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Author & Illustrators

Natasha Farrant Books

The Children of Wolf Rock

Chapter book

Following on from The Children of Castle Rock, and yet easy to read as a standalone, Natasha Farrant revisits Stormy Loch Academy in this new adventure following three more adventurous, determined and sometimes damaged children.

Farrant isn’t afraid to address the relationship between adults and children in her novels, and this is no different. Although there are hints of the children’s friendships, it is really the fragmentation of families, and the misbehaviour of adults that garners the most attention and is deservedly punished, as children once again come out as righteous and brave, seeking justice and truth. Minna, Kass and Tom all have their different family reasons for staying on at Stormy Loch in the school holidays, but when they stumble across teenager Addie hiding out in a nearby valley, their holiday adventures really begin. Why has the teen run away, and what is she trying to draw attention to?

With music and dogs playing their part, and the wildness of Scotland contrasting with the bustle of London, Farrant has written another gripping adventure, with lovely allusions to her previous books’ characters, but also a cast of highly authentic and loveable new characters, from headstrong Minna to doubt-ridden Tom. Children will relish the escapades and freedom, as well as understanding the backgrounds of each character and the motivations for why they act as they do. References to coercive control and abuse resonate but are never too graphic. A fantastic modern quest to discover and reveal the truth.

The Secret of Golden Island

Natasha Farrant

Chapter book

From the Costa award-winning author of The Rescue of Ravenwood, Natasha Farrant has produced another epic tale of adventure, leading the young and young at heart to dream of winning their own island.

Struggling with the guilt of almost losing her grandfather, then becoming isolated from her friends, Skylar’s behaviour appears to be spiralling out of control. Feeling the pain of being away from his immediate family, as he is torn away from his war-torn country, Yakov struggles to make friends at his new school. Two chance encounters push the unlikely pair together and a shared dream suddenly feels like it could become a reality, but could the dream about to become a nightmare?

Beautifully written, Farrant captures the emotions and stories of each of the characters sympathetically and with great compassion, resulting in a novel that readers will struggle to put down, and will be sure to create a chorus of groans when “That’s all we have time for today” is emitted when used as a class read. A sure win for every dreamer out there!

The Rescue of Ravenwood

Natasha Farrant

Chapter book

Bea and Raffy have lived at Ravenwood almost all their lives and for them, it’s not just a place – it’s like they’re ‘made of’ it. For their new friend, Noa, it’s a welcome refuge from turbulence at home. Between them, they are looking forward to a perfect Ravenwood summer when, without warning, it seems they will lose Ravenwood and all it stands for. Is there anything that children can do to change the ways of the world?

Each child in their own way, makes a choice: to fight for what is precious. Feisty Bea stows away on a train across Europe; gentle Raffy learns to find his inner courage while Noa doggedly works out who started the fire that made everything worse.

This book has the feel of a classic children’s story of friendship, courage and refusing to give up. It captures the idealism and excitement of childhood in an exquisitely crafted story that is a perfect mixture of classic and modern. The plot itself follows an appealingly familiar pattern, but the main characters, their inner thoughts and uncertainties reflect contemporary concerns about environmental protection, homelessness and the problems caused by family breakdown. Subtly the reader is asked to consider deep questions. Is it selfish to fight for your own home when so many in the world are displaced? How hard is it worth fighting for an ash tree, a nuthatch or a newt? (Should you not know your newt from your nuthatch, the lovely endpapers illustrate them for you). How can you find forgiveness for parents who have let you down?

If used as a class read, it could provoke many important discussions and yet it never feels preachy. It’s both full of hope and a joyously immersive read – pure delight, in fact, that is perfect to share with Upper KS2.

The Children of Castle Rock

Natasha Farrant

Chapter book

St Trinians and Lauren St John collide in this hilarious and thrilling bestselling adventure from Natasha Farrant!

When Alice Mistlethwaite is shipped off to boarding school in Scotland it’s nothing like she imagines. Run by the mysterious Major, there are no punishments and the students are more likely to be taught about body painting or extreme survival than maths or English!

Then Alice’s dad goes missing and she must run away to find him. Can she persuade her new friends to help?

So begins an epic quest across wild Scottish highlands and islands, where friendships will be made and broken, lies will be untangled and the children will face danger and excitement at every turn…

Both hilarious and heartfelt, this is the classic adventure story brought bang up to date, and told in Natasha’s inimitable voice.

The Girl Who Talked to Trees

Lydia Corry & Natasha Farrant

Short story collection

Magical interlinked stories about what one girl learns from talking to trees throughout Time and from around the world. Olive’s best friend is a four-hundred-year-old oak tree, and it is in danger. As she tumbles into its magic world, she makes it a promise. From deep roots to high branches, a Persian garden to an underwater forest, from tulip trees to wild apple to vengeful box, she listens to the trees telling stories for all time. And she keeps her promise. With a conservation message and facts about tree science alongside the magicand wonder of seven beautifully imagined original stories, this full-colour book enchants and reminds us of the importance of trees in our lives.