During the writing process, I benefitted from the excellent feedback of my trusted beta readers: Jody Feldman, Brian Katcher, Clare John, and Dan, Deborah, and Jason Sorin. Thanks particularly to Audrey, Gavin, and Tamsin—you guys read this book more than anyone!
A big shout out to members of the fifth-grade book club at Kennard CJA, who took their roles as quality control experts very seriously: Indya N, Corinne F, Abby L, Grace F, Rachel T, Lola H, Andrew G, Lucy H, and Jalise B. And Brenda Kukay, club leader and school librarian extraordinaire.
In St. Louis and across Missouri I have enjoyed the friendship and support of countless librarians and teachers. I salute you all for advocating so passionately for books and readers. A special thanks to booksellers for getting my novels into readers’ hands, particularly Sarah, Shane, and Cliff at Left Bank Books, who always brighten my day (and come up with the craziest ideas for book events).
Noah has found the happiest of homes at HarperCollins Children’s Books, and I’m indebted to the whole team there: copy editors Jon Howard and Robin Roy; designers Aurora Parlagreco and Alison Donalty; publicist Ro Romanello; Meaghan Finnerty and Ann Dye in marketing; Patty Rosati, Molly Motch, Rebecca McGuire, and Stephanie Macy in school and library marketing; Sarah Homer, for her enthusiastic support and input; and Kate Jackson and Suzanne Murphy.
Finally, to my amazing editor, Tara Weikum, a million thanks. Your spot-on feedback has made Noah’s story incalculably better, and your all-around good humor has made writing this book a total joy. Thank you for helping me to realize my vision, and for making me a better writer to boot!
About the Author
ANTONY JOHN was born in England and raised on a balanced diet of fish and chips and bizarre British comedies. To annoy his parents, he studied classical music. Now he writes books instead of music so he can wear sweatpants all day. He lives in St. Louis with his family, who think he’s weird for not liking chocolate. They might be right. Visit him online at www.antonyjohn.net.
Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.
Copyright
MASCOT. Copyright © 2018 by Antony John. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.
www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Cover art by Tad Carpenter
Cover design by Aurora Parlagreco
* * *
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018938255
Print ISBN: 978-0-06-283562-8 (trade bdg.)
* * *
1819202122CG/LSCH10987654321
FIRST EDITION
About the Publisher
Australia
HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty. Ltd.
Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
www.harpercollins.com.au
Canada
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Bay Adelaide Centre, East Tower
22 Adelaide Street West, 41st Floor
M5H 4E3
www.harpercollins.ca
India
HarperCollins India
A 75, Sector 57
Noida
Uttar Pradesh 201 301
www.harpercollins.co.in
New Zealand
HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand
Unit D1, 63 Apollo Drive
Rosedale 0632
Auckland, New Zealand
www.harpercollins.co.nz
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
1 London Bridge Street
London SE1 9GF, UK
www.harpercollins.co.uk
United States
HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
195 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
www.harpercollins.com