 
This page contains a mix
of stories. Some are about children coping in very different
times and circumstances, but circumstances which today's children
can empathise with and learn something from. And then there
are animals.
Animals in stories often have names, can talk, have characters
and show emotions, just like people. They can even demonstrate and
discuss worldly and human issues, like poverty, pollution, greed,
good and evil, and so on. They are still, however, distinguished
by their very individuality as animals. The hare is quick, as hares
are, the tortoise slow. Finally, they are a good vehicle for addressing
young children’s behaviour, feelings and fears.
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A NEW ROOM FOR WILLIAM
illustrated by Carol Thompson
I wrote this to show how it might feel to have to move house,
particularly when it's not the only major upheaval in a young
child's life. William isn't happy when he sees his new bedroom,
but as he chooses his own wallpaper, helps to decorate and then
makes a new friend, things begin to look brighter. Carol Thompson's
illustrations depict beautifully William's feelings at this
time of change.
Click here to buy this book on Amazon.co.uk |
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WHY
IS THE SKY BLUE?
illustrated by Susan Varley
This is one of my favourites. It’s about a very
young rabbit who’s desperate to know everything about
everything, and an old donkey who thinks he already knows
everything about everything. Donkey tries to teach Rabbit
but Rabbit won’t sit still, and Donkey winds up rediscovering
lots of things he had forgotten about. Smashing pictures by
Susan Varley.
Click
here to buy this book on Amazon.co.uk |
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THE SULKY VULTURE
illustrated by Michael Terry
I love Michael’s pictures for this. Just look at the front
cover. The story is about a young vulture called Boris who refuses
to cheer up, no matter how hard his friends try to help out.
By the end of a grumpy day, Boris needs a cuddle from Mum, but
even that isn’t enough.
Click
here to buy this book on Amazon.co.uk |
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HOME
FOR CHRISTMAS
illustrated
by Karin Littlewood
A young homeless
boy sleeps in a stable amongst the animals and wonders what
it would be like to be part of a family. He works all
day at the market in the town, where one day huge numbers
of people have gathered. When he returns to the stable
that night, he is woken by a thunderstorm and a baby's cry...
This story about belonging has fabulous illustrations by Karin
Littlewood.
Click
here to buy this book on Amazon.co.uk |
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THE HARE
AND THE TORTOISE
and other animal stories
illustrated by John Bendall-Brunello
Aesop used a huge number of different animals in his writings
to demonstrate man’s strengths and weaknesses. In this
big, boldly illustrated book, I have retold eighteen of his
well-known, humorous fables so that younger children today
can read and enjoy them.
Click
here to buy this book on Amazon.co.uk |
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THE
BLOOMSBURY CHRISTMAS TREASURY
I had a lot of fun
writing the eight stories in this treasury, and the illustrators
include Michael Foreman, Ian Beck and Sue Hellard. You'll
be surprised to find out just what goes on on Christmas night
while you're fast asleep! Fairies, elves, owls, mice
- they're all involved in weaving magic. There's the
story of Jesus's birth, beautifully illustrated by Penny Dann,
a Christmas biscuit recipe, and you can find out what happens
when the recipe for a Christmas cake goes wrong!
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CLASSIC
ANIMAL STORIES
I was asked to compile
this collection and am delighted with the result. It's a very
beautiful book, lavishly illustrated by sixteen gifted contemporary
artists, and brings together a cast of much-loved characters
from the animal world, including the endearing Mole and Elsa
the naughty lion cub. There are excerpts from favourite
stories such as Betsy Byars' haunting Midnight Fox,
Michael Morpurgo's heartbreaking War Horse and Dick
King-Smith's hilarious Hodgeheg. Going back
further in time, there are tales from Kipling, Hans Christian
Andersen, Oscar Wilde, Joel Chandler Harris and, of course,
Aesop. |
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WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?
illustrated by Penny Dann
This is the first of three gently humorous, beautifully
illustrated (thank you, Penny Dann) stories about a laid-back
bear called Jefferson (he’s one of my best characters)
and a sprightly young fox called Figgy Twosocks. Here, Figgy
questions the meaning of friendship, from sharing to helping
to playing... to forgiving. |
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WHAT WILL I DO WITHOUT
YOU?
illustrated by Penny Dann
In this second story, Jefferson Bear is about to
hibernate and Figgy doesn’t want him to go. What will
she do without her best friend, especially when her brothers
are determined to make her miserable? |
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WILL YOU FORGIVE ME?
illustrated by Penny Dann
In the third story, Figgy’s brothers run off
with Jefferson’s tickling stick and Figgy is dragged
into a mess of fibs which threaten her friendship with him.
At last, she discovers that if you’re truly sorry, friends
will forgive and forget. |
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THE BIG WHAT ARE FRIENDS
FOR STORYBOOK
illustrated by Penny Dann
I was delighted when my publisher suggested putting
all three of the Jefferson Bear and Figgy Twosocks into one
beautiful volume. Together the stories focus on the important
childhood themes of sharing, helping, separation and forgiveness,
and are perfect for parents and young children to share.
Click
here to buy this book on Amazon.co.uk |
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