PuffinMysteries26Update

Children's reading lists

19 must-read crime and mystery books for children

A picture of several different books that celebrate differences and diversity on a green and pink background with white doodles

Article-Card-Puffin-Books-Celebrate-Differences.jpg

Best children’s books that celebrate difference

13 feminist kids' books that fight the patriarchy

feminist-books-reading-list-snippet-pink.png

12 feminist kids’ books that fight the patriarchy

Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Disappearing Rabbit

'Short chapters and charming illustrations mean this gentle story is perfect for early readers' - BookTrust 
 
Join Lizzie and Lucky on another mystery-solving adventure - this time at a magic show! Perfect for fans of Holly Webb and Anisha, Accidental Detective. 
 
Young detective Lizzie and her puppy, Lucky, are off to a magic show. But during the performance, a world-famous rabbit disappears - and not on purpose! 
 
Can Lizzie and Lucky find Rudy the rabbit, get to the bottom of who stole him, and why? 
 
With charming illustrations throughout, and fun activities to try!

Short chapters and charming illustrations mean this gentle story is perfect for early readers. Animal lovers will enjoy the tips on how to care for rabbits at the back, as well as the details in the story. Lizzie and her family and Ted all use sign language, which is effortlessly incorporated as a normal part of day-to-day life. The author's own experience of partial deafness means that she's keen to share this beautiful language, and at the back she's included the letters of the alphabet in British sign language, and some words to learn.

Join Lizzie and Lucky on another mystery-solving adventure - this time at a magic show! Perfect for fans of Holly Webb and Anisha, Accidental Detective. 
 
Young detective Lizzie and her puppy, Lucky, are off to a magic show. But during the performance, a world-famous rabbit disappears - and not on purpose! 
 
Can Lizzie and Lucky find Rudy the rabbit, get to the bottom of who stole him, and why? 
 
With charming illustrations throughout, and fun activities to try!

Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Stolen Treasure

Join Lizzie and Lucky on another mystery-solving adventure! Perfect for fans of Holly Webb and Anisha, Accidental Detective. 
 
When Lizzie and her cute puppy Lucky go on a family trip to the seaside, something doesn't seem right. There's talk of missing treasure no one has been able to find for years and years, and artefacts are mysteriously disappearing in the local museum. Anyone else would shrug it off but this dynamic duo just know there is a mystery to be solved here - and they won't leave until they figure it out!

Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Missing Puppies

'A joyous tale celebrating animals, mysteries, family and friendship (both of the two-legged and four-legged variety!)' - BookTrust 
 
Meet Lizzie and Lucky: a sparky young detective and her loyal Dalmatian sidekick! 
 
Lizzie is desperate for a dog. In order to convince her parents to get one, she has to come up with 101 reasons why she needs one. Lizzie is a master at making lists, so thinking of 101 reasons is going to be easy! Especially as she is deaf and could train one to be her hearing dog. But as Lizzie begins compiling her list, she witnesses an adorable puppy being snatched away and put into a van by a mysterious-looking man. Can Lizzie solve the case - and maybe find herself a loyal friend at the same time...?

This sweet, feel-good mystery story, accompanied by warm and playful black-and-white illustrations, centres a deaf family, discusses accessibility, and celebrates sign language.

A joyous tale celebrating animals, mysteries, family and friendship (both of the two-legged and four-legged variety!)

Lizzie is on a mission to solve the case of the disappearing puppies... 
 
Lizzie is desperate for a dog. And in order to convince her parents to get one, she has to come up with 101 reasons why she needs one. Lizzie is a master at making lists, so thinking of 101 reasons is going to be easy! Especially as she could train one to be her hearing dog. But as Lizzie begins compiling her list, she witnesses an adorable puppy being snatched away and put into a van by a mysterious-looking man. Can Lizzie solve the case - and maybe find herself a loyal friend at the same time...?

The Lost War Dog

The brave, difficult and ultimately hopeful journey across wartime Germany of two best friends and the dog who brought them together. 
 
Tilly and Gretchen have been best friends all their lives, and Gretchen adores Tilly's beloved pet dachshund Wuffly like he's her own. 
 
But tensions are high in Germany in 1938. Tilly's Jewish family are in danger - and Gretchen's father is a train driver in the employ of the Nazis. Before long, Tilly is sent to England as part of the Kindertransport rescue mission. Heartbroken, she has to leave Wuffly and Gretchen behind. 
 
