Audiobook: Pernickety Boo

Written by Carnegie and Costa Award-winning author Sally Gardner and filled with heart, humour and imagination, Pernickety Boo is the unforgettable, magical story of a very unusual umbrella.

'Hello,' said the umbrella.
'Gosh,' said the boy. The umbrella's handle was carved in the shape of a dog’s head, with a very long snout and a shiny nose and ears that flopped back. 'You can talk.'
'I suppose I can,' said the umbrella.
'Do you have a name?' asked the boy.
'No,' said the umbrella. 'Do I need a name?'
'Yes,' said the small boy. 'You need one for someone to let you in at the front door, and another name to be let out the back door.'

Brought to life by a careless sorcerer, Pernickety Boo is a well-educated umbrella with unexplored magical powers – and after he is left behind on the London Underground by his forgetful creator, Pernickety must find an owner: someone who will truly love him.

So when Pernickety meets young Sylvie Moonshine and is welcomed into her home, he thinks that all of his prayers have been answered. But there are plenty of other people who are also interested in the magical umbrella, and who threaten to separate Pernickety from his beloved Sylvie, unless he can find a way to stop them.

Perfect for fans of A Bear Called Paddington, The Velveteen Rabbit, and Winnie-the-Pooh, this instant classic is a book for the whole family to share.

The story of Pernickety Boo is a playful exploration of juvenile themes, where toys come to life and everyday objects hold magical powers. It's a testament to Gardner's imaginative storytelling and her ability to create a world that is both fantastical and deeply relatable.

For fans of Philip Pullman (The Secret Commonwealth), Katherine Rundell (Rooftoppers), Geraldine Mccaughrean (The Supreme Lie), Betty G. Birney (Spring According to Humphrey), and Susan Cooper (The Boggart).

HarperCollins Children’s 2024