Shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize 2026
Corrine loves treasure hunting on the beach, just as she did with her grandfather before he passed away.
One day, her eye is drawn to a beautiful conch shell. To her shock, a pin-sized girl peers out. Kauri is a Democonch, a tribe of tiny people who criss-cross the world with the tides, protecting nature.
But now they’re under threat. What they need is a human child to help them, a shell keeper . . .
The Shell Keepers is my debut novel and one from my heart. It started as a story for my nephew, but it grew into a story for my younger self. Corrine, our protagonist, is mixed heritage, like me, and I drew on my experiences of growing up in two cultures and visiting my English grandparents at the coast to shape the story.
It’s been a pleasure for me to explore the world of the Democonch, tiny people living in shells, and to weave in themes of family, heritage, environmental protection and magic. And it is a delight to now share this book with children and see how it can spark their own imagination.
The Shell Keepers is a lovely book to read, especially aloud, as the Democonch speak a slightly different version of our language!
With echoes of The Borrowers, and a strong environmental message, this warm, sunny, fantasy adventure celebrates diversity, tolerance and respect for the natural world.
Overall, this book is an amazing read. I recommend this book to all the nature-loving readers out there.
With themes of belonging, identity, environment and activism, all beautifully wrapped up in a sunny adventure and a treasure hunt set in a coastal haven, this is ideal for summertime reading
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If you would like me to speak at your school or at an event about the Shell Keepers please contact me.
