Honey and the Valley of Horses

'This middle grade narrative by a master storyteller is an utter delight.' Books+Publishing

In the mountains there was a valley, and in the valley were the horses.

When Honey was four and her brother Rumi was a tiny baby, her family loaded up their converted ice-cream-van-camper and drove away from all they knew, as an illness swept the sad wide world. High in the mountains, they crossed a bridge to follow a mysterious herd of enchanted horses into a sheltered valley. The bridge and the track disappeared behind them - and now they are trapped in paradise.


In the valley of horses, Honey's family becomes self-sufficient, fishing, growing vegetables and using solar power. But no messages from the outside world are ever received. When her father falls desperately ill, Honey is sure there must still be people in the big wide world who can help. She is determined to draw on her resourcefulness, self-belief and courage, but will this be enough to find a way out of the valley?

A rich and enchanting adventure full of wonder, resilience and hope.

'An exciting adventure story depicting a loving family, stunning descriptions of horses, and a thrilling race against time as it draws to its satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.' - Angela Crocombe

'A novel that will sink into readers' bones as they root for the family....This is a wonderful, unique family survival story with a majestic herd of horses who are not portrayed as wild animals, but as the wise creatures that they truly are....Orr's latest will delight middle grade readers searching for escape and home simultaneously. Highly recommended for middle grade fiction collections.'-School Library Journal ★ Starred Review

'The pace of the story is frantic, non-put-downable....an absolutely compelling and original and fast-moving fantasy.'-Youth Services Book Review ★ Starred Review

'I was on the edge of my seat as Honey embarked on a daring quest to escape the valley's boundaries. Fantasy readers will love this world, blending reality with fiction and the magical horses.'-Kids Book Buzz

'A great portal fantasy.'-YA Books Central

Wendy Orr was born in Canada, and grew up in France, Canada and the USA. After high school, she studied occupational therapy in England, married an Australian farmer and moved to Australia. They had a son and daughter, and now live on five acres of bush near the sea. Her books have won awards in Australia and around the world, and have been translated into twenty-six languages.

Although Wendy first learned to read and write in French, her family spoke English at home. She clearly remembers the excitement of reading a story in her own language for the first time. She immediately started writing stories, and hasn't stopped since.

Wendy has had many highlights in her writing career, including winning the CBCA Book of the Year and walking a red carpet with Jodie Foster, but believes that nothing compares to the thrill of the first vision of a new book.

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