The most perfect children's book . . . captivatingly told, funny and moving -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times * A bubbly and fantastical adventure . . . Driven by humour and warmth, Journey to the River Sea has an irresistible charm -- Julia Eccleshare * Guardian * A plot too exciting to put down. Sheer pleasure -- Sarah Johnson * The Times * My favourite children's book -- Lauren St John Enchanting and inspiring. Any reader presented with this book will be enriched for life -- Anne Fine A wonderful adventure story, told with energy and imagination * Mail on Sunday * This year (thanks to a recommendation by Ella Risbridger on Instagram, of all places) I have binged on Eva Ibbotson, not her childrens books, but her elegantly written, witty and well-observed if (after a few) formulaic fables of emigrées with beautiful burnished hair fallen on hard times. I read one after another, and rather feel your Christmas might be brightened by doing the same. So may I suggest A Song for Summer, followed by The Morning Gift, then The Secret Countess, A Company of Swans, Magic Flutes, Journey to the River Sea, and The Star of Kazan. -- Nigella Lawson * The Sunday Times * '... a modern children's classic...an adventure kids will adore - all in a beautiful gift edition' -- Zoe West, Woman and Home