Hilary McKay – författare

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right levelFollow the life of a little boy called Oliver as he goes from being a workhouse orphan to a life with a group of young pickpockets. Will he ever manage to escape his life of crime? This wonderful retelling of the classic Charles Dickens story was written by Hilary McKay.This is a Band 11/Lime book in the Collins Big Cat reading programme which has longer sentence structures and a greater use of literary language. This is a retelling of a story by a significant author, and supports literacy learning around extended stories and significant authors. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader. For more guided reading books in this Collins Big Cat band, try Wild Weather (9780007591282) by Chris Oxlade.

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right levelFollow the life of Pip, a poor lonely orphan in Victorian England. Everything changes when he becomes friends with the wealthy Estella. But can Pip leave his past behind? Written to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth, this inspired retelling is written by Whitbread award-winning author Hilary McKay. Emerald/Band 15 books provide a widening range of genres including science fiction and biography, prompting more ways to respond to texts.Text type: A retelling of a story by a significant authorCurriculum links: History; CitizenshipThis book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

Award-winning Hilary McKay brings the childhood of Victorian heroine Grace Darling to life in this heartfelt reimagining of her life up to and including the Forfarshire shipwreck. Despite her fear of boats, Grace Darling loves her life as the daughter of a lighthouse keeper and spends fun-filled childhood days with her three sisters, four brothers, numerous goats, chickens, cats and her beloved dog, Happy.The only shadows come from the many shipwrecks caused by the poor location of their lighthouse, a problem that seems to be fixed when a new one is built further out on the remote Longstone Rock.But in September 1838, a steamship called the Forfarshire is wrecked on the dangerous Harcar Rock. Grace alerts her father to survivors, but can she find the courage to help him row out through the mountainous waves to rescue them? Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

From the winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 2018. The third book in the heartwarming series about Binny and her family.Binny Cornwallis has lost something. Something that wasn't really hers in the first place. With her best enemy Gareth and her beloved dog Max she turns detective to track it down, but the Cornwallis family are anything but helpful. Little brother James and his friend Dill are having an adventure of their own and big sister Clem is acting very strangely. And on top of all this, Binny suspects their next-door neighbour may be a witch ...'Hilary McKay's books are so good you want to climb inside the covers and live there.' - The Telegraph

This book was originally published in hardback as Hilary McKay's Fairy Tales.Straw into Gold: Fairy Tales Re-Spun is a classic fairy tale collection to treasure. Featuring Hilary McKay's imaginative retellings of key favourites, this ten-story collection includes the much-loved tales of Rapunzel, Cinderella, the Princess and the Pea, Rumpelstiltskin, the Pied Piper of Hamelin, the Swan Brothers, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Red Riding Hood, the Twelve Dancing Princesses and Hansel and Gretel.This gorgeous gift book features black-and-white line and tone illustrations throughout from the talented Sarah Gibb.

Winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award.The Skylarks' War is a beautiful story following the loves and losses of a family growing up against the harsh backdrop of World War One, from the award-winning Hilary McKay.Clarry and her older brother Peter live for their summers in Cornwall, staying with their grandparents and running free with their charismatic cousin, Rupert. But normal life resumes each September – boarding school for Peter and Rupert, and a boring life for Clarry at home with her absent father, as the shadow of a terrible war looms ever closer.When Rupert goes off to fight at the front, Clarry feels their skylark summers are finally slipping away from them. Can their family survive this fearful war?'This belongs among the classic of children’s literature . . . Funny, sad, warm, it is about growing up and finding what you love.' – The Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week

The Exiles was the winner of the 1992 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and is the first novel in Hilary McKay's wonderfully witty and warm The Exiles series.Ruth, Naomi, Rachel and Phoebe Conroy love reading and having fun more than anything else. So the sisters are horrified when they learn that their parents are sending them away to Cumbria for the summer, to stay with their fearsome grandmother: Big Grandma. Big Grandma is strict, makes them do chores and doesn't let them have any fun – but worst of all, she refuses to let the girls read any books. Determined to enjoy their summer, the sisters decide they aren't going to put up with their grandmother's tough regime, and in doing so they somehow manage to cause inordinate amounts of chaos . . . But as the girls search for alternatives to Big Grandma's way of life they slowly start to understand its appeal, just as she starts to understand them. Are the two generations more alike than they think?

