chapter 1

There are some places where no one ever goes. The secret emporium was like that.

Even though brightly covered designer shop was promising a sale, we still didn’t go in. even though there were baskets full of brightly coloured fidget spinners that seemed to be alive and would beccon you in. Even though you could snell brand new clouds, we didn’t go in. even though you could see all the clothes, we srtill didn’t go in.

Lilly had always been nosey and her father had often warned her that it would get her in trouble. One rainy morning, she was walking down bubble road when she noticed something strange about the emporium. Mysteriously, the door was open and without really thinking she stepped inside.

Everywhere she looked it was packed with wonders and things that she wanted to touch. She looked at a gold tank of glowing worms. Dolls with painted faces who’s smiles cracked from side to side.

But what what interested lily the most was an old leather bound book, as she turned the pages the writing seemed to spring alive and the letters swarmed like ants forming different pictures. “I see you’ve found my book of marvels” the old man responded.