The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor - by Aubrey Hartman (Hardcover)

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Poppy meets a water nymph and exchanges her favorite book for a lion, but her deal has unexpected consequences that Poppy must fight to correct.

Book Synopsis

From the author of the Newbery Honor Book, The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest, comes a charming middle-grade novel about old magic, new adventures, a winged lion learning to roar, and a young girl fighting to be heard--perfect for fans of classics like The NeverEnding Story.

Poppy Woodlock believes in magic, but so far, she hasn't found any. It's been two weeks since her parents moved their family to Oregon to undertake their biggest project yet: revitalizing the once-grand Lark-Hayes Manor. Her older brother instantly found his place, but after being thrown into middle school midyear, Poppy is feeling...invisible. So she retreats to where she's always felt most at home: books and magic. And if the fantastic and supernatural exist, certainly they can be found in this mysterious old estate.

A late-night prowl leads Poppy to a desperate water nymph, with whom she strikes a dangerous bargain. In exchange for the thing she loves most--her favorite book-- Poppy now has the secret of a lifetime: her very own flying lion. Sampson is exactly what she needs to prove magic does exist and, more importantly, that she is not to be so easily dismissed.

But the cost of ancient magic is astronomic. With every night Sampson grows, another book disappears, and Poppy soon faces the harrowing reality that without their favorite stories, the lives of everyone around her begin to unravel.

Fixing the chaos will require Poppy to be clever and bold, and even at her smartest and loudest, she's not sure it will be enough. But she has to try.

Review Quotes

"Tonally reminiscent of classic children's fantasies, Hartman's debut layers slice-of-life concerns--bickering parents, new-kid trials--with a high-concept premise, making for a winning novel focused on literary influence and everyday magic."--Publishers Weekly

"This gentle fantasy beautifully explores the ways books shape and stir readers, and Poppy's joyful, funny friendship with the lion is a treat. An enchanting adventure that encourages readers to find their voice and delight in stories."--Booklist

"The Lion of Lark-Hays Manor is a page-turning novel about an unlikely friendship, the price of granted wishes, and finding one's voice. A magical adventure that reminds us of the power of stories."--Lynne Kelly, author of Song For a Whale

"A book for all of us about learning to speak--and also to listen to every voice, even the soundless."--Kathryn Erskine, National Book Award winner

About the Author

AUBREY HARTMAN is the Newbery Honor winning author of The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest and The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor. Her books have received critical acclaim from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, Book Riot, BCCB, and various other outlets, and have been featured on numerous Best Books of the Year lists. She lives in California with her husband, three young children, and cat. She invites you to visit her online at aubreyhartman.com.