“This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of our world . . .” 

In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren't so easy to find - because Erkenwald is ruled by an evil Ice Queen and the tribes must stay hidden or risk becoming her prisoners at Winterfang Palace.

Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey to the Never Cliffs and beyond in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back.

This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of our world...

Why Novel North recommends

'Sky Song has all the elements of adventures I love. The beauty of ice and nature, animals who are characters in themselves, and language that entices and inspires! It’s perfect if you love Narnia and Northern Lights. A magical tale filled with hope and courage, set against a fantastical backdrop of ice, snow and trees. With strong characters and stronger friendships, this quest will keep you thrilled from the very first page!’

Author : Abi Elphinstone

Edition : Simon & Schuster, Paperback, 288 pages

ISBN : 9781471146077

Weight: 2452g
Dimensions: 198 x 130 x 18mm

'And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.'

After losing her parents, young Mary Lennox is sent from India to live in her uncle's gloomy mansion on the wild English moors. She is lonely and has no one to play with, but one day she learns of a secret garden somewhere in the grounds that no one is allowed to enter. Then Mary uncovers an old key in a flowerbed - and a gust of magic leads her to the hidden door. Slowly she turns the key and enters a world she could never have imagined.

Why Novel North recommends

'The Secret Garden is a childhood favourite.  And no matter how many times you revisit, the magic always draws you in.  Seeing the world through Mary’s eyes, you feel the sense of wonder as she discovers so many of the secrets of Misselthwaite Estate and surrounding moors, and you come away feeling excited and inspired to make discoveries of your own. It’s magical, enchanting, beautifully articulate and full of mystery and atmosphere.’

Author : Frances Hodgson Burnett

Edition : Puffin Classic, Hardback, 365 pages

ISBN : 9780141336534

Weight: 392g
Dimensions: 184 x 138 x 33mm

The Walker children - also known as Captain John, Mate Susan, Able-Seaman Titty, and Ship's Boy Roger - set sail on the Swallow and head for Wild Cat Island. There they camp under open skies, swim in clear water and go fishing for their dinner. But their days are disturbed by the Blackett sisters, the fierce Amazon pirates. The Swallows and Amazons decide to battle it out, and so begins a summer of unforgettable discoveries and incredible adventures.

Author :  Arthur Ransome

Edition : Vintage Children’s Classics, Paperback, 528 pages

ISBN : 9780099572794

Weight: 344g
Dimensions: 188 x 129 x 31mm

‘Not all those who wander are lost.’

Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of Power – the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring – the ring that rules them all – which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins.

In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.

This classic hardback features Tolkien's original unused dust-jacket design, and its text has been fully restored with almost 400 corrections - with the full co-operation of Christopher Tolkien - making it the definitive version, and as close as possible to the version that J.R.R. Tolkien intended. Also included is the original red and black map of the Shire and - for the first time - a special plate section containing the pages from the Book of Mazarbul.

Why Novel North recommends

‘A wonderfully real and woven world of heart and courage. It’s a story which embodies adventure, and can offer so much encouragement and solace upon every reread.’

Author :  J R R Tolkien

Edition : Harper Collins, Hardback, 456 pages

ISBN : 9780007203543

Weight: 640g
Dimensions: 228 x 149 x 29mm