Catherine Rayner – författare

Otto The Top Dog is a delightfully funny tale about kindness and sharing from CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner, the creator of Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep. This is Otto. Otto loves a lot of things, but nothing more than his beloved basket - and he's more than happy to share! A sweet, humorous and beautifully illustrated tale of a sausage dog who just can't say no. After Otto invites one of his friends to share his comfy basket, word quickly spreads around the neighbourhood. Soon he's sharing his cosy bed with all the dogs in the area, even taking in the local strays! Before he knows it, everyone is having the best sleep in his beloved basket: everyone, but Otto! Will Otto ever get his basket back to himself? And will he still like it if he does . . .Otto is a delightfully funny tale that will entertain young readers, while showing them that while it's fun to share, sometimes too much of a good thing isn't so great either!

A delightfully funny tale about kindness and sharing, from CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner, the creator of Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep.This is Otto. Otto loves a lot of things, but nothing more than his beloved basket – and he's more than happy to share! A sweet, humorous and beautifully illustrated tale of a sausage dog who just can't say no.After Otto invites one of his friends to share his comfy basket, word quickly spreads around the neighbourhood. Soon he's sharing his cosy bed with all the dogs in the area, even taking in the local strays! Before he knows it, everyone is having the best sleep in his beloved basket: everyone, but Otto! Will Otto ever get his basket back to himself? And will he still like it if he does . . .Otto is a delightfully funny tale that will entertain young readers, while showing them that while it's fun to share, sometimes too much of a good thing isn't so great either!

This book explores the Brontë siblings growing up with maternal deprivation and loss, and how this affected their development both as children and as adults. It examines how their sibling rivalry led to disharmony and separation, where each of the surviving children became isolated and separated into their own personalities and beliefs.Research into sibling rivalry is referenced from modern studies and the structure of the family. The importance of each person’s position in the ‘pecking order’ is shown to reflect on their behaviour and interaction within the family and the outside world. There is particular focus on the eldest and the youngest in the family hierarchy.The author examines the relationships between the four younger Brontë siblings and how Charlotte’s role and behaviour changed when she suddenly became the eldest child. There is a detailed look at the position and expectations of Anne Brontë, as the youngest sibling and least expected to excel. There is an examination of her novels, hymns and poetry and reference to possible autobiography and also to her crises of faith.Anne’s last illness and death are particularly highlighted to try and explain her final separation, physically and metaphorically, from her home and family. The irony of her burial in a place known as ‘Paradise’ and her longing to gain a heaven with her family, is especially discussed as a consequence of her overbearing eldest sister’s character, beliefs and behaviour.This book is not a criticism or discussion of the Brontë's works but an examination of how these four exceptional siblings related to each other and how their relationships affected all of their lives with unforeseen and unexpected consequences.

A charming Nature Storybook all about looking after goldfish – inspired by the author's own pet fish.My Pet Goldfish is a delightful picture book with facts by the Greenaway Medal-winning author-illustrator Catherine Rayner. The child narrating this story has been given their first ever pet: a tiny fish with shimmering scales and bright beady eyes… Their very own goldfish! Sitting alongside the gentle narrative and dynamic illustrations, the subtext introduces facts about goldfish and their care – some gentle, some funny, some fascinating – making this a perfect choice for first-time owners.

Arlo The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep is a beautifully illustrated story with a gentle mindfulness message from award-wining author-illustrator Catherine Rayner. Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal, it's an ideal bedtime book, and especially helpful for little ones who have trouble going to sleep.Arlo the lion is exhausted. He just can't drop off, no matter what he tries. It's either too hot, or too cold; too loud or too quiet. But then he meets Owl. She can sleep through the day, which isn't easy when most other animals are awake! Will Arlo ever get any rest? Perhaps his new friend has some special tricks she can teach him ...

Perfect for bedtime, Arlo The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep is a beautifully illustrated story with a gentle mindfulness message from award-wining author-illustrator Catherine Rayner.Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal, it's especially helpful for little ones who have trouble going to sleep.Arlo the lion is exhausted. He just can't drop off, no matter what he tries. It's either too hot, or too cold; too loud or too quiet. But then he meets Owl. She can sleep through the day, which isn't easy when most other animals are awake! Will Arlo ever get any rest?Perhaps his new friend has some special tricks she can teach him to help him sleep . . .

