Top Gossip
MBFR SHORTLIST...
Don’t forget to buy MIZZ MAG on 8th JULY to see who which six lucky readers have been shortlisted for the 2010 MY BEST FRIEND ROCKS award… choosing has been tough, as the entries were SO brilliant this year!
All the judges have have their say, and I have spent a few days sifting through the longlist and whittling it down – in the photo you can see my cat Pepper ‘helping’! The shortlist will be announced in Mizz mag’s 8th July issue, so don’t miss out. Shortlisted readers will then be informed by mail, too, and I’ll see them for the fabby award ceremony at this year’s EDINBURGH FESTIVAL. Woo hoo!
If you live in the North West, see if you can come along to my event at the MANCHESTER CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL on Saturday July 3rd… I’ll have some exclusive taster chapters from Cherry Crush to give out!
For more info on my EDINBURGH FESTIVAL event or on the MANCHESTER CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL one, check out the EVENTS page on my website!
Last but not least, good news… Thanks to your brilliant nominations, I have been shortlisted for the 2010 QUEEN OF TEEN award. Yay! It’s time for you to get voting – and tell your friends, too! Just click QUEEN OF TEEN to cast your vote. It’s a pretty cool shortlist… scary biscuits!
PUFFIN OF PUFFINS VOTE!!!
My fab publisher are 70 years old this year… woo-hoo! To celebrate, they are having a nationwide vote to choose the best Puffin book of all time, and at the recent Hay Book Festival I got to talk about my favourite shortlisted Puffin, the amazing ‘GOODNIGHT MR TOM’.
I have loved GOODNIGHT MR TOM since I first read it… it’s the story of deprived city boy William Beech who is evacuated at the start of WW2 and goes to stay with grumpy old Tom Oakley. Slowly, the unlikely pair get to know each other and both learn to love, trust and finally become a family.
The book has a truly shocking plot-twist that really pushed the boundaries of what you could talk about in children’s books at the time, and that made a huge impression on me. I realized that it was OK to write about difficult subjects for children – as long as it was done with warmth, hope and sensitivity. This is a book that has stayed with me always. I love it – and that’s why it’s my choice for Puffin of Puffins.
How about you? There are seven great books on the shortlist… take a look and cast your vote! Tell your friends, classmates, teachers and parents to vote, too… all ages are welcome! Just click on the PUFFIN OF PUFFINS link, check out the shortlist and choose your favourite. It’s not easy, because they are all brilliant! Voting closes 16th June…
Megan says...
Hey Cathy! Oh my God! I read Goodnight Mr Tom last year for my class novel! I know, I know, as a sort of general rule you’re not SUPPOSED to like your class novel…well, I did! I got so caught up in the incredibly moving story of Willie, the poor abused child, and I LOVED Zach!!! I was so upset at the end, I had to go to the toilet in English so no-one would see me cry…Zach’s descriptions of puberty were SO funny!!!!!!!! Love, peace & chocolate, Megan (aka Megz :P) xxxxx
Khulood says...
I haven’t read Goodnight Mr Tom although it has been one of the choices in our school book club. I just voted for Charlotte’s Web, which is a novel I ADORE .
PearlyPink says...
Hey Cathy. Love your books. I hope you come to Tipperary soon. I hope to come and see you in Dublin in September. Got my Summer hols last