Carnival of the Spider: BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR Kieran Larwood 9780571364541

There were three men and two women . . . One had half a face. One had iron legs. The others all had one or both arms missing. There were pincers and claws and guns instead. And you could hear them ticking. Ticking all the time.

When Sheba the wolfgirl learns that her old friend Sister Moon is being held prisoner by the Spider and its gang of mechanical villains, the Carnival immediately launch a daring rescue mission to Paris. Along with Pyewacket the witch's imp and catlike Inji, Sheba joins forces with Moon's son Remy, a boy who can bend shadows to his will.

Deep underground in the catacombs of Paris there is a map, which they must find to trade for Moon's freedom. But who is this mysterious Spider? And why is she so desperate for an old map? With the city under siege from Prussian invaders and the Spider's henchmen on their trail, the Carnival will need to use all their powers to save their friend . . .

Kieran Larwood was born in Kenya. He moved to the UK when he was two and lived in various places before settling on the Isle of Wight, where he can still be found: exploring rockpools, climbing trees and writing - slowly disappearing behind a mountain of notebooks and empty coffee mugs. He taught Reception class in a primary school for fifteen years before becoming a full-time author. Kieran's books have won several awards, including the Blue Peter Best Story and the Prix Sorcieres. He is inspired by a life-long love of fantasy stories, which all began when - as a young boy - he picked up a copy of The Hobbit and saw the map inside. It just goes to show - you never know where opening a book will lead . . .

Sam Usher is a multi award-winning illustrator. His books include the Seasons series, The Birthday Duck, The Most-Loved Bear and The Umbrella Mouse. Also a talented pianist, when he's not scribbling you'll find him perfecting a fiendishly difficult Chopin piece.