First published 2025
Gwen MacKinnon gets dumped with Uncle Matthew for two weeks, which suits her fine since her parents are spectacularly awful. Uncle Matthew comes with Pumpkin, a dog who has strong opinions about everything. The arrangement works until Gwen visits the local library and spots something impossible. Tiny winged creatures flutter between the shelves. The Lanukan, as they call themselves, remain invisible to most adults but appear clearly to Gwen and the small children at storytime. These miniature beings insist Gwen must help them relocate to a new home. Gwen knows she's the wrong person for any rescue mission. She feels unwanted by her own family and lacks the courage heroes are supposed to have. But the Lanukan won't take no for an answer, and Pumpkin seems to have his own plans for how this should unfold. Gwen must figure out whether an ordinary girl can become the unlikely champion these creatures desperately need.
Genres: fiction, fantasy, magical-realism
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, unlikely-hero
Setting: Library
352 pages · Hardcover · Knopf Books for Young Readers