Tess loves to dance – even when her tummy is empty and her boots are pinching. She and her brothers and sisters are all alone in the world after their mum dies and their pa abandons them. They have to eat bread and dripping, and take in washing to earn a few pennies.
How will they afford food – and milk for baby Ada? Tess’s big brother and sister go out to look for work, but Tess has to stay in class at The Ragged School and look after Ada too. But Tess is determined that even though she is poor, she will still get to go to the ball . . . or at least to dance in the Cinderella pantomime at the Grand Theatre…
Fans of the fiery, spirited Hetty Feather and the curious, selfless Edie Trimmer will love this brand new historical novel from the much-loved Jaqueline Wilson.
Jacqueline Wilson is a multi-award-winning, bestselling author and the former UK Children’s Laureate. She has won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award and the Children’s Book of the Year Award, and was appointed a Dame for services to children’s literature. The author of over 100 titles, Jacqueline has sold more than 40 million books worldwide.
Rachael Dean is a British children’s book illustrator living in Formby. Rachael’s work is traditionally and digitally painted, and portrays rich imagery and engaging characters.
Extent: 409 pages
Publisher: Puffin, August 2024
Illustrations: Black and white by Rachael Dean
Primary agent: Caroline Walsh
Film/TV agent: DHA (Clare Israel)
Co-Agents: Chinese - Bardon Chinese Media; Japanese - Tuttle-Mori