Kids' book of the month

Our pick for May sees super-sleuth Violet Remy-Robinson set sail on her third detective case in the latest instalment of the imaginative Violet series. Violet and the Smugglers is the newest book by Harriet Whitehorn.

Violet Remy-Robinson has solved the case of the stolen Pearl of the Orient and most recently prevented the bird-napping of the Maharajah’s cockatoo.

Now, in her third voyage – Violet finds herself on a summer sailing trip in Europe with her Uncle Johnny and best friends Rose and Art. It's not long before Violet has her suspicions about the captain of a nearby boat. Could he be the head of a smuggling ring? Or is he working for someone more dangerous? It's up to Violet to solve the crime and catch the culprit!

Becka Moore's illustrations are the perfect companion to Harriet Whitehorn's stories about Violet and her friends. Beautifully produced in a luxurious hardback edition with a foiled cover, Violet and the Smugglers is a treat for children who are becoming confident reading alone. 

"Illustrated with retro allure…A delicious package for emerging readers, from the cast of characters to the romantic resolution." The Sunday Times

"Pacey and imaginative…perfect for readers who liked the Ottoline books by Chris Riddell." The Times

"Expect plenty of laughs in this gorgeous book.” Angels and Urchins

"Effortlessly gorgeous." Abi Elphinstone, Moontrug

Harriet Whitehorn grew up in London, where she still lives with her husband and three daughters. She studied at Reading University and the Architectural Association. After many years working in building conservation, Harriet is now a full-time writer. Violet and the Pearl of the Orient was her first novel, followed by its sequels, Violet and the Hidden Treasure and Violet and the Smugglers. Violet and the Pearl of the Orient was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2015. 

Violet and the Smugglers is published by Simon and Schuster and is available online and from all good booksellers. 

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