Children's books set in Cornwall
Cornwall is a brilliant setting for all sorts of stories, with that dramatic coastline and windswept moor.
Then you've got all those myths and legends associated with the area: tales of pirates and mermaids and ghostly galleons.
If you live in or are from Cornwall (or just going on your holidays), you may be looking for books set there to share with your child. After all, a familiar location can help them relate to the story and feel a bigger connection.
Here are just a few of our favourites for you to check out.
-
Deep Water
Author: Lu Hersey
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+Hugely evocative of the romantic and wild Cornish landscape, this modern retelling of the selkie myth is a magical and beautiful story about coming of age, transformation and belonging.
-
One Silver Summer
Author: Rachel Hickman
Publisher: Old Barn Books
Interest age: 11-15
Reading age: 11+Set in the dramatic landscape of wild Cornwall, this 21st-century take on first love stars a prince, a grief-stricken girl, beautiful, brave horses and a desperate pack of journalists who will stop at nothing to get their story. Contemporary but timeless.
-
Over Sea, Under Stone
Author: Susan Cooper
Publisher: Red Fox
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 10+On holiday in Cornwall, Simon, Jane and Barney discover an ancient map in the attic of the Grey House, where they are staying with their much-loved but mysterious Great Uncle Merry.
-
Dead Man's Cove
Author: Lauren St John
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+When mysterious uncle Calvin rescues Laura Marlin from her gloomy life in an orphanage, she can't believe her luck! But she soon realises that her Cornish paradise is full of mysteries...
-
Ingo
Author: Helen Dunmore
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+In Cornish legend, the Zenor mermaid fell in love with Mathew Trewhella and enticed him away to live in the sea with her forever...
-
Midnight Pirates
Author: Ally Kennen
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+Three children take on the running of a secluded Cornish guest-house and soon find themselves in danger in this contemporary adventure story bursting with exuberance and energy.
-
Adventure Island: The Mystery of the Whistling Caves
Author: Helen Moss Illustrator: Leo Hartas
Publisher: Orion Children’s Books
Interest age: 8-11
Reading age: 8+An action-packed beginning to a new series and a good old-fashioned mystery.
-
Runners
Author: Ann Kelley
Publisher: Luath Press
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 10+In a not too distant future in which the oceans have risen and resources are scarce, 14 year-old Sid is trying to keep himself and his five year-old sister Lo safe from harm.
-
Summer's Shadow
Author: Anna Wilson
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 12+The sumptuous setting makes for a perfect summer read - the gentle introduction of a romance will keep young teen readers engaged and the spooky set-up is atmospheric with some chilling moments.
-
Winter Damage
Author: Natasha Carthew
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 13+Ennor Carne needs to find her mother.
