There's nothing unusual about the Brockets. Normal, respectable, and proud of it, they turn up their noses at anyone strange or different. But from the moment Barnaby Brocket comes into the world, it's clear he's anything but ordinary. To his parents’ horror, Barnaby defies the laws of gravity - and floats. Desperate to please his parents, Barnaby does his best to keep both feet on the ground – but he just can't do it. One fateful day, the Brockets decide enough is enough. They never asked for a weird, abnormal, floating child. Barnaby has to go . . . Betrayed, frightened and alone, Barnaby floats into the path of a very special hot air balloon – and so begins a magical journey around the world, with a cast of extraordinary new friends. Author Biography John Boyne was born in Ireland and is the author of seven novels for adults and three for children. His first novel for children, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, won two Irish Book Awards, was shortlisted for the British Book Award and was made into a film. His novels are published in over 40 languages. Oliver Jeffers is an internationally acclaimed author/illustrator. His first picture book, How to Catch a Star was published in 2004. Since then he has created a further five picture books to much critical acclaim. He has won the Irish Book Award (where he first met John), the Blue Peter Book of the Year and the Nestle Children's Book Prize as well as a host of shortlistings, including the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal.