.” David Solomons
“Glorious! I think this is Ross Montgomery’s best book yet: an adventure across WWII wintry Britain with a Kindertransportee, a boy dressed in shorts and his three imaginary friends. A joy of a joy of a thing.” Katherine Rundell
"A gem of a book, jam-packed with heart and humour and one utterly unique set of friends." Peter Bunzl
“Pure magic. Storytelling at its very best.” Abi Elphinstone
"Brilliant! The Midnight Guardians is the perfect blend of humour, adventure and emotion. Simply beautiful." Lisa Thompson
"Funny, thrilling, moving ... everything that is brilliant about children's literature. A triumph." Sophie Anderson
“Brimming with imagination and warmth, and powered by the strongest magic of all - hope. Fantastic from first page to last.” Catherine Doyle
"Beautiful. A magical, big-hearted adventure full of wit and warmth. One of the best children's books I've read for ages." Anna James
“A tale of enchantment and friendship … all the warmth of a timeless story, told between friends round a winter fire … funny and true in the way all good stories are.” Thomas Taylor
“The adventure whisks you through wartime trouble and mythical danger like riding a giant tiger through falling snow … A magical story.” Jack Noel
“With the spirit of Narnia, but a heart of its own. The Midnight Guardians is totally enchanting. I gobbled up every word.” Aisha Bushby
"I inhaled this wonderful book in one sitting ... humour, beautiful writing, heartbreak, hope, and a fat badger in a waistcoat. I'll be recommending it to everyone." Katya Balen
"A real triumph of the imagination, blending the appeal of a classic adventure with Montgomery's heart and humour, and a hint of Narnia." Editor's Choice, The Bookseller
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery is widely praised for its magical and adventurous storytelling, often described as a beautifully heartwarming tale filled with wit. It has been compared to classic works like The Box of Delights and The Lord of the Rings, noted for its imaginative blend of enchantment, friendship, and humour. Reviewers commend its classic adventure appeal, calling it a timeless story with the potential to become a classic itself.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781406391183
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 November 2020
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Walker Books Ltd
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 40.0mm
Width: 136.0mm
Height: 202.0mm
Weight: 280g
Pages: 400
About the Author
Ross Montgomery started writing stories as a teenager, when he should have been doing homework, and continued doing so at university. His debut novel, Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door, was nominated for the Costa Children’s Book of the Year and the Branford Boase Award. It was also selected as one of The Sunday Times' “Top 100 Modern Children’s Classics”. His books have also been nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award while his picture book Space Tortoise was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Award and included in the Guardian's Best New Children’s Books of 2018. He lives in London with his girlfriend and their cat, called Fun Bobby.
Also by Ross Montgomery
View all-
Fortune's Fools
Prepare for Sports Day carnage as the Montagues and Capulets battle for the House Medal in this laugh-out-loud Shakespeare-inspired drama from Ross Montgomery. Top school athletes Dom and Blake have been best friends forever – B and D, D-Dog and B-Unit, the Cool Combo… But with Sports Day approaching, their friendship is suddenly under threat. Mr Fortune, their headmaster, has...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Hurly Burly
Fair is foul and foul is fair … bestseller Ross Montgomery returns with a laugh-out-loud, perfectly pitched introduction to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Beth has been looking forward to the Prizegiving Assembly all year. She’s won best-behaved pupil two years in a row and is confident that she’ll triumph again for a third time. But as preparations continue for the ceremony, which...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Porky Pies
The pig who cried wolf finally gets his comeuppance in this hilarious gem from bestselling author Ross Montgomery. Porky Pies is always telling lies, trying to terrify his brothers and sisters into believing that the Big Bad Wolf is back. But when the biggest fibber in the litter tries to plan his most daring prank yet, the joke is on...Paperback$1599Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Small Wonder
Remember everything I taught you, Small Wonder. Take care of Leaf. Take care of Pebble. I’ve done all I can. The rest is up to you… Small Wonder lives peacefully at the edge of Ellia, along with his little brother and faithful horse. But then a deadly assassin descends. Enemies are invading and the kingdom is in danger. Small Wonder...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Penguin Huddle
This big-hearted picture book of jolly penguins big and small is a celebration of friendship, community spirit, and helping those in trouble. From the award-winning author of the Waterstones Children's Book of the Year 2024. The penguin pack play all day long. And when the sun goes down, and the night grows cold and dark… “PENGUIN HUDDLE!” The penguins squeeze...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Ant Party
From the highly acclaimed creators of Ten Delicious Teachers and Penguin Huddle comes a vibrant comedy of friendship, bravery and BIG surprises. Written by the award-winning author of the Waterstones Children's Book of the Year 2024. "An adorable tale of friendship and daring to be yourself." — Waterstones It’s another busy day at the ant hill. The farmer ants are...Hardback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Murder at World’s End
From award-winning children's author Ross Montgomery comes the first in a gripping new crime series, where Downton Abbey meets Knives Out with a sprinkle of wickedness. Secrets, murder and mayhem collide as this unlikely sleuthing duo—an under-butler and a foul-mouthed octogenarian—hunt a killer in a manor sealed against the end of the world. Cornwall, 1910. On a remote tidal island,...Paperback$3200Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Spellstone
Discover a world of magical storytelling from a twice Costa-shortlisted author“One of our finest children’s writers.” Phil Earle“A master storyteller.” Aisling Fowler“Another absolute triumph from one of my favourite children’s authors.” Catherine DoyleThe greatest magic is hidden in plain sight...Evie is used to not being noticed. But when she meets the mysterious Wainwright, she discovers that going unnoticed might just...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Chime Seekers
