Natasha Farrant – författare

A girl determined to follow her dream persuades two friends to join her for an off-the-grid adventure that becomes a survival story as they confront storms, illness, injury, and a gang of international jewel thieves. Desperate to meet up with her unpredictable father, quiet Alice persuades two friends to abandon their boarding school's orienteering exercise and head for a remote, inaccessible island. As they confront storms, illness, injury, and a gang of international jewel thieves, the quest tests their courage and loyalty andstrengthens the bonds of friendship.Readers will cheer the runaways on, laugh with them at their foibles,and share Alice's pleasure in overcoming the obstacles that standin her way. This combination adventure, school story, and family story will delight fans of all threegenres.

France: February, 1944. Arianne knew Luc as a child, of course she did. Everyone in Samaroux knows each other. But he's been away, and five years really makes a difference to a boy. A young man.As they fall headily into love - first love - their world starts to crumble around them. German forces are closing in, and the village is torn between cooperating to save themselves or putting up resistance and entering unknown danger.Arianne will do anything to make Luc stay. Luc wants to prove he is a man. And Romy, who has loved Arianne all the time that Luc has been away, can see a way of removing his rival, at any cost. How far will they go to protect what they believe in? And what will they do for love?

Being a combination of conventional diary entries and transcripts of videos shot by the author on the camera she was given for her 13th birthday, and beginning at the end of summer.Bluebell Gadsby is 13 but that's the least of her problems. Both her parents seem more interested in their careers than the family, leaving Blue and her three siblings in the care of Zoran the au pair, as well as their three pet rats (who may or may not be pregnant). The enigmatic Joss moves in next door and Blue thinks she might be falling in love, until he takes out her older sister Flora instead (who, incidentally, is trying to make a statement by dying her hair bright pink but no one takes the blindest bit of notice). Blue thinks and feels very deeply about life but can't really talk to anyone about it, because no one in the Gadsby family wants to address the real problem - that Blue's twin sister, Iris, died a year ago, and they are all just trying to hide their grief in busyness...So Blue turns to her diary and her unique way of seeing the world through her camcorder to express herself. A tender, funny, smart and ultimately heartwarming story.

Just when Bluebell thought her crazy family were behaving normally, her parents make an announcement that could turn everything upside down.If only Zoran, their au pair, would come back to live with them. Unfortunately he's too busy teaching guitar to his new protégé, Zachary Smith. Blue is jealous at first, until Zach starts helping her little sister with a secret project and becomes a regular visitor at the Gadsby house.Then Zach goes missing. Blue needs her family to pull together if they're going to find him...

The third heartfelt installment in this beautifully-crafted, sassy new series that will make you laugh and cry.It's hard being the normal one in such a crazy family. Bluebell, Twig and Jas have been sent to stay with Grandma for the summer. The countryside is how Bluebell remembers it - full of fun and adventure. But this year, it feels different somehow.There is sobbing and shouting. There are cantering horses and night-time dares. Confusing boys and grandmas to look after. But there is also laughter and more than this, there is love - and that's what being a family is all about.

It's the summer holidays and Flora has gone off with Dad to the exotic set of his new film and Mum is at home having a much-needed rest with baby Pumpkin. Bluebell, Twig and Jas have been sent to stay with Grandma at Horsehill in the countryside.With Grandma keen that the children get as much fresh air as possible, they are sent off on bikes to go wild swimming and befriend the boys next door. With so much freedom, they can't help but get into trouble, and Grandma doesn't seem to be as capable as looking after them as she should be...

France: February, 1944. Arianne knew Luc as a child, of course she did. Everyone in Samaroux knows each other. But he's been away, and five years really makes a difference to a boy. A young man.As they fall headily into love their world starts to crumble around them. German forces are closing in, and the village is torn between cooperating to save themselves or putting up resistance and entering unknown danger.How far will Arianne and Luc go to protect what they believe in? And what will they do for love?A gorgeous new edition of this devastating story of resistance, heartbreak and betrayal, for the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

Bluebell and her siblings are beginning a new school year. Suddenly everyone is freaking out. Twig has taken up violent team sports, poor Jas is being bullied by the ghastly Cupcake Crew and Blue has a big decision to make.There are fights and crying fits. Halloween parades gone wrong and secret graffiti artists. Confusing friendships and life-changing choices. But there is also laughter and above all, there is love - and that's what being a family is all about.

Bluebell and her siblings are beginning a new school year. Suddenly everyone is freaking out. Twig has taken up violent team sports, poor Jas is being bullied by the ghastly Cupcake Crew and Blue has a big decision to make.There are fights and crying fits. Halloween parades gone wrong and secret graffiti artists. Confusing friendships and life-changing choices. But there is also laughter and above all, there is love - and that's what being a family is all about.

