Looking for Lily - by Kristy Nita Brown (Paperback)

About the Book

A junior fiction chapter book about the inner strength and determination that emerges when a best friend is in danger. Shortlisted in 2023 West Australian Young Readers' Book Award.



Book Synopsis

Take a fantastical trip to a magical world and meet four tiny sprites with attitude! In between heavy metal practise sessions and cheeky pranks, Talia, Lily, Marri and Dawn get caught up in some scary adventures. When Lily suddenly disappears, her sprite siblings fear the worst. Who can they trust? Winston the rainbow trout? Rocket the magpie? Who is friend, and who is foe? With a clever plan, and a few tricks up their sleeves, the sprites bravely face up to the dangers and risk themselves to save each other. But are they too late?

Looking for Lily is set in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia, features local flora and fauna and includes themes of friendship, survival, hope and caring for the environment. Alison Mutton's cartoon-like black and white illustrations add more story to the text and give individual personality to each character. A novel for children aged six years and older, the sprites will appeal to younger children that love to solve little mysterious. Although set in a real life setting the sprites are imaginary just like May Gibbs gumnut babies. This is a story that has old-fashioned magic. Packed with plenty of humour and action, even reluctant readers will be hard-pressed to put this one down.

Looking for Lily was shortlisted in the 2023 West Australian Young Readers' Book Award and won second place in the 2022 CYA Aspiring Authors Competition in the chapter book category for young readers.

Review Quotes

Writing WA said, "With its fast-paced plot, memorable characters and engaging illustrations, Looking for Lily is perfect for young readers graduating to chapter books."

Buzz Words Magazine said, "I love that the main characters are sprites: they are like a cross between a fairy and a dragonfly. This adds a whimsical touch of magical charm. A child reader could almost imagine spying a sprite themselves. The layering gives the reader enough room to make their own conclusions and to piece the information together just like the characters do."

Buzz Words Magazine said, "Kristy Nita Brown has written a lively and imaginative story that builds with each chapter. The strong characterisation and plot line keep the reader wanting to know what will happen next."

Author Rebecca Timmis (MerTales Series) said, "Looking for Lily is an absolute romp of a story. I'm pretty sure I'm related to some of these sprites."

Author Kathryn Lefroy (Alex and the Alpacas Series) said, "What an absolute delight Looking for Lily is. Kids will love reading about these cheeky sprites and their adventures, and adults will enjoy reading it aloud. Kristy's imaginative and charming world is so much fun to spend time in. And bonus points for the terrific and engaging illustrations."

Book Face book shop said, "It's so nice to see well written kids' books with great imagery and tough female characters."