In Tintinnabula, a lone young woman sets out on a journey through devastated lands and wind-lashed barren fields to a place of deeper consolation, renewal and peace. The brilliant speculative fiction author Margo Lanagan (Black Juice, Seahearts) teams with young Melbourne illustrator Rovina Cai to produce a stunning, seductive picture-book for older readers.

Rovina Cai’s artwork seamlessly modulates from harsh, red, ruined landscapes to greener pastures without ever breaking the spell. And while the text echoes the Brontes, Whitman and Yeats, the book holds its own vision. Literary-leaning children, young teenagers and fans of Neil Gaiman and Shaun Tan will adore the journey.

Mike Shuttleworth is a children’s and YA specialist at Readings Hawthorn.