by Alexandra Adornetto

 

If you want a book full of bizarre and engaging characters, unpredictable journeys and humour, then The shadow thief is for you.

 

Drabville is a model town, where Milli Klompet lives with her slightly offbeat family and spends her time longing for adventure. Then one day, along with her cautious best friend and amateur geologist, Ernest Perriclof, Milli discovers 'Hog House'.

 

But the afternoon's entertainment takes a different turn when the they are held prisoner by the wacky Mr and Mrs Mayor and a cohort of evil magicians, led by the sinister Aldor. Aldor is eagerly anticipating the Great Guzzle - a horrifying ceremony during which he plans to swallow the shadows of every citizen in Drabville, absorbing their skills and talents and rendering himself invincible.

 

Milli and Ernest must evade the Shadow Keepers and outwit the sinister Aldor before the shadows are swallowed and Drabville loses its soul forever! Pandemonium ensues at the Great Guzzle when Milli and Ernest take on the forces of evil in a food fight of epic proportions, releasing the shadows and restoring individuality to the citizens of Drabville once again.

 

The shadow thief was shortlisted for the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards - Book of the Year for Older Children.

 

Alexandra Adornetto was only thirteen when she wrote The shadow thief. Now fifteen, Alexandra has won various awards for her writing. She lives in Melbourne.

 

Paperback. 208 pages.

 

Age 10+