CHILDREN'S WRITER !

My Books

Grandad's Bench - Walker Books

Jake loves playing in Grandad’s workshop -
Grandad is teaching him how to chisel his name
in a piece of wood, then shows him the tree that
grew from an acorn he planted when he was a
boy. But then Grandad falls ill ...

 

"A heart-warming story.'

Paul Roberts, Bournemouth Echo


'This is a heart-warming tale which never steps over the line dividing love from sentimentality. It will appeal to young children who know about the special bond that often exists between the young and the old.' Carousel


'This bittersweet little tale of Jake and his grandad is beautifully told and well-paced for young readers. It takes what is potentially quite a heavy subject and deals with it directly but sensitively. The illustrations match the narrative perfectly and enhance the story-telling.' Amazon review

 

 

Siddharth and Rinki - Tamarind Books

A picture book story about Siddharth, new to this country and new to a school and how he finds friendship. Karin Littlewood gave life to my text and is an illustrator of rare talent. Published by Tamarind 2009.

 

Had an exciting launch at the excellent St Augustine Webster School, Scunthorpe. This is the source of its inspiration and the book is dedicated to the children there.

 

The equally inspirational Clifton Primary in Southall was another venue for a launch. The children worked on the text and pictures and came up with the most amazing stuff even before I arrived with Karin to do our workshops!

 

Reviews!

 

'Artwork is in a sensuous painterly style with the hues reflecting the emotional tone, and Siddarth's ethnic origin...lush visual effects include jungly undergrowth, which springs up in the most unlikely places like the classroom and playground, as the borderline between fantasy and realist successfully merges.'
- Jane Doonan, The School Librarian


'This attractive book is the warming story of a lonely child, new to a cold rainy climate, who loses the precious toy elephant that is his confidant... a ‘must’ for our schools and homes.'
- Children's Books Ireland


'A heart-warming story of a little boy and his comforter.'

- Paula Roberts, Bournemouth Echo 

 

'The loose but realistic watercolors show a happy primary classroom. When Siddharth dreams of India near the beginning and then leads an exuberant march with Rinki on a pillow in the last double-page spread, the pages glow with color. The text employs a nice mix of alliteration and repetition: “…and slow, solemn Rinki remembered and understood.” A quiet story about immigration that focuses on small but common emotions.'

- Kirkus Reviews

 

New Picture book in 2012!

My picture book text, Worlds Apart, has been acquired by Frances Lincoln Books. This has taken some time to sort out as the publisher has been looking for exactly the right illustrator. The fantastic news is that a wonderful artist called Jim Kay is now working on the pictures.Well worth the wait.

 

It is going to be brilliant and it should be out in 2012!

Worlds Apart - Jim Kay calls this picture, 'the day Dad left' Worlds Apart - Jim Kay calls this picture, 'the day Dad left'

Poetry!

Look Out! The Teachers are Coming! A poem published in this Macmillan anthology compiled by Tony Bradman.

Captain Farmer boldly goes where no stories have gone before!