A magnificent library holds a copy of every book written - that is except for one. Young Peter, a resident of one of the library's cookbooks, discovers a card to the missing volume, How to Live Forever, and he sets off on a search for the book. He believes that by locating the book he will discover the secret of eternal life. His journey takes him through the boundless imagination of the library that comes alive after closing each night. His long, mystical journey eventually leads him to a hidden Chinese garden and the Ancient Child who makes his home there and possesses the magical book.

Colin Thompson's illustrations will delight readers of all ages with the richly detailed world of the library, where castles, streets, and villages are built of, on, and around books.