The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts

Ages 9 to 11

An out-of-this-world adventure packed with peril, magic, and incredible animals.

Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the largest library in the world. But when his grandmother falls ill, he enters the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts to raise money for her treatment.

This annual race is always held in the most perilous places and is full of spiky dangers. Most participants seek out unicorns and dragons to help them on their conquest. But not Eli. He embarks on this journey with his trusted pet and friend, Humphrey, his moon tortoise. Moon tortoises aren't suited to racing and Eli is no natural adventurer. But he soon finds himself in an unlikely partnership with Raven, a rule-breaker and skilled archer, and her ice hare – one of the fastest animals in the world.

If the two children put aside their differences and work together, they might just reach the finish line!

About the Author

Alex Bell has published many books including Frozen Charlotte and the bestselling Explorers' Club series. She always wanted to be a writer but had several back-up plans. After training as a lawyer, she now works at the Citizens Advice Bureau. She spends most of her spare time catering to the whims of her Siamese cat.