The Secret Horses of Briar Hill

An exceptional and moving novel about the power of the imagination from a New York Times bestselling author, illustrated by the winner of the Kate Greenaway medal.

Described by Michael Morpurgo as "a remarkable book": December 1941; Britain is at war. Emmaline has been evacuated away from the bombs to Briar Hill Hospital in Shropshire. When she gets there she discovers a secret. It’s not to be shared, not to be told to anyone, even her friend Anna. But she’ll tell you. This is Emmaline’s secret. There are winged horses that live in the mirrors of Briar Hill. Exquisitely illustrated by Levi Pinfold, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, The Secret Horses of Briar Hill has all the makings of a modern classic.

“This is a very special book indeed. Not only because of the sheer beauty of its production, illustrated as it is by Greenaway medal winner Levi pinfold, known for his exquisite colour, mesmerising picture books, but here demonstrating what he can do with simple line and restricted to black and white. But also because it is an enthralling, moving and evocative tale set in the midst of World War Two. […] This is a beautifully written story of bravery and resilience with a terrific sense of time and place and which reminds us all of the fragility of life. Highly recommended do thoughtful readers of any age.” The School Librarian
“The book was clear and well written and I got quite engrossed in it; the illustrations were a nice touch and added to the story.” Teen titles reader review
This beautiful and unusual book has incredible illustrations by award-winning artist Levi Pinfold. The Week Junior
[…] this is beautifully written, beautifully illustrated, a book that will move all who read it and leave a lasting impression on many. Andrea Reece, LoveReading
“This gem of a book is something very different, magical realism for children with outstanding black and white illustrations by Levi Pinfold. […] Shepherd's writing is flowing and lyrical and this story utterly gripped me from start to finish. Ideal for a thoughtful reader who loves Michael Morpurgo.” Independent online, Ireland

Megan Shepherd is the acclaimed author of The Madman's Daughter trilogy and The Cage. When she is not writing, she can usually be found horseback riding, day dreaming at coffee shops or gardening at her farm in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Levi Pinfold studied illustration at University College, Falmouth where he developed his distinctive stylized realism. He has won numerous awards for his picture books, which include The Django, Greenling and Black Dog, which won the Kate Greenaway Medal. He lives in Queensland, Australia.

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