A Magical Eco-Mystery
for Readers Aged 8-12
When the dragonflies vanish from Whisper Lake, twelve-year-old Belle is sure her grandmother knows why. But when Nana vanishes too, Belle must search for answers alone — and choose between the magic Nana believed in and the Professor's promise that science can save everything.
As nature begins to die, Belle's search for truth leads her deep into the heart of a poisoned lake, where she discovers the valley's fate — and her own — are more connected than she ever imagined.
Who will love this book?
Readers aged 8–12 who enjoy mystery, adventure, and magical realism
Fans of The Wild Way Home, The Last Wild, Pax, or The Last Bear
Teachers and parents looking for nature-inspired fiction that explores science, magic, and environmental themes
Themes & Curriculum Links
Environmental awareness: ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impact of pollution
Trust and courage: choosing what to believe when adults disagree
Science and magic: exploring how different ways of understanding nature can coexist
Resilience and loss: finding strength when the world is changing
Perfect for classroom discussions, book clubs, and KS2 English, Science, or PSHE lessons, The Lost Dragonflies shows how nature connects us all — and how saving it requires both knowledge and wonder.
Awards & Recognition
Longlisted for the prestigious Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition