The Midwatch
Award-winning author-illustrator Judith Rossell returns after six years to unveil her latest novel: The Midwatch.
Anticipated as the biggest children’s book of the year, The Midwatch is a long-awaited release from the internationally bestselling author and illustrator Judith Rossell, set to captivate readers everywhere, from October 1.
Following the success of her multi-award-winning novel Withering-by-Sea, Rossell invites readers back into her imaginative world with a story that sparkles with adventure and intrigue.
In The Midwatch, readers meet Maggie Fishbone, a young girl banished to the notorious Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways and Unwanted Girls. At first, Maggie resigns herself to a life of drudgery in a city known for its wickedness. But as she delves deeper into the Midwatch, she uncovers a labyrinth of secrets and surprises, leading her into an extraordinary adventure that transcends the ordinary.
Rossell started writing the book during the heart of Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown, aiming to infuse children’s lives with a bit of magic and light after a dark time. With her unique illustrations complementing the narrative, Rossell brings the story to life in both words and art, resulting in a delightful tale of girl power and mystery, a true treasure for young readers. This enchanting book is perfect for fans of Amari, Friday Barnes, and Hugo Cabret, who are eager for more captivating secrecies and imaginative storytelling.
This will be Rossell’s first novel in six years, since her Stella Montgomery trilogy which sold over 100,000 copies, resulting in book of the year at both the ABIAs and the Indie Awards. The story also received nods from the CBCA, ABDAs, Davitts and a shortlisting in the Prime Minster’s Literary Awards.
The Midwatch will provide youngsters with a magical getaway as they get swept into a lavishly illustrated realm, teeming with unforgettable characters, bold heroines, and heart-pounding excitement – a perfect Christmas gift and holiday read.
The Midwatch will hit stores nationwide from October 1.
RRP: $24.99
PRAISE FOR THE MIDWATCH
“Gasp-out-loud brilliant! An absolute treasure of a book.”— KATRINA NANNESTAD, bestselling author of We Are Wolves.
“I was hooked from the beginning … Move over Lemony Snicket!”— KAREN FOXLEE, award-winning author of Lenny’s Book of Everything.
“Welcome all treasure-hunters and mystery-solvers to the Midwatch Institute … [where] disobedient girls are not to be underestimated!” — AMELIA MELLOR, award-winning author of The Grandest Bookshop in the World.
About Judith Rossell
Judith Rossell is the multi-award-winning author-illustrator of the bestselling Stella Montgomery series (Withering-by-Sea, Wormwood Mire, and Wakestone Hall). With fifteen published books and over eighty illustrated works, her stories have reached audiences in the US, UK, and more than twenty languages. A dedicated educator, Judith teaches at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and the Australian Writers’ Centre. She resides in Melbourne, Australia.
About Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing:
Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing is the children’s division of the largest independent publisher in Australia, and the home of innovative, inclusive, award-winning and entertaining books from tots to teens. With modern families and children at the core of everything we do, we have built our success on stories of kindness, diversity, resilience, and courage to reflect the world we live in and want to build.
