Rob Keeley – författare

Molly has just one day to become a magician...There’s someone very special in Mrs Hoskins’ class. The question is – who?A skipping rope holds the power of time travel...These are just some of the tales in this second collection of funny, sometimes scary stories from Rob Keeley. You can also encounter the school’s mysterious new pupil, watch the world’s worst talent show with Liam and Justin and discover the dark secrets at the heart of an imaginary world... Rob Keeley’s stories will continue to appeal to girls and boys aged 8-12. This second collection continues to present a mixture of fantasy and everyday life, depicting the modern world in a way that young people will recognise. The (Fairly) Magic Show and Other Stories contains tales of other worlds, school stories and tales of family life, in a storytelling realm where nothing can be taken for granted and little is ever quite what it seems. As with the first collection, this is a reading experience no child or adult should miss.

When Ellie and her family move into Inchwood Manor, Ellie quickly discovers strange things are happening. Who is the mysterious boy at the window? What secrets lie within the abandoned nursery? Who is the woman who haunts Ellie’s dreams – and why has she returned to the Manor, after more than a century? Ellie finds herself entangled in a Victorian mystery of ghosts and tunnels and secret documents – and discovers that life all those years ago isn’t so different from the world she knows today... Rob Keeley’s first novel for children brings out all the ingredients of the classic ghost story within a recognisable modern world setting. Readers of his short story collections for children will find in Childish Spirits the elements which made his past books such a success – strong and contemporary characters, inventive twists on traditional themes, and a winning combination of action, suspense and humour.

Following the success of his award-longlisted Childish Spirits and its sequel The Spirit of London, prolific children’s author Rob Keeley is back with The Sword of the Spirit, the third instalment in his thrilling and suspenseful Spirits series. Ellie’s investigations into the spirit world have reached a medieval castle, where archaeologists are digging for the fabled Sword of St Merrell. But she didn’t expect to meet a real medieval knight. Nor was she expecting him to be an ancestor of Edward Fitzberranger. Ellie discovers that behind a legend of chivalry and bravery lies a dark and nasty truth. And worse is to come. Ellie’s meddling has consequences she could never have foreseen. This time, she may have gone too far... The Sword of the Spirit works both as a standalone novel and as part of a series. It will appeal to girls and boys of upper primary and lower secondary age – primarily 8-12 – and to parents and teachers reading the book aloud.

Winner in Young Adult category of the Georgina Hawtrey-Woore Award (formerly the Independent Author Book Awards)“Millions of people will die in the war, Ellie.  And it’s our job to make sure it happens.  That’s why our work isn’t easy.”It’s been two years since Ellie last spoke to Edward.  She thinks she’s left the spirit world behind.  But the spirits won’t take no for an answer... When Ellie’s Mum returns to Inchwood Manor, Ellie finds herself going too... and is transported back to the 1930s, discovering a plot to impersonate the King of England.With the Second World War coming, and the first evil spirits starting to escape into the mortal world, Ellie is fighting alongside some unexpected allies...Rob Keeley is back with High Spirits, the fourth instalment in his multi-award-listed Spirits series.  The series allows young people to learn more about other times, as well as the time in which they live.     High Spirits sees the series come of age and picks up with the central character, Ellie in her teenage years as she begins to realise the true nature of her abilities as one who talks to ghosts – and to discover her destiny.  It sees her time-travel to the 1930s, as she discovers evil spirits and Nazi sympathisers working together in a way that will change the course of history.  She then discovers the impact that such a change would have.  It’s a compelling ghostly thriller, which also allows some parallels to be drawn with the present day.  It builds the ongoing story arc to a climax, which will be resolved in the fifth and final book of the series.  High Spirits works both as a stand-alone novel and as one of a series.  It will appeal to girls and boys of upper primary and lower secondary age – and to parents and teachers reading the book aloud.

Rob Keeley’s first picture book. A book for young children all about the importance of relationships. Comes complete with suggested activities for bringing the book to life. My favourite people are… all in this book. And I’m going to tell you all about them. You can meet my Auntie Meg and Uncle Steve, my best friend Alice, my favourite footballer and the band that’s going to save the world. Then I’ll tell you about a brilliant idea I’ve had… Following his success as a writer of novels and short stories for older children – including the ongoing Spirits series, listed for the Bath Children’s Novel and Independent Author Book Awards – Rob Keeley makes his picture book debut with My Favourite People, a fun illustrated journey through childhood and the friends and family who make it possible. It’s an amusing and insightful look at the world around its central character, an excellent read-aloud or read-alone. It encourages young people to look at relationships and recognise their importance. It will appeal to girls and boys of lower primary age – and to parents and teachers reading the book aloud.

Rob Keeley is back with The Treasure in the Tower, his first standalone novel for middle graders following the success of his Spirits series. It’s a fun, historical mystery based around a school residential trip, blending a treasure-hunting plot with a school story and a large amount of humour. A school trip to historic Deanchester becomes more exciting when Jess and her friends discover the city hides a secret treasure. Local historian Dr Joseph Pyrite left a series of clues scattered around Deanchester’s landmarks, which Jess, Mason and Kessie are determined to solve. But they only have three days. And they have competition. A series of increasingly cunning tricks awaits Jess and her party as they try to beat Perdita and Thomas to the treasure. “Here we have a novel with a rapid pace, a dollop of humour and a time slip... Good fun, many twists and turns, and with excellent period and political detail.”Georgina Hawtrey-Woore Award judges on High Spirits. “A pacy adventure, a central character put into extraordinary circumstances, time paradoxes to unravel, and evil villains who lose battles but persist with the war. Rob Keeley is continuing with his winning formula and middle grade readers will eat it up.” Jill Murphy, The Bookbag on High Spirits.

