Poppy Brown isn't especially remarkable, except for a tendency to tell stories which other people call lies. After years of being fostered, Poppy is now living with her mother who works as a cook to the eccentric Mr Hunt. He lives in a vast Derbyshire house surrounded by a collection of statues. One of them, the figure of a nymph whom Poppy calls Belladonna, becomes a special 'friend' in whom Poppy confides.

But one night, during a violent thunderstorm, Belladonna is struck by lightning, falls off her pedestal - and comes to life!

Carole Hayman has published several novels, and also writes for radio, television and film. She is well-known as co-writer of the Radio 4 hit series Ladies of Letters, and her first film as producer/writer, f2point8, was shortlisted for a BAFTA.