So begins an epic adventure as Gretchen makes the decision to follow her best friend and reunite her with her beloved dog - but when they touch down in England, Wuffly is immediately taken away. 
 
How will each of them fare, as German evacuees in England? And will the three friends ever be reunited in safety...?

Megan Rix is the hugely popular author of animal adventure books set in the modern day and key periods of history. An animal lover and dog-trainer, Megan draws inspiration from her own adorable dogs Traffy, Bella, Freya and Ellie, and many fascinating and extraordinary animal stories to engage her readers.

The brave, difficult and ultimately hopeful journey across wartime Germany of two best friends and the dog who brought them together. 
 
Tilly and Gretchen have been best friends all their lives, and Gretchen adores Tilly's beloved pet dachshund Wuffly like he's her own. 
 
But tensions are high in Germany in 1938. Tilly's Jewish family are in danger - and Gretchen's father is a train driver in the employ of the Nazis. Before long, Tilly is sent to England as part of the Kindertransport rescue mission. Heartbroken, she has to leave Wuffly and Gretchen behind. 
 
So begins an epic adventure as Gretchen makes the decision to follow her best friend and reunite her with her beloved dog - but when they touch down in England, Wuffly is immediately taken away. 
 
How will each of them fare, as German evacuees in England? And will the three friends ever be reunited in safety...?

Rosa and the Daring Dog

The brilliant new book from Megan Rix, telling the story of Rosa Parks from the perspective of a young girl and her faithful dog. 
 
HOWLY is a tiny puppy, left abandoned in a trash can next to a school. 
EDDIE is the young girl who finds him . . . 
 
Eddie is immediately drawn to the puppy, whose bravery and determination remind her of a very famous person indeed. 
 
Eddie's class are learning about Mrs Rosa Parks, whose act of courage on a bus in 1955 started a whole movement against racism in America. Mrs Parks herself soon visits Eddie's school, and when the great lady points out a stark reminder of racism in the school's own playground it's up to Eddie, her friends, and their new school dog Howly to remind everyone how to stay hopeful and stand up for what is right.

HOWLY is a tiny puppy, left abandoned in a trash can next to a school. 
EDDIE is the young girl who finds him . . . 
Eddie is immediately drawn to the puppy, whose bravery and determination remind her of a very famous person indeed. 
 
Eddie's class are learning about Mrs Rosa Parks, whose act of courage on a bus in 1955 started a whole movement against racism in America. Mrs Parks herself soon visits Eddie's school, and when the great lady points out a stark reminder of racism in the school's own playground it's up to Eddie, her friends, and their new school dog Howly to remind everyone how to stay hopeful and stand up for what is right.

Florence and the Mischievous Kitten

The brilliant new book from Megan Rix, telling the story of Florence Nightingale through the eyes of her young ward. Florence loved cats, and had many during her lifetime. This is the perfect introduction to the Lady with the Lamp for young children, told with warmth, humour and adorable animals. 
 
Summer 1888: In a fancy house in London, a kitten called Scamp escapes through an open window and finds himself lost in the middle of the city. Across Hyde Park, a young girl called Beth is marching with thousands of other girls to protest the working conditions in the Bryant and May match factories. 
 
When Beth stumbles across the tiny kitten she finds that he belongs to none other than Miss Florence Nightingale, who is now indebted to Beth for returning her beloved pet. So begins an unlikely friendship between the great lady, her mischievous kitten, and Beth the penniless orphan. 
 
But when Beth's sister Iris is struck down with illness in one of the poorest parts of London, can Beth, Scamp and Miss Nightingale find a way to save her before it's too late?

The Paw House

Hamish's summer isn't going as planned. 
 
First, his parents left him to go on a business trip to Japan, and now he's found himself stuck in the Scottish highlands with an aunt he's never met, a grumpy girl called Izzy, and a lot of animals. 
 
He's never even stroked a dog - what on earth is he supposed to do here? 
 
 Before long Hamish finds himself taking the dogs for walks, adopting a piglet, even rescuing a tiny puppy in the dead of night. 
 
But something's not right: Aunt Helen is worried about the future of the sanctuary, and with more animals in need arriving every day, something's got to be done before they lose their home forever. 
 
