The gorgeous first book in an exciting new series for middle-grade readers.
Calla North and her mum Elizabeth live a quiet but happy life together. Elizabeth, often scatty and forgetful, happens to be the world’s leading expert on ducks. But unfortunately, being an expert on ducks doesn’t always pay the bills (no pun intended), and Calla and her mum regularly struggle to get by.
When Elizabeth is offered a well-paid trip to the Amazon to research a rare breed of duck, it’s an opportunity too good to miss. But it means that Calla must be sent to boarding school: the very same convent school where Elizabeth found herself when she was orphaned many years ago. Upon her arrival, Calla learns that much has changed since her mother’s days as a student, and her mother’s old nemesis and rival duck-researcher, Magda DeWitt, is now in charge. And then Calla receives terrible news: her mother’s plane has gone missing.
Can Calla, her new friends and a motley crew of resourceful nuns outwit the dastardly new headmistress and find Elizabeth’s plane before it’s too late?
"One of the best middle-grades I've read for a while. Intensely funny, but also moving and full of puns, facts, and mouth watering Victoria Sponge cakes." Ruby Granger
"Ridiculously loveable book alert... hilarious and completely endearing." Clémentine Beauvais, author of Piglettes
"I laughed and cried mightily from the outset. This is a master storyteller at work, if you don’t love it too I shall eat my hat." Clara Vuilliamy
"Fans of Eva Ibbotson, British baking shows, and boarding school stories will happily immerse themselves in this cozily familiar setting." Kirkus Reviews
"Both the young and the young-at-heart will find delight in the traditional good vs. evil depicted in the form of the most villainous of villains and a host of spunky female characters who are persistent enough to save the day." School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“I absolutely LOVED this book. The storytelling was so unique and unlike anything I've read before. The plot was compelling and the characters were likeable (and thoroughly unlikeable in the case of the villain).” Melissa J, Reviewer
“Daisy May Johnson has created a thing of beauty with this story.” Steph K, Educator
“This is a celebration of classic children's fiction and authors - it's almost a guide to life through reading recommendations. If you are a Chalet fan there are so many Easter eggs to enjoy, with a smattering of Malory Towers thrown in.” Rosie V, Librarian
“Captivating right from the start! … I believe this book should win many awards – I will be shocked if it doesn’t!” Katrina_Reads, Librarian
“A punchy, comical immersive story perfect for upper KS2 weaved with ribbons of strength, friendship and bravery. The appearance of footnotes adds a certain flair to this story - drawing the reader in on hidden secrets and perspectives.” Kelly B, Reviewer
“Every so often, a book comes along that, despite being firmly anchored in the tradition of British children’s literature, is like no other. How to be Brave is one of those books. This is a book that expertly weaves motifs of traditional school stories with elements of contemporary life, making it both timeless and very much of its time.” Mélanie Mcgilloway, Library Mice
“Finishing this stunner of a book has left me bereft, missing the characters, and with a book hangover that nothing else can fix. Accomplished, clever, witty and full of fun, with characters you will want to be best friends with, it is a quirky treat from start to finish. Johnson has a way with words and characters that is reminiscent of Hilary McKay and Kate DiCamillo. Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine. And for the love of all things joyous, Do Not skip the footnotes.” Carmen H, Bookseller
“This brilliant book has the feel of a classic … Delightfully written and with a superb use of footnotes to fill in the back story, the thoughts, the side notes, this book was hard to put down.” Erin H, Librarian
“I finished this last night and it has nestled itself into my heart. Notes of Hodgson Burnett, Streatfeild and Ibbotson yet also completely original and utterly charming. Out 1st July 2021 - and prepare to hear me talking about it non-stop till then!” Rhiannon Tripp, Bookseller