Author(s): Katherine Paterson & John Paterson

Middle Readers | Avenue Staff Picks

This title includes gorgeous artwork from John Rocco that illuminates a robust and wildly entertaining fantasy, wryly retold by Katherine and John Paterson. An ambitious Stone Age man demands a tallsman that will harden his heart, allowing him to take control of his tribe. Against better judgement, the tribe's magic man creates the Flint Heart, but the cruelty of it causes the destruction of the tribe. Thousands of years later, the talisman re-emerges to corrupt first a boy's father, an innocent fairy creature, and a familial badger. Can Charles and his sister Unity, who have consulted with fairies such as the mysterious Zagabog, wisest creature in the universe, find a way to rescue humans, fairies and animals alike from the dark influence of the Flint Heart? This humorous, hearty and utterly delightful reworking of a 1910 story by Eden Philipotts, is perfect for an entire family to savour together or an adventurous youngster to devour. It is from renowned authors John Paterson ("Roberto's Trip to the Top") and Children's Literature Ambassador Katherine Paterson, author of "Bridge to Terabithia"; "Jacob Have I Loved"; and, "Bread and Roses, Too". Bedrock Studios and Arcady Bay Entertainment have a feature film of "The Flint Heart" already in the works. Arcady Bay principal David Paterson ("Bridge to Terabithia") will adapt his mother's book as a live-action film that will be special effects driven.