 With the help of some unexpected new friends, can Hamish save the animals and turn the fate of the Paw House around?

Hamish's summer isn't going as planned. First, his parents left him to go on a business trip to Japan, and now he's found himself stuck in the Scottish highlands with an aunt he's never met, a grumpy girl called Izzy, and a lot of animals. He's never even stroked a dog - what on earth is he supposed to do here? 
 
Before long Hamish finds himself taking the dogs for walks, adopting a piglet, even rescuing a tiny puppy in the dead of night. But something's not right: Aunt Helen is worried about the future of the sanctuary, and with more animals in need arriving every day, something's got to be done before they lose their home forever. 
 
With the help of some unexpected new friends, can Hamish save the animals and turn the fate of the Paw House around?

Emmeline and the Plucky Pup

Meet the leader of the Suffragettes, Emmeline Pankhurst, and a particularly plucky pup, during a momentous time in history! 
 
Alfie can't believe his luck when he is allowed to keep a tiny puppy he finds abandoned on the street. Rascal is cute as a button and has lots of attitude, and Emmeline Pankhurst is thrilled that her ward Alfie has a new friend. Alfie and Rascal deliver messages between the Suffragettes as they organise their 'Votes for Women' campaign. But it's sometimes dangerous work, and it's not long before Alfie and Rascal find out the true cost of the fight. 
 
Full of adventure, fascinating history and lovely animals, this is the perfect read for young fans of Dick King-Smith and Michael Morpurgo.

Winston and the Marmalade Cat

Winston and the Marmalade Cat is the first in a brand-new series from award-winning author Megan Rix! Full of adventure, fascinating history and super-cute animals, this series is perfect for 6-8 year old readers and fans of Dick King-Smith and Michael Morpurgo. 
 
Nine-year-old Harry is desperate for a pet of his own but working at the local animal rescue centre is the next best thing. One day, he's asked to take a very special birthday present to Chartwell, home of the famous Prime-Minister and animal-lover Winston Churchill. During his visit, Harry learns all about Winston's past and his much-loved pets. Will Harry get to meet Winston Churchill and will he ever get a pet of his very own?

The Great Fire Dogs

London 1666 - A terrible plague has swept through the city and people live in fear of animals carrying the disease. 
 
Woofer is a loveable stray who works in the palace kitchen and Tiger Lily is the pampered pet spaniel of King Charles II. They come from very different worlds but this hasn't stopped them becoming the best of friends and looking out for each other. When Woofer finds himself in trouble he has to escape the palace grounds and Tiger Lily isn't far behind him. 
 
It's not long before a new danger emerges - a great fire is sweeping across London destroying everything in its path. Can these two brave dogs survive the blazing fire and make their way to safety?

Echo Come Home

'I wish I had a dog . . . It could be a big dog or a little one. It could be any colour or breed. Just most of all I'd like a hearing dog.' 
 
Eleven-year-old Jake is dreading his new school. No one understands how hard it is for him to make friends. 
 
But then Jake meets Echo. Echo is a stray puppy, training to be a hearing dog. With Echo by his side, Jake's confidence grows. 
 
But then something terrible happens and Jake and Echo are separated. Determined to find his way back to Jake, Echo sets out on the difficult journey home. 
 
 
With a long road ahead and danger all around, have Jake and Echo lost each other forever??

If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this

A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate

Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling . . . Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers

'I wish I had a dog . . . It could be a big dog or a little one. It could be any colour or breed. Just most of all I'd like a hearing dog.' 
 
Eleven-year-old Jake is dreading his new school. No one understands how hard it is for him to make friends. 
 
But then Jake meets Echo. Echo is a stray puppy, training to be a hearing dog. With Echo by his side, Jake's confidence grows. 
 
But then something terrible happens and Jake and Echo are separated. Determined to find his way back to Jake, Echo sets out on the difficult journey home. 
 
 
With a long road ahead and danger all around, have Jake and Echo lost each other forever?

The Runaways

*2015 RED HOUSE CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD SHORTLISTED AUTHOR* 
 
A brand new animal adventure for 8+ readers set during World War One from classic-in-the-making and bestselling author, Megan Rix. Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo and Sarah Lean. 
 
Two friends, fighting their way home . . . 
 
