Lesley Parr – författare

Hayley discovers the importance of giving people a chance in this thought-provoking tale from critically acclaimed author Lesley Parr. Hayley is annoyed that her beloved cat keeps sneaking off to the garden of the eccentric old lady across the street. Lillian, or Boo as Hayley calls her, lives in the last house in the row after the rest were knocked down years ago. Lillian hasn’t stepped outside her front door since.But thanks to an unexpected act of kindness, a surprising friendship develops between them, and Hayley learns the real reason behind the old lady’s reluctance to move.So when a misunderstanding threatens their friendship, can Hayley repair what has been damaged and help Lillian find her way out into the world again? Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

A page-turning mystery about bravery and brotherhood among evacuees in the Second World War, from an prize-winning author. September 1939.When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn’t be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place. But then he finds a skull hidden in a tree, and suddenly the valley is more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed.Finding an ally in someone he never expects, they set out together to uncover the secrets that lie with the skull. What they discover will change Jimmy – and the village – forever.A perfect book for readers of 9 and over who love Michael Morpurgo's stories.'Beautifully told. This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded' - The Sunday Times

WINNER: Wales Book of the Year 2023A STIRRING HISTORICAL MYSTERY SET IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR, FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETSThe First World War has ended, but it hasn’t gone away. When Natty has to move to a new village, she meets two young soldiers who are still battling the effects of war and shellshock.Her cousin Huw can’t forget the terrible things he’s seen, but another young soldier Johnny doesn’t even remember who he is. Natty wishes she could get through to Huw and is desperate to help Johnny recover his memories but what can she do that the nurses and doctors haven't already tried? Meanwhile Natty is fighting her own battles - protesting to get the local authority to help the schoolchildren who can't afford a midday meal. As she gets embroiled in the cause, and in trying to help the young soldiers, she starts to unravel a mystery. Natty knows that - just as Jonny and Huw did - she must fight for what she believes in, and she learns that some things should never be forgotten …This mesmerising historical mystery includes an interactive clue so readers can unravel the mystery alongside the characters. Highly commended for the Young Quills Award 2023.'A heartfelt, hopeful tale of the human spirit's incredible ability to recover' - Emma Carroll

From the author of The Valley of Lost Secrets comes a thrilling adventure about the power of friendship, set in a Welsh valley in the 1970s, for readers of 9+. Shortlisted for the 2024 Tir na n-Og Awards.Jason lives with his big brother, Richie, trying their best to make ends meet so they can stay together. They've got supportive neighbours and some great friends, but there's always the threat that someone will think they can't manage on their own since their parents died. It’s February 1974 and working-class families have been hit hard by the three-day week. The reduced power usage means less work, and less money to get by on. Richie is doing his best, but to make enough money, he’s been doing favours for the wrong people. An urban legend about a beast in the valleys catches Jason's eye in the local paper. A wild cat is said to roam the forest, far up the river from their bridge. A reward is offered for proof of The Beast’s existence. Jason's friends are desperate to help him, and they convince him that this is the answer to his and Richie’s money problems.And so a quest begins. Four best friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them … forever.With echoes of Stand By Me, this thrilling middle-grade adventure is packed with irresistible characters and a page-turning plot with relatable themes, making this another timeless story from one of our finest writers of historical fiction for kids.'What a story. What a writer. Simply stunning' - Emma CarrollSelected as The Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week 12 March 2023Longlisted for the Historical Association Young Quills Award 2024