Rosa by Starlight – Hilary Mckay

From the Costa Award-winning author Hilary McKay, comes the story of a young girl looking for magic in the world, and the felines and family who help her to find it. Gorgeously illustrated throughout in black and white by Keith Robinson.

Orphaned, young and suddenly left in the care of a mysterious aunt and uncle, Rosa Mundi sees the grey world around her and longs for magic to be true. Her neighbour’s cat, Balthazar, may be her only friend, but his magical appearance certainly plants seeds of hope. When her school closes down suddenly, Rosa inconveniently joins her aunt and uncle on a work trip to Italy, and is left to fend for herself at the rundown Hotel Mancini. But the ancient, winding streets of Venice and their feline inhabitants spark magic for Rosa, and her life takes an unexpected turn…