Mini is small, and Hardly is smaller – and neither of them are happy about it in this gorgeously illustrated, heart-warming picture book about unicorns from Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Catherine Rayner.Mini and Hardly are fed up of being small. Being grown-up would be so much better! They could eat what they want, stay up all night, and go on adventures. So . . . why wait? But it’s not long before the two little unicorns find themselves on an adventure a little bigger than they'd bargained for. Perhaps being small isn't so bad – after all, it makes you perfect for the BIGGEST cuddles.

Mini is small, and Hardly is smaller – and neither of them are happy about it in this gorgeously illustrated, heart-warming picture book about unicorns from Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Catherine Rayner.Mini and Hardly are fed up of being small. Being grown-up would be so much better! They could eat what they want, stay up all night, and go on adventures. So . . . why wait? But it’s not long before the two little unicorns find themselves on an adventure a little bigger than they'd bargained for. Perhaps being small isn't so bad – after all, it makes you perfect for the BIGGEST cuddles.

Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall...these fictional masterpieces are all recognised as landmarks of English Literature. Still inspirational and challenging to readers today, upon release in the mid-nineteenth century they caused a veritable sensation, chiefly due to their subject matter and unconventional styles. But the greatest sensation of all came when these books were revealed to be the creations of women. This is the story of those women and of the forces that shaped them into trailblazing writers. From early childhood, literature and the world of books held the attention and sparked the fertile imaginations of the emotionally intense and fascinating Bronte siblings. Beset by tragedy, three outlets existed for their grief and their creative talents; they escaped into books, into the wild moorlands surrounding their home and into their own rich inner lives and an intricate play-world born out of their collective imaginations. In this new study, Catherine Rayner offers a full and fascinating exploration of the formative years of these bright children, taking us on a journey from their earliest years to their tragically early deaths.The Bronte girls grew into women who were unafraid to write themselves into territories previously only visited by male authors. In addition, they tackled all the taboo subjects of their time; divorce, child abuse, bigamy, domestic violence, class, female depression and mental illness. Nothing was beyond their scope and it is especially for this ability and determination to speak for women, the marginalised and the disadvantaged that they are remembered and celebrated today, two hundred years after their births in the quiet Yorkshire village of Haworth. This timely release offers a fresh perspective on a fascinating family and a unique trio of talented and trailblazing sisters whose books will doubtless continue to haunt and inspire for generations to come.

This light-hearted but deeply researched book offers interest and guidance to walkers, social historians and lovers of the Bronte family; their lives and works.Set in and around the town of Haworth it gives a dual introduction to walkers and lovers of literature who can explore this unique area of Yorkshire and walk in the footsteps of those who knew and loved this town and its moorlands two hundred years ago.With guided tours around special buildings as well as outdoor walks and the history of people and places who lived and worked in Haworth over centuries, it offers an insight into life and death in the melee of the Industrial Revolution.Its joint authors have combined their lifelong interests in Victorian literature and social history with writing, walking, photography and cartography and have included quotes from Bronte poetry and novels.

Celebrating ten years of this much-loved story, Ernest: 10th Anniversary Edition is a wonderfully imaginative book about a moose with a big problem from the award-winning Catherine Rayner.Ernest is a rather large moose with a rather large problem. He is so big he can’t fit inside his book! What is a moose to do? Luckily Ernest is also a very determined moose, and he and his little chipmunk friend aren’t going to give up easily. Will they find a way for Ernest to fit in? Featuring a surprise fold-out ending, children will love this brilliantly funny book from the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Catherine Rayner, illustrator of The Go-Away Bird by Julia Donaldson. Celebrating ten years of this much-loved story, Ernest: 10th Anniversary Edition is a charming addition to every child's bookshelf.

Solomon Crocodile and his friend Mortimer are bored. They want to find some fun, but what can they do? Tree-climbing is tricky, chasing lizards doesn't end well and flying turns out to be a lot harder than it looks. But then they spot the biggest hippo in the river. Just imagine the splash he'd make if two naughty crocodiles were to surprise him! But Solomon and Mortimer are about to get a whole lot more than they bargained for . . .Sure to delight fans of the original Solomon Crocodile, which has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide, Solomon and Mortimer is a warm, funny and charming tale from the Kate Greenaway Medal winning Catherine Rayner, which young children will ask for again and again.