The Conroy sisters are back! In Hilary Mckay's second book in The Exiles series, The Exiles at Home, the four delightfully troublesome siblings manage to get themselves into yet more mischief.When Ruth Conroy decides to sponsor a child in Africa, she is unprepared for the monthly monetary commitment and is shocked by how difficult it is to find £10 a month . . . In desperation, she enlists the help of her sisters – but Phoebe, Naomi and Rachel are only too eager to think up eccentric fundraising schemes, including wholly undisciplined and unsuitable baby-sitters, an unhygienic catering service and a fraudulent street artist. Whatever the scheme, their hilarious projects never fail to cause chaos and mayhem.

Love is in the air . . .The Exiles in Love is the third and final book in the award-winning The Exiles series, with Hilary McKay's trademark wit and warmth.Ruth, Naomi, Rachel and Phoebe Conroy are all struggling to deal with the trials and tribulations of first love(s). Ruth develops a crush on the school bus driver, but finds herself conflicted when she also develops feelings for Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre, the temporary English teacher (who Naomi is also smitten with) AND Alan Adair who works in the butcher's shop.Meanwhile, the younger two sisters have other things on their minds – Rachel is plotting to become May Queen at her school and Phoebe is in training to become an international spy. But when Big Grandma arranges for a French boy called Philippe to stay with the Conroy's, it's not long before all the girls fall head over heels for him as well . . .

From acclaimed author and Costa winner Hilary McKay comes The Time of Green Magic: a beautiful, spell-binding novel about family, magic, an old house and a mysterious visitor . . .Abi and her two step-brothers, Max and Louis, find that strange things happen when they are alone in their eerie, ivy-covered new house.Abi, reading alone, finds herself tumbling deep into books, while Louis summons a startling guest through his bedroom window. Even Max has started to see shapes in the shadows . . .Their busy parents see none of it – but Louis’ secret visitor is growing too alarming to keep secret, and he finds he cannot manage without Max and Abi’s help.Can they find out where the mysterious creature has come from – and how to get it back there?

From Costa Award-winner Hilary McKay comes The Time of Green Magic: a beautiful, spell-binding novel about family, magic, an old house and a mysterious visitor . . .Abi and her two step-brothers, Max and Louis, find that strange things happen when they are alone in their eerie, ivy-covered new house.Abi, reading alone, finds herself tumbling deep into books, while Louis summons a startling guest through his bedroom window. Even Max has started to see shapes in the shadows . . .Their busy parents see none of it – but Louis’ secret visitor is growing too alarming to keep secret, and he finds he cannot manage without Max and Abi’s help.Can they find out where the mysterious creature has come from – and how to get it back there?'An instant classic' New York Times'Wise and kind . . . full of characters you will give your whole heart to' Anna James'The emotions of real families have always been [McKay's forte], but in this evocative novel she makes something fantastical happen' Sunday Times

From acclaimed author and Costa winner Hilary McKay comes The Time of Green Magic: a beautiful, spell-binding novel about new families, a magical old house and a mysterious cat . . .When Tom and Polly marry, blending their single parent families together, their children find it hard to relinquish their old lives. Max realizes his birth dad will never come home now, while Abi suddenly finds herself a middle child, expected to share far too much – especially with grubby little Louis. The family start over together, stretching their finances to the limit and renting an eerie, ivy-covered house, big enough for all of them.But when the children are alone there, strange things start to happen. Worried, Louis summons comfort from outdoors, and a startling guest arrives – is it a cat, or an owl, or something else? Abi reads alone, tumbling deep into books. Max loses his best friend and falls in love. Meanwhile, Louis' secret visitor is becoming much too real. And when Max and Abi too start to see the great spotted cat-thing that arrives in the night, it becomes a problem the three of them must find a way to solve – together. But where has the creature come from, and how will he get back?

Saffy's Angel was the winner of the 2002 Whitbread Award and is the first novel in Hilary McKay's hilarious Casson Family series.After Saffron discovers that she's adopted, life is never quite the same. Her artistic parents and doting siblings adore her, but Saffy wants a piece of her past. So when her grandfather bequests her a stone angel – a relic from the childhood she never knew – Saffy knows she has to find it. Realizing that Siena holds the key, she stows away on a car trip to Italy.The rest of the family are engaged in their own wacky projects: Caddy, a hopeless student, is revising for her A levels and desperately trying to pass her driving test. Indigo, the only boy in the Casson family, is determined to rid himself of his fear of heights. And the youngest, Rose, a budding artist, has a knack for baiting her pompous dad, with entertaining results . . .Follow the family's adventures in the rest of the beloved series: Indigo's Star, Permanent Rose, Caddy Ever After, Forever Rose and Caddy's World.

