Once Upon a Time in the North

Lyra is studying at Oxford University, she comes across the story of Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnisson's first meeting, many years ago, along with much evidence of the adventure that brought them together . . .

When a young Texan balloonist, Lee Scoresby, comes down to earth in the harbour of an Arctic town in the North, little does he realise that he is about to be embroiled in an out-and-out political brawl.

Lee and his daemon, Hester, find themselves the target of political factions trying to take over the running (and oil) of the town. And also resident in the town are huge arctic bears, ignored and patronised by the people and treated like second-class citizens. When Lee and Iorek first meet, they cement a friendship that will continue throughout their lives, as the tensions and pressure in town lead to a deadly conclusion . . .

Featuring two of Philip Pullman's best-loved characters, this is an adventure-filled short story that builds on the world of His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust.

Philip Pullman is one of the most highly respected children's authors writing today. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Whitbread Award, Pullman's epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials has been acclaimed as a modern classic. It has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages. In 2005 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in Oxford.

About the Illustrator

Tony Mitton is an award-winning poet, whose gently mesmerising, often humorous poetry is irresistible to children and adults alike. He is an extremely versatile author, writing story poems and shorter verse with skill and wit. Tony does many author events, school visits and poetry readings and always leaves his audience entranced. He lives in Cambridge with his wife and two children. John Lawrence was born in Hastings, studied at Hastings School of Art, followed by military service in West Africa, and more study at the Central School of Arts and Crafts (now Central St. Martin's). Since then he has worked as an illustrator and a lecturer at Brighton School of Art, Camberwell School of Art and Cambridge School of Art. John has illustrated over 150 books and is one of the leading wood-block engraving illustrators in the world.