Lankytown is home to fishermen and shopkeepers, publicans and performers, officials and eccentrics — families whose roots on the island stretch back generations. Most are perfectly ordinary.

Most.

Born and raised on the island, five siblings have spent their childhood accepting Lankytown’s peculiarities as simply the way things are.

Until they begin asking why.

At fourteen, Dora is the eldest of five siblings, a bright, resourceful girl with a strong sense of responsibility towards her younger brothers and sister. Naturally protective and increasingly independent, she possesses a questioning mind and a determination that can occasionally bring her into conflict with those who believe children should simply do as they’re told. But when the familiar world around her begins to unravel, Dora may discover that trusting her own instincts is far more important than listening to the grown-ups.

At eleven years old, Benjamin is an inquisitive and adventurous boy with a lively imagination and a seemingly endless supply of questions. Eager to prove himself every bit as capable as his older sister Dora, he has a habit of allowing his curiosity to get the better of his common sense. Beneath his occasional bravado, however, lies a loyal and affectionate brother whose enthusiasm for adventure is matched only by his devotion to his family.

Seven-year-old twins Edward and Edwin are an inseparable pair whose boundless energy and mischievous imaginations frequently lead them into trouble. Although rarely seen apart, each has a mind of his own, and their differing opinions can turn even the simplest of decisions into a spirited argument. But beneath the squabbling and playful rivalry lies an unbreakable brotherly bond, especially when the world around them becomes a little less familiar.

At just four years old, Ethel is the youngest of the five siblings, a sweet-natured little girl with a wonderfully innocent view of the world around her. Endlessly curious and blessed with a vivid imagination, she finds delight in the simplest of things, particularly the company of her beloved cat, Snugglepuss. Too young to fully understand the worries of the grown-ups, Ethel has a remarkable ability to see wonder where others might see something rather more unsettling.

Mayor Tarquin Poncenby is a man of considerable wealth, questionable charm and an exceptionally high opinion of himself. As Lankytown’s most self-important public servant, he takes great pride in reminding its residents just how fortunate they are to have him in charge.

Standing an extraordinary seven feet six inches tall, brothers Stanley and Samuel Skinner-Head are two of Lankytown’s most conspicuous residents. With their enormous shoulders, formidable physiques and rather limited talent for subtlety, the brothers have a remarkable ability to make their presence felt — whether it’s welcome or not.

Hagnes, Hagatha and Hagusta are three sisters whose extraordinary appearances are matched only by their equally extraordinary personalities. Never knowingly understated, these colourful ladies have a remarkable talent for attracting attention, exchanging gossip and involving themselves in matters that would probably be better left alone.

Clifford Cockler and Walter Winkleman are two inseparable young rogues with a seemingly limitless appetite for mischief. Wherever there’s trouble brewing in Lankytown, there’s a reasonable chance these two have either stumbled upon it, encouraged it, or had a hand in starting it themselves.

As evening falls, a familiar figure makes his way through Lankytown. Lamp by lamp, street by street, the Lamplighter carries out a duty performed on the island for generations. Most residents barely notice him.

The children do.

Willie has always been part of Lankytown.

Just not quite in the way its residents believe.

Families come and go. Children grow older. Names disappear and return.

But on an island as small as Lankytown, the past is never very far away.

Records concerning Lankytown’s population have not always proved reliable.