St Trinians and Lauren St John collide in this hilarious and thrilling bestselling adventure from Natasha Farrant!When Alice Mistlethwaite is shipped off to boarding school in Scotland it's nothing like she imagines. Run by the mysterious Major, there are no punishments and the students are more likely to be taught about body painting or extreme survival than maths or English!Then Alice's dad goes missing and she must run away to find him. Can she persuade her new friends to help?So begins an epic quest across wild Scottish highlands and islands, where friendships will be made and broken, lies will be untangled and the children will face danger and excitement at every turn . . .Both hilarious and heartfelt, this is the classic adventure story brought bang up to date, and told in Natasha's inimitable voice.'Thrilling adventure.' The Times'This wise and touching novel has originality and a fresh voice.' Sunday Times'A gripping adventure . . . I stayed up all night reading it!' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse

When Alice's family home has to be sold, she and her father Barney will do whatever it takes to buy it back - even if whatever it takes isn't strictly legal. And when Alice is expelled and sent away to an isolated boarding-school, she'll do whatever it takes again to get away. But Stormy Loch Academy isn't quite what she expected. With its strange rules and eccentric headmaster and rag-tag mix of students and teachers, it has a way of growing on you. Still, when Barney goes missing (all that not strictly legal business) she knows she has to rescue him. Armed with two new friends, she sets off on an epic quest through the wild Scottish highlands and islands to finally get her heart's desire - but does she know anymore exactly what that is?Both hilarious and heartfelt, this is the classic adventure story brought bang up to date, and told in Natasha's inimitable voice.

It's hard being the normal one in such a crazy family.Bluebell's life is chaotic: Mum and Dad are always away, the new babysitter has no idea what he's doing, and the whole family is trying to get used to life without Iris.There are tears and tantrums. Pregnant pets and broken windows. Boys next door and friends turned enemies. But there is also laughter and most importantly, there is love - and that's what being a family is all about.

It's hard being the normal one in such a crazy family.Bluebell and her family are about to hear life-changing news.There is weeping and storming off. There are orphaned kittens and internet disasters. Guitar-playing runaway boys and little sisters with secrets.But there is also laughter and of course, there is love - and that's what being a family is all about.

WINNER - COSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDTHE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEARThe second sensational middle-grade standalone that follows an epic voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WW1, from the bestselling author of The Children of Castle Rock.In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti's horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!). And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiancé . . .Just as they think they've found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan - to cross the Channel on Ben's narrowboat and find Sam. And there's something in France that Lotti is looking for, too . . . Buffeted by storms, chased by the police, Lotti, Ben, Clara and a growing number of dogs set out on an epic journey, on the search for lost loved ones and a place to call home.'One of the most compelling, joyous, tearjerking and delightful reads of the year.' The Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week'Empowering, rollicking, wistful and joyful.' Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks' War'Magnificent odyssey . . . a rich and rewarding read . . . it deserves prizes.' New Statesman'A wonderful adventure.' Piers Torday, author of The Frozen Sea'Fast-paced and fascinating.' BookTrust'Compelling.' The Scotsman'Wonderful.' The Week Junior'Impossible to put down.' LoveReading4Kids'Exciting adventure.' Just Imagine'Highly recommended.' Books for Keeps

WINNER - COSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDTHE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEARThe second sensational middle-grade standalone that follows an epic voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WW1, from the bestselling author of The Children of Castle Rock.In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti's horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!). And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiancé . . .Just as they think they've found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan - to cross the Channel on Ben's narrowboat and find Sam. And there's something in France that Lotti is looking for, too . . . Buffeted by storms, chased by the police, Lotti, Ben, Clara and a growing number of dogs set out on an epic journey, on the search for lost loved ones and a place to call home.'One of the most compelling, joyous, tearjerking and delightful reads of the year.' The Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week'Empowering, rollicking, wistful and joyful.' Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks' War'Magnificent odyssey . . . a rich and rewarding read . . . it deserves prizes.' New Statesman'A wonderful adventure.' Piers Torday, author of The Frozen Sea'Fast-paced and fascinating.' BookTrust'Compelling.' The Scotsman'Wonderful.' The Week Junior'Impossible to put down.' LoveReading4Kids'Exciting adventure.' Just Imagine'Highly recommended.' Books for Keeps

'A sublime eco adventure.' The TimesFrom the Costa Award winning author of Voyage of the Sparrowhawk comes an epic adventure with a call to arms: we must fight to save the most treasured things on our planet.On the top of the hill, overlooking the sea, that's where you'll find a magical place . . .To Bea and Raffy, Ravenwood is home. In its own way, the house rescued them, even if it did have a fallen-down tree taking up most of the kitchen. So the idea that it could be sold. Demolished even. Well, that's unthinkable. Then again, it's not like the children get a choice. But the truth is, we can all make our own choices, especially if we care enough . . .A beautiful, soulful, exciting story about holding onto what's precious, and guarding the extraordinary nature that surrounds us.'A triumph.' The Times'A captivating feat of storytelling.' The Sunday Times'A moving and compelling adventure.' BookTrust'One of my very favourite authors.' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse'One of the most accomplished children's writers around triumphs again.' Waterstones

