The Snow Merchant
Synopsis
Lettie Peppercorn lives in a house on stilts near the wind-swept coast of Albion, with no one to talk to but Periwinkle the pigeon. Her days are filled with floor-sweeping, bed-making and soup-stirring. Her nights are filled with dreams of her mother, who vanished long ago. Nothing incredible has ever happened to Lettie, until one winter's night.
The night the Snow Merchant comes.
He claims to be an alchemist - the greatest that ever lived - and in a mahogany suitcase, he carries his newest invention.
It is an invention that will change Lettie's life - and the world - forever.
It is an invention called snow.
The Snow Merchant is a fantasy filled with family secrets, magical transformations and wild adventure. Join Lettie on her journey to uncover the true meaning of snow, family and friendship.
Reviews
- Beautifully old-fashioned storytelling weaves a hugely imaginative tale of alchemy, family and snow in this quirky debut novel. - The Bookseller
- The most imaginative tale I've read in a very long time. - Literary Loves
- Unique and original (5 stars) - Waterstone's Read and Review
- A beautiful modern day fairytale . . . I absolutely loved this story! (5 stars) - Waterstone's Read and Review
- I would recommend this to anyone who likes to read out loud to their children - this is just perfect for curling up together and sharing a story (5 stars) - Waterstone's Read and Review
- Made me want to turn every page. I was very disappointed when it was all over . . .Thoroughly recommended. (5 stars) - Waterstone's Read and Review
- Wonderfully quirky and fast-paced; just what you would hope for in a good fantasy! (5 stars) - Waterstone's Read and Review
- The Snow Merchant is exhilarating, entertaining and original, bursting with ideas. - Books for Keeps, Book of the Month
- This story is truly original, rich in imagination and charm, and it will captivate readers well above its apparent target group. It's curious, really: how can a book about snow leave such a lasting impression of warmth behind? - The BookBag, 5 stars
- I liked this book...it's interesting and enticing. I would recommend the story to ten to thirteen year-olds. - Waterstones Read and Review
- Fantastic characters that come to life off the page. (I) will be buying this for lots of family members for Christmas! - Waterstones Read and Review
- Grandparents, this is the book to give your grandkids for Christmas - especially if they're coming to stay! - Waterstones Read and Review
- A fantastic fantasy tale... totally absorbing. A great read at any age. - Waterstones Read and Review
- This book allows you to lose yourself in a world that is just a little different from our own...(it) reminded me of the 'Northern Lights' trilogy. - Waterstones Read and Review
- A complex yet easy to follow story, The Snow Merchant is interspersed with stunning illustrations, beautiful fonts and chapter headings. A gorgeously written and produced novel, this lovely tale by Sam Gayton can do no wrong in my eyes. - Keepcalmandreadabook Blog
- A quirky and very inventive debut; filled with exotic characters and quite a lot of charm. - Editor's Choice, Children's Books Ireland
- The Snow Merchant is astounding in its imagination and creativity. I don't think it will be long before he becomes one of the most treasured children's authors. - Blogcritics
- A gripping debut. - LoveReading4Kids
- A germ of JK and a pinch of Pullman. - TES
- A delightful debut...full of action and invention. - Sunday Times
- A fast-paced tale of alchemy, adventure and magic. - Country Life, Best Children's Books for Christmas
- A tale of self discovery, family and friendship...an inventive and accomplished debut. - Independent on Sunday
- A very promising debut novel from Gayton, full of fairytale and fun, which should appeal to Lemony Snicket fans. - Daily Mail
- A modern day fairy tale (with) all the classic ingredients which go to make great story-telling - a strong storyline, heroes and villains, a touch of humour and a heartwarming theme. - Parents in Touch
