The Penguin Podcast is back! Listen Now

The Whisperwicks

by 2 books in this series
#1 - The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found
#1 - The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found
‘The Whisperwicks is a brilliantly spun and wholly original story. This is an exciting new voice in children’s fiction’ Abi Elphinstone, bestselling author of Sky Song

The spell-binding world-building of Philip Pullman with the page-turning kid appeal of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief. Discover a world of magic and secrets, friendship and unimaginable quests in this spectacular new fantasy series from the most exciting new voice in children's books.

A boy who doesn't believe in magic. An impossible world that will change his mind.
Eleven-year-old Benjamiah Creek believes in science, logic and the power of reason. He definitely does not believe in magic. But when he receives a mysterious gift in the post - a doll that can transform into a bird - he is led into the impossible (and most definitely magical) world of Wreathenwold, where dark secrets are lost amongst a vast labyrinth of streets.

Benjamiah soon finds himself swept along in a dangerous quest - led by the fierce and brilliant Elizabella, who is determined to solve the disappearance of her missing brother.

Will Benjamiah ever find his way home and discover his puzzling connection with this strange, enchanted world?

'A breathtaking debut - I love the heartfelt friendship, fantastical worldbuilding, and sheer amount of warmth that runs throughout this book' Natasha Hastings, author of The Miraculous Sweetmakers

'Lees makes the world of Wreathenwold come alive . . . An adventure story full of twists, action and mild scares that will suit a reader who enjoys Harry Potter, or Percy Jackson, weaving together magic, mythology and human relationships.' Children's Books Ireland
#2 - The Whisperwicks: The Impossible Trials
#2 - The Whisperwicks: The Impossible Trials
‘Completely fantastic’ A.F. Steadman, bestselling author of the SKANDAR series on The Whisperwicks

The spell-binding world-building of Philip Pullman and Katherine Rundell with the page-turning kid appeal of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.

‘Magic forged at Midsommer is the strongest and truest of all magic – both fair and foul.’

Ever since Benjamiah returned from his spectacular adventure in Wreathenwold, he’s been desperate to go back. When he discovers a strange fragment of witchstone, he is transported back to the labyrinthine streets of Wreathenwold and soon finds himself on another dangerous quest involving a strange collection of fairytales – The Book of Barely Believable Stories.

Reunited with Elizabella Cotton and helped by two new friends – Mea and Silas the mapmaker – the gang undertake a series of magical trials to save the missing children of Wreathenwold before Midsommer ends and they are lost forever . . .

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more