I’m sure this is the first middle grade book I’ve read set in the year 1719. THE WONDROUS TALE OF LAVENDER WOLFE made that time period come alive with a magical tale featuring a memorable main character in Lavender.

Her skill is secretly stealing from purses of unsuspecting victims. One day while waiting alone on a wharf for her mother, Lavender is grabbed by Big Agatha and despite here objections is taken to a pirate ship, The Good Marchioness, “the most magical and cursed pirate ship that ever sailed the seven seas.”

Only boys can live here so she is given new clothes and a new name (Hans Whitby). Things get even stranger on this ship when Lavender finds out that everyone on board will turn into sand unless the crew can find and return a stolen treasure. Lavender develops her own magic and will do anything to stop the curse from happening. A big, pleasing adventure is what lies ahead.

Lavender’s quiet strength while tackling her huge problem will be a big appeal to readers. She’s a smart girl who doesn’t have to be loud while carving a path to success. The other children and adults on the ship all have unique personalities and the emotional ending will have you flipping the pages. The story ends on a high note and will appeal to avid readers who enjoy a unique magical adventure.

BOOK BIRTHDAY (U.S.): November 10, 2026 PAGES: 400

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE WONDROUS TALE OF LAVENDER WOLFE by Karen Foxlee

1. Illustrations are scattered throughout the book, including each chapter heading. They add a nice touch to the uniqueness of the story.
2. The adult characters were also memorable including Big Agatha who has a wonderful character arc and Captain Pleasant whose right arm is a bird wing.
3. The emotional stakes are high in losing family and your original identity. The author handles it in a memorable and real way readers will enjoy.
4. The children’s developing magic. The kitchen rats as they are known each have their own piece of magic that separate each one, though their eventual friendships are the special part of the story.
5. One of Big Agatha’s kitchen recipes is shared at the beginning of each chapter. Be ready for a lot of potatoes with the final dish left to your imagination.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

Karen Foxlee is an Australian author who writes for both children and adults. She grew up in the Australian outback mining town Mount Isa and still frequently dreams she is walking barefoot along the dry Leichhardt River. Her novels include Dragon Skin, Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy, Lenny’s Book of Everything, and The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe. Karen lives in South East Queensland with her daughter and several animals, including two wicked parrots who frequently eat parts of her laptop when she isn’t looking. Her passions are her daughter, writing, daydreaming, baking, running, and swimming in the sea.

Martina Heiduczek grew up in a small fishing village on the Baltic Sea in Germany, where she spent her time galloping through the forests on her Shetland pony, drawing, or reading. She now lives in Australia and works as an illustrator. Her work is inspired by nature, people, places, and the things she sees, both moving and silly.

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