Gillian McDunn – författare

Cat is the glue holding her family together. When her little brother Chicken has a meltdown, she knows just how to calm him, whether it’s scratching his back or reading his favourite book. They've always had a special bond. But with their mum working extra hard after their dad's death, Cat is struggling to keep everything afloat.When Cat and Chicken unexpectedly end up spending the summer with the grandparents they’ve never met, Cat suddenly has the space to be a kid again. Gradually, she discovers that days on Gingerbread Island are full of fishing, fireflies and new friendships – as well as a lifetime of family secrets. Could this summer be Cat's chance to bring her fractured family together again?

Cat is the glue holding her family together. When her little brother Chicken has a meltdown, she knows just how to calm him, whether it''s scratching his back or reading his favourite book. They''ve always had a special bond. But with their mum working extra hard after their dad''s death, Cat is struggling to keep everything afloat.When Cat and Chicken unexpectedly end up spending the summer with the grandparents they''ve never met, Cat suddenly has the space to be a kid again. Gradually, she discovers that days on Gingerbread Island are full of fishing, fireflies and new friendships – as well as a lifetime of family secrets. Could this summer be Cat''s chance to bring her fractured family together again?

Ever since her mother left a few years ago, Annie has felt like the odd one out in her family. Her dad and brother are practical and organised - they just don''t understand the way she thinks, in lines and colour. Everywhere she turns, she feels like an outsider, even at school, so she''s been reluctant to get close to anyone.When a "Ding-Dong-Ditch" attempt goes wrong, Annie finds herself stuck making amends with Gloria, the eccentric elderly lady she disturbed. As she begins to connect with Gloria and her weird little dog, it becomes clear that Gloria won''t be able to live on her own for much longer. But it''s this brief and important friendship that gives Annie the confidence to let people in, and see how rich life can be when you decide to make your own luck and chart your own path to happiness. In this heartwarming novel, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn shows us that even the most unexpected friendship has the power to change us forever.Acclaim for Caterpillar SummerAn Indies Introduce PickA Texas Bluebonnet SelectionA Parents Best Book of the YearA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearAn Amazon Best Book of the Year

Ever since her mother left a few years ago, Annie has felt like the odd one out in her family. Her dad and brother are practical and organised - they just don''t understand the way she thinks, in lines and colour. Everywhere she turns, she feels like an outsider, even at school, so she''s been reluctant to get close to anyone.When a "Ding-Dong-Ditch" attempt goes wrong, Annie finds herself stuck making amends with Gloria, the eccentric elderly lady she disturbed. As she begins to connect with Gloria and her weird little dog, it becomes clear that Gloria won''t be able to live on her own for much longer. But it''s this brief and important friendship that gives Annie the confidence to let people in, and see how rich life can be when you decide to make your own luck and chart your own path to happiness. In this heartwarming novel, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn shows us that even the most unexpected friendship has the power to change us forever.Acclaim for Caterpillar SummerAn Indies Introduce PickA Texas Bluebonnet SelectionA Parents Best Book of the YearA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearAn Amazon Best Book of the Year

Schneider Family Book Award: Best Middle Grade Honor Book!Highly-acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer, Gillian McDunn explores boyhood in a funny, big-hearted story about a kid trying to find the best way to be his best self. Elliott isn''t sure where he fits in. Ever since his best friend moved away and his dad and stepmom announced the arrival of their new baby, he''s been feeling invisible. Plus his dad just doesn''t seem to understand what having ADHD really feels like, or why cooking is the one activity where Elliott''s mind clicks into place.When he''s paired with the super smart and popular Maribel for a school project, Elliott worries she''ll be just another person who underestimates him. But Maribel is also looking for a new way to show others her true self and this project could be the chance they''ve both been waiting for. Sometimes the least likely friends help you see a new side to things . . . and sometimes you have to make a few mistakes before you figure out what''s right. Acclaim for Caterpillar SummerAn Indies Introduce PickA Texas Bluebonnet SelectionA Parents Best Book of the YearA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearAn Amazon Best Book of the Year

