The Midwatch

By: Judith Rossell

Write A Review

Hardcover | 1 October 2024 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Hardcover
320 Pages

Age
9+

Dimensions(cm)
21.5 x 15.3

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $5.44 with

In Stock and Ships in 1-2 business days

The biggest children's book of the year! The Midwatch is the long-awaited new middle-grade novel from internationally bestselling author–illustrator Judith Rossell, creator of the multi-award-winning novel Withering-by-Sea.

‘The city was stuffed full of wickedness, everyone knew that …’

Banished to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways and Unwanted Girls, Maggie Fishbone is sure she’s in for a life of drudgery. But she quickly discovers there’s more to the Midwatch than meets the eye …

The city shimmers with jewels and secrets, and soon Maggie is thrust into an adventure that takes her deep underground, high above the clouds and face to face with danger itself.

Turn the page and prepare to be drawn into a lavishly illustrated world, brimming with mystery, unlikely heroines and an adventure as big as the sky.

About the Author

Judith Rossell is the multi-award-winning author-illustrator of the bestselling Stella Montgomery series ( Withering-by-Sea, Wormwood Mire and Wakestone Hall). Judith has written fifteen books and illustrated more than eighty. Her work has been published in the US and UK, and translated into more than twenty languages. She has been a Writer in Residence in Heidelberg, Germany, and run illustration workshops with children around the world. She teaches at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and the Australian Writers' Centre. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Industry Reviews

‘Gasp-out-loud brilliant! An absolute treasure of a book.’
— KATRINA NANNESTAD, bestselling author of We Are Wolves

‘I was hooked from the beginning ... Move over Lemony Snicket!’
— KAREN FOXLEE, award-winning author of Lenny’s Book of Everything

‘Welcome all treasure-hunters and mystery-solvers to the Midwatch Institute … [where] disobedient girls are not to be underestimated!'
— AMELIA MELLOR, award-winning author of The Grandest Bookshop in the World

‘A cracking concept, sensational characters and absolutely smashing pictures: The Midwatch is the cat’s pyjamas!’
— JACLYN MORIARTY, award-winning author of the Kingdoms and Empires series

‘Cinematic, amusing, and exciting: a slightly subversive, delightfully empowering, all-around winner.’
– Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

‘Judith Rossell has created a marvellous adventure mystery accompanied by atmospheric illustrations that make The Midwatch an appealing package for ages 9 to 12.’ – Readings

‘The Midwatch is an engrossing story with all the elements of a modern classic — perfect for young readers who love to be transported to another era.’ – ABC News

‘Absolutely winning adventure tale brimming with awe-inspiring characters.’ – The Sydney Morning Herald

‘Judith writes with heart and humour, never losing control of her intricate web of events. Her illustrations complete the package, creating a detailed immersive world for her readers to revel in.’ – Storylinks

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $89.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.

Defective items

If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.

For more info please visit our Help Centre.

You Can Find This Book In

Classic Fiction for Children & Teenagers School Stories for Children & Teenagers Traditional Stories for Children Booktopia Gift Guide Christmas Gift Guide Christmas Gift Guide Gifts for Kids Junior Fiction

2025 CBCA Notables - Complete List

Laughter is the Best Ending

2025 CBCA BOOK OF THE YEAR: Younger Readers

Paperback

RRP $16.99

$15.99

My Family and Other Suspects

2025 ABIA The John Marsden Book of the Year for Older Children (ages 13+)

Paperback

RRP $19.99

$18.75

How to Move a Zoo

The incredible true story

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF

Happy All Over

CBCA Notable Book 2025

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$10.99

56%
OFF

The Garden of Broken Things

A new picture book from Australia's award-winning children's author and illustrator, full of kindness and compassion

Hardcover

RRP $26.99

$22.99

15%
OFF

Always Was, Always Will Be

2025 CBCA Eve Pownall Award Winner

Hardcover

RRP $27.99

$23.75

15%
OFF

Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger

A new thrilling historical adventure book from Jackie French! A CBCA Shortlist Book and winner of the ACT Literary Awards 2025

Paperback

RRP $17.99

$16.75

Footprint

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF

One Little Dung Beetle

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF

Flora

Australia's Most Curious Plants

Hardcover

RRP $29.99

$26.75

11%
OFF

Unreal

Can you tell fact from fake?

Hardcover

RRP $29.99

$24.99

17%
OFF

Afloat

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF

We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord

Paperback

RRP $17.99

$16.75

Real Pigeons Power Up

Real Pigeons #12

Paperback

RRP $17.00

$14.75

13%
OFF

Worst Week Ever! Saturday

Paperback

RRP $15.99

$13.75

14%
OFF

I Hope This Doesn't Find You

Paperback

RRP $19.99

$18.75

Over or Under?

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF

To Stir with Love

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF

Design & Building on Country

First Knowledges for younger readers

Paperback

RRP $26.99

$22.99

15%
OFF

Thunderhead

Paperback

RRP $17.99

$16.75

The Midwatch

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF

Eleanor Jones Can't Keep a Secret

Paperback

RRP $19.99

$18.75

Willow's Gumboots

Hardcover

RRP $29.99

$26.75

11%
OFF

Sensational Australian Animals

Hardcover

RRP $29.99

$26.75

11%
OFF