A brilliantly funny story from the creators of the critically acclaimed The Misadventures of Frederick, a Sunday Times Children's Book of the Year. Told with all Ben Manley's characteristic wit and genius for comic timing, with beautiful, atmospheric illustrations by Emma Chichester Clark adding to the fun.

Edward’s favourite toy was a soft, old, cloth doll. Her name was Constance Hardpenny and she had led a tragic life.

Having been rescued from a rubbish bin by a boy called Edward, Constance suffers a series of potentially catastrophic incidents. More suited to elegant tea parties in a bygone age, she nevertheless remains stoic throughout. From being forgotten and left out in the rain or trapped up a tree, even being caught between the jaws of the neighbour's dog, Constance is constantly finding herself in mortal danger. Although she’s luckily rescued each time by the watchful Grace, Edward’s loving older sister, it seems disaster is never far behind.

Is Constance doomed to suffer a life of never-ending peril? Probably.

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Reviews

• Manley’s gothic, deadpan text marries delightfully with Chichester Clark’s autumn-mellow images
  Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian

• Warm-hearted, humorous... and full of that special relationship between siblings, this is a picture book to enjoy to the full.
  Ferelith Hordon, Books for Keeps