Sometimes I encounter a book so completely enthralling I lose all track of time; day becomes night and day again. The Letter for the King is one of those books: a must-read epic adventure for children and adults everywhere.

A classic saga in the style of King Arthur and The Hobbit, The Letter for the King has it all: an epic odyssey through treacherous lands, exciting battles with deadly enemies and a courageous young knight who answers a cry for help and risks all in the quest to save a kingdom. Tiuri is an endearing hero, vulnerable yet strong, and incredibly courageous given he’s unable to reveal his true identity or mission to anyone. And yet, in the face of adversity, he finds friends in the most unlikely places.

Published in the Netherlands in 1962, this amazing book won the Children’s Book of the Year and became an international best-seller that has been translated into sixteen languages. This is an incredible experience, perfect for independent readers aged 9 and up, a fantastic read-aloud for the whole family – adults will enjoy it as much as children. Look out for the sequel, The Secrets of the Wild Wood, which will be available in English later this year.

Athina Clarke