Caddy Ever After is the fourth book in Hilary McKay's laugh-out-loud, award-winning Casson Family series.It's Valentine's Day and everything's changing.Indigo's in love and wants to do something special to win over Sarah, Saffy has a strange new boyfriend who teaches her all about the stars and Caddy has fallen in love and is getting married . . . but not to Michael.With a wedding to plan, promises to uphold and hearts to protect, everything's a little crazier than usual in the Casson household.Follow the family's adventures in the rest of the beloved series: Saffy's Angel, Indigo's Star, Permanent Rose, Forever Rose and Caddy's World.

Caddy's World is the prequel to Hilary McKay's laugh-out-loud, award-winning Casson Family series.Best friends, boyfriends, problem parents, pink hair. Brothers, sisters, fireworks and unexpected babies. Welcome to Caddy's World.Travel back to when Caddy was a young girl and Rose had not been born, in this moving and comical prequel to the award-winning Saffy's Angel.Follow the family's adventures in the rest of the beloved series: Saffy's Angel, Indigo's Star, Permanent Rose, Caddy Ever After and Forever Rose.

Forever Rose is the fifth book in Hilary McKay's hilarious and award-winning Casson Family series.It's tough being the youngest.Rose comes home to a dark, quiet, empty house every day – her sisters and brother are always so busy. Indigo has his guitar lessons and paper round, Saffy is off with Sarah, and who knows where Caddy is since she disappeared with Michael's postcards.School isn't any better. Exams are looming, and vindictive Mr Spencer has cancelled Christmas!When will Rose get the happy ever after she has read about in books?Follow the family's adventures in the rest of the beloved series: Saffy's Angel, Indigo's Star, Permanent Rose, Caddy Ever After and Caddy's World.

Indigo's Star is the second title in Hilary McKay's hilarious and award-winning Casson Family series.Indigo's going back to school after a long bout of illness. He's not looking forward to it, the bullies are lying in wait. But he's determined to stand on his own two feet – so when Saffy and Sarah break up a fight in the boys' bathroom, he's furious. Until he meets Tom.Tom is from New York, loves music, makes Indigo laugh and is unfazed by the bullies. But Tom has troubles of his own – can the boys help each other out?Follow the family's adventures in the rest of the beloved series: Saffy's Angel, Permanent Rose, Caddy Ever After, Forever Rose and Caddy's World.

Permanent Rose is the third book in Hilary McKay's laugh-out-loud, award-winning Casson Family series.It's a long hot, never-ending summer, with no letters for Rose.Tom went back to America, and Rose hasn't heard from him since. No phone calls, no messages, nothing at all. New friend David, however hard he may be trying, is no replacement.And home doesn't offer relief either: Dad's left Mum for a young model, Caddy is questioning her imminent wedding and Saffy is trying to find her real father.Rose is determined to find Tom in New York. But what else will she find on the way?Follow the family's adventures in the rest of the beloved series: Saffy's Angel, Indigo's Star, Caddy Ever After, Forever Rose and Caddy's World.

From the Costa Award-winning author Hilary McKay, comes a moving World War II story of family and friendship on opposite sides of a devastating conflict. The Swallows' Flight is the stunning companion novel to The Skylarks' War.'It’s not necessary to have read The Skylarks’ War (though many beloved characters make reappearances) to be instantly and joyfully lost in this evocative, moving novel, showing McKay at the very top of her game.' – Imogen Russell-Williams, The Guardian'Funny, poignant, wise and emotional. Full of achingly real characters (and also an excellent dog) . . . I eked out the final pages, not wanting it to end.' – Fiona Noble, The BooksellerErik and Hans are German boys. Ruby and Kate are English girls. They grow up in worlds that would never meet, until war tumbles their lives together.Then one September afternoon there are choices to be made.How is courage lost, and found?Who is really the enemy?And what does friendship truly mean, in the middle of a war?Meanwhile Rupert and Clarry work secretly for peace – and a brighter future for them all . . .'. . . a resounding success. . . McKay refuses to dumb down the history, writing with such clarity and understanding that you can’t fail to be caught up in the cares of her loveable cast.' – Alex O'Connell, The Times Book of the Week'McKay is a glutinously atmospheric writer, and this dense, action-packed saga – written during lockdown – is every bit as satisfying as its predecessor.' Emily Bearn, The Telegraph'Separately and together, The Skylarks’ War and The Swallows’ Flight are pinnacles of children’s literature.' –Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times Book of the Week'Meticulously researched, intelligent, warm and witty — this is McKay at her peerless peak.' Sally Morris, The Daily Mail

