The Shadow Moth

The most magical children’s book debut of 2020, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and illustrated by award-winning Chris Riddell

Imogen should be nice to her little sister Marie. She should be nice to her mum’s boyfriend too. And she certainly shouldn’t follow a strange silver moth through a door in a tree. But then . . . who does what they’re told?

Followed by Marie, Imogen finds herself falling into a magical kingdom where the two sisters are swept up in a thrilling race against time – helped by the spoiled prince of the kingdom, a dancing bear, a very grumpy hunter . . . and even the stars above them.

Thrilling, sharply funny, and with characters you will fall in love with, A Clock of Stars is a timeless fantasy from an astonishing new voice – and the beginning of an unforgettable journey . . .

Reviews

“An utterly wonderful, timeless magical adventure packed with all the best things about children's fiction.” – Anna James, author of Pages & Co.

"A Clock of Stars: The Shadow Moth fluttered straight into my heart. Sometimes you pick up a book and know – from the very first pages – that you're reading an instant classic. This is one of those books. Prepare to be spellbound." – Carlie Sorosiak, author of I, Cosmo

“Utterly irresistible and hugely imaginative, the first instalment of a thrilling, funny fantasy series finds two misbehaving sisters plunged into a magical kingdom to face a deadly threat.” – Waterstones Best Books of 2020

“…a sparkling debut… boasts a funny, engaging voice, a strong sibling dynamic and a bold, intransigent heroine” Guardian

About the author

Francesca Gibbons worked as a copywriter at a marketing agency before leaving to focus on her career as a children’s author. The Shadow Moth is her debut novel. It was inspired by the gardens she visited as a child, and her love of folklore and monsters. It is the first book in the Clock of Stars trilogy.

Chris Riddell OBE is an author, an artist, the political cartoonist for the Observer and the illustrator of an extraordinary range of children’s books, including titles by Neil Gaiman and J. K. Rowling. He has enjoyed great acclaim for his own books for children, and has won many major prizes, including the Costa Award and an unprecedented three CILIP Kate Greenaway Medals.