A Secret of Birds & Bone (paperback)

A spellbinding story from the Sunday Times-bestselling
author of The Girl of Ink & Stars, winner of the Waterstones
Children's Book Prize.
'A story bursting with imagination, sparkle and tender heart
... I adored it!' JASBINDER BILAN


'Both souful poetry and thrilling adventure; powerful and
delicate, chilling and comforting' SOPHIE ANDERSON



'Ripping propulsive plot, gorgeous imagery, floating fairytale
prose ... absolutely loved it' ROSS MONTGOMERY



In an Italian city ravaged by plague, Sofia's mother carves beautiful
mementoes from the bones of loved ones. But one day, she
doesn't return home. Did her work lead her into danger?


Sofia and her little brother Ermin are sent to the convent orphanage
but soon escape, led by an enigmatic new friend and their
pet crow, Corvith.


Together they cross the city underground, following clues in bones
up to the towers of Siena, where - circled by magpies - the
children find the terrible truth ...





The fourth children's novel by Times number
one bestselling author Kiran Millwood Hargrave, winner of the Waterstones
Children's Book Prize and the British Book Awards Children's
Book of the Year

From the author of The Island at the End of Everything,
The Way Past Winter, Julia and
the Shark and The Mercies - chosen for the Richard
& Judy Book Club

A darkly beautiful historical novel featuring Kiran's
trademark magical realism and an enthralling mystery, presented
as a gorgeous flapped paperback with stunning cover foil


Longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards 2021




'[An] unforgettable story about secrets big and small, family,
and power of being brave and kind. I loved it with my whole
heart.' KATHERINE WEBBER


'This is another page-turner that enchants with its magic
realism and originality.' OBSERVER


'As ever, Millwood Hargrave has superb control of plot, characters
and atmosphere, conjuring up a world of secrets, superstition,
supernatural powers and familial loyalty.' DAILY
MAIL