This fall, Wisconsin author Abigail Larkin is whisking middle-grade readers and their families away to the magical world of Graville in her novel, Rose Taylor.
The eponymous heroine is a nine-year-old girl who lives in the cozy village of Everlily in 1870s France. When she discovers the portal to Graville in the woods, she finds an extraordinary place filled with wishing stars, gemstone seas, and musical penguins. With the help of friends old and new—including an adorable crew of woodland critters—Rose unravels the mysteries of her mother’s disappearance and uncovers fragments of her family’s long-forgotten past.
“Rose Taylor brings back the fantastical, magical feeling of the children’s entertainment of the fifties and sixties. Our heroine is kindhearted with strong morals, and I hope she can serve as a role model to the youth of today,” said Larkin. “This book was also written to grow with its audience—whether you are reading at age six, sixteen, or sixty, you’ll be able to find a relatable lesson.”
Designed with large print, Rose Taylor is accessible for anyone who struggles to read small text. It is easy to read aloud and for young readers to enjoy independently. The cover artwork by Joze Groselj depicts Rose at the entrance to Graville. Sharp-eyed readers will catch small objects from the story throughout the cover, including Rose’s lavender scarf and her “boneshaker” bicycle.
Rose Taylor is Larkin’s first book and the first book to be released in the planned Graville series. Chronologically, it is the second book in the Graville timeline, but it can be read first. Book one, Bela Bonntineli, will focus on Rose’s mother and is expected to be released in 2026. Rose Taylor was published through the Write Place and is available for purchase on Bookshop.org and BarnesandNoble.com.
