A whirlwind adventure unfolds from the moment that lonely Penny Black helps a mysterious furry creature escape from a mouse trap in her uncle’s post office. But the creature isn’t a mouse…nor is it a rat – as it is quick to tell Penny when it introduces itself as Wishyouwas as a Sorter. Second Class.
Soon Penny finds herself swept off on a wild underground adventure following the mystery of missing letters and helping the army of Sorters, Deliverers and the rest return them to their rightful owners. Rich in word play, including the wonderful names of the hidden Post Office team, this is a magical and cleverly created world of make-believe.
Classic-feeling storytelling with bags of charm. Fans of thrilling animal adventure and enchanting underground worlds will fall in love with Wishyouwas.
It's 1952 in smog-shrouded London. Christmas might be fast approaching, but with her mum away and Uncle Frank busy running the post office, Penny Black is lonelier than ever. All that changes when Penny discovers a small, fluffy, funny, springy and - most importantly - talking creature in the post office one night, trying to make off with a letter. But Wishyouwas is no thief. He's a Sorter, and he soon introduces Penny to a fascinating secret world hidden in the tunnels underneath the city's streets. Self-appointed guardians of lost mail, the Sorters have dedicated their lives to rescuing letters that have gone astray and making sure they get delivered to their rightful owners. Penny is determined to protect the Sorters, but how long will she be able to keep them safe with Stanley Scrawl, the sinister Royal Mail Rat Catcher, on the prowl? Can Penny save the Sorters and deliver a joyful Christmas?
With beautiful black and white illustrations and embellishments from the talented Penny Neville-Lee, and an extra special surprise beneath the jacket, Wishyouwas is a gorgeous hardback to gift and treasure.
An instant classic - Piers Torday, award-winning author of The Last Wild
A lovely and enchanting read. Letters, intrigue, cute furry creatures - nine-year-old me would have turned to this charming book over and over again! - Lesley Parr, author of The Valley of Lost Secrets
A whirlwind adventure unfolds from the moment that lonely Penny Black helps a mysterious furry creature escape from a mouse trap in her uncle's post office. Rich in word play, this is a magical and cleverly created world of make-believe - Julia Eccleshare, LoveReading4Kids
Wishyouwas is a heartwarming, feel-good story set to be a future classic. - ReadingZone
A delightfully charming feel-good tale that will be enjoyed for years to come - Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library
Reminiscent of The Borrowers with a lovely Royal Mail twist, it is captivating from beginning to end. - Scope for Imagination
Enchanting and full of imagination... Wishyouwas is destined to become a much-loved classic book - K and O: Bonkers About Books
A first-class festive adventure - Daily Express
This will make the best read aloud in the run up to Christmas, and I bet teachers and their classes will completely and utterly fall in love with this story! - A Little But A Lot
For a feel-good, fast-paced, magical Christmas journey beneath London then look no further than Wishyouwas ... it's a story you can get truly lost in! - Treat Yo Shelf
Author
About Alexandra Page
Alexandra Page spent her early childhood being airmailed between England and Zimbabwe and making up stories to entertain her younger sisters and brother. After studying English Literature at University College London, she worked for several years in book production and then in the City, before venturing into writing. Alexandra loves being creative, travelling to far-flung places and swimming in anything bigger than a puddle. She lives in London with her husband and daughter. Wishyouwas is Alexandra's first children's book. It won the WriteMentor Children's Novel Award in 2019 and was also shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition.
