Shortlisted for the UKLA 2016 Book Award in the 7 - 11 year old category.
Greta needs a hero, someone to defeat the murderous giant Yuk. She goes to see Mr Stickler, proprietor of Happily Ever Afters, motto, ‘You bring the quest, we’ll do the rest’, intending to hire one. But things don’t go according to plan, and Greta finds herself paired with Hercufleas, a flea. Fleas are not the most obvious giant-killers, but like the best heroes, Hercules makes up in brains, courage and resolve for what he lacks in brawn. This wildly inventive story is packed full of bizarre and original scenes and characters, but never once lets the momentum of the story slip. Hercufleas and Greta are irresistible characters, and the book ends with a surprising and rewarding twist. Unbefleavable fun! ~Andrea Reece
Greta is a girl on a mission: to venture to Avalon and bring back a hero who can save her home from destruction by the monstrous giant Yuk. Many heroes have tried before now. Many have failed. What Greta needs is a hero whose courage and self-belief are greater than himself. She needs Hercufleas. The only problem: he is a flea, no bigger than a raisin. But the smallest person might just have the biggest effect . . .
‘Spirited and clever tribute to the original’ DAILY MAIL
‘Unlimited storytelling inventiveness’ IRISH TIMES
PRAISE FOR THE SNOW MERCHANT:
‘A germ of JK and a pinch of Pullman’ T.E.S
‘Delightful. . . Full of action and invention’ SUNDAY TIMES
‘A tale of self discovery, family and friendship. . .An inventive and accomplished debut’ INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
Author
About Sam Gayton
Sam Gayton lives in Margate. In 2009 he completed the Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa University and not long after published his first book, The Snow Merchant. He loves American novels, Italian food and the English countryside. When he's not writing, he likes playing old board games, strumming his guitar and joining as many rock bands as possible (currently at seven).
