Robin: cosy up with a spellbinding winter story this Christmas

Courage starts small . . . discover the power of your own voice in a timeless winter's tale of family, hope and understanding, from the critically-acclaimed Sarah Ann Juckes, for fans of R.J. Palacio and Patrick Ness.

‘A haunting and lyrical portrait of courage, family and the power of nature. A spellbinding tale that is sure to echo in your heart’ Struan Murray

‘Sublime . . . a love song to nature’ Joseph Elliott

Eddie feels invisible - his sister Scarlet isn't well and nobody seems to remember that he's here. Out in the forest, as the ice hardens and winter gets deeper, the world is quiet. But there's a monster deep among the trees - a monster that's growing with every sad and angry thought Eddie says out loud. When a little red bird takes him to meet Mari, a strange and fierce girl with blurred edges just like him, she shows Eddie how to be loud, how to make new friends at school and enjoy the music he loves again. As Scarlet's big operation approaches and Eddie gathers his courage to finally be heard, will he find his way back through the snow and put the monster to rest once and for all?

Capturing the rare beauty of winter's silence, Sarah Ann Juckes' powerful exploration of the experience of child illness, the healing power of nature, and the joy of finding hope is a future classic to be savoured every winter, beautifully illustrated by Linde Faas.

Praise for Sarah Ann Juckes

‘Will break your heart and mend it together again’ ? Piers Torday on The Hunt for the Nightingale ‘Full of hope, beauty & ultimately a healing song to nature’ ? Hannah Gold on The Hunt for the Nightingale

‘An incredibly moving story of feeling lost and finding your way again’ ? Lisa Thompson on The Hunt for the Nightingale

'An iridescent story that shines with hope and love' ? Katya Balen on The Night Animals

'A beautiful story about ghosts, friendship, and the courage it takes to ask for help' ? Emma Carroll on The Night Animals

© 2025 Simon & Schuster Audio UK (Audiobook): 9781398531062

Release date

Audiobook: 13 November 2025