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  • Published: 3 November 2011
  • ISBN: 9781849398954
  • Imprint: Andersen Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 288

The Snow Merchant



The Snow Merchant is a fantastic, hugely imaginative, quirky debut by Samuel Gayton. It's a story of alchemy, family and an astonishing new creation, snow.

Lettie Peppercorn lives in a house on stilts near the wind-swept coast of Albion, with no one to talk to but Periwinkle the pigeon. Her days are filled with floor-sweeping, bed-making and soup-stirring. Her nights are filled with dreams of her mother, who vanished long ago. Nothing incredible has ever happened to Lettie, until one winter's night.
The night the Snow Merchant comes.
He claims to be an alchemist - the greatest that ever lived - and in a mahogany suitcase, he carries his newest invention.
It is an invention that will change Lettie's life - and the world - forever.
It is an invention called snow.
The Snow Merchant is a fantasy filled with family secrets, magical transformations and wild adventure. Join Lettie on her journey to uncover the true meaning of snow, family and friendship.

  • Published: 3 November 2011
  • ISBN: 9781849398954
  • Imprint: Andersen Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 288

About the author

Sam Gayton

Sam Gayton lives in Margate. In 2009 he completed the Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa University and not long after published his first book, The Snow Merchant. He loves American novels, Italian food and the English countryside. When he's not writing, he likes playing old board games, strumming his guitar and joining as many rock bands as possible (currently at seven).

Also by Sam Gayton

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Praise for The Snow Merchant

A tale of self discovery, family and friendship...an inventive and accomplished debut.

Daniel Hahn, Independent on Sunday

A delightful debut...full of action and invention.

Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times

Beautifully old-fashioned storytelling weaves a hugely imaginative tale of alchemy, family and snow in this quirky debut novel.

The Bookseller

One of our key recommends for festive reading. A perfect book to share as a family.

Vanessa Lewis, The Bookseller

A gripping debut.

LoveReading4Kids

A most fantastical story, not dissimilar to Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. One can look forward to more books graced by Tomislav Tomic’s illustrations.

THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

A fast-paced tale of alchemy, adventure and magic.

Country Life, Best Children's Books for Christmas

The Snow Merchant is astounding in its imagination and creativity. I don't think it will be long before he becomes one of the most treasured children's authors.

Blogcritics

The most imaginative tale I've read in a very long time.

Literary Loves

The Snow Merchant is astounding in its imagination and creativity. I don't think it will be long before he becomes one of the most treasured children's authors.

Blogcritics

The most imaginative tale I've read in a very long time.

Literary Loves

Unique and original (5 stars)

Waterstone's Read and Review

A beautiful modern day fairytale . . . I absolutely loved this story! (5 stars)

Waterstone's Read and Review

I would recommend this to anyone who likes to read out loud to their children - this is just perfect for curling up together and sharing a story (5 stars)

Waterstone's Read and Review

Made me want to turn every page. I was very disappointed when it was all over . . .Thoroughly recommended. (5 stars)

Waterstone's Read and Review

Wonderfully quirky and fast-paced; just what you would hope for in a good fantasy! (5 stars)

Waterstone's Read and Review

I liked this book...it's interesting and enticing. I would recommend the story to ten to thirteen year-olds.

Reviewer, aged 13, Waterstones Read and Review

Fantastic characters that come to life off the page. (I) will be buying this for lots of family members for Christmas!

Reviewer, aged 58, Waterstones Read and Review

Grandparents, this is the book to give your grandkids for Christmas - especially if they're coming to stay!

Reviewer, aged 60, Waterstones Read and Review

A fantastic fantasy tale... totally absorbing. A great read at any age.

Reviewer, aged 44, Waterstones Read and Review

This book allows you to lose yourself in a world that is just a little different from our own...(it) reminded me of the 'Northern Lights' trilogy.

Reviewer, aged 42, Waterstones Read and Review

A complex yet easy to follow story, The Snow Merchant is interspersed with stunning illustrations, beautiful fonts and chapter headings. A gorgeously written and produced novel, this lovely tale by Sam Gayton can do no wrong in my eyes.

Keepcalmandreadabook Blog

A future classic.

Slightly Foxed

Wildly imaginative fantasy adventure.

Booktrust

This story is truly original, rich in imagination and charm, and it will captivate readers well above its apparent target group. It's curious, really: how can a book about snow leave such a lasting impression of warmth behind?

The BookBag, 5 stars

A germ of JK and a pinch of Pullman.

TES

A very promising debut novel from Gayton, full of fairytale and fun, which should appeal to Lemony Snicket fans.

Sally Morris, Daily Mail

A quirky and very inventive debut; filled with exotic characters and quite a lot of charm.

Editor's Choice, Children's Books Ireland

The Snow Merchant is exhilarating, entertaining and original, bursting with ideas.

Books for Keeps, Book of the Month

A tale of self discovery, family and friendship...an inventive and accomplished debut.

Daniel Hahn, Independent on Sunday