Poor Solomon is looking for some fun but no one wants to play. The dragonflies tell him to buzz off, the storks get in a flap, and the hippo? Well, the less said about the hippo, the better! But then somebody else starts causing trouble . . . and for once it is NOT Solomon. Could it be the perfect pal for a lonely crocodile?Solomon Crocodile is a snappy, happy, fun story with stunning artwork from the Kate Greenaway award-winning Catherine Rayner.

Join the smelliest dog you'll ever meet on his quest to find his Special Smell in this brilliantly funny picture book adventure from the award-winning Catherine Rayner.Louie the dog has just had a bath - and he is NOT happy about it. He smells all wrong. Determined to get his Special Smell back, he goes on a hunt for it and meets lots of smelly things along the way - a fox, some interesting dustbins and a marvellously muddy puddle to roll in. Will he ever get his smell back? And, more importantly, will he be able to keep it this time . . . ?Smelly Louie is a wonderfully funny and very messy story from the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Catherine Rayner, illustrator of The Go-Away Bird by Julia Donaldson. Full of Catherine's trademark humour and richy-textured artwork, this funny canine tale will be a sure-fire hit with children and adults alike.

A gorgeously illustrated book about friendship and looking past differences from the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner.Bear is walking through the forest, minding his own business when he comes across another bear. The Other bear is different. The two bears wander along, thinking different thoughts, and looking in different directions. Soon the two bears come across another bear and then another bear and eventually find a bear stuck in a tree. The Bears realise that perhaps they aren't that different after all and perhaps they could be friends? Five Bears is a tale of friendship and acceptance perfect for little ones.

A beautifully illustrated story with a gentle and encouraging message to help children deal with their worries – from the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner.Victor the wolf has lots of worries. He worries that he isn't brave enough, that he isn't big enough and that he isn't fierce enough. In fact, Victor feels anxious about almost everything. But when Victor shares his concerns with his best friend Pablo, he starts to feel a bit better. And with Pablo's help, Victor learns even more ways to deal with those pesky worrying thoughts. And as the worries grow smaller, Victor feels a bit bigger, a bit braver, and bit fiercer inside!Victor, The Wolf With Worries is a comforting and reassuring tale that is especially helpful for little ones who have trouble talking about their feelings.

A beautifully illustrated story with a gentle and encouraging message to help young children deal with their worries and anxieties – from the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner.Victor the wolf has lots of worries. He worries that he isn't brave enough, that he isn't big enough and that he isn't fierce enough. In fact, Victor feels anxious about almost everything. But when Victor shares his concerns with his best friend Pablo, he starts to feel a bit better. And with Pablo's help, Victor learns even more ways to deal with those pesky worrying thoughts. And as the worries grow smaller, Victor feels a bit bigger, a bit braver, and bit fiercer inside!Victor, The Wolf With Worries is a comforting and reassuring tale that is especially helpful for little ones who have trouble talking about their feelings.

A gorgeously illustrated book about friendship and looking past differences from the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner.Bear is walking through the forest, minding his own business when he comes across another bear. The Other bear is different. The two bears wander along, thinking different thoughts, and looking in different directions. Soon the two bears come across another bear and then another bear and eventually find a bear stuck in a tree. The bears realize that perhaps they aren't that different after all and perhaps they could be friends?Five Bears is a tale of friendship and acceptance perfect for little ones.

Meet Molly the hare, Olive the owl and Dexter the fox, stars of a delightful new series for toddlers from Kate Greenaway Medal-winning artist Catherine Rayner.Molly the hare loves hide-and-seek. “You two hide,” she tells Olive the owl and Dexter the fox, and then she begins to count: “5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – ready or not here I come.” But when she opens her eyes, Molly finds the pair straight away! Soon Molly announces Olive and Dexter have to hide properly. Now she has the opposite problem: her friends have hidden too well... Wherever can they be? This is the first in Catherine Rayner's adorable new picture-book series – delivering the charm of the 100 Acre Wood in an irresistible package for toddlers.“Catherine Rayner has a marvellous gift for capturing the souls of animals in a few, rich washes of colour.” Daily Telegraph

A new adventure in the delightful series from Catherine Rayner, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal.Olive the owl loves guessing games, and her best friends Molly the hare and Dexter the fox decide to play one together. But when it's Olive's go, try as they might, Molly and Dexter can't seem to work out the answer... Whatever is Olive thinking about?! One of three books, each starring a different member of this adorable trio, this story explores big emotional themes with gentle humour – delivering the charm of the 100 Acre Wood in a delightful package for toddlers.

