Publication Date: 1 May 2025

The Blurb

Puffin Lau has two problems: her beloved scientist mum barely speaks to her… and a mythical wildcat called the Kuri is depending on her for its survival.

Luckily, Puffin grew up on stories of the Kuri and its magical powers, and she will stop at nothing to return it to its rightful home.

But standing in her way is the ominous Professor Smoult, a money-hungry scientist who wants to capture the Kuri and steal its magic. Faced with a mammoth journey to the faraway Linger Island, Puffin and her best friend Lance must evade the professor and save the last wildcat before it’s too late…

The Review

An exhilarating debut that combines heart-pounding adventure with a touching exploration of family, friendship, and the importance of preserving our natural world.

From the moment Puffin encounters the kuri, the action unfolds at a thrilling pace, that kept me on the edge of my seat. The journey to Linger Island is filled with danger, suspense, and moments of magical wonder. The stakes are high, and the story does not shy away from addressing the real-world consequences of greed and exploitation. The kuri’s plight as an endangered species mirrors the real-world struggles faced by countless animals. Lui’s vivid descriptions of the natural world are both beautiful and poignant, encouraging us to think about our own relationship with nature and the importance of protecting it.

I do love a good villain and Lui has definitely given us one in Professor Smoult, whose greed and disregard for the natural world make him perfect for a story centred on conservation and respect for the environment.

The illustrations by David Dean bring key moments of the story to life and add depth to the characters and settings, and capturing the magical essence of the kuri.

A must-read for young animal lovers and fans of magical realism that captures the imagination while delivering a powerful message about environmental responsibility.

Huge thanks to Macmillan for sending me an advanced proof copy.