A stunning new edition of this prequel episode from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials universe that tells how aeronaut Lee Scoresby and the armored bear Iorek Byrnison first met. Now with full-color illustrations from Chris Wormell.
After winning his hot-air balloon in a poker game, Lee Scoresby and his dæmon, Hester, find themselves floating north. On landing, it’s not long before Scoresby is embroiled in a deadly plot involving an oil magnate, a corrupt mayoral candidate, and Lee’s longtime nemesis—a hired killer. Lee’s been in tight spots before, but getting out of this mess will require some sharp shooting and the help of an unlikely new ally—the massive, surly, armored bear Iorek Byrnison.
Newly illustrated in full color by renowned print-maker Chris Wormell, this edition is a wonderfully gift-worthy production.
SELECTION
| 2024 Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
★ "Two of the most beloved characters from Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy, Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnison, get their own novella, giving readers a glimpse into their initial meeting and friendship. Lovely, full-color artwork . . . truly enhances the beautifully written story." —School Library Journal, starred review
★ "Pullman is as fine a writer as there is for young people, and this book is a small gem." —Booklist, starred review
"An action-oriented mini masterpiece." —Kirkus Reviews
A stunning new edition of this prequel episode from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials universe that tells how aeronaut Lee Scoresby and the armored bear Iorek Byrnison first met. Now with full-color illustrations from Chris Wormell.
After winning his hot-air balloon in a poker game, Lee Scoresby and his dæmon, Hester, find themselves floating north. On landing, it’s not long before Scoresby is embroiled in a deadly plot involving an oil magnate, a corrupt mayoral candidate, and Lee’s longtime nemesis—a hired killer. Lee’s been in tight spots before, but getting out of this mess will require some sharp shooting and the help of an unlikely new ally—the massive, surly, armored bear Iorek Byrnison.
Newly illustrated in full color by renowned print-maker Chris Wormell, this edition is a wonderfully gift-worthy production.
Awards
SELECTION
| 2024 Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
Praise
★ "Two of the most beloved characters from Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy, Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnison, get their own novella, giving readers a glimpse into their initial meeting and friendship. Lovely, full-color artwork . . . truly enhances the beautifully written story." —School Library Journal, starred review
★ "Pullman is as fine a writer as there is for young people, and this book is a small gem." —Booklist, starred review
"An action-oriented mini masterpiece." —Kirkus Reviews
