SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD 2021WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTHHIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTHTOPPSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTHSometimes at the darkest hour, hope shines the brightestWhen Cols childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight Col must race to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister.But there are darker forces at work, even than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness down over everything.PRAISE FOR THE MIDNIGHT GUARDIANS"Montgomery's latest is an enthralling, Narnia-flavoured novel with the folkloric feel of a Christmas classic." Guardian"Beautifully drawn fantasy characters ... a story of hope and love underpinned by witty humour. Daily Mail"A magical slice of historical fantasy fiction. i Newspaper"This lovely adventure story has the feel of a classic children's book." Book of the Week, The Week JuniorRoss Montgomerys beautiful writing and epic storytelling weave together a magical adventure set against the backdrop of World War Two. WRD Magazine"Spectacular. A story of real and rare power - The Midnight Guardians is one of the best books I've read in years." Kiran Millwood Hargrave"The Midnight Guardians is torch-under-the-duvet, can't-stop-reading magic. British folklore rebooted in an edge-of-your-seat, heart-filled search for hope in the darkest hour." Piers Torday"Embark on a mythic, comic, classic adventure with the finest fellowship since Frodo set a hairy foot beyond the Shire. David SolomonsGlorious! I think this is Ross Montgomerys best book yet: an adventure across WWII wintry Britain with a Kindertransportee, a boy dressed in shorts and his three imaginary friends. A joy of a joy of a thing. Katherine Rundell"A gem of book, jam-packed with heart and humour and one utterly unique set of friends." Peter BunzlPure magic. Storytelling at its very best. Abi Elphinstone"Brilliant! The Midnight Guardians is the perfect blend of humour, adventure and emotion. Simply beautiful." Lisa Thompson"Funny, thrilling, moving ... everything that is brilliant about children's literature. A triumph." Sophie AndersonBrimming with imagination and warmth, and powered by the strongest magic of all - hope. Fantastic from first page to last. Catherine Doyle"Beautiful. A magical, big-hearted adventure full of wit and warmth. One of the best children's books I've read for ages." Anna JamesA tale of enchantment and friendship all the warmth of a timeless story, told between friends round a winter fire funny and true in the way all good stories are. Thomas TaylorThe adventure whisks you through wartime trouble and mythical danger like riding a giant tiger through falling snow A magical story. Jack NoelWith the spirit of Narnia, but a heart of its own. The Midnight Guardians is totally enchanting. I gobbled up every word. Aisha Bushby"I inhaled this wonderful book in one sitting ... humour, beautiful writing, heartbreak, hope, and a fat badger in a waistcoat. I'll be recommending it to everyone." Katya Balen"A real triumph of the imagination, blending the appeal of a classic adventure with Montgomery's heart and humour, and a hint of Narnia." Editor's Choice, The Bookseller

 

 

This book is the winner of numerous awards

This book has been graded for interest at 9-12 years.

There are 400 pages in this book. This book was published in 2020 by Walker Books Ltd .

Ross Montgomery is a primary school teacher and he writes his books when he really should have been marking homework. Author of Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door and The Tornado Chasers, Ross has been shortlisted for the Costa Book Award and nominated for the Branford Boase Award. Perijee & Me is his third middle-grade novel. Ross lives in Brixton, London.