Skakoon

Mishka and his older brother Vanya are struggling to adapt to a new life in London. They are bullied at school and miss their home in Russia. But when Mishka discovers a very special rocking horse in the big house upstairs, everything changes. They are transported into a magical world where an evil King has kidnapped inhabitants from the land of Choodiss and is holding them captive in the dark underground land of Isputania. Mishka and Vanya embark on a dangerous rescue mission, but they must first overcome the challenges set by the flamboyant and eccentric International Council of Crones. Can the boys uncover their inner powers, depose the King and free the Isputanians before it's too late? 

Skakoon is a magical children's novel infused with contemporary themes of emotional intelligence, in which real-life challenges are confronted in the context of fun and adventure. Intended for children of 9-12, it is a book of many layers which speaks to both children and adults alike.