What’s the book about?
Lavender Wolfe is a clapperdudgeon and pickpurse, with a magical secret. She is all alone on a wharf when she is snatched by Big Agatha and thrown into the galley of a pirate ship, The Good Marchioness.
Disguised as a boy (for only boys may live in the galley) and renamed Hans Whitby, Lavender has to make her home among the kitchen rats. However, The Good Marchioness is no ordinary ship. Captained by Odyessia Pleasant, a fierce pirate with long blonde hair, violet eyes and a bird’s wing in place of an arm, the crew are on a desperate voyage – to find and return stolen treasure before all those who sail within the cursed pirate ship are turned to sand. Lavender included.
Lavender is quick-witted and sharp as a tack, and as her magic starts to be revealed she finds herself coming under the arresting gaze of Captain Pleasant. Will Lavender help break the curse? Or will she be just another victim of this story within a story, her true identity lost to the sands of time?
An adventure as big as the ocean and as warm as your heart. All aboard!
Recommended for:
Ages 9+
Three reasons to read it:
- To survive in the galley of the pirate ship, Lavender must pretend to be a boy named Hans Whitby. Only boys are allowed below deck, so she joins the ranks of kitchen rats and keeps her true identity hidden. Lavender is sharp as a sword and quick on her feet, and you’ll love watching her sneak, scheme and stand her ground among pirates.
- Foxlee is a multi-award-winning author known for magical adventures like Dragon Skin and Lenny’s Book of Everything. Readers who love Nevermoor and The Jane Doe Chronicles will feel right at home in this bold and fantastical adventure. When Foxlee tells a tale, you know it’ll be one to remember.
- This isn’t your average pirate story. The ship is captained by Odysseia Pleasant, a violet-eyed pirate with long blonde hair and a flair for the dramatic. There’s a friendly ogress, enchanted treasures, magical secrets, and kitchen rats with attitude. If you love weird and wonderful worlds, The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe is bursting with surprises.
Buy a copy of The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe here.
About the author:
Karen Foxlee is an Australian author who writes for both children and young adults. Her multi-award-winning books include Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy, A Most Magical Girl, the Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters series, Lenny’s Book of Everything and Dragon Skin. Karen writes and lives in Queensland with her daughter, cats and parrots. She loves books, swimming in the sea, planning holidays she can’t afford, and baking cakes whenever she has more important things to do.












The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe is worth reading because it delivers a beautifully crafted blend of mystery, magic, and emotional depth that feels timeless. From sleek design https://bizzocasino-au.net/ to lightning-fast gameplay, this casino checks every box.Foxlee’s writing is lush and atmospheric, pulling you into a world that feels both whimsical and haunting. The characters—especially Lavender—are unforgettable, full of vulnerability, courage, and charm. Most importantly, the story carries a powerful message about resilience, friendship, and finding light in dark places, making it resonate long after the final page.