The Not-So Great Escape

£7.99

Hedley Ambrose has always played it safe, especially since the night that changed his life for ever. But when his friend Aiden steals a troublesome alpaca, he finds himself on the run – and anything but safe. Mistaken for the thief, Hedley ends up on the road trip of a lifetime: accidentally robbing a petrol station, spending the night in a haunted wood, and becoming an overnight internet sensation known as the `AlpacaBandit.

ISBN: 9781836045663 Author: Green, Emma Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd. Publication Date: 1st January 2026 Imprint: Usborne Publishing Ltd. Cover: Paperback Dewey: 823.92 (edition:23) Pages: 240 Language: English Edition: Paperback original Readership: Children - juvenile / Code: J Category: Subjects: , ,

A hilarious and heartbreaking road trip adventure about friendship, grief and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

Hedley has always played it safe, especially since the night that changed his life for ever. But when his friend Aiden steals an alpaca, Hedley is dragged on a runaway road trip that he did NOT sign up for:

An accidental robbery.

A night in a haunted wood.

And becoming internet famous #AlpacaBandit.

As the chaos builds, Hedley finds he isn’t just running from the police, he’s also running from the truth. And as his world comes crashing down, will Hedley play it safe, or take his biggest risk yet?

#WoollyHeist #FurryFelon #Alpacalypse

This book will make you laugh and cry – perfect for fans of Ross Welford, Jenny Pearson, Adam Baron and Frank Cottrell Boyce.

“Fast-paced, brilliantly funny and full of heart a story about loss, friendship and finding the courage to take risks again. This is one of those rare, special books that makes you laugh out loud and think deeply all at once. I loved it.” Jenny Pearson

The Not-So Great Escape is everything I love about middle-grade, plus alpaca mischief! Funny and genuinely moving, this is a standout debut.” Carlie Sorosiak

The Not-So Great Escape is a story where a mountain of disastrous decisions result in a ridiculous journey filled with tears, loss, laughter and alpacas! Loved it!” Em Lynas

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