Basil & Dahlia: A Tragical Tale of Sinister Sweetness

In this humorous middle-grade novel, Basil and Dahlia, two orphan siblings with terrible luck, face an evil celebrity chef who owns a bakery. After their parents' death in a greenhouse explosion, they escape from the social worker and find themselves lost in New York City. They stumble upon Cravings, the bakery owned by Laurel Fox, a disgraced celebrity chef with a soft spot for orphans. Laurel offers them accommodations and food, but Basil and Dahlia soon realize that things are not as simple as they seem. Laurel is determined to get her hands on the sinister secret ingredient she needs for redemption.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2024
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

In this hilarious and darkly humorous middle-grade adventure, two orphan siblings face off against an evil celebrity chef in a battle of wits and misfortune. After their parents' tragic death in a greenhouse explosion, Basil and Dahlia find themselves in an even more dire situation. They narrowly escape from the social worker who aims to separate them into different foster homes by jumping off a moving train. However, their luck takes a turn for the worse when they become lost in the wilds of New York City, famished and alone.

Their fortunes seem to improve when they stumble upon Cravings, a delectable bakery owned by Laurel Fox, a disgraced celebrity chef with a soft spot for poor, hungry orphans. Laurel offers them luxurious accommodations and an endless supply of éclairs, filling their empty stomachs and giving them a glimmer of hope. But as the savvy reader will soon discover, things are not as simple as they seem.

Laurel Fox is on a mission for redemption, and she will stop at nothing to obtain the sinister secret ingredient she desperately needs for her latest recipe. With her cunning mind and ruthless tactics, she sets out to manipulate Basil and Dahlia into helping her achieve her goals. As the stakes rise, the siblings find themselves caught in a web of danger and deceit, unsure of who to trust and where their loyalties truly lie.

Through their hilarious escapades and unexpected alliances, Basil and Dahlia must navigate the treacherous world of celebrity chefs and their nefarious plans. With the help of a few unexpected allies, they must uncover the truth behind Laurel Fox's motives and stop her from causing any further harm.

In the end, Basil and Dahlia emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before. They have learned the importance of family, friendship, and the power of courage in the face of adversity. This heartwarming and entertaining story will leave readers laughing out loud and cheering for the underdog as they triumph over evil and find their place in the world.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781665944236