A fast-paced, heart-clenching middle-grade adventure about the bond between two brothers, their faithful horse, and an astonishing legacy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ross Montgomery--perfect for fans of Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson and Pony by R. J. Palacio.
9-12 Years
8.4" x 5.7" Hardcover
224 Pages
Juvenile Fiction, Animals

Description

Book Synopsis

A fast-paced, heart-clenching middle-grade adventure about the bond between two brothers, their faithful horse, and an astonishing legacy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ross Montgomery--perfect for fans of Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson and Pony by R. J. Palacio.

Remember everything I taught you, Small Wonder. Take care of Leaf. Take care of Pebble. I've done all I can. The rest is up to you . . .

Tick, called Small Wonder by his grandfather, lives peacefully at the edge of Ellia, along with his little brother and faithful horse. But then a deadly assassin and an invading army arrive. The kingdom is in danger and Tick has six moons to get to King's Keep and warn their ruler. Traveling through forests and over mountains, encountering bandits and rogue knights, Tick is determined to honor his grandfather's last words of advice . . . Make it count. Can Tick warn the kingdom in time and protect his little brother from the dangers they encounter? As they make their treacherous journey through Ellia, Tick starts to uncover a long-buried history that will change everything he thought he knew.

Review Quotes

Montgomery takes readers on a rip-roaring adventure full of heart, loyalty, and bravery that will appeal to fans of R. J. Palacio's Pony (2021).
--Booklist

A pacy ride. . . .
--Kirkus Reviews

The prose is fast-moving and descriptive. . . . As Tick works out the truth about his heritage and what his and Leaf's futures hold, the book moves toward a resonant twist ending.
--Foreword Reviews

[A]n adventure-filled moral tale, accessible and entertaining.
--The Horn Book

About the Author

Ross Montgomery is the award-winning author of several acclaimed novels, including the #1 New York Times bestseller and Waterstones Children's Book of the Year I Am Rebel. He is also the author of the picture books Penguin Huddle, Ant Party, and Pog and Pickle's Great Escape, all illustrated by Sarah Warburton, and Space Tortoise and The Building Boy, both illustrated by David Litchfield. He is the author of The Murder at World's End, his debut novel for adults. He lives in London with his wife, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a daughter who is not called Fun Bobby.

Specifications

Dimensions (Overall): 8.4 Inches (H) x 5.7 Inches (W) x 1.0 Inches (D)

Weight: .8 Pounds

Suggested Age: 9-12 Years

Number of Pages: 224

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Sub-Genre: Animals

Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)

Theme: Horses

Format: Hardcover

Author: Ross Montgomery

Language: English

Street Date: March 3, 2026

TCIN: 1004162128

UPC: 9781536252026

Item Number (DPCI): 247-28-2898

Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

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Shipping & Returns

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1 inches length x 5.7 inches width x 8.4 inches height

Estimated ship weight: 0.8 pounds

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