Cirrus@Austlit

'Millipop Klompet and Ernest Perriclof live in the uneventful town of Drabville, where the cautious Ernest spends his time enlarging his rock collection and Milli dreams of adventure. When the pair are kidnapped from their homes and brought to live in the gothic mansion known as Hog House, they are adopted by the madcap Mr and Mrs Mayor and a series of bizarre encounters follows. Things do not add up and the children find that sinister plans are beginning to emerge. Why has the notorious Lord Aldor stolen the shadows of all of the town's residents and where are they being held? Assisted by a band of prisoners, the children must venture into the Taboo Territories, and battle the perils dished out by the Lurid Lagoon, in order to outwit Lord Aldor and prevent him from executing his secret master plan.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Milli and Ernest are convinced they have seen the last of the power-hungry magician Lord Aldor the Illustrious. But everything changes with the unexpected arrival in Drabville of Federico Lampo and his travelling circus. Duped by the lure of the Big Tent, the children of the town find themselves transported to a grim world where they endure gruelling routines and inedible meals. What's worse, they soon discover that this world is in turmoil and that Aldor is plotting to conquer the fairy province of Mirth. Milli and Ernest embark on a journey to warn the fairy queen. Along the way they must overcome numerous challenges including escaping the clutches of the Grin Bandits and winning a life-size game of Monopoly. Will Aldor succeed in the final battle? Or will Milli and Ernest's courage and resilience suffice to alter the course of destiny for children everywhere?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Master toymaker Gustav VonGobstopper announces plans to build a special Toy Arcade - brimming with the world's greatest toys - to commemorate the extraordinary bravery of Drabville's children who have twice escaped the clutches of the wicked Lord Aldor.

'The children couldn't be more excited. But when Milli and Ernest encounter Theo, the bandana-wearing teddy, deranged designer Tempest Anomalie and the immoral Botchers at the Arcade, it quickly becomes apparent that they have stumbled upon a macabre plot. Could this be the work of the evil Aldor - a malicious master plan designed to extinguish the very existence of childhood?

'As Christmas Eve draws close, Milli and Ernest find themselves enlisted as Santa's helpers, for a Christmas spectacle that will be like no other ... But can they protect the town before catastrophe strikes?' (Publisher's blurb)