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The Labyrinth of Lost and Found

Illustrated by Vivienne To
Book #1 of The Whisperwicks
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About The Book

Doll Bones meets Skandar and the Unicorn Thief in this spooky, illustrated middle grade novel about a boy who doesn’t believe in magic discovering a supernatural world full of danger.

It began with a crack in the wall.

Eleven-year-old Benjamiah Creek believes in science, logic, and the power of reason. He definitely does not believe in magic. But when he receives a mysterious doll in the mail—a doll that can transform into a bird—he is led into an impossible (and most definitely magical) realm: Wreathenwold.

Wreathenwold is dangerous and holds many secrets within its labyrinthine walls—magi prowl, Hanged Men stalk, and at the center of its shifting streets lurks the Minotaur, a beastly creature and object of terror. In no time at all, Benjamiah is swept into a perilous adventure with the fierce and brilliant Elizabella, a girl determined to solve the disappearance of her missing brother, who may be caught up in a decades-old conspiracy that could doom them all.

Will Benjamiah ever find his way home? Or will he be lost forever in the labyrinth?

About The Author

Jordan Lees

Jordan Lees was born in Scotland but grew up in Essex, where he still lives with his wife and young daughter. He studied literature at university and has worked in publishing since, firstly in royalties before becoming a literary agent. When not working, Jordan can usually be found reading whatever is lying around or losing at online chess. He’s the author of The Whisperwicks middle grades series.

About The Illustrator

Vivienne To

Vivienne To has illustrated several books, including The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins and the Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective series by Octavia Spencer. As a child, she had two pet mice escape. She currently lives in Sydney, Australia, with her partner and her ginger cat. Visit her at VivienneTo.com.

Why We Love It

“This strange and spooky fairy tale reminds me of all the best fantasy classics. Part Coraline, part Doll Bones, and wholly magical, there is so much in Wreathwold to spark the imagination. I can’t wait for young readers to get lost in this world—though unlike Benjamiah, I don’t think they will want to leave.”

—Alyza L., Editor, on The Labyrinth of Lost and Found

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (May 28, 2024)
  • Length: 384 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665950145
  • Ages: 8 - 12

Raves and Reviews

★ "First-time author Lees writes with confidence and fantastic imagination, crafting a complex world that layers both original and classic mythologies. Benjamiah and Elizabella’s antagonistic dynamic evolves in a compelling way, leading to heartbreaking yet necessary revelations. Readers attracted to the dark storytelling of Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman will adore this captivating first installment in the haunting Whisperwicks series."

– Booklist, starred review

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More books from this illustrator: Vivienne To