The Lost Dragonflies - Blackburn, Julia

. .

Résumé :
Longlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition In a world where ancient earth magic runs deeper than science can explain, one girl's journey may be nature's last hope. In Whisper Valley, dragonflies spin jewels of power, donkeys sense danger long before it arrives, and the land holds memories older than any map. Twelve-year-old Belle lives between two worlds - her mum's scientific certainty and her Nana Willow's bond with the land. But when the lake at the heart of the valley begins to die, a snowstorm blows in and the earth's magic turns unpredictable, Belle is drawn into a mystery that threatens everything she loves. A charismatic scientist arrives promising a cure. A sacred healing ritual is sabotaged. And the once-gentle dragonflies begin to attack. To save her valley, Belle must brave the blizzard, follow an injured kite, and descend into the earth itself - guided by a walking stick that grows with her and a friendship pushed to its limits. A heartfelt eco-fantasy for readers aged 9-12, celebrating courage, family and our connection to the natural world. Perfect for fans of Hannah Gold, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Abi Elphinstone and Katya Balen....

Biographie:
Julia Blackburn is a children's author, nature lover, and former BBC Berkshire book reviewer. Her debut middle grade novel, A Mystery at Whisper Lake - longlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition - launches alongside her younger chapter book, The Songbird Army. Both celebrate the healing power of nature and the wild creatures that help restore balance to the world.She co-authored the cozy mystery Riverside Lane (Momentum Press, 2019), which sold over 5,000 copies, before turning her focus to children's fiction. A lifelong lover of the natural world, Julia writes from her desk with her loyal dog, Muttley, curled beneath her chair, and collaborates with her daughter Louisa, who illustrates all her books.Together, they bring stories of wonder, courage, and the natural world to life for children everywhere.Praise for The Songbird Army - A beautifully written nature adventure celebrating friendship, courage and inclusion. The Songbird Army helps children explore empathy, loss and resilience - a perfect classroom or independent read for ages 9-10.Praise for The Lost Dragonflies - I absolutely loved every second of reading Julia's book. Her love of nature really shines through, and for children it's one of the most important lessons to teach them. Helen Byles, BookBound...

Sommaire:
Longlisted for the Times/Chicken House Competition In a world where ancient earth magic runs deeper than science can explain, one girl's journey may be nature's last hope. Twelve-year-old Belle lives in Whisper Valley, where dragonflies spin stones of magic and donkeys lead the way through danger. Torn between her mum's faith in science and her Nana Willow's bond with the land, Belle must decide what to believe when the lake begins to die-and only one truth can save it. But something deeper is poisoning the valley. A charismatic scientist claims to offer a cure. A healing ritual is sabotaged. And the dragonflies, once protectors, are turning violent. To uncover the truth, Belle will brave a blizzard, follow an injured kite, and descend beneath the land's surface-guided by a walking stick that grows with her and a friendship tested by fear. In the final battle between control and connection, Belle must choose: trust the roots of the past or let them die. Perfect for fans of Hannah Gold's The Last Bear, Kiran Millwood Hargrave's The Girl of Ink and Stars, and Abi Elphinstone's Sky Song, this middle grade eco-fantasy-longlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition 2025-is a heartfelt adventure about family, courage, and the living magic of the natural world....