Discover a world of magical storytelling from a twice Costa-shortlisted author. “One of our finest children’s writers.” — Phil Earle “A master storyteller.” — Aisling Fowler “A true master of storytelling." — Jenny Pearson Step into a world of faerie tricks and hidden danger... When an evil faerie steals Yanni’s baby sister and swaps her for a changeling, Yanni is...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Gruff Justice
Who’s the NAUGHTY NIBBLER? Someone has taken a big bite out of the birthday cake the farmer has baked, and he’s FURIOUS! For once, it’s not Big Goat Gruff who’s to blame, but can he find the real culprit before the farmer turns him into GOAT PIE?! Big Goat Gruff is always in trouble for eating things on the farm....Paperback$1599Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Space Tortoise
Once, in an old rusty bin in an old rusty playground in an old empty park... there lived a little tortoise. But Tortoise is lonely. He's never seen any other tortoises, and wonders where they could all be hiding. Then, one day, he looks up at the night sky and sees a million blinking lights winking at him. 'That must...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Murder at World’s End
From award-winning children's author Ross Montgomery comes the first in a gripping new crime series, where Downton Abbey meets Knives Out with a sprinkle of wickedness. Downton Abbey meets Knives Out in the gripping new crime series from the bestselling author where an unlikely sleuthing duo - an under-butler and a foul-mouthed octogenarian - hunt a killer in a manor...Paperback$2800Unit price /UnavailableOut 8 Sep 2026Pre-order
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseThe Neverfear
A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseMatihe! Achoo!
What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Matihe! Achoo! is a bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho and his connection to the volcanoes of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. It comes with an action song to engage young readers! He pūrākau e pā ana ki a Mataoho me ngā puia o Takamaki Makaurau. He tupua pukukino a Mataoho e noho...Paperback$1899Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleasePocket Observology
Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Pre-orderNew ReleaseMinecraft Annual 2027
The official Minecraft Annual 2027, full of updates, builds, activities, and more! Discover all there is to know about the past year of Minecraft in this exciting annual. Stuffed to the brim with updates, activities, step-by-step builds, and tips and tricks for the game, this book is a must-have for any minecrafter. This year’s annual includes: Mob guides on happy...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseGiant Heart
Meet Jonah Lomu, one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. His speed and strength on the rugby field made him famous around the world, and his fun and generous personality made him beloved, but all the while he faced a big battle with his health. “[David Hill’s] stories are wonderful, full of action and are always teaching the...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New Release
Protector of Beyond 1
Experience fierce magical creatures, perilous trials, and a heroine to root for in this 1st instalment in a new blockbuster fantasy series. The moment you enter the Arbiter, your fate is sealed. If you spark, you fight! And 12-year-old Elder Triss produces a spark like no other. Transported to the mysterious Beyond, Elder has no choice but to train for...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseAnimalia 40th Anniversary Edition
A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...Hardback$2999Elsewhere:$3500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Little Kiwi Builder
Oh no, the little kiwi builder's house is falling down! His screws have all come loose - what can he do? When the brickie, the plumber, the roofer, the sparky and the painter all come to help, it's looking good! Until, that night ... uh-oh! Perfect for: Anyone who likes fun and silly rhyming stories Reading aloud with little ones...Paperback$1899Elsewhere:$2199Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseYou Choose Party Time
It's time to celebrate - Party Time is a brand new You Choose adventure! It's Party Time and you choose what happens! What kind of party will it be? Who will you invite? Which cake would you like to eat? Will you dance to a steel pan band or bagpipes? The possibilities are endless in this magical storytelling toolkit which...Hardback$2599Elsewhere:$3400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseWhen Nature Calls (Duck #2)
New in 2026, the latest story from Duck, the quirky new children's series by million-copy bestselling author Matt Stanton. Do you ever wonder what animals think about humans? Do they feel they could do a better job running things? Would they ever try and take over? Duck, Mouse and Dog are alarmed that the adults in Redhill are being brainwashed...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$1999Unit 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 -
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
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 100,000 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.
Children's Books lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Kiwi Pukapuka!
Here a huge bunch of incredible books for Kiwi kids of all ages, by amazing Kiwi authors! Including picture books and chapter...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Books for Helping Kids with Emotions!
Books are a great way to help children learn about emotions - giving them the language to name and recognize how they...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Chapter Books for the Classroom
Looking for some fresh inspiration when it comes to reading to your class? Lizzy has you covered with her chapter book recommendations!View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Travel Books for Tamariki
Going on a trip with your children? There are some amazing pukapuka (books) that are perfect for young travelers! Check out this...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Picture Books
A collection of my favourite picture books to read aloud with my child and keep on the bookshelf as a reminder of...View the list
