
The Princess and the Thief
Cerrie Burnell(Author)
Penguin Books Ltd (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 3. September 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-0-241-71343-3 (ISBN)
Description
From author and disability ambassador Cerrie Burnell comes a gorgeous tale of spellbinding magic and wild adventure, all set in an evocative reimagined Italy - perfect for fans of Connie Glynn's Undercover Princess and the Twin Crowns series.
In the Kingdom of Venetia subjects can wield magic, but its power depends on their standing in society. Most magic is good, but there are also extreme rare dark enchantments, only to be used in the most desperate of times. . .
Fifteen years ago, two babies were born to very different families. Both girls were born without their right hands, and now their long dark hair, sparkling green eyes and disabilities make it tricky to tell them apart.
Neva grew up to be a talented thief, able to cast incredible enchantments with magic she shouldn't be able to access. She also longs to be an opera singer, but lacks the confidence to step into the spotlight.
Princess Aria is the last remaining member of the royal family. Few know that she has lost almost all her magic, and can only access one royal, golden strand of it. She's a brave young woman, but without her magic the palace is vulnerable to foes.
Though Aria and Neva lead very different lives, a chance encounter one midsummer night entwines them in a thrilling adventure that will change their fates forever...
In the Kingdom of Venetia subjects can wield magic, but its power depends on their standing in society. Most magic is good, but there are also extreme rare dark enchantments, only to be used in the most desperate of times. . .
Fifteen years ago, two babies were born to very different families. Both girls were born without their right hands, and now their long dark hair, sparkling green eyes and disabilities make it tricky to tell them apart.
Neva grew up to be a talented thief, able to cast incredible enchantments with magic she shouldn't be able to access. She also longs to be an opera singer, but lacks the confidence to step into the spotlight.
Princess Aria is the last remaining member of the royal family. Few know that she has lost almost all her magic, and can only access one royal, golden strand of it. She's a brave young woman, but without her magic the palace is vulnerable to foes.
Though Aria and Neva lead very different lives, a chance encounter one midsummer night entwines them in a thrilling adventure that will change their fates forever...
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Random House Children's UK
Target group
Young adult
Interest Age: From 11 to 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight
200 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-71343-3 (9780241713433)
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

Cerrie Burnell
The Princess and the Thief
E-Book
approx. 07/2026
Penguin Books Ltd
€9.99
Not yet available
Person
Cerrie Burnell is an author, actor and ambassador. During her time on CBeebies she broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes and overcame discrimination to become one of the most visible presenters on children's TV. She has been listed by the Observer as one of the top ten children's presenters of all time.
Cerrie is the author of thirteen children's books including her first non-fiction title, the award-winning I Am Not a Label; Snowflakes, which she adapted for the stage; as well as the Harper series, which was selected for a World Book Day title.
She also wrote and starred in the play Winged: A Fairytale, as well as creating the one-woman show The Magical Playroom, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe.
In 2017 Cerrie was awarded an honorary degree for Services to Media from the Open University. She is a patron of Polka Theatre and has been an author-in-residence at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Since leaving CBeebies in 2017, Cerrie has appeared on television in Doctors and made the eye-opening documentary Silenced: The Hidden Story of Disabled Britain. In 2021 Cerrie joined the BBC's Creative Diversity team as one of their new Disability Ambassadors.
Cerrie is the author of thirteen children's books including her first non-fiction title, the award-winning I Am Not a Label; Snowflakes, which she adapted for the stage; as well as the Harper series, which was selected for a World Book Day title.
She also wrote and starred in the play Winged: A Fairytale, as well as creating the one-woman show The Magical Playroom, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe.
In 2017 Cerrie was awarded an honorary degree for Services to Media from the Open University. She is a patron of Polka Theatre and has been an author-in-residence at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Since leaving CBeebies in 2017, Cerrie has appeared on television in Doctors and made the eye-opening documentary Silenced: The Hidden Story of Disabled Britain. In 2021 Cerrie joined the BBC's Creative Diversity team as one of their new Disability Ambassadors.