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New York Public Library, Best Children's Books of 2024 List
Senan uses his binoculars to spy out the Shy Town, a sweet little place on a hill, with winding streets and red and yellow roofs. Senan calls it the Shy Town because it often hides and is hard to find.He tells his next-door friend Joshua about the Shy Town, and they set off, with Senan’s grandmother in a ramshackle wheelchair, to find this elusive place. Along the way they make friends with Paperboy. Who is, as you’d expect, a boy made of paper.
With the help of a kruckle (a sort of Shy Town creature) that they meet on their journey, they find the Shy Town, only its real name is Perfection, because it is absolutely perfect.
But all is not well in Perfection: the inhabitants are constantly worrying about making it more and more perfect.
But since more perfect than perfect is an impossibility, they are constantly exhausted.
What can Senan and friends do to save the kruckles from their obsession with perfection?
"Full of whimsy and wonder, this is a cozy adventure fantasy." – New York Public Library, Best Children's Books of 2024 List
"This book is entertaining, full of adventure, and one that will hook readers from the first few chapters." – School Library Journal
"Absurdist scenarios and vivid characters propel the story along." – The Irish Times
"Particularly suited to those who struggle with anxiety and pressure to be perfect." – Irish Examiner
"Whimsical, yet sincere, McGann’s subtle story on the perils and pressures of chasing perfection is an imaginative treat." – Irish Examiner
"Capturing the essence of the endless possibilities open to those, even the very shy, who allow their imaginations to roam free, this is a delightful summer holiday adventure for ages six-plus." – Irish Examiner
"A timely reminder that we need to truly look and learn if we are to understand." – Armadillo Magazine
"A whimsical story with a perfectly imperfect ending." – Absolutely Education
"It is intriguing because I really wanted to find out what Shy Town is! ... I really like this book!” – Young book reviewer Rosa Scollan for Drogheda Life
"A great adventure for ages seven and over." – Mayo News
"This was a fun novel that I could read in one sitting." – Ella, age 11, St. Leo's College
"Action, adventure, fast-paced, curious, imaginative, clever and, yes… full of heart. You will enjoy every single page." – Mary Esther Judy, Fallen Star Stories
"This is a lovely book celebrating the impossibility of perfection." – BookBound
"This is a lovely book with a highly original story that will keep young children engaged." – Much to Do About Writing
"This was a fantastic adventure for young readers. I was on the edge of my seat seeing if they would make it to Shytown. It was also a great conversation piece about anxiety and feelings." – Net Galley Librarian