The Library of Lost Stories
‘It’s Christmas 1976 in a small town in South Wales, and eleven-year-old Noni and her dad are hiding from the bailiffs, behind the sofa. There’s no money left and Noni’s dad – who used to fix all the town’s broken things seems to be the most broken thing of all.
When Noni meets new friend Rebecca and borrows a library book, she realises that fixing the town’s old mobile library might be the thing to bring a spark back to her dad’s eyes.
But the library van is stuck on Mrs Williams’ driveway and has been since the Aberfan disaster ten years earlier. It is broken down beyond repair. Plus, according to the stories, Mrs Williams is a witch (she has a black cat, and she talks to the birds – so Noni is pretty sure this must be true). If Noni is going to have any hope of fixing the van and her dad, she’s going to need some friends to help her.
Together with stray dog Jones, Rebecca, young mechanic Clare and milk delivery boy Gareth, the four friends risk Mrs Williams’ wrath and opposition from the town mayor to try and get the library van restarted before the bailiffs come again.
But the town is still healing, and many don’t want to see the van return. It’s up to Noni and her friends to show everyone that the joy found in stories can bring them all back together.’
‘A gorgeously joyful read. It snuck deep into my heart and will sneak into yours.’ Liz Hyder
‘An exquisite tale of love, grief, and the power of stories to heal, it sparkles like a perfect jewel.’ Matt Brown
‘Assured, humane, and quietly powerful, this is a story that trusts both its characters and its readers—and in doing so, leaves a lasting impression.’ Reading Wales.
‘This book really does soar. What a beautiful homage to the Valleys’ Nicola Penfold
‘This is a treasure of a book full of beautiful truths and healing broken hearts.’ Kate Heap – Scope for Imagination
‘It will stay with me for a long time.’ Jo Bowers
‘The Library Of Lost Stories is a poignant story about hope and faith and bringing people together; it’s about justice and people being able to tell their own stories. It’s a book that will fill your heart with joy will restore your faith in humanity.’ K and O: Bonkers About Books
‘Gorgeous writing, authentic characters you want to both cwtch and cheer on, and as usual an amazing animal – Jonesy the dog – who could wish for more?’ Rhian Tracey
‘Bursting with heart, hope, and the magic of stories ― took me back to my own childhood in Wales.’ Thomas Taylor