While recuperating on the south coast of France after a terrible accident, 13-year-old Beau meets Lelee, a sort of wild child, more at home in the sea than on land. Together with Beau's younger sister they roam around the Bay of Angels in their little boat in search of a box that Lelee believes contains a fortune. They are constantly being watched by a group of smugglers who are looking for the same box. The summer turns into an intriguing adventure which gradually unfolds as Beau regains his strength, thanks to his new surroundings and the people he meets, including his eccentric aunt, her companion Clothilde and, above, all, Lelee, who also has her own sad tale that means she must one day leave the place she loves.

 

This book was recognised in the Book of the Year - Older Readers category by the Children's Book Council of Australia Awards. It was recognised in the Ethel Turner Award category by the Nsw Premier's Literary Award.

There are 224 pages in this book. This book was published 2003 by Penguin Books Ltd .

James Aldridge grew up in Victoria, Australia. In 1938 he moved to London where he established a career in journalism, working for major international newspapers. He has written over thirty novels for adults and children, including plays and TV scripts. He is best known in Australia for his novels set in the fictional town of St Helen; they include The True Story of Spit MacPhee, which won the 1986 Guardian Award. He still lives in London, SW11.