'A sublime eco adventure.' The TimesFrom the Costa Award winning author of Voyage of the Sparrowhawk comes an epic adventure with a call to arms: we must fight to save the most treasured things on our planet.On the top of the hill, overlooking the sea, that's where you'll find a magical place . . .To Bea and Raffy, Ravenwood is home. In its own way, the house rescued them, even if it did have a fallen-down tree taking up most of the kitchen. So the idea that it could be sold. Demolished even. Well, that's unthinkable. Then again, it's not like the children get a choice. But the truth is, we can all make our own choices, especially if we care enough . . .A beautiful, soulful, exciting story about holding onto what's precious, and guarding the extraordinary nature that surrounds us.'A triumph.' The Times'Enchanting.' The Telegraph'A captivating feat of storytelling.' The Sunday Times'A moving and compelling adventure.' BookTrust'One of my very favourite authors.' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse

What will two children do to win an island? From Costa-winning author of Voyage of the Sparrowhawk.*SHORTLISTED for Best Crime Fiction Award for Children*SHORTLISTED for James Reckitt Hull Children's Book Award*Selected as a Waterstones Paperback of the YearSkylar's old friends felt sorry for her but they were too afraid to talk to her.Yakov's old friends were far away, blown across continents by war . . .When Skylar meets Yakov she is still reeling from the news of her grandfather's stroke. Yakov is just desperate to go home. They recognise something in each other: a need for friendship, but something else fizzy beneath the surface. A refusal to accept what life has dealt them; a reckless desire to change things up for the better.So when there's a competition to own nearby Golden Island, it's no surprise they want it.But how can two children possibly win an island? And what will they risk to call it their own?Exquisitely told, with compassion and empathy: an unmissable, life-affirming novel from the inimitable Natasha Farrant.'A perfect story.' Katya Balen'A thrilling, peril-spiced summer adventure.' Guardian'A genuine page-turner... Packed with secrets and lies, with a story of hope at its heart.' Daily Express

'You won't read a better story this summer.' Emma Carroll 'One of our greatest living children's writers.' Ross Montgomery'Truly masterful.' Hannah Gold'Glorious . . . pure heaven.' Piers Torday 'Rich with atmosphere and heart.' Jenny Pearson'Breathtaking adventure.' Lucy Strange'Tremendously exciting.' Judith Eagle 'A master storyteller.' Joanna Nadin'A thrilling, evocative adventure.' Andy Shepherd Stormy Loch Academy is about to change the lives of three children forever - from the world of bestseller, The Children of Castle Rock - by a Costa-winning author and queen of outdoor adventures.High in the mountains of western Scotland, there is a loch, and on its shores there is a castle, and in that castle there is a school . . .Stormy Loch Academy is like no other teaching establishment. For one, its headmaster, Major Fortescue, believes in sharing the beauty of the world with his students, so that they will have the courage to fight for it.For Minna, Kass and Tom it proves to be the safe haven from their chaotic home lives, giving them all a chance to breathe freely, and to roam the valleys and lakes on their doorstep.But then they come across Addie, an older ex-student, hiding out in the wild, with only her guitar and her dog for company . . .At first they believe her stories, but when she goes missing, the lies she has told start to emerge.With Addie at risk, Minna, Kass and Tom must travel to London to uncover her past. The journey is dangerous, especially for those so young . . . But these are the children of Stormy Loch, and bravery and adventure runs through their bones . . .

Every summer throughout her childhood, Florence would return to her family home on the west coast of France, where she would be joined by her exotic, hopelessly glamorous cousins and life as she knew it would begin under the benevolent eye of her grandmother Mimi.It was a heady existence of illicit drinking, stolen kisses and the bittersweet pains of first love. But now Florence is living completely alone with her new baby.Haunted by nightmares, she cannot open the letters from her grandmother accumulating on her mantelpiece.What devastating truth do these letters hold?Why has Florence turned her back on her past? And will she and Mimi ever be able to escape the guilt that is tearing them apart and has shaken their family to its very core?

Deep in the English countryside, Marshwood has always been much more than just a house. It has been a place to escape to and a trap, the backdrop for elegant parties and a wartime hospital, an idyllic escape from trauma and unhappy marriages. When the roof starts to cave in and the money runs out, eighty-year-old Bella resists the pressure to sell and instead begins to peel back the layers of the past. As this imposing house gives up its secrets of marriage, war and forbidden love, patterns begin to repeat themselves when Bella's granddaughter's childhood sweetheart returns from the war in Bosnia. Like so many before him, Jack comes seeking solace. But he also wants Isla, who is - who really should be - unavailable to him. And as all three characters explore whether you can ever truly go back, the past and the present collide with shattering consequences . . .

Arianne knew Luc before he went away, of course she did. Everyone in Samaroux knows each other. When he returns after five years, the spark between them reignites and becomes something more, but will the war let them be together? As the two teens fall deeply in love, their world starts to crumble around them. German forces, reeling from defeats in the east, are closing in, and Luc, desperate to atone for his family''s past, wants to join the resistance. Arianne will do anything to keep him safe, but in such a small village, Luc is not alone in his love for Arianne. And Luc''s rival just might be a traitor. How far will they go to protect what they believe in? And what will they do for love?