Cricket
Every reader will be enchanted by this all-ages fairy tale.
After an eight-year break, Annet Schaap returns with her long-awaited second book set in the world of Lampie: her multi-award-winning debut from 2017 that quickly earned the title of classic. A moving and imaginative story; a fairy tale for all ages.
Lucienne van der Leije
l.van.der.leije@singeluitgeverijen.nl
Eleven-year-old Eliza has six brothers. Her mother died while giving birth to the youngest of the six, Krekel. One day, five of her brothers disappear. They’re said to have drowned, but Eliza isn’t convinced. She tattoos their names onto her leg and goes in search of them, joined by her only surviving sibling: her youngest brother, Krekel, who just happens to be the most fearful of the lot.
Overcoming setback after setback, Eliza and Krekel continue their search until the White Cliffs at the other side of the ocean. The book charts the gruelling journey that requires all the bravery and strength of the unflappable and resourceful sister and her scaredy-cat brother.
Annet Schaap has created yet another fantasy world in Krekel. Told with abundant narrative flair and beautifully illustrated, her book borrows several characters from Lampie while incorporating a brand-new protagonist and plot. Schaap’s story is enriched by the multi-perspective narrative, giving readers insight into the worlds of humans and others. This imaginative story about desire, courage, perseverance and sacrifice is loosely based on a tale by Hans Christian Andersen. A fairy tale for all ages.
The long-awaited new release by Annet Schaap
Beautiful black-and-white illustrations
Lampie has been translated into over 30 languages
International bestseller
Winner of all major children’s book awards
Children’s books are either pleasant or exciting or moving. Schaap’s duo of voluminous read-aloud novels showcases her mastery of all three at the same time. Krekel is a phenomenal story and has to be one of 2025’s best books for kids and their parents alike.
De Volkskrant
Schaap’s talent for storytelling is bewitching. Her imagination is boundless, her style is flawless.
Het Parool
Mermaids, pirates and fierce fights for freedom combine in a fast-paced fairytale.
The Guardian
Following the multi-award-winning debut Lampie, expectations were high for Annet Schaap’s second novel. The wait has been worth it; Krekel is off the scale. Overwhelming and moving. A gem of a book.
Tzum
