About this ebook
Twelve-year-old Rosa doesn’t want to leave her widowed father and when he reluctantly sends her to live with her wealthy relatives across the river, she feels more alone than ever.
She soon discovers the Surrey Zoological Gardens, where she befriends Jem, a young bearkeeper. When Rosa learns the animals are to be sold, and the bears may be killed, she joins forces with Jem, vowing to save them.
A travelling menagerie seems like the perfect solution, until Rosa encounters the villainous Mr Murdlock and uncovers the bears’ true, dreadful fate.
With Jem threatened into silence, and no adult she can trust, Rosa realises the only way to protect the animals is to take matters into her own hands.
Together, can Rosa and Jem outwit the dangerous Mr Murdlock and rescue the bears before it’s too late?
About the author
Catherine Randall is a children’s historical fiction writer, brought up in Shropshire and now living in London. The Great Bear Breakout was inspired by the discovery of a long-forgotten Victorian zoo while researching her family history. Her debut novel, The White Phoenix, was shortlisted for the HA Young Quills Award. When Catherine isn’t writing, she leads guided walks around the City of London.
