The curtain falls. The house lights come on. The show is over for the rest of the audience; for you, it's just beginning. They put on their coats and leave, but you stay in your seat until the theatre is empty; there's something you want to know. Soon, the cleaners come to sweep up the popcorn; we don't have long.

I am the Masked Magician and I would like an audience with you alone. Hurry now. Climb onto the stage and slip behind the curtains. I am waiting in the wings. I have something to show you, something you have never seen before, I promise.

Ah, there you are, my courageous companion. Come closer ... excellent, you have a good, firm handshake. This bodes well. You show no sign of nerves, you're not afraid of me and why should you be? We have travelled the world together, have we not?

You know more about me than I know about you. You gave nothing away throughout our journey. I admire that. It confirms what I've suspected all along; you are perfect for the job.

What job? It heartens me to know that you are full of insatiable curiosity. All will be revealed soon, but I sense there are three other questions you'd like to ask me first.

What is magic? You're wondering if the witch doctor could truly twist fate? I'm glad you asked me that; it means you have a touch of John Tabuh's cynicism, which is good because it makes you ask a question like the next one...

What is illusion? At the back of your mind, you suspect Sam's journey was just a daydream. She is no one special; just a bored, lonely orphan. Influenced by a trip to a magic show with her arthritic old aunt, she invented an exotic pet to keep her company and fabricated a magical family to replace the one she'd lost, casting herself as heroine.

However, you're not entirely happy with this tidy explanation, are you? You've seen how miserable life can be for people with narrow minds so you're keeping yours open. But you're n.o.body's fool, which is why you'd like to know the following...

What is real? Did Sam really exist? The witch doctor? Did any of the characters exist or did I conjure them up one rainy afternoon to entertain you in this old theatre? What's that you say? You want me to show you the thing you've never seen before? My true ident.i.ty, you mean? I must say, you're very bold. Ah, well. I did promise, I suppose.

Very well, I will take off my mask...

I am Shamanka!

I am Sam Tabuh; see the blonde streak in my hair? Look up into the G.o.ds you will see my a.s.sistant. I'm sure you recognize her, even though she is disguised as a small boy.

It is Lola.

We have come from New Guinea to find you. I have no sons or daughters to step into my shoes. Like my dear departed grandfather, I manipulated time and fate and arranged for you to be born. I chose your parents carefully. You arrived on the right day at the right time in the right place, just as I planned. I even chose your name. Shout it out loud! There is magic in it.

Big Magic.

You are destined for great things, my friend. Maybe in this life, maybe in the next. Bad things may happen, but you will overcome them; you will grow wise.

You have hidden powers.

Be on your guard. Some of the characters you will meet will not be who they seem. I have put them there for a reason. You may not understand why now, but you will. Be wary, but do not be afraid. I have provided you with a spirit guide, a totem animal and a power animal. If you don't know who they are, you will find out soon.

You have a unique gift. Never doubt it, even in your darkest moments. I am Shamanka. You are no longer the person you were before our paths crossed.

You are better, brighter, braver.

You are magical.

It is time to start your journey.

WILD BOY.

Rob Lloyd Jones.

Behold the savage spectacle of the wild boy!

London, 1841. In the seamy, smoggy underworld, a boy covered in hair, raised as a monster, is condemned to life in a travelling freak show. A boy with an extraordinary power of observation and detection. A boy accused of murder, on the run, hungry for the truth. Ladies and Gentlemen, take your seats. The show is about to begin!

"A gripping murder mystery" Sunday Express.

THE BOY WHO SWAM WITH PIRANHAS.

DAVID ALMOND.

A life-affirming and fabulously fishy tale about one boy's journey from anguish to joy.

Stanley Potts is just an ordinary boy, but when all the jobs in Fish Quay disappear his Uncle Ernie develops an extraordinary fascination with canning fish. Suddenly their home is filled with the sound of clanging machinery and the stench of mackerel. Stan, however, has his own destiny. As he delves into the waters, he finally discovers who he really can be.

"This book will make hearts sing" Sunday Times.

DRAGONBORN.

TOBY FORWARD.

In a world where magic has become wild, and evil is afoot, can the forces for good prevail?

When the great wizard Flaxfield dies, his apprentice Sam is left without a master. As the wizards gather for his Finishing, Sam does not know whom to trust and whom he should fear. He sets off alone with only his dragon Starback for company, little realizing the perils that lie in wait. This powerful opening book of the Flaxfield Quartet is an adventure story told with great lyricism and power.

"Toby Forward has created a world and characters uniquely his own." School Librarian.

MONDAYS ARE MURDER.

TANYA LANDMAN.

Death by misadventure...?

When Poppy Fields goes on an activity holiday to a remote Scottish island, she is looking forward to a week of climbing, hill-walking and horse riding. But things take a disastrous turn when their instructor has what appears to be a fatal abseiling accident. When Poppy discovers that his rope was cut, and more of the instructors start to have "accidents", she and best friend Graham suspect foul play and decide to investigate.

"With a convincing twist in the tail this is a really satisfying story." Carousel.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or, if real, are used fict.i.tiously. All statements, activities, stunts, descriptions, information and material of any other kind contained herein are included for entertainment purposes only and should not be relied on for accuracy or replicated as they may result in injury.

First published 2007 by Walker Books Ltd.

end.