Description

– A coming-of-age fantasy epic from from Gothic picture book queen, Julia Sarda.
– The first title in The Three Sisters trilogy – longlisted for The Carnegie Medal for Illustration.
– A perfect gift for any picture book fan; perfect for readers aged 5-9 with themes of growing up, facing fears and discovering one’s identity.

Julia Sarda spins an enthralling and evocative tale that will surprise and enthral young readers and dreamers.

One night, Franca has a dream about a marvellous queen. And now she feels intrigued… Eager to know more about this mystical figure, Franca shares her dream with her two younger sisters. Together, they set out on an enchanting adventure to discover the kingdom of the queen in the cave.

“an authorial debut rich with otherworldly delights and a strong sense of childness… Readers will be enthralled and beguiled by Sarda’s Wonderland-like world where sun-masked fairies light the path to the cave whilst coiled serpents hide in branches.” – Books for Keeps

“Three sisters sneak out for a nighttime adventure in Sarda’s fantastical picture book, which taps into the wonderous imagination of childhood and hints at what lies beyond… An unforgettable story that will leave readers with their eyes wide open.” – Booklist (starred review)

“The ‘wonders [are] infinite’ in this surreal early reader… The eye-catching illustrations feature colorful geometric objects, bright and patterned creatures, and big-eyed children whose movements are stiff, goofy, and evocative as they dare to “go where no one has ever gone before!” – Foreword Reviews

“Mystical and sumptuously illustrated … a strange and beautiful story for children ages 5-9.” – The Wall Street Journal

“In imagery reminiscent of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Sarda poignantly evokes the moment an eldest sister pursues a way her sisters can’t go, a moment of growth and change that’s reflected in the flamboyant, stylish disorientation of her illustrations.” – The Horn Book

“A beautifully illustrated longform picture book that explores the unease and bravery that comes with growing up.” – School Library Connection

Publisher Review

Three sisters sneak out for a nighttime adventure in Sarda’s fantastical picture book, which taps into the wonderous imagination of childhood and hints at what lies beyond. . . . Sarda unleashes a phantasmagoric blend of beauty and eeriness in her intricate, antique-hued illustrations. . . supremely exciting. . . . An unforgettable story that will leave readers with their eyes wide open. * Booklist (starred review) * The “wonders [are] infinite” in this surreal early reader. . . . The eye-catching illustrations feature colorful geometric objects, bright and patterned creatures, and big-eyed children whose movements are stiff, goofy, and evocative as they dare to “go where no one has ever gone before!” * Foreword Reviews * In imagery reminiscent of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Sarda poignantly evokes the moment an eldest sister pursues a way her sisters can’t go, a moment of growth and change that’s reflected in the flamboyant, stylish disorientation of her illustrations. Appropriately, the book brings picture book and short story together; it’s a work on the cusp, as if its very mode connotes transition. * The Horn Book * A beautifully illustrated longform picture book that explores the unease and bravery that comes with growing up. * School Library Connection * Mystical and sumptuously illustrated. . .a strange and beautiful story for children ages 5-9. * The Wall Street Journal *