DIARY NEWS & REVIEWS
Please use this section to find out about what events I am doing soon and what people have said about my books, as well as any news about my books and storytelling
Reviews and News
• If you want to read what other people think of my books click here >
News:
After enjoying a great 2009, when First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts won the 8-11 years category in the Royal Mail Awards, the biggest children’s book award in Scotland, I’m hoping for an even more exciting 2010.
My first picture book, The Big Bottom Hunt has just been published. (Yes. It’s about bottoms. Everyone should write (or at least read!) a book about bottoms at some point in their life).
And my new adventure novel, Rocking Horse War, has just been published. It’s set in a magical mythical Perthshire, and it’s all about mountains and rocking horses and very scary neighbours. I hope that if you enjoy Helen and Yann’s adventures, you will enjoy this.
And I’ve just finished a retelling of a Sumerian myth about a 5000 year-old kickass heroine, with the draft title of The Mountain’s Blood, which should be published early in 2011!
Here are various opportunities to come and meet me, hear me read from my books and tell stories:
Saturday 28th September
Perth Waterstones
I’m sorry to say that these events have been postponed, and I hope we can reschedule them soon. Please check back for more details!
Thursday 2nd September
Faclan Book Festival
Stornoway
Weekend of 4th 5th September
Islay Book Festival
17th September
Keep Moray Reading festival
Sat 25th September
Fife Big Book Festival
So over the next few months, you can see me in lots of different parts of Scotland. If I’m not reading a book or telling a story near you, why not get a local school, library, bookshop or festival to invite me!
Here are a few comments from readers and reviewers.
The Big Bottom Hunt
This great book went down a storm with my kids at playgroup. They thoroughly enjoyed it when I read it to them last week and it caused a few giggles!
KM, Aberdeen
First Aid For Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts
I loved your book so much that we made a game of it.
FT, West Lothian
AMAZING, SPECTACULAR, ADVENTUROUS, BRILLIANT, EXCELLENT!
Comments from a P4 Class in Glasgow
Strong characterisation, wry humour and Helen’s robustly practical attitude to the fabled creatures she encounters add up to a refreshingly different quest tale.
The Scotsman, Spring Books Review
Wolf Notes
I am enjoying Wolf Notes as much as First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts. This book is very adventurous.
LS, the Borders
i really love your books and im so into your books . It feels like im inside of the book
LH, Ayrshire
Tam O’Shanter
This is just a wee blurb to say how fantastic your retelling of Burns’ classic was. To tell this tale of mirth, merriment and devilment from Nannie’s point of view; how her 1st Friday Night party was spoiled by a drunken voyeur; pure genius. Thank you for your wonderful retelling and for making this Burnsian very happy.
JF, Kilsyth
Comments on my author visits to schools:
You visited [my] Academy today. To be truly honest i didnt really think listening to you would be as interesting as it was!!! (no offence).
The way you tell stories is the most fantastically grippy most interesting way anyone has ever told a story to me before!!!
MD, Aberdeenshire
Book festival events:
Thank you for your event at the book festival today, it was probably the best children’s event I have attended. You made all the children feel special and valued their opinions and ideas – it’s not always easy to put that across at a large event. You managed to inform and entertain, challenge and encourage, you made writing EXCITING!
JC, Edinburgh
If you have any comments about my books or events, please send them to me!
