
The Library of Unruly Treasures
Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
Published on 5. August 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
352 pages
979-8-217-11683-6 (ISBN)
Description
The Borrowers meets Matilida in this funny, winning story of a girl who finds herself an unlikely hero when she stumbles upon a big secret about little creatures. The latest book from the National Book Award winning author of the Penderwicks series.
Gwen MacKinnon's parents are dreadful. Truly, deeply, almost impressively dreadful. So Gwen's not upset at all when she's foisted onto her never-before-seen Uncle Matthew for two weeks. Especially when it turns out he has a very opinionated dog named Pumpkin.
Things take a turn for the weird when Gwen makes a discovery in the local library. A discovery that involves tiny creatures with wings. And no, they're not birds. They're called Lanukan. But why can only Gwen and the youngest children, gathered for storytime, see them?
The Ladhukan insist that Gwen is destined to help them find a new home. But how can a girl as unwanted, uncourageous, and generally unheroic as Gwen possibly come to the rescue? Pumpkin has a few ideas...
Gwen MacKinnon's parents are dreadful. Truly, deeply, almost impressively dreadful. So Gwen's not upset at all when she's foisted onto her never-before-seen Uncle Matthew for two weeks. Especially when it turns out he has a very opinionated dog named Pumpkin.
Things take a turn for the weird when Gwen makes a discovery in the local library. A discovery that involves tiny creatures with wings. And no, they're not birds. They're called Lanukan. But why can only Gwen and the youngest children, gathered for storytime, see them?
The Ladhukan insist that Gwen is destined to help them find a new home. But how can a girl as unwanted, uncourageous, and generally unheroic as Gwen possibly come to the rescue? Pumpkin has a few ideas...
Reviews / Votes
A TEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD NOMINEE? "A tender story whose tone evokes the warmth of a much-needed hug." -Publishers Weekly, starred review
? "A well-paced, original story with intriguing characters and intertwined threads of reality and magic." -Booklist, starred review
? "Birdsall is so adept at magical realism that after finishing this book, readers will likely keep an eye out for fairylike creatures the next time they visit a museum or library." -School Library Journal, starred review
? "Birdsall brings together familiar fantasy tropes and always focuses on developing an enchanting world where a child can be both protector and protected....a treasure full of wonder, mystery, and found family." -Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Birdsall gives the coming-of-age theme a fresh spin in her inventive story, one that's filled with endearing, quirky characters and delicious intrigue....Enchanting." -Kirkus Reviews
"Birdsall's endearing fantasy features loving and lovable new friends both human and Lahdukan, with Phelan's winsome black-and-white illustrations interspersed." -The Horn Book
"Birdsall has created a magical world that readers can nestle into as they follow Gwen's adventures." -The Bulletin
More details
Edition
International edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Random House USA Inc
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Third Grade to Seventh Grade, Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
BLACK-AND-WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS
Dimensions
Height: 208 mm
Width: 137 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
360 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-217-11683-6 (9798217116836)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Jeanne Birdsall | Matt Phelan
The Library of Unruly Treasures
Book
approx. 07/2026
Random House USA Children's Books
€9.00
Not yet published

Jeanne Birdsall | Matt Phelan
The Library of Unruly Treasures
Book
08/2025
Random House USA Children's Books
€20.50
Shipment within 10-20 days

Jeanne Birdsall | Matt Phelan
The Library of Unruly Treasures
Book
08/2025
Knopf Books for Young Readers
€17.50
Available immediately

Jeanne Birdsall
The Library of Unruly Treasures
E-Book
08/2025
Knopf Books for Young Readers
€12.49
Available for download
Persons
Jeanne Birdsall grew up in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, where she spent most of her time reading and daydreaming. She decided to be a writer when she was ten years old, though she didn't circle back to that idea until she was all grown up and then some. Her first book was The Penderwicks, which won the National Book Award and was a New York Times Bestseller. Four other Penderwicks novels, all of which received glowing accolades and were New York Times bestsellers, followed to round out the series. She is also the author of several picture books and a chapter book. Jeanne's days involve plenty of time writing, gardening, and chasing around her two mischevious dogs.
Matt Phelan is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels for young readers. He has received the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (The Storm in the Barn), the Carolyn Field Award (Around the World and Snow White), the Jefferson Cup (Bluffton), and has been nominated for five Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. In addition to his own books, Matt has illustrated many books by renowned authors, including Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall and The Higher Power of Lucky (winner of a Newbery Medal) by Susan Patron.
Matt Phelan is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels for young readers. He has received the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (The Storm in the Barn), the Carolyn Field Award (Around the World and Snow White), the Jefferson Cup (Bluffton), and has been nominated for five Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. In addition to his own books, Matt has illustrated many books by renowned authors, including Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall and The Higher Power of Lucky (winner of a Newbery Medal) by Susan Patron.