Books with author Chris Ogden

Life on the working narrow boats of the English Midlands in the early nineteenth century is hard for anyone, but when Arnold, the son of a working boat owner, is suddenly orphaned, life becomes even harder. Taken in by an unpleasant man, Morton, and forced to work on his own narrowboats, Arnold seizes a rare opportunity to escape and leaves the canal, taking Morton's horse with him. But where is there to go when the only things you possess in life are the clothes you stand up in and a stolen horse?Arnold’s incredible adventures see him rise from the depths of despair to make a new life for himself.But early events often tend to creep up on a person when they least expect it and Arnold is in for a number of surprises with tragic consequences! A 12,000 word story for children aged 8-11.

Jacob Todd lives with Aunt Rosie in the notorious inn, The Rat and Parrot in a quiet village near the sea. But life in 18th century is far from easy and soon Jacob finds himself drawn into a world of secrecy and deceit that he didn’t know existed.Late one night, Jacob is woken by a group of shadowy figures leaving the inn and later witnesses his aunt signalling with a lantern to someone far out at sea. Without understanding why, Jacob soon finds himself taking messages to various characters in and around the village, including an old seafaring man known as, The Duke.Unable to discover the true nature of his aunt’s business, Jacob confides in his best friend, Ted. But is Ted to be trusted? When a large number of soldiers, led by the much feared Captain Tregaron, arrive in the village to help the local Riding’s Officers, Jacob and Ted find a net is slowly being drawn around the villagers and their schemes, with disastrous consequences. A children's story of 18,000 words for 9-11 year olds.This is the first book in the surging seas trilogy.