For the first time in my thirteen years, I have a story of my own to tell and I am the one who will tell it. There is only one place in the world that Walter Lavender feels at home: The Lavenders, his mother's unusual New York bakery where meringues scud through displays like clouds, marzipan dragons breathe actual fire, and the airy angel-food cake can make customers pounds lighter. When the mysterious Book at the heart of the bakery's magic and success vanishes and the landlord threatens closure, it is up to Walter to find the Book and save the shop. Despite a communication disorder that renders him speechless, Walter has a special ability to find lost things. Walter's quest will take him all over New York City, down into the subway and soaring over Central Park, and introduce him to some extraordinary people. Along the way he will also discover his voice and learn what it means to be truly found.

The unexpected is waiting to be discovered . . .

Life can be lonely for Walter Lavender. Struggling with a communication disorder that renders him speechless, his refuge is his mother's unusual New York bakery. When the mysterious Book at the heart of the shop's charm and success vanishes and the landlord threatens closure, it is up to Walter to find the Book and save the shop. Thankfully, Walter's affinity for things that have gone astray starts him on a quest across New York City with Milton, his overweight golden retriever, beside him. Down into the subway and soaring over Central Park, Walter meets some extraordinary people, discovers his voice and learns what it truly means to be found.

'A buoyant, surprising, deeply human novel . . . a charming debut' Steven Rowley, author of Lily and the Octopus