Julia and the Shark
A mesmerising story of a family, a lighthouse and a quest to find the elusive Greenland shark written by Kiran Millwood Hargrave and illustrated by Tom de Freston. (Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group).
Winner of Waterstones Children’s gift of the year 2021.
Shortlisted for Waterstones book of the year 2021.
Shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize 2022.
Long-listed for the UKLA.
A tale of courage, understanding and compassion… Illustrated with dreamlike fluency
The Observer
When her father is required to repair an old lighthouse on a remote island, Julia finds herself on a strange and magical summer holiday. Her mother becomes increasingly determined to find the great Greenland shark – an awesome yet elusive creature that soon fills Julia’s thoughts as well. But when her mother’s determination tips over into obsession, Julia is forced to dive into an adventure with hidden depths and turbulent emotional currents which threatens to submerge them all.
A truly beautiful book, with text and illustrations in perfect harmony. A book to treasure!
Jacqueline Wilson
Tom de Freston’s stunning illustrations perfectly complement the poetry of Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s story
Cressida Cowell
With breathtaking black, white and yellow illustrations created using the ashes from the fire that destroyed de Freston’s studio, Julia and the Sharkis both a testament to artistic rebirth and an exquisite reflection on family, science and the fragile yet sublime beauty of the environment. Intoxicating and impossible to put down, it is a future classic whose beauty and heart will resound for generations.