Rob Keeley is back with The Treasure in the Tower, his first standalone novel for middle graders following the success of his Spirits series. It’s a fun, historical mystery based around a school residential trip, blending a treasure-hunting plot with a school story and a large amount of humour. A school trip to historic Deanchester becomes more exciting when Jess and her friends discover the city hides a secret treasure. Local historian Dr Joseph Pyrite left a series of clues scattered around Deanchester’s landmarks, which Jess, Mason and Kessie are determined to solve. But they only have three days. And they have competition. A series of increasingly cunning tricks awaits Jess and her party as they try to beat Perdita and Thomas to the treasure. “Here we have a novel with a rapid pace, a dollop of humour and a time slip... Good fun, many twists and turns, and with excellent period and political detail.”Georgina Hawtrey-Woore Award judges on High Spirits. “A pacy adventure, a central character put into extraordinary circumstances, time paradoxes to unravel, and evil villains who lose battles but persist with the war. Rob Keeley is continuing with his winning formula and middle grade readers will eat it up.” Jill Murphy, The Bookbag on High Spirits.

Lily loves eating fruit and vegetables – but is tricked by Jordan, who tells her that carrots grow on trees. With the help of her Mum, some healthy eating and a box of elastic bands, Lily sets out to teach Jordan a lesson...Carrots Don’t Grow On Trees! is a bright, colourful and funny story, told entirely in dialogue and pictures, and takes a fun and compassionate approach to dealing with teasing at school, as well as promoting healthy eating.Rob Keeley’s second picture book sees him reunited with illustrator Simon Goodway, following their previous successes with My Favourite People and The Treasure in the Tower.

Ellis is annoying Isla... but suddenly he isn’t there... Oscar’s written what he thinks about everyone... and left the paper in a library book... Fletcher becomes a hero to Suzie... Tessa takes action when her school bans hugging... Holly Class wind up Pine Class on Transition Day... Paul really doesn’t want to go to big school... Myra hates her new school... until she meets Shane... And more... A brand-new collection of short stories from award-winning children’s and YA author Rob Keeley.Includes Guess What? – shortlisted for Best Short Story 2022 at the Searchlight Writing for Children Awards – and two new Liam and Justin stories. Suitable for the 8-12s, and with primary and secondary school stories, this collection is fast, funny and packed with twists and turns.“Charming, well-written stories for middle readers, set in a contemporary world of school and friendships... These are realistic situations and pleasing stories which entertain and amuse.” Rubery Book Award Judges

Arthur always looks forward to Saturdays with Maxine – and today, they’re going on a special trip. A journey into the sky!In the Land of Nimbostratus, they meet cloud creatures, visit a giant teapot and see castles in the air. But storm-clouds are on their way...“As ever, Rob Keeley gets to the heart of his topic without ever being preachy, and always makes sharing a book a delightful experience for parent and child alike.” - Jill Murphy, The Bookbag, on Carrots Don’t Grow On Trees!

My deare Cousine and Descendante, Edward I was pleased to receive thy most amyable lettere. My dear lady wyfe Tina and I would welcome thy companye at our new home of Fitzberranger Castle, and for thou to dine with us at your earliest conveniense… When Victorian ghost Edward Fitzberranger is invited to visit his medieval ancestor Sir Francis, his friends Ruby and Jayden go along too – and they find themselves joining him on an adventure. Sir Francis has been sent by King John to fetch a mystical relic from an ancient and abandoned church. But does he know the true reason for his quest? Through a spooky forest and across a river, the time-travellers face magical guardians and the powers of the spirit world. Will they ever return to Fitzberranger Castle – and to the present day? A brand-new Spirits novel from award-winning children’s author Rob Keeley, The Spirit of Adventure is an exciting and suspenseful fantasy adventure quest. Perfect for confident readers, reluctant readers or as a holiday gift. It would also make an excellent class reader, being set in the Middle Ages while looking at some contemporary themes

“Would you like to adopt a ghost? Young spirit, born 1887, seeks kind home to haunt. Gentleman by birth. Good company. Gets on well with other children. Jokes and shocks a speciality. If interested, place outside your home three twigs, in the shape of an arrow, pointing to your front door...” Ruby and Jayden get more than they bargained for, when they adopt the ghost of Edward Fitzberranger. He’s a boy from Victorian times, has left his haunted house without permission and is living in Ruby’s wardrobe.When they find out he can time-travel, they find themselves in the Second World War, with bombs falling and a royal kidnapping plot. Simon Fitzberranger and his Anti-War Party offer a solution – but is he all he seems?“We're big fans of children's author Rob Keeley. He's a ball of happy positivity, he understands children, and he writes for their pleasure and enjoyment... The Spirits series is one of his greatest achievements.” Jill Murphy, The Bookbag on Childish Spirits special edition