A spellbinding story from the Sunday Times-bestselling
author of The Girl of Ink & Stars, winner of the Waterstones
Children’s Book Prize.

‘A future classic’ THE i

‘Enchants with its magical realism and originality’ OBSERVER

‘Superb’ DAILY MAIL

In an Italian city ravaged by plague, Sofia’s mother carves beautiful
mementoes from the bones of loved ones. But one day, she
doesn’t return home. Did her work lead her into danger?

Sofia and her little brother Ermin are sent to the convent orphanage
but soon escape, led by an enigmatic new friend and their
pet crow, Corvith.

Together they cross the city underground, following clues in bones
up to the towers of Siena, where – circled by magpies – the
children find the terrible truth …

• The fourth children’s novel by Times number
  one bestselling author Kiran Millwood Hargrave, winner of the Waterstones
  Children’s Book Prize and the British Book Awards Children’s
  Book of the Year

• From the author of The Island at the End of Everything,
  The Way Past Winter, Julia and
  the Shark and The Mercies – chosen for the Richard
  & Judy Book Club

• A darkly beautiful historical novel featuring Kiran’s
  trademark magical realism and an enthralling mystery

• Perfect for readers aged 9 and up

MORE PRAISE FOR A SECRET OF BIRDS & BONE:

‘A story bursting with imagination, sparkle and tender heart
… I adored it!’ JASBINDER BILAN

‘Both souful poetry and thrilling adventure; powerful and
delicate, chilling and comforting’ SOPHIE ANDERSON

‘Ripping propulsive plot, gorgeous imagery, floating fairytale
prose … absolutely loved it’ ROSS MONTGOMERY

‘I loved it with my whole heart’ KATIE TSANG