“This book can reach classic status, Alice in Wonderland or Narnia. Timeless and enduring, long outliving us. That’s not something you see often.”
— Deirdre Lockhart, 2026 ACFW Editor of the Year (Brilliant Cut Editing), Semi-Finalist Mentor of the Year
While the world looked the wrong way…
Throughout history, while a grand distraction captures everyone’s attention, something of far greater importance is quietly unfolding nearby.
The night is the fifth of November, 1885. Across Great Britain—and within Hexham itself—the sky blazes with the fire and ash of Guy Fawkes Night. The celebration endures, even against the backdrop of a cold rain
Under the cover of the smoke, a secret race of animals called the Purelings™ make their desperate move. They have no choice. They have to run, or go Worldly-Wise™—a curse that will strip away their purity and destroy their souls forever.
They are talking animals: griffins, drakes, unicorns, cats, dogs, mini goats, hawks, and hares, all fleeing in plain sight.
As most of the human world completely missed their desperate escape, eight children will be the key to their survival.
Welcome to Peckles-Wood Shire
Don’t just read a book. Discover a new world.
The interactive map and pages are your portal into the first of three journeys inside the ever-expanding Peckles-Wood Shire trilogy. Read the preview and then visit Peckles-Wood Shire—or visit Peckles-Wood Shire and read the preview. But don’t forget to look for the free treasures—Maker Files including STLs and Print Graphics—to bring a little piece of Peckles-Wood Shire to your home. There is more coming soon!
Step Into the Adventure
The interactive portals are open, but the physical journey is just beginning. Make sure you don’t miss out on the premiere edition of this timeless classic.
Preorder begins 10/1/2026. But there’s more to discover—explore the world and visit Broken Sanctuary today.
Shipping begins 11/5/2026—Guy Fawkes Day—Don’t delay.
Things You Might Find → | Own a Piece of 1885 →
Copyright © 2026 Lee Wimmer and Hightower Publications. All rights reserved.
The Illustrator’s Vision—The maps and illustrations of Peckles-Wood Shire are inspired by the real landscapes, places, and traditions of Victorian Northumberland. Created for The Chronicles of Peckles-Wood Shire, they blend historical research with imagination to bring the world of Broken Sanctuary to life and invite young explorers to step into the Whitaker family’s adventure of 1885.