
The Wonderchild
Kate Simkins(Author)
Big Thinking Publishing
Published on 1. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
170 pages
978-1-917842-63-1 (ISBN)
Description
The Wonderchild is the first book in The Brightwell Chronicles by Kate Simkins.
When twelve-year-old Arlo Thorne discovers a strange gold compass hidden beneath his bed, he assumes it's broken. After all, it refuses to point north. Instead, it spins wildly toward something called the Unknown.
Soon after this, Arlo is whisked away to Brightwell Academy - a magical school where corridors move when no one is looking, and students and teachers are bonded with magical, loyal companions. There, Arlo learns he is descended from Lysandra Quill, the legendary founder of the House of Wonder. As he begins to understand the magical legacy tied to his family, Arlo realises Brightwell is hiding secrets older than the school itself... secrets connected to the mysterious disappearance of his grandfather.
With new friendships forming and powerful forces stirring beyond the school gates, Arlo must decide who he is willing to become, and what he is willing to sacrifice to protect the people he loves.
Perfect for readers who enjoy magic schools, portal adventures, and hidden worlds.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Target group
Young adult
Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
190 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-917842-63-1 (9781917842631)
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
Person
A publisher and a writer of stories, poems, tales, and other English words. Kate believes that children's imaginations should be kept alive as long as possible, and so, at the age of 42, she has made the brave decision not to grow any older, to ensure her own imagination stays active.