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  • Published: 1 July 2009
  • ISBN: 9781741662962
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 144
  • RRP: $19.99

Don't Breathe A Word




Award-winning author Marianne Musgrove brings her light touch to a story of family, growing up and keeping secrets that is nailbiting and heartwarming in equal measure.

Award-winning author Marianne Musgrove brings her light touch to a story of family, growing up and keeping secrets that is nailbiting and heartwarming in equal measure.

'I, Mackenzie Elizabeth Carew, do solemnly swear never to communicate anything about what happened tonight.'

That's what I promised my sister Tahlia, and I've tried my best to keep that promise. It's hard, though. Grandpa is acting so strangely since his accident. I'm sure Mrs B. suspects something, and Mahesh must think I'm weird for avoiding him. My best friend Annie is too busy hanging out with Regan and Tegan to notice. But someone will find out if we're not super careful. It's lucky Tahlia has a plan . . .

  • Published: 1 July 2009
  • ISBN: 9781741662962
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 144
  • RRP: $19.99

About the author

Marianne Musgrove

Marianne Musgrove wrote her first full-length novel at the age of eleven: a romantic thriller featuring her unfortunate classmates. Although the unpublished manuscript met with only localised acclaim, she never gave up her dream of becoming an author. A descendant of King Henry VIII's librarian, you could say books are in her blood! Marianne grew up in Sydney then moved to Adelaide to go to university. There, she studied English (which she loved), law (which she loathed) and social work (which she made her career for several years). Marianne's first children's novel, The Worry Tree, is the winner of the Australian Family Therapists Award for Children's Literature 2008 and has been shortlisted for three other awards. Lucy the Good, Lucy the Lie Detector and Don't Breathe a Word are also available now.

Also by Marianne Musgrove

See all

Praise for Don't Breathe A Word

Marianne Musgrove tackles a sensitive topic with laugh-out-loud humour. A ripper yarn for nine to 12s.

Sunday Age

Don't Breathe a Word is a beautiful little novel, packed with mysteries.

Emma Charles, age 11, Illawarra Mercury

Notable Book for Younger Readers 2010

Children's Book Council of Australia

Musgrove has written this book with sensitivity, insight and bitter-sweet humour … Mackenzie is such a creative, brave and resourceful little girl that I found myself yearning for a happy ending.

Good Reading

Funny and sad at the same time, this book is a really amazing read by a top Aussie author!

Girl Power

Easy to digest and full of flavour describes this short novel that could be read by eight-year-olds but will suit readers of 10 or 11 years.

Australian Bookseller + Publisher

This is a wonderful story that gives a child's perspective of dementia and the responsibilities that a carer has to face. Without lecturing, it gently teaches through story - awareness, consideration and compassion.

The Reading Stack

Awards & recognition

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Winner  •  2010  •  Younger Readers