The Snow Merchant is a fantastic, hugely imaginative, quirky debut by Samuel Gayton. It's a story of alchemy, family and an astonishing new creation, snow.

A delightful debut...full of action and invention. -- Nicolette Jones The Sunday Times A tale of self discovery, family and friendship...an inventive and accomplished debut. Independent on Sunday A very promising debut novel from Gayton, full of fairytale and fun, which should appeal to Lemony Snicket fans. -- Sally Morris Daily Mail The Snow Merchant is exhilarating, entertaining and original, bursting with ideas. Books For Keeps, Book of the Month A germ of JK and a pinch of Pullman. TES

Sam Gayton lives in South London. In 2009 he completed the Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa University. The Snow Merchant is his first book. His next is about a little lost girl, six inches tall. He loves American novels, Italian food and the English countryside. When he's not writing, he likes playing old board games, strumming his guitar and joining as many rock bands as possible (currently at seven).