In this heartfelt summer story, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn paints a stunning portrait of the bond of siblings and the love we''ll always carry with us.Bex and Davey''s summer in the saltmarsh is different this year, thanks to the record-breaking drought. Even the fish seem listless--and each day the water level lowers farther. When they discover a mysterious underwater statue, they''re thrilled at the chance to solve the puzzle of its origin. This is the summer adventure they''ve been waiting for.When they learn of a development plan that will destroy their special spot, they''ll need to act quickly. Unfortunately, sometimes progress happens whether you''re ready or not. What will it mean if Bex and Davey lose their corner of the marsh where otters frolic and dragonflies buzz--their favorite place to be siblings together?As Bex and Davey attempt to save the statue and their beloved marsh, they come to see that the truth is not as simple as it seems . . . ultimately discovering so much more about life, permanence, love, and loss than they ever expected.Award-winning author Gillian McDunn crafts a gorgeous story of love and siblinghood, of secret statues and island life, of holding on and letting go.

Award-winning author Gillian McDunn pens a delightfully quirky mystery that examines the meaning of home, perfect for fans of The Vanderbeekers series.Simon''s family is always on the move. Every few months, they load up their van, “Vincent Van Go,” and set off for a new adventure. According to his dad, you can''t live an extraordinary life by staying in one place. But all Simon wants is to settle down, so he''s hatched a plan: to make their latest apartment in the Tangerine Pines building his forever home.When a priceless necklace is stolen, clues indicate the thief might actually be another neighbor. Simon worries he''ll have to move again if the thief isn''t caught. He usually doesn''t go looking for trouble, but if retrieving the necklace means establishing home, Simon is willing to risk it. With the help of his neighbor Amaya, pet sitter, plant-waterer, and podcaster extraordinaire, Simon is determined to crack the case and finally put down roots.

This beautifully written, emotional debut perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt or Ali Benjamin tells the story of a girl, her special needs brother, and the summer they will never forget."An engaging, honest book." --Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Newbery Honor-winning author of The War That Saved My Life"A beautiful story of family, forgiveness, life on an island, and growing up.”--Kate Messner, author of Breakout and The Seventh WishCat and her brother Chicken have always had a very special bond--Cat is one of the few people who can keep Chicken happy. When he has a "meltdown" she''s the one who scratches his back and reads his favorite story. She''s the one who knows what Chicken needs. Since their mom has had to work double-hard to keep their family afloat after their father passed away, Cat has been the glue holding her family together. But even the strongest glue sometimes struggles to hold. When a summer trip doesn''t go according to plan, Cat and Chicken end up spending three weeks with grandparents they never knew. For the first time in years, Cat has the opportunity to be a kid again, and the journey she takes shows that even the most broken or strained relationships can be healed if people take the time to walk in one another''s shoes.An Indies Introduce PickA Parents Best Book of the YearA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearAn Amazon Best Book of the Year

»Gemeinsam ist mein liebster Ort der Welt.« — Cat zu KükenWeder die elfjährige Cat noch ihr kleiner Bruder Küken wollen die Ferien auf der Insel verbringen, wo ihre Großeltern leben. Aber dann zieht sie der Sommer auf Gingerbread Island in den Bann. Hier kann Cat, die sich zuhause um Küken kümmern muss, zum ersten Mal wieder selbst Kind sein: angelnd am Pier stehen, neben einem Großvater, der nicht viele Worte verliert, Rad fahren. Und schließlich irgendwann auch darüber reden, wie es ist, dass ihr Vater nicht mehr bei ihnen ist ...Große Themen in einer tief berührenden Geschichte: Freundschaft, Familie, Veränderung. Und die Fähigkeit, einander zu verstehen – und zu verzeihen.Ein ergreifender und sprühender Sommerroman!