Alma's life changed when she discovered an adorable tiny creature inside an almond. She named her Almondine and it became her secret. But as the curious and funny little girl grew, something strange and magical began to happen.

Enriched with elegant illustrations on nearly every page, Almondine is the first title in a series narrating the adventures of two very special girls.

194 pages with 160 sepia illustrations. 28 chapters. Reading level: 7+

The Almondine Book Series follows the life and adventures of a teeny-weeny girl born from an almond tree. Illustrated on nearly every page, the story's overarching themes of friendship, family relationships and adventure aim to engage mostly with primary school readers. www.almondine.club

The Author

Gabriele Zucchelli is an animator and filmmaker, whose work includes cartoon characters, realistic animals and fantastical creatures. He has contributed to several hand-drawn productions and blockbuster CGI movies including Harry Potter, Disney's latest Lion King and the Oscar-winning Jungle Book. He has recently co-supervised the animation of the Oscar-winning The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy and the BBC's mini-series Quentin Blake's Box of Treasures. In 2008, he also directed a well-received historical documentary on the first-ever animated feature film, Quirino Cristiani. The Almondine series is his first work as an author of children's books.

Outline

Alma's life turned upside down the day she discovered a teeny-weeny baby girl inside an almond.

Alma is an eight-year-old girl living in on the outskirts of London, and she has the most amazing secret in the world: but what will she do with this lively and cheeky little sprite?

She starts by trying her best to look after her and protect her from all possible dangers.

As the months go by, hidden from everyone else, Almondine quickly grows into a curious and odd little creature who occasionally causes all kinds of innocent mischief.

Until, one day, a flower sprouts from her head. It becomes just another opportunity for the two playmates to improvise some fun but as the tiny girl grows older, so her overall appearance changes.

Alma is over-protective and keen to keep her minuscule friend always in her room but Almondine develops a strong urge for discovery and, very soon, she wants to venture out of Alma's room and explore the outside world.

When summer arrives, Almondine finally persuades Alma to let her stay in her garden playhouse, where she can make her new home next to nature. Not long after this, Almondine vanishes.

Alma is very upset by the disappearance but just when her hopes of reuniting with Almondine have faded, the little sprite reappears. Totally transformed.