Following the success of his debut children’s book, a local headteacher has released a sequel this month.
The Narzat and the Shifting Shadow by Luke Marchant takes readers back to the fantastical Jumble Jungle Wood for another adventure—this time with the added danger of Jungle Pirates!
Described as ‘An action-packed, laugh-out-loud adventure that kept me utterly entranced! (Book Craic), with writing compared to Roald Dahl and David Walliams (the School Librarian), the book has been receiving rave reviews since its launch earlier this month.
Author and headteacher, Luke Marchant, tells us what to look forward to in the sequel.
What made you return to the Jumble Jungle Wood?
“It was amazing seeing the response from readers to the Narzat! People really seemed to enjoy the weird and wonderful wildlife (with mockodiles, retractable giraffes and more) and the unusual setting of the jungle itself. Of course, the best bit was watching how children bonded with the trio of main characters—the muddy and mischievous Narzat, the feisty Looky Lizard (who communicates entirely in sign language) and the unpredictably silly Chatty Chirper (a comical bird who never shuts up)”
What’s new in the Narzat and the Shifting Shadow then?
“In two words… Jungle Pirates!
Jungle pirates?!
“Yes—a devious pirate crew, led by the mysterious Captain Carver and the devious Gloom Badger, are sailing over the treetops of the Jumble Jungle Wood with a wicked plan. They are trying to steal all of the jungle’s monsters –including the Ravenoserous and the legendary Gorgonaconda (a two -headed serpent whose eyes can turn you to stone). Only the Narzat and his friends can stop them, and uncover the mystery of who the pirates really are.”
We also hear that a real-life celebrity appears in this book…
“Yes! Pertinax the gorilla – Chef was based on a gorilla from Paignton Zoo. When the real-life Pertinax sadly passed away last year, it felt like a fitting tribute to include him in this story even more. It was amazing weaving the character into the story, and he swiftly became my favourite character to write. There’s something wonderful about his grumpy exterior crossed with the fact he’s a softy at heart.”
Has it been as much fun second time round?
“Absolutely! It was amazing meeting new and returning readers at the book launch at Paignton Library. I’ve always said that a book is just ink and paper until someone reads it—that’s when it truly becomes a story.
“Last October, I managed to visit a few schools to share the story further, and it was amazing seeing the responses from children. For me, all good children’s stories need to be a special blend of humour and heart, and take their readers to a wonderful place that they’ll want to visit again and again.
“I do hope that readers feel that way about the Narzat and the Shifting Shadow!”
Both books, The Narzat and the Narzat and the Shifting Shadow, are available nationally from all book retailers now.
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