The Uncommoners #2 Read online

  I’d like to say a huge thank-you to my editors Phoebe Yeh, Mainga Bhima and Elizabeth Stranahan for helping me whip this story into shape; and also my UK publicist, Roz Hutchison, for all her great ideas and smiles when we have been out promoting the Uncommoners series together.

  It has been a dream to work with the astonishingly brilliant folk at Crown. Massive thanks to everyone—in all departments—for working so hard, and to Katrina Damkoehler for designing such a beautiful cover.

  To everyone at Rights People, my gratitude once again for helping to publish Ivy and Seb’s adventures in many languages around the world. I’m very proud to be represented by you and the team at Greenhouse Literacy Agency. Sarah Davies, your wisdom and advice has been invaluable as always, and Polly Nolan, I wouldn’t have achieved anything without you. You are my superhero. Thank you for coming to my rescue every time, no matter what the problem.

  Karl James Mountford—sir, you are the finest and funniest illustrator a writer could ask for. Thank you for inspiring me with your incredible visions of Lundinor. I’m so thrilled that readers are able to see my characters brought to life through your extraordinary imagination.

  My wonderful friends, you always manage to find time to help me. Alice, Frann, George, Charlotte and Sarah, thanks for listening to me go on and still being so enthusiastic. Peter, those last-minute solutions were a lifesaver. I hope I can pay you back one day.

  This book wouldn’t have been finished without the incredible understanding of Tereze, Kath, Tamara, Lucy, Jo and Leah from Tales on Moon Lane. I can’t thank you enough for all you do to support me as a writer. Julia and Lottie, thank you for being early fans and for generously helping me to free up time to write.

  Mum and Beth. We’ve lived it, haven’t we? Thanks for laughing with me and letting me borrow your brilliant imaginations. I wouldn’t have been brave enough to consider writing a book without your encouragement. Thank you for always telling me I could be whatever I wanted to be.

  This book is dedicated to my dear friends Beks, Nichol and Tara because it’s about friendship, and knowing them has taught me what that is all about. I’m so lucky to have such fun, compassionate, kind and loyal people in my life. Especially my Swiss Army knife best friend, who jumps into any role to help me—photographer, social media champion, editor, brainstorm partner. Thanks for sticking with me, Tara, no matter what.

  Jennifer Bell’s The Uncommoners #1: The Crooked Sixpence debuted as a Kids’ Indie Next Pick and was a Children’s Book Council “Hot Off the Press” selection. It was also named one of the Publishers Association’s Best New Children’s Books and hit the #5 spot on the Sunday Times children’s bestseller list in the UK.

  In The Shadows of Doom, Lundinor’s spring transformation is inspired by traditional English villages and the world-famous Glastonbury music and arts festival.

  When not thinking about what uncommon tape measures might do, Bell can be found talking about her other favorite stories as a bookseller at an award-winning children’s bookshop in London.

  jennifer-bell-author.com

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