The midnight carnival

Winner of the Waverton Good Read Children's Prize 2014!

Under cover of darkness a carnival arrives on the green in the centre of Dunbridge. By morning, Grace and her friends are stunned to find the huge red and white-striped tent, surrounded by fair rides and carnival folk jostling for business. But everything about the fair seems very old - the Ferris wheel is rusted and creaking, the colours of the tent have dulled with age, and even the performers' costumes are tattered and old-fashioned.

The carnival holds a dark secret; a curse that has kept them frozen in their current state for decades. But with help from Ms Lemon, the girls discover what the curse is and how to break it.

'McGann's debut is funny, a bit scary and surprisingly realistic... Preteens will enjoy the easy read, identify with the characters and ask for more' Kirkus Reviews on The Demon Notebook

McGann has created a satisfying, entertaining page turner... the castles, dungeons, fairy creatures and magical wizardry match pretty much anything you'd come across in Hogwarts' booksforkeeps.co.uk on The Watching Wood