From the creator and presenter of Taskmaster comes a beautifully told story of a young boy’s connection with his grandpa – and a mystery that may come between them.

"Charming and funny and uplifting. I loved it." Greg James

"As delightful as a bucket full of beachcombed treasures." Thomas Taylor

Trader and his grandpa have combed the beach of Bognor Regis for as long as he can remember, and every time they find a beautiful or special stone, it’s added to the treasure collection. But when Trader finds a particularly special pebble, he stumbles on a secret that was supposed to be kept for ever...

Can Trader and his new friend Charlotte unravel the mystery of this treasure, and return it to its rightful home?

It’s charming and wonderful and sweet and funny and uplifting and beautifully written. I gobbled it up in one go. Kids and grown-ups are going to adore it. What a lovely celebration of friendship, imagination and nerdery. I loved it. * Greg James *
As delightful as a bucket full of beachcombed treasures. * Thomas Taylor *
In the hands of “little” Alex Horne of Taskmaster fame, unprepossessing minerals sing. TV comedians muscling in on middle years are becoming tiresome, but Horne is in the narrow subset who earn a pass thanks to his quirky heart. . . This is a small but perfectly formed seaside yarn in which an awkward boy discovers his grandfather’s unexpected past. * The Observer *
Horne weaves many themes into this readable adventure story, with an engaging first-person style that hooks the reader from the get-go. * The Irish Times *
A compelling story, gentle and thought-provoking, a story of family, friendship and loyalty that is beautifully crafted and ideal for summer reading. * Red Reading Hub *

Alex Horne is a writer, musician and comedian, best-known as the creator of the BAFTA award-winning TV series Taskmaster, which has run for 20 seasons on British television. He's also the host and bandleader of a comedic band, The Horne Section. While Alex is most recognized for his television work, he is also the author of two books for adults, Birdwatchingwatching and Wordwatching, about his relationship with his father and his love of words. This is his first book for children.