Liesl and Po

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver brings much-needed magic to an increasingly neglected age group ... there are some exquisitely drawn characters ... it's books like this, with its classic quest plot, intertwined with lyrical metaphysics, that can set a child up for life.' Seven, Sunday Telegraph Books for Christmas 'A gorgeous story--timeless and magical ... For me, this book was like a ride in a sleeping car on a fabulous train, one with deep, plush upholstery, shining brass window latches, and secret compartments, one where the bed slides out soundlessly and the sheets are not too new but not too old, and where small amazing cakes arrive regularly on lacquered trays while the night rushes by outside, the moon always visible.' Rebecca Stead, Newbery winner for When You Reach Me An absolute delight ... The story is packed with mystery, murder, adventure, humour and magic, but above all it is a beautiful evocation of loss, tempered by the gradual blossoming of friendship, trust and hope. Although aimed at younger readers, the lightness of touch and the tenderness of the message could make grown men weep. Daily Mail 'A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy... By alternating quietly lyrical, philosophical passages with laugh-out-loud broad comedy/farce, the author takes her readers on a fantastic voyage from loss to healing and joy. With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. Acedera's frequent black-and-white illustrations are a perfect complement. An irresistible read: this book sings.' Kirkus 'This original fairy tale, told by a wise and humorous omniscient narrator and peopled with broadly drawn but instantly recognizable characters, avoids sentimentality to show the magic of accepting loss without letting go and finding joy in the lives left behind.' Booklist A gorgeous story--timeless and magical. Rebecca Stead, Newbery winner for When You Reach Me A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. An irresistible read: this book sings. Kirkus 'Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression.' Publishers Weekly Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression. Publishers Weekly 'A beautifully written book about loss, family, friendship and discovery - and the illustrations add a touch of magic too.' Press Association This original fairy tale, told by a wise and humorous omniscient narrator and peopled with broadly drawn but instantly recognizable characters, avoids sentimentality to show the magic of accepting loss without letting go and finding joy in the lives left behind. Booklist 'A thoroughly entertaining novel with is gripping narrative and strong emotional thread imbued with a real sense of loss. Highly recommended.' Sydney's Child 'Seriously spooky' Herald Sun A beautifully written book about loss, family, friendship and discovery - and the illustrations add a touch of magic too. Press Association Liesl & Po was the best middle grade novel I've read in ages, and also one of the best novels overall that I've read in a good while! It's a magical, compelling, humorous and original book - highly recommended! booksterreviews-cliona.blogspot.co.uk 'A cute, fast-paced tale.' Girlfriend ' ... a pleasing old fashioned romp ...' Philip Womack, Literary Review ' ... crowded with distinctive characters and a twisty-turny plot, and rife with words like "ineffable" as well as expletives like "scrat," making it all the more fun to read aloud ... Liesl and Po is a crazy quilt of genres. Although it is obviously a ghost story, there are strong allusions to classic children's literature like A Little Princess.' New York Times 'In Liesl &

Lauren Oliver was previously an editorial assistant at a publishing house in New York. A graduate of the University of Chicago and the MFA program at New York University, she is now a full-time writer and lives in Brooklyn, New York.