In Deep Dark Wood [Paperback]

'An enchanting story with a magical touch.' -- Southside People Southside People 'An absorbing tale of magic and dragons by one of our most popular children's writers.' -- Sunday independent The Sunday Independent 'You will have to read this enchanting book. And as you read, you will find yourself falling under the spell of Conlon-McKenna's wonderful writing and vivid imagination.' -- Dublin Echo 'Marita Conlon McKennas is rightly famous for her ability to tell a good story and In Deep Dark Wood is no exception.' -- Children's Books in Ireland Children's Books in Ireland

The mysterious arrival of Bella Blackwell, 'The Bird Woman', to the village of Ballyglen disturbs the peace and quiet of the Murphy household next door. Granny Rose is suspicious of Bella, and Rory doesn't trust her, but ten-year-old Mia falls under the old woman's spell. Bella tells Mia of a faraway place, a world where dragons and giants and ancient magic still exists, and asks Mia to become her apprentice and learn the old ways. One dark night Mia disappears and Rory, determined to find his sister, follows her to a world he does not believe in. Riding the 'Shadow Hound', he journeys to a strange land of legendary creatures and terrible dangers. Bella uses all her powers to prevent the brother and sister finding each other, but Rory begins a brave quest to rescue his sister, break the strange enchantment that Bella has over her and find a way home.

Born in Dublin in 1956 and brought up in Goatstown, Marita went to school at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Mount Anville, later working in the family business, the bank, and a travel agency. In 1977 she married James McKenna and they have four children, Amanda, Laura, Fiona and James. They live in the Stillorgan area of Dublin. Marita was always fascinated by the Famine period in Irish history and read everything available on the subject. When she heard a radio report of an unmarked children's grave from the Famine period being found under a hawthorn tree, she decided to write her first book, Marita has won several awards, including the International Reading Association Award, the Osterreichischer Kinder und Jugendbuchpreis, the Reading Association of Ireland Award and the Bisto Book of the Year Award.