The Unadoptables

Author: Hana Tooke  •  Illustrator: Ayesha L. Rubio

Format: Paperback

Recommended for ages 8+

Waterstones Childrens Book Prize 2021

The Branford Boase Award 2021

Five fantastic children on the adventure of a lifetime

"A compelling, gorgeously-written story about the power of friendship and the true meaning of family . . . perfection!" — Robin Stevens, author of Murder Most Unladylike

"A high-speed, witty, absurd and joyful adventure." — Katherine Rundell, author of Rooftoppers and The Good Thieves

The remarkable. The extraordinary. The brave.

Way back in the autumn of 1880, five babies are discovered at the Little Tulip Orphanage in most unusual circumstances. Those babies are Lotta, Egbert, Fenna, Sem and Milou.

The vile matron calls the children 'the unadoptables' but this talented gang of best friends know that their individuality is what makes them so special - and so determined to stay together.

When a sinister gentleman tries to get them in his clutches, the children make a daring escape across the frozen canals of Amsterdam, embarking on an adventure packed with pirate ships and puppets. But is their real home - and their real family - already closer than they realize?

"A corker of a story." — Emma Carroll, author of Letters to the Lighthouse

"A book to absolutely fall in love with." Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl with the Shark's Teeth

About the Author

Hana Tooke grew up on a polder near Amsterdam, in a house filled with peculiar clocks and a head filled with a peculiar imagination. She's been a singer, a teacher, and even a mad-scientist, but these days she spends her days writing stories, sculpting puppets, and collecting curiosities. She lives in Bath with two humans, a cat, and a skeleton marionette. Her debut novel, The Unadoptables, was shortlisted for the Bath Children's Novel Award and longlisted for the Branford Boase.

About the Illustrator

Ayesha L. Rubio was born in Madrid. She studied Fine Arts in Spain and England before beginning her work as an illustrator. She has three books of her own and has embarked on new adventures in the world of animation.

For custom orders and quotes: shop@schoolspace.co.za

© 2026 Schoolspace. This product description is the exclusive intellectual property of the publisher, protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, adaption, or copying is strictly prohibited.