The Impossible Secret of Lilian Velvet

The Impossible Secret of Lilian Velvet

by Jaclyn Moriarty

Illustrated by Kelly Canby
Published by Allen and Unwin
ISBN 9781761067570

This is a beautifully written fun and intriguing story, as it weaves its way, taking the reader along the journey of the unusual Lilian and her cold and somewhat feisty Grandmother

Lilian Velvet lives with her grandmother. For years she is home schooled and unfortunately she doesn't get the opportunity to mix with other children of her own age. When she does meet up with other kids they are taken aback by her and the way in which she speaks. She doesn't use language the way most kids of her age do.

That's because her grandmother has taught her to speak and respond to questions and in conversation like an adult. Naturally Lilian doesn't realise this.

The fantasy novel is a thoroughly enjoyable read and it is easy to see why readers aged 9 - 14 years wouldn't be too keen on putting it down. Even as an adult reading it, it's intriguing and fun, feel good story, just what is needed for avid and reluctant readers

When Lilian's grandmother gives her a bottle of gold coins for her tenth birthday and a note that says she must not go out, this changes what she wants to do and where she will go. Her stern Grandmother suddenly announces that she is going to work and will no longer stay home. She sets school work for Lilian to do and warns her that she will be tested upon her Grandmother's return.

When Lilian goes to the shops to pick up some supplies as a thoughtful and kind gesture for her Grandmother she meets children of her own age. They start talking and the girls are not quite sure to make of this girl who speaks like an adult.

As the story progresses, Lilian Velvet meets some interesting people including a boy in the circus who is about to be crushed - can she save him? And there's a girl who can whisper.

Set in some places that Australian readers will recognise but also in mythical places, the maps help to identify where the story goes next. The black and white drawings compliment the story and the cover is a wonderful rich work of art for this magical reading. The Impossible Secret of Elian Velvet is an ideal birthday or holiday gift.

About the author

Jaclyn Moriarty is the internationally bestselling author of novels for children, young adults and sometimes slightly older adults, including the (lengthily-titled) books in the Kingdoms and Empires series. aclyn's books have been translated into several languages, won the NSW Premier's Literary Award, the Queensland Literary Award, the Aurealis Award and named as CBCA Honour Book and Boston Globe/Hornbook Honor book. They have also been short-listed for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards, the Nebula Prize and the Russell Prize for Humour Writing for Young People. A former media and entertainment lawyer, Jaclyn grew up in Sydney, lived in the US, UK and Canada, and now lives in Sydney again.