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  • Published: 2 August 2022
  • ISBN: 9781761044021
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $21.00

The Book of Wondrous Possibilities




From bestselling author Deborah Abela, comes a middle grade adventure for 8-12-year-old heroes (even if they don’t know it yet).

Arlo Goodman lives with his Uncle Avery in a run-down flat above their bookshop. He has no friends, except for his pet mouse, Herbert.

But when a girl called Lisette bursts into the shop and begs him to hide her from a murderer, Arlo's life changes forever.

He's swept up into an adventure involving kidnappers, car chases and a story in The Book of Wondrous Possibilities, where Arlo and his skymouse battle dragons. But can Arlo find the courage to battle an even greater enemy, who threatens to destroy everything he loves?

‘This magical and delightful story spins along at a perfect pace, knowing just when to pause for tea and cake.’ JACLYN MORIARTY, author of the Kingdoms and Empires series

‘Warm-hearted, adventurous and funny. I adore this book!’ LIAN TANNER, author of The Keepers trilogy

  • Published: 2 August 2022
  • ISBN: 9781761044021
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $21.00

About the author

Deborah Abela

After training as a teacher, Deb travelled to Africa where she was harassed by monkeys, caught in a desert sandstorm and thrown in jail . . . twice! She’s worked as a child wrangler and a rides operator at Luna Park, but her first real job was as writer/producer of a national children’s TV show at Network TEN. She has since become an internationally published and awarded author of 28 books including her cranky climate change trilogy, Grimsdon, New City and Final Storm. Her family’s survival in WW2 and migration to Australia inspired Teresa A New Australian. The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee and The Most Marvellous Spelling Bee Mystery were inspired by her fantabulous Grade 4 teacher, Ms Gray. She’s also written picture books: Wolfie, An Unlikely Hero and the 2021 CBCA Notable, Bear in Space. The Book of Wondrous Possibilities is her love letter to books, booksellers, librarians and readers. Deb’s won awards for her work but mostly hopes to be as brave as her characters. She’s a proud ambassador for the charities, Room to Read and Books in Homes. www.deborahabela.com

Also by Deborah Abela

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Praise for The Book of Wondrous Possibilities

Warm-hearted, adventurous and funny. I adore this book!

Lian Tanner, author of The Keepers trilogy

This magical and delightful story spins along at a perfect pace, knowing just when to pause for tea and cake.

Jaclyn Moriarty, author of the Kingdoms and Empires series

A fast-paced, funny and surprising book with original characters, dastardly plots and wondrous possibilities. You’ll want to read it all night.

Tristan Bancks, author of Two Wolves

This lively adventure draws you right in.

Zanni Louise, author of We Are All People

Deborah Abela’s latest offering has a generous dose of adventure and equal parts of magic, warmth, and delight . . . The pace will keep young readers entertained as the plot has many strands, which come together in a cosy, warmhearted ending as the characters forge lasting relationships. Recommended for readers aged 10+ who enjoy fast paced stories with a magical element.

Margaret McKay-Lowndes, Magpies

The Book of Wondrous Possibilities is full of optimism and resilience and encourages readers to step outside their comfort zone . . . Readers will be transported into this magical world and will realise that they too can be heroes . . . A story full of charm, humour and adventure for readers aged 8+.

Dee White, deescribewriting.wordpress.com

A great adventure with all the classic elements of fantasy, as the reader moves from one challenge to the next. There are strong themes of friendship, kindness and cooperation; grief and grieving; good versus evil; bravery and courage. Books, bookshops and librarians are an important element throughout the story. I loved it. Highly recommended for individual primary-aged readers and it would also make a great read-aloud.

Maureen Mann, Reading Time

Awards & recognition

Davitt Awards

Shortlisted  •  2023  •  Children's

Reading and Enjoying Australian Literature (R.E.A.L.)

Shortlisted  •  2023  •  Fiction for Older Readers

Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year

Shortlisted  •  2023  •  8-10 years

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2023  •  Younger Readers