Explore The Worlds

Two worlds. One backpack. Everything in between.

The Two Worlds Where the story begins. And where it goes.

🌏 Broken Ridge New South Wales, Australia

Red dirt. Eucalyptus trees. Corrugated iron rooftops baking in the afternoon sun. A town where everyone knows your name, your business, and probably your grandmother.

And the sky, which went on forever in a way that made you feel very small and very free at the same time.

The same as many other towns Penelope had lived in as they moved around. Where mean girls rule and everyone tries very hard to fit in. Where being the new kid feels like the worst possible thing you can be.

It is the most ordinary place in the world.

Until it isn't.

✨ Samariq World of Anidi

An ancient city built on secrets. Golden domes rising against a midnight sky. A market that stretches as far as the eye can see in every direction. Stone tunnels running beneath it all, carved with symbols that point to places you have no business going.

Warm lantern light. Red flowers at the foot of ancient archways. And an aroma that stops you in your tracks. Spices and sweetness and something else entirely that you have no name for and will never forget.

A city that has been keeping its secrets for a very long time.

It is not done keeping them yet.

The Cast Meet Everyone

Penelope Pickles Stubborn · Dramatic · Brave

The new kid. The grounded kid. The kid who grabbed a backpack and ran away. She had no idea what she was walking into.

Pamela Pickles Tired · Loving · Trying

The most important person in the story who has absolutely no idea.

Peter Pickles Quiet · Watchful · Seven years old

He had one job. He didn't do it. Don't let the quiet ones fool you. There is a great deal going on behind those eyes.

Polly Pickles Mischievous · Loud · Four years old

She didn't mean to ruin the party. She never means to. That's what makes it SO much worse.

Grandma Patricia Wise · Warm · Knows Everything

She knows more than she's telling. She always has. Trust yourself. You've got this.

Aunt Lydia Eccentric · Mysterious · Always right

Silver hair that defies gravity. Large round glasses. A ferret named Max. She knows exactly what she's doing. She always does.

Mr Iyer Ordinary · Extraordinary · Unknowable

One of them spoke. Penelope is still not entirely sure which one.

Sanjit Salinta Loyal · Bossy · Brilliant

He knows every tunnel under the city of Samariq. He also claims he wasn't scared. He absolutely was.

Raya Salinta Fierce · Tender · Seven years old

Don't let the size fool you. Raya Salinta might just be the bravest person in the book.

The Constant The Backpack

It is old. Older than anyone will say.

Faded purple canvas. Green pockets. Brown leather straps worn smooth with age. Mismatched patches stitched on in a hurry, each one different, each one a story nobody has explained yet.

It doesn't go to just anyone.

It has belonged to others before Penelope. It will belong to others after.

It smells like somewhere else. It always has.

Old. Battered. Magical. And it has a very long memory.

🎒 Coming Soon Which Magic Backpack character are you?

Are you a Penelope, stubborn, dramatic, braver than you know? A Sanjit, loyal, bossy, absolutely certain you know best? A Raya, fierce, tender, seven years old and completely unafraid? Or an Aunt Lydia, eccentric, mysterious, always right?

The quiz is coming. Watch this space.

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