Life’s not easy for Nicky. His mum’s gone, his dad’s on bail, and his brother Kenny needs looking after like a little kid. When Kenny drags Nicky out of bed one dark morning, Nicky has no idea that he is about to witness a terrible act of destruction, and the senseless killing of an innocent animal. But Nicky manages to save something precious from the disaster, and his and Kenny’s lives are changed forever …

"McGowan, as one of Britain’s most talented novelists, freights every word with truth and meaning" – The Times "[Nature] provides a moment of epiphany that resounds. Simply told, yet laced with urgency, this will spellbind" – Philip Womack, Daily Telegraph "McGowan refuses to compromise on quality, substance, or the emotional challenges that he offers readers" – INIS "An uncondescending and atmospheric novella" – CBI "This is a book about raw courage, which can be both heart-breaking and uplifting … The characters in this book are so genuine, I feel as if I know them" – The Bookbag

- The critically acclaimed The Truth of Things quartet is being repackaged into a stunning and cohesive set for 2025 to coincide with the eagerly anticipated new novella The Beck - Anthony McGowan is one of the most widely acclaimed YA and children’s authors in the UK. His books have won major awards including the 2020 Carnegie Medal for Lark. He was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal with Rook and won the BookTrust Teenage Prize and the Catalyst Award for Henry Tumour. Most recently, The Dogs of the Deadlands was shortlisted for a Week Junior Book Award and a Guardian Book of the Year 2022 - High profile marketing campaign to include new resources, display materials, author videos and events