From the Costa Award-winning author Hilary McKay, comes a moving World War II story of family and friendship on opposite sides of a devastating conflict. The Swallows' Flight is the stunning companion novel to The Skylarks' War.'It’s not necessary to have read The Skylarks’ War (though many beloved characters make reappearances) to be instantly and joyfully lost in this evocative, moving novel, showing McKay at the very top of her game.' – Imogen Russell-Williams, The Guardian'Funny, poignant, wise and emotional. Full of achingly real characters (and also an excellent dog) . . . I eked out the final pages, not wanting it to end.' – Fiona Noble, The BooksellerErik and Hans are German boys. Ruby and Kate are English girls. They grow up in worlds that would never meet, until war tumbles their lives together. Then one September afternoon there are choices to be made.How is courage lost, and found?Who is really the enemy?And what does friendship truly mean, in the middle of a war?Meanwhile Rupert and Clarry work secretly for peace – and a brighter future for them all . . .'. . . a resounding success. . . McKay refuses to dumb down the history, writing with such clarity and understanding that you can’t fail to be caught up in the cares of her loveable cast.' – Alex O'Connell, The Times Book of the Week'McKay is a glutinously atmospheric writer, and this dense, action-packed saga – written during lockdown – is every bit as satisfying as its predecessor.' Emily Bearn, The Telegraph'Separately and together, The Skylarks’ War and The Swallows’ Flight are pinnacles of children’s literature.' –Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times Book of the Week'Meticulously researched, intelligent, warm and witty — this is McKay at her peerless peak.' Sally Morris, The Daily Mail

'A star-filled story of courage, belonging and the particular magic of feline friends. A treasure of a tale, beautifully told.' - A.F. Steadman, NYT-bestselling author of the Skandar seriesFrom the Costa Award-winning author of The Skylarks' War, comes the story of a young girl looking for magic in the world, and the feline family who help her to find it. With gorgeous black and white illustrations by Keith Robinson.Rosa lives in a world where she discovers there is magic. It arrives with Balthazar, a large black cat, just when she needs it most. Even so, it takes all her courage to stay hopeful and adventurous when her dreadful aunt and uncle move into her life.And when she finds herself abandoned in the ancient city of Venice, can magic help her then? Perhaps it can.The stars are watching, and there are lots of cats in Venice . . .'Beautiful, captivating, such a joy to read I didn't want it to end!' - Sophie Anderson, bestselling author of The House with Chicken Legs and The Snow Girl'A charming Ghibli-esque tale of a girl whose only friends are cats. Surprising and magical in equal measures.' - M. G. Leonard, bestselling author of The Adventure on Trains Series, The Twitchers series, and The Ice Children*Hilary McKay won the Costa Children’s Book Award in 2018 with The Skylarks' War

'A star-filled story of courage, belonging and the particular magic of feline friends. A treasure of a tale, beautifully told.' - A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar seriesFrom the Costa Award-winning author of The Skylarks' War, comes Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay, the story of a young girl looking for magic in the world, and the feline family who help her to find it. With gorgeous black and white illustrations by Keith Robinson.Rosa lives in a world where she discovers there is magic. It arrives with Balthazar, a large black cat, just when she needs it most. Even so, it takes all her courage to stay hopeful and adventurous when her dreadful aunt and uncle move into her life.And when she finds herself abandoned in the ancient city of Venice, can magic help her then? Perhaps it can.The stars are watching, and there are lots of cats in Venice . . .'Beautiful, captivating, such a joy to read I didn't want it to end!' - Sophie Anderson, bestselling author of The House with Chicken Legs and The Snow Girl'A charming Ghibli-esque tale of a girl whose only friends are cats. Surprising and magical in equal measures.' - M. G. Leonard, bestselling author of The Adventure on Trains Series, The Twitchers series, and The Ice Children*Hilary McKay won the Costa Children’s Book Award in 2018 with The Skylarks' War