Ten-year-old Mary-Kate Martin is apprehensive about her impending trip to Woolington but her archaeologist mother insists on investigating the mysterious bones recently discovered there. The village is not as it seems: secrets are rife, lies abound and the town developer’s agenda is suspect to say the least. Mary-Kate must master techniques to overcome her anxiety, harness her creativity and distinguish fact from fiction. Together with her new-found friend, the inimitable Arabella, she sets out to solve the mystery of the fabled but elusive Woolington Wyrm; is it a dragon or a worm or something even more sinister?

There’s a wonderful juxtaposition between these two girls; whereas Mary-Kate is cautious and apprehensive, Arabella is bold and spontaneous, and together, these ingenious protagonists embark on a deliciously exciting adventure of a lifetime!

The first in an illustrated series from award-winning author Karen Foxlee, this delightful book is so much fun, and Freda Chiu’s charming black-and-white drawings generously sprinkled throughout are captivating. Highly recommended for ages eight and up and a wonderful read-aloud to share with the family and in the classroom.

Athina Clarke is from Readings Malvern