Small Change for Stuart - Tapa dura

"Small Stuart embarks on an awfully big adventure in this quirky puzzle-solving novel.... Each more curious than the one before, the far-fetched solutions they require bring the book to a hugely satisfying conclusion." (Julia Eccleshare The Guardian)

"A book full of warmth, sharp humour and clever puzzles." (Patrick Ness Time Out)

"Evans is at the beginning of her writing career for children, but she's managed to combine some classic ingredients in this story of the vertically-challenged Stuart Horten... the result is a narrative that's like a miniature version of Susanna Clarke's grown-up bestseller, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell." (Nicola Smyth The Independent)

"It's difficult to make something seem magical using written words, but Lissa Evans manages it, drawing you into the mystery and making you feel as if you're helping Stuart in his discoveries. The characters are fun and engaging and I found I couldn't predict the plot of what would happen and read on as eagerly as any ten year old would! The action cracks along at a good pace and is a brilliant pre-teen magical mystery story." (Bookbag.co.uk)

"What makes me like this book so much?... Perfect reading for children aged 7-10, and highly recommended as a readaloud class novel for teachers of Y4 or Y5. The author is a radio and television producer. She has written two or three adult books. This is her first children's novel. It ought not to be the last." (Achuka blog)

Stuart Horten - ten years old and small for his age - moves to the dreary town of Beeton, far away from all his friends. And then he meets his new next-door neighbours, the unbearable Kingley triplets, and things get even worse.

But in Beeton begins the strangest adventure of Stuart's life as he is swept up in quest to find his great-uncle's lost workshop - a workshop stuffed with trickery and magic. There are clues to follow and puzzles to solve, but what starts as fun ends up as danger, and Stuart begins to realize that he can't finish the task by himself . . .

The first children's novel by Lissa Evans, this is a fast-moving blend of comedy and magic.