A fun and engaging story about the impossibility of perfection

An exciting new adventure from the critically-acclaimed Erika McGann

Illustrated by Toni Galmés

Senan doesn’t care for adventure. He’d rather watch the world go by from his bedroom window.

But when he spots the Shy Town – a hilltop town that vanishes and reappears along the horizon – he is fascinated.

Along with his fearless and fun-loving neighbour and his no-nonsense grandmother, Senan sets out to find the Shy Town. On their epic adventure they encounter wild storms, a boy made of paper, a nervous, beetle-like creature with remarkable abilities – and a mysterious town with an incredible secret.

"Absurdist scenarios and vivid characters propel the story along." – Sara Keating, The Irish Times

""Full of whimsy and wonder, this is a cozy adventure fantasy."  – New York Public Library, Best Books of 2024

"Particularly suited to those who struggle with anxiety and pressure to be perfect." – Irish Examiner

"Whimsical, yet sincere, McGann’s subtle story on the perils and pressures of chasing perfection is an imaginative treat." – Irish Examiner

"Capturing the essence of the endless possibilities open to those, even the very shy, who allow their imaginations to roam free, this is a delightful summer holiday adventure for ages six-plus."  – Irish Examiner

"This one's brilliant!" –  Ireland AM

"A whimsical story with a perfectly imperfect ending." – Absolutely Education

"This book is entertaining, full of adventure, and one that will hook readers from the first few chapters."  – School Library Journal

"Chasing the Shy Town is an imaginative story, encouraging readers to develop a more adventurous spirit about life as Senan overcomes his reluctance, gains in confidence and begins to enjoy himself." – Armadillo Magazine

"It is intriguing because I really wanted to find out what Shy Town is! ... I really like this book!”  – Young book reviewer Rosa Scollan for Drogheda Life

"A great adventure for ages seven and over." –  Mayo News

"This was a fun novel that I could read in one sitting." – Ella, age 11, St. Leo's College

"Action, adventure, fast-paced, curious, imaginative, clever and, yes… full of heart. You will enjoy every single page."   – Mary Esther Judy, Fallen Star Stories

"This is a lovely book celebrating the impossibility of perfection." –  BookBound

"This is a lovely book with a highly original story that will keep young children engaged." –   Much to Do About Writing

"This was a fantastic adventure for young readers. I was on the edge of my seat seeing if they would make it to Shytown. It was also a great conversation piece about anxiety and feelings." – Net Galley Librarian

Praise for Erika McGann
 

"McGann’s usual mix of hilarious dialogue and eccentric characters." – Irish Examiner

"McGann's writing is dazzling."  – Irish Independent

"McGann creates a unique world of magical creatures and strange places."  – Children's Books Ireland

"I love Erika's writing." – Children's Books Ireland's Elaina Ryan on Here and Back Again

"McGann creates a richly imaginative world." – Armadillo Magazine

"Erika McGann returns with another page-turning adventure filled with humour and heart." – Books Ireland

"McGann’s output is undoubtedly a delight." –  Munster Express

"Erika McGann’s strong ear for dialogue makes for utterly believable children." – Inis Magazine

Erika McGann is an award-winning children's author based in Dublin. She has written a wide range of children's books, including Where Are You Puffling? (with illustrator Gerry Daly) and Tabitha Plimtock and the Edge of the World (with illustrations by Phillip Cullen), which was awarded a White Raven by the International Youth Library.

About the Illustrator

Toni has always liked to tell stories through his drawings. Toni was born in Mallorca, a sunny Mediterranean island. Later he moved to Barcelona to study Fine Arts. There he learned, read, and worked as a storyboard artist for film and advertising. He fell in love with a bookseller and, from that love, his work as an illustrator of children’s books and graphic novels was born. Toni’s work includes picture books, novels and graphic novels published in Spain and France, with publishers such as Penguin Random House, La Galera, Bindi Books and the prestigious Franco- Belgian comic publishers, Dupuis and Delcourt.