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Little House

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Little House

By: Katya Balen, Richard Johnson
Narrated by: Eleanor Yates
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About this listen

The importance and meaning of home is explored in this thought-provoking new novella from Carnegie Medal winning author Katya Balen.

Juno’s furious about being sent to stay with her grandfather for the summer. She’ll miss all the fun she and her friends had planned for the holidays. She’ll also miss her mum, but it’s her mum’s fault for leaving anyway.

Then Juno discovers a long-forgotten little family in her grandfather’s attic. As she works to carefully craft a new home for them, can she learn to forgive her mum and understand her reasons for going away?

©2024 Katya Balen (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Multigenerational Family

Critic Reviews

"This enchanting novella about a girl who works through her worries by bringing a doll's house back to life with some help from her grandpa has all the signature style, sophistication and emotional intelligence you'd expect from the Carnegie medal-winner Katya Balen, distilled into 80 easy pages." – The Times

"A powerful and emotive story about having the courage to strive for a better world." – The Scotsman

"An enchantingly told, exquisitely illustrated story about a young girl's move from cosy innocence to a growing understanding of some of the sadnesses in the wider world. It oozes with all the charm of a beloved grandparent’s home – a wild garden, creaking staircases, and a sloping attic with true treasure to be found. And so much good food it made my mouth water!" – Nicola Penfold

"Fierce, brace and compassionate" – Natasha Farrant

"It was charming, tender and shone a sensitive spotlight on the true meaning of home. As for Juno's grandfather's cooking … well, all I can say is I would like to stay there myself!" – A.M. Howell

"Beautiful and heartbreaking and glorious all at once. A little masterpiece." – Struan Murray

"This is not a story about magic, wild adventures or set in a school world. This draws on the everyday – the background to a holiday which looks as if it is not going to be much of a holiday … [Katya Balen] skilfully creates in Juno a very real girl who, reluctantly, discovers an outlet that results in real interest and finally an appreciation of the work of her parents – and the decisions they make. It is a quiet narrative that nevertheless captures the reader’s attention." – Books for Keeps

"As Juno learns about carpentry, and finds joy in working with her hands, she realizes how hobbies can help lift one’s spirit. A quiet reflection on families and how they support each other." — Children's Books Ireland

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