SHANTI and her calf TARA are beautiful circus elephants. 
HARVEY is the faithful old collie who leads the show. 
In war they will perform their most death-defying trick yet. 
 
 
When the First World War seizes Europe, Cullen's Circus is forced to close. The men are sent to fight and the animals are torn apart from their keepers, and each other. But while Shanti must help on a farm, it's little Tara who faces a far worse fate. . . 
 
Separated too soon from her mother, Tara's life is in danger. Only old, brave Harvey can bring them back together. And so side-by-side, dog and elephant set out on an extraordinary journey across the English countryside - but can the unlikely friends find Shanti in time? 
 
Praise for Megan Rix: 
 
'If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this' Sunday Express 
 
'A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate' The Times 
 
'Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling. Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers.' LoveReading 
 
'A perfect story for animal lovers and lovers of adventure stories' Travelling Book Company 
 
Also available by Megan Rix: 
The Great Escape, The Victory Dogs, The Bomber Dog, A Soldier's Friend and The Hero Pup

Two friends, fighting their way home . . . 
 
SHANTI and her calf TARA are beautiful circus elephants. 
HARVEY is the faithful old collie who leads the show. 
In war they will perform their most death-defying trick yet. 
 
When the First World War seizes Europe, Cullen's Circus is forced to close. The men are sent to fight and the animals are torn apart from their keepers, and each other. But while Shanti must help on a farm, it's little Tara who faces a far worse fate. . . 
 
Separated too soon from her mother, Tara's life is in danger. Only old, brave Harvey can bring them back together. And so side-by-side, dog and elephant set out on an extraordinary journey across the English countryside - but can the unlikely friends find Shanti in time?

The Hero Pup

The Hero Pup is a heartwarming and uplifting story from Megan Rix, bestselling author of The Great Escape, The Victory Dogs, The Bomber Dog and A Soldier's Friend. 
 
'For now Patch is just a Helper Pup,' Joe said. 'But one day . . .' 
Eleven-year-old Joe is dreading his first Christmas without Dad. 
 
But then Mum suggests they volunteer for Helper Dogs and train puppies to help people in need. 
Joe has always wanted a dog and when he meets golden Labrador Patch he knows he's found him. With Joe's love and training, can Patch go from playful pupy to heroic helper - and mend Joe's broken heart along the way? 
 
A classic-in-the-making, Megan Rix takes little-known true stories of animal heroes and turns them into must-have heartwarming stories for 8+ readers, perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo and Sarah Lean. 
 
'If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this' Sunday Express 
 
'A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate' The Times 
 
'Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling . . . Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers.' LoveReading 
 
'A perfect story for animal lovers and lovers of adventure stories' Travelling Book Company 
 
About the author: 
Megan Rix is the recent winner of the Stockton and Shrewsbury Children's Book Awards, and has been shortlisted for numerous other children's book awards. She lives with her husband by a river in England. When she's not writing she can be found walking her two golden retrievers, Traffy and Bella, who are often in the river. www.meganrix.com 
 
Also available by Megan Rix: 
The Great Escape, The Victory Dogs, The Bomber Dog and A Soldier's Friend

PATCH is a yellow Labrador puppy in need of a home this Christmas. 
11-year-old Joe is dreading the holidays - his first Christmas without Dad. It will never be the same again. 
But then mum tells Joe about the Helper Dog Training programme. 
Can Joe adopt Patch for six months, give him a home and teach him to become a Helper Dog? 
But what about when it comes to saying goodbye?

A Soldier's Friend

SAMMY is a football crazy rescue puppy. 
MOUSER is a fearless grey tabby. 
Together they make an unlikely pair that won't be parted, not even by the First World War. 
 
As the war rages in Europe, Londoners are sending brave animals to help the soldiers - and Mouser and Sammy are soon on their way to the trenches. 
 
Boldly criss-crossing no-man's land they make new friends of every nationality - and reunite with old ones. But on the muddy front line, under fire and constantly in danger, will their friendship be enough to save them so they can return home together? 
 
'If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this' Express 
 
'A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate' The Times 
 
'Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling . . . Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers.' LoveReading 
 
 
About the author: 
Megan Rix lives in England with her husband, and their adorable dogs, Traffy and Bella. 
 
