A kids’ cosy crime novel informed by the lived experience of people living with dementia, their families, and dementia professionals.
Praised by Former Education Secretary Lord Kenneth Baker.
Publishing July 2025.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tiny Tree Books is thrilled to announce the acquisition of an emotive and heartfelt middle-grade gumshoe tale from author Mario Ambrosi. Exploring themes of dementia within the trappings of a classic detective novel, Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures is a riveting mystery that young readers will love. Worldwide rights to the book were acquired directly from the author by Tiny Tree publisher James Shaw following a round of open submissions.
Scarlett Buckling loves a detective story, but when her beloved Gran goes missing, this twelve-year-old sleuth faces a real-life case like no other. Gran’s memory is fading. She’s confused, frightened and desperate to find something important — her missing pictures. Alongside her best friend Bournemouth, Scarlett launches an investigation, and there’s more to Gran’s missing pictures than it seems.
The book has won praise from former Education Secretary Lord Kenneth Baker, who also chaired the panel of judges for the 2001 Booker Prize. He said: “I loved meeting the dementia detectives Scarlett and Bournemouth. It is important children learn about dementia, and this sensitive story will help children and adults alike.”
“It’s a charming story and a thrilling mystery – and it has an important message”, says James Shaw, publisher at Tiny Tree Books.
The whole Tiny Tree team is excited to bring Mario’s book to life: A kids’ cosy crime novel with an important message, informed by the lived experience of people living with dementia as well as family members and dementia professionals, including at Dementia UK, the dementia specialist nursing charity.
Mario, who has worked in communications for Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of older people’s care and housing, for 20 years, said: “My uncle lived with dementia, and it affects so many families but can be difficult to talk about. I have two kids of my own and wanted to help them feel comfortable asking questions.”
He added: “I’ve always been amazed at how key facts about someone’s life can be the clues that help care professionals provide the best care possible in care homes. A detective story seemed the obvious way to talk about it for children. I wanted to show the massive difference that people who work in social care make and, hopefully, inspire the next generation.”
Karen Harrison-Dening, Professor of Dementia Nursing and Dementia UK’s Head of Research, said of the story: “Sensitive and poignant. Funny, uplifting and a well-informed depiction of dementia and its impact.”
Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures will release in July 2025,
ENDS
About Mario Ambrosi
After a variety of roles in journalism, Mario joined England’s largest not-for-profit provider of older people’s housing and care and leads Anchor’s communications team.
He began making up stories for his own children and studied writing for children with the Golden Egg Academy. Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures was a finalist in the Bath Children’s Novel Award and is informed by the experiences of family members affected by dementia and related conditions.
Tiny Tree Books is an imprint of Andrews UK Ltd, specialising in children’s literature and picture books. Tiny Tree has spent almost a decade working with exciting new authors and illustrators to build a brand that focuses on producing wonderful books with something to say. Beginning with a wide range of picture books for young readers, our list has expanded over the years to include exciting and engaging titles for all age groups.
