Shelley Davidow is originally from South Africa. She was a nominee for the first Macmillan Writers Prize for Africa in 2002, and is the author of numerous books for children and young adults. She now lives in the U.S. with her husband and son.
Words are disappearing from the world. Something is lurking in the deepest waters, devouring all the words that are no longer used. No one has noticed, but the world is slowly growing darker.
For many years no children have come to the Enchanted Islands in search of Wisdom, and the Wise Enchanter is growing old. Four children from the corners of the earth have been sent on a quest to rediscover each letter, unlock the treasure of language, and thereby grow wise.
Time is running out; if the children do not reach the castle of the Wise Enchanter in time, Wisdom and light may vanish from the world altogether.