Also available by Megan Rix: 
The Great Escape, The Victory Dogs and The Bomber Dog 
 
www.meganrix.com

SAMMY is a football crazy rescue puppy. MOUSER is a fearless black and white tomcat. 
Together they make an unlikely pair that won't be parted, not even by the First World War. 
As the war rages in Europe, Londoners are sending brave animals to help the soldiers - and Mouser and Sammy are soon on their way to the trenches. 
 
Boldly criss-crossing no-man's land they make new friends of every nationality - and reunite with old ones. But on the muddy front line, under fire and constantly in danger, will their friendship be enough to save them so they can return home together?

The Bomber Dog

The Bomber Dog is a gripping and heartwarming story for 9+ readers about a brave puppy who joins the paratroopers during the Second World War and becomes a heroic war dog. 
 
Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse and Lauren St John. 
 
GREY is just a puppy when he arrives at the War Dog Training school. 
NATHAN, his trainer, is a brave young soldier. 
WOLF is a war dog who's seen it all. 
 
Grey and Nathan soon become inseparable. Until the day a parachute jump goes tragically wrong . . . 
 
As the Second World War rages, Grey faces his most important mission yet: to find his best friend. With Wolf at his side, he must journey across France and behind enemy lines. His path is fraught with danger. 
 
Can he reach Nathan before it's too late? 
 
Praise for Megan Rix: 
 
'If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this' Express 
 
'A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate' The Times 
 
'Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling . . . Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers.' LoveReading 
 
 
About the author: 
Megan Rix lives in England with her husband, and their adorable dogs, Traffy and Bella. 
 
Also available by Megan Rix: 
The Great Escape, The Victory Dogs. 
 
www.meganrix.com

GREY is just a puppy when he arrives at the War Dog Training school. 
NATHAN, his handler, is a brave young soldier. 
WOLF is a war dog who's seen it all. 
 
Grey and Nathan soon become inseparable. Until the day a parachute jump goes tragically wrong . . . 
 
As the Second World War rages, Grey faces his most important mission yet: to find his best friend. With Wolf at his side, he must journey across France and behind enemy lines. His path is fraught with danger. 
 
Can he reach Nathan before it's too late?

The Victory Dogs

The Victory Dogs is the incredible story of two puppies who become heroes of the blitz. 
 
A heartwarming story for 9+ readers who are fans of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse and Lauren St John. 
 
BARK and HOWL are two puppies, born on the London underground 
SHEBA is an elderly one-eared cat 
When the Blitz begins, how will they survive? 
 
It's the start of the Second World War and Bark and Howl are lost in the dark maze of tunnels under London. 
 
With Sheba's help, they learn how to survive. But when the bombs begin to fall, the puppies become separated. 
 
As the attacks continue, Bark and Howl are frightened, but they know the tunnels so well - they're the only ones who can lead hundreds of trapped people out of danger. Will Bark and Howl find each other - and be victorious in leading Londoners to safety? 
 
'If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this' Express 
 
'A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate' The Times 
 
'Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling . . . Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers.' LoveReading 
 
About the author: 
Megan Rix lives in England with her husband, and their adorable dogs, Traffy and Bella. 
 
Also available by Megan Rix: 
The Great Escape

BARK and HOWL are two puppies, born on the London underground 
SHEBA is an elderly one-eared cat 
When the Blitz begins, how will they survive? 
 
It's the start of the Second World War and Bark and Howl are lost in the dark maze of tunnels under London. 
 
With Sheba's help, they learn how to survive. But when the bombs begin to fall, the puppies become separated. 
 
As the attacks continue, Bark and Howl are frightened, but they know the tunnels so well - they're the only ones who can lead hundreds of trapped people out of danger. Will Bark and Howl find each other - and be victorious in leading Londoners to safety?

The Great Escape

The Great Escape is a gripping and heartwarming story for 9+ readers about three pets who are separately from their beloved owners in Second World War London, fleeing to the countryside to survive. 
 
Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse and Lauren St John. 
 
BUSTER is a lively Jack Russell 
TIGER is a feisty white and ginger tom 
ROSE is a faithful Collie 
 
Robert and Lucy Edwards love their pets more than anything; but the threat of the Second World War forces them to flee to Devon - leaving their animals behind. And as the air raid sirens sound over London, the frightened animals are sent to be put down. 
 
