Aimed at teenagers, this is a romping, fast-moving story of friendship, love, loyalty, fortitude and courage. Swashbuckling heroes, dastardly villains, man-eating rats and brave youngsters take part in this compelling adventure, as matters of life and death are tackled and resolved on both land and sea.

Set around the seventeenth century, the story begins with the noggins, a colony of diminutive people (six centimetres in height) inhabiting tunnel homes beneath a large grove of ancient oak trees in the mythical kingdom of Kendrick.

On many levels this narrative contains lessons for us all. It deals with the darkest of motives to the more joyful and playful aspects of life. We see how social marginalisation can be overcome by peer support and, above all, how loyalty, trust and friendship can prevail against the darkest of forces.