<b>A magical book in the rich and whimsical world of the Kingdoms and Empires about a girl, a threat and a pickle jar filled with gold coins by the internationally bestselling and multi-award-winning author of <i>The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst.</i></b><br/><br/><b>'Jaclyn Moriarty is one of the most original writers we have.' </b><b>Markus Zusak</b><br/><br/>Lillian Velvet lives a very lonely life with her cold and remote Grandmother. That is, until her tenth birthday, when she is given a pickle jar of gold coins, along with a note with clear instructions: <i>don't </i>go out, <i>don't </i>open the door for anyone, and <i>don't </i>spend all your coins in one day.<br/><br/>What happens next seems impossible. The coins whisk Lillian away to a different time and place. There she meets a small boy in a circus about to be crushed to death; a lively family, each member in a distinctive form of mortal danger; a boy with a skateboard; and a girl who can Whisper. And a web of dangerous magic closing tight around it all.<br/><br/>Why is Lillian here? How is she supposed to help these new friends? And - most importantly - what happens if she fails?<br/><br/>An exciting tale in the magical Kingdoms and Empires world, where seemingly disparate elements are spun until all is revealed as one delicious, tantalising whole.<br/><br/>'<b>Complex and clever</b>, Lillian Velvet's adventure through time is expertly plotted and a joy to read. <b>She's won my heart.</b>' <b>Reece Carter</b>, bestselling author of <i>A Girl Called Corpse</i><br/><br/><b>PRAISE FOR THE KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES BOOKS</b><br/>'Charms, thrills and delights … <b>brilliantly evoking echoes of Diana Wynne Jones</b>.' <b>Garth Nix</b>, bestselling author of the Keys to the Kingdoms series<br/><br/>'Brimming with bright new magic … <b>Just perfect</b>.' <b>Karen Foxlee</b>, award-winning and bestselling author of <i>Dragon Skin</i><br/><br/>'It's <b>my favourite book ever</b>. I want to put it in a glass case to look at always. 5 stars!' Daisy, age 7<br/><br/>'<b>Humorous, whimsical and beguiling</b> … intricately and ingeniously plotted tale.' <i>The Australian</i><br/><br/>'<b>A middle-grade version of Terry Pratchett's Discworld</b> - fantasy adventure steeped in humour, with a touch of satire.' <i>Booklist </i>(starred review)