Buster, Tiger and Rose make a daring escape but with danger at every turn, can the trio make it across the country as it prepares for battle - and cheat death for the second time? 
 
Praise for Megan Rix: 
 
'If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this' Express 
 
'A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate' The Times 
 
'Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling . . . Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers.' LoveReading 
 
About the author: 
Megan Rix lives in England with her husband, and their adorable dogs, Traffy and Bella. 
 
Also available by Megan Rix: 
The Great Escape, The Victory Dogs. 
 
www.meganrix.com

BUSTER is a lively Jack Russell 
TIGER is a feisty white and ginger tom 
ROSE is a faithful Collie 
 
Robert and Lucy Edwards love their pets more than anything; but the threat of the Second World War forces them to flee to Devon - leaving their animals behind. And as the air raid sirens sound over London, the frightened animals are sent to be put down. 
 
Buster, Tiger and Rose make a daring escape but with danger at every turn, can the trio make it across the country as it prepares for battle - and cheat death for the second time?

The Puppy that Came for Christmas and Stayed Forever

The Puppy that Came for Christmas and Stayed Forever is Megan Rix's bestselling memoir. 
 
When Megan and Ian got married, they wanted to start a family. But their desire to be parents ended up bringing one furry bundle of fun after another into their lives. 
 
At the same time as embarking on difficult and traumatic fertility treatment, Megan and Ian became involved with a charity which provides helper dogs to people with disabilities. And into their home one day came Emma, a soft, sweet-natured puppy with whom they fell instantly in love. 
 
 However, after six months Emma had completed her training and was given to someone in need. To get over their broken hearts, Megan and Ian took in another pup: Freddy. And fell in love all over again . . . only for Freddy to move on too. 
 
Megan and Ian didn't know if they could keep taking in these adorable puppies and giving them away later. It was getting too hard, too painful. 
 
But then, one Christmas, little Traffy came along . . . 
 
If you liked Marley and Me then The Puppy that Came for Christmas but Stayed Forever is for you. Megan Rix's heart-warming seasonal story will have everyone yearning for a bit of puppy love in their lives. 
 
 
Megan Rix lives in England with her husband, and their adorable dogs, Traffy and Bella. She is a Sunday Times best-selling author, and her other books include The Great Escape, and a host of children's books written under the pen-name Ruth Symes.

Megan Rix lives in England with her husband, and their adorable puppy, Traffy.

When Megan and Ian got married, they wanted to start a family. But their desire to be parents ended up bringing one furry bundle of fun after another into their lives. 
 
At the same time as embarking on difficult and traumatic fertility treatment, Megan and Ian became involved with a charity which provides helper dogs to people with disabilities. And into their home one day came Emma, a soft, sweet-natured puppy with whom they fell instantly in love. 
 
However, after six months Emma had completed her training and was given to someone in need. To get over their broken hearts, Megan and Ian took in another pup: Freddy. And fell in love all over again . . . only for Freddy to move on too. 
 
Megan and Ian didn't know if they could keep taking in these adorable puppies and giving them away later. It was getting too hard, too painful. 
 
But then, one Christmas, little Traffy came along . . .

Megan Rix

A pacey mystery with authentic Deaf representation and a fun BSL fingerspelling challenge at the back.

Join young detective Lizzie and her adorable puppy Lucky on another mystery-solving adventure! Perfect for fans of Holly Webb and Anisha, Accidental Detective. 
 
Lizzie and Lucky are visiting the Five Freedoms Sanctuary. It's a lovely place for all sorts of rescued animals. 
 
When a local farmer announces some terrible plans for his land that could endanger the surrounding wildlife, our dynamic duo know they must investigate the case. Can they use their detective skills to stop him? 
 
While looking for clues, Lizzie spots some strange footprints and an unusual blue creature that stands out from the rest! But what is it, and where did it come from? Could it be the key to saving the day?

Megan Rix

Praise for Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Lost Chicken

A pacey mystery with authentic Deaf representation and a fun BSL fingerspelling challenge at the back.

Books by Megan Rix

Series by Megan Rix

Lizzie and Lucky

Articles featuring Megan Rix

19 must-read crime and mystery books for children

Best children’s books that celebrate difference

12 feminist kids’ books that fight the patriarchy

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter