Lee Newbery lives with his husband, son and dog in a seaside town in West Wales. By day, he helps vulnerable people look for jobs and gain new skills, and by night he sits down at his laptop to write.
His first book, The Last Firefox, was Waterstones Children's Book of the Month and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2023.
Lee enjoys adventuring, drinking ridiculous amounts of tea, and giving his dog a good cuddle - or a cwtch, as they say in Wales.
The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery
Winner of the Wales Book of the Year People's Choice Award! A heartwarming story about family, friendship and finding your inner fire.
Between bullies at school and changes at home, Charlie Challinor finds life a bit scary. And when he's made guardian of a furry fox cub called Cadno, things get a whole lot scarier.
Because Cadno isn't just any fox: he's a firefox - the only one of his kind - and a sinister hunter from another world is on his trail.
Swept up into an unexpected adventure to protect his flammable friend, Charlie's going to need to find the bravery he never thought he had, if he's going to save the last firefox . . .
'Comic, adventurous and charming' - Guardian
'Magical' - Sunday Express
'Funny, sweet and charming - a real delight!' Sam Copeland, author of Charlie Changes Into a Chicken
'Utterly gorgeous storytelling, adorable characters and a blazing adventure - The Last Firefox will long burn bright in your heart.' Jenny Pearson, author of The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates
'Crackles with adventure and love.' Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows.
'Lee Newbery gives us an enchanting fantasy adventure as warm as a firefox's tail. Heart and humour abound in this fun, fast-paced story of how a boy finds inner strength by helping a magical creature. A joyous gem!' Lesley Parr, author of The Valley of Lost Secrets
'A heart (and tail!) warming adventure about family, friendship and one flamin' cute fox cub' Thomas Taylor, author of Malamander
'The First Shadowdragon' by Lee Newbery
All legends start somewhere . . .
After defeating the evil Grendilock and saving Cadno, the last firefox, Charlie Challinor is looking forward to a well-earned rest. But when a familiar face appears from the realm of Fargone, Charlie's family is once again swept up into adventure.
Along with Lippy, Roo and new magical friend Blodyn, Charlie must travel to Fargone to face the dreaded Draig, the shadowy monster that is slowly draining the life from the land - and uncover the lost secret that links Draig's history to Charlie's own...
The magical sequel to The Last Firefox, one of the most exciting children's debuts of 2022.