Follow the adventures of Molly the hare, Olive the owl and Dexter the fox in a delightful series for toddlers from multi award-winning author and artist Catherine Rayner.Dexter the fox LOVES to play chase with Molly the hare and Olive the owl... But Molly keeps bounding away on her big feet, and it only takes one flap of her wings for Olive to swoop ahead. They're just so quick: try as he might, Dexter can't keep up! Whatever can he do? With each story starring a different member of this adorable trio, the Molly, Olive and Dexter books explore big emotional themes with gentle humour and gorgeous artwork; don't miss the other stories in the series: Molly, Olive and Dexter and Molly, Olive and Dexter: The Guessing Game!“Catherine Rayner has a marvellous gift for capturing the souls of animals in a few, rich washes of colour.” Daily Telegraph

A new adventure in the delightful series from Catherine Rayner, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal.Olive the owl loves guessing games, and her best friends Molly the hare and Dexter the fox decide to play one together. But when it's Olive's go, try as they might, Molly and Dexter can't seem to work out the answer... Whatever is Olive thinking about?! One of three books, each starring a different member of this adorable trio, this story explores big emotional themes with gentle humour – delivering the charm of the 100 Acre Wood in a delightful package for toddlers.

Meet Molly the hare, Olive the owl and Dexter the fox, stars of a delightful new series for toddlers from Kate Greenaway Medal-winning artist Catherine Rayner.Molly the hare loves hide-and-seek. “You two hide,” she tells Olive the owl and Dexter the fox, and then she begins to count: “5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – ready or not here I come.” But when she opens her eyes, Molly finds the pair straight away! Soon Molly announces Olive and Dexter have to hide properly. Now she has the opposite problem: her friends have hidden too well... Wherever can they be? This is the first in Catherine Rayner's adorable new picture-book series – delivering the charm of the 100 Acre Wood in an irresistible package for toddlers.“Catherine Rayner has a marvellous gift for capturing the souls of animals in a few, rich washes of colour.” Daily Telegraph

A new bedtime adventure for Molly, Olive and Dexter – stars of the delightful series for toddlers from Kate Greenaway Medal-winning artist Catherine Rayner.Molly the hare, Olive the owl and Dexter the fox love to watch the sun set in the garden. But as night falls, they notice strange shapes in the shadows and hear strange rustlings in their beloved oak tree... And the more they look and listen, the more they wonder and worry... This story explores big emotional themes with gentle humour and gorgeous artwork; delivering all the charm of the 100 Acre Wood in a beautiful package for toddlers! And don't miss the other stories in the series: Molly, Olive and Dexter, Molly, Olive and Dexter: The Guessing Game and Molly, Olive and Dexter: You Can't Catch Me!

Follow the adventures of Molly the hare, Olive the owl and Dexter the fox in a delightful series for toddlers from multi award-winning author and artist Catherine Rayner.Dexter the fox LOVES to play chase with Molly the hare and Olive the owl... But Molly keeps bounding away on her big feet, and it only takes one flap of her wings for Olive to swoop ahead. They're just so quick: try as he might, Dexter can't keep up! Whatever can he do? With each story starring a different member of this adorable trio, the Molly, Olive and Dexter books explore big emotional themes with gentle humour and gorgeous artwork; don't miss the other stories in the series: Molly, Olive and Dexter, Molly, Olive and Dexter: The Guessing Game, and Molly, Olive and Dexter: Who's Afraid of the Dark?“Catherine Rayner has a marvellous gift for capturing the souls of animals in a few, rich washes of colour.” Daily Telegraph

A new bedtime adventure for Molly, Olive and Dexter – stars of the delightful series for toddlers from Kate Greenaway Medal-winning artist Catherine Rayner.Molly the hare, Olive the owl and Dexter the fox love to watch the sun set in the garden. But as night falls, they notice strange shapes in the shadows and hear strange rustlings in their beloved oak tree... And the more they look and listen, the more they wonder and worry... This story explores big emotional themes with gentle humour and gorgeous artwork; delivering all the charm of the 100 Acre Wood in a beautiful package for toddlers! And don't miss the other stories in the series: Molly, Olive and Dexter, Molly, Olive and Dexter: The Guessing Game and Molly, Olive and Dexter: You Can't Catch Me!