The Illustrated Child

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Reminiscent of I Capture the Castle, this charming debut novel follows a young girl and her eccentric father, who hides a treasure hunt within the pages of an illustrated book, leading her to uncover a priceless secret about her family's past. The story centers on Romilly Kemp and her artist father, living in a ramshackle mansion in the English countryside. To make ends meet, they create a successful children's book series featuring Romilly—a striking redhead with a mole on her cheek—and her cat Monty. Rumors spread that hidden within the books are clues to an elaborate treasure hunt, attracting tourists and adventure-seekers to their estate. As Romilly matures, she notices her father's increasing withdrawal and learns he is suffering from dementia. In a bid to connect with him and understand his world, she revisits his books and discovers clues meant just for her. These clues lead to a treasure worth more than gold: a shocking revelation about her family that illuminates her unusual childhood and aids in her self-understanding. Blending the imagination of Aimee Bender and the heart of Dodie Smith, this tender tale explores themes of family, mortality, and self-discovery, wrapped in an engaging mystery that keeps readers turning the pages.