The Marvelous Land of Snergs - by Veronica Cossanteli (Hardcover)

About the Book

At the Sunny Bay Home for Superfluous and Accidentally Parentless Children, Pip and Flora are in trouble. Running away with their dog they discover the Marvellous Land of Snergs, a magical world of cinnamon bears and scrumptious feasts - but also one of vegan ogres, disgraced jesters and dastardly Kelps, with a villain dressed entirely in purple. Soon their only friend is forgetful but lovable snerg, Gorbo. He will lead them home - if they can decide where home really is and if Gorbo can remember how to get there.

Book Synopsis

A funny, quirky, brand-new story based on E.A. Wyke-Smith's classic, the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, featuring wonderful illustrations from Melissa Castrillón.

At the Sunny Bay Home for Superfluous and Accidentally Parentless Children, Pip and Flora were never good at following the rules. When Flora is kidnapped, they find themselves in the Marvelous Land of Snergs, a magical place of cinnamon bears and scrumptious feasts, vegan ogres and disgraced jesters, and a villain dressed entirely in purple.

Their main ally is the forgetful but lovable snerg, Gorbo, who promises to lead them home. That is, if they can get past the wicked Widow Meldrum and her dastardly schemes.

A must-read fantasy adventure full of humor and charm, this whimsical delight will enchant Tolkien enthusiasts both young and old.

"I should like to record my own love and my children's love of E. A. Wyke-Smith's Marvelous Land of Snergs ... and of Gorbo, jewel of a companion in an escapade."--J.R.R. Tolkien

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR THE MARVELOUS LAND OF SNERGS

"The Marvelous Land of Snergs [is] a beautiful book to see and hold. It's also jolly to read aloud, full of wit and surprise and, in pacing, more exciting than the original."--Wall Street Journal

"This archly voiced update from Cossanteli (The Halloweeds) reads like a classic children's adventure in the vein of Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland...Ample whimsy and episodic escapades give the quest a friendly, low-stakes feel; interior artwork from Castrillón (Dear Little One) enhances the fanciful vibe."--Publishers Weekly

"The author knew just what to include to keep children entertained, magic, mayhem, baddies, secrets, and of course, a puppy. ...The Marvellous Land of Snergs was a great pleasure to read."--YA Books Central

"This tale of abandoned children and fantastical beings is pure delight."--Reading the West

"Castrillón supplies elegantly antique montages and spot art, with occasional views of the light-skinned central characters. This story, with clever wordplay and echoes of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and Peter Pan, will delight."--Kirkus Reviews

"This new retelling is unique in its style and imagination, with outlandish and spectacular characters and dastardly villains, set in a deliciously atmospheric landscape... This is a delightful fantasy, interwoven with values of courage, loyalty and the strength and love of true friendships."--Ruth Tolkien

"The glorious cover and internal line drawings by Melissa Castrillón are just perfect for this perfectly whimsical and imaginative tale. The Marvelous Land of the Snergs could make a fascinating book to read alongside The Hobbit and is a real delight in its own right."--Joy Court, lovereading4kids.uk

"With just the right amount of peril and mystery, and with a perfect ending- The Marvellous Land of the Snergs will satisfy most readers, read independently or with the whole class."--Nikki Gamble, justimagine.co.uk

"This children's bookseller read it in one, delicious sitting. It is wild, exciting, adventurous and very funny, peppered with invention, loyalty and daft humour."--bookwagon.co.uk

PRAISE FOR VERONICA COSSANTELLI

"A breezy adventure with just the right amount of oddball charm."--Booklist

"A fantastical adventure of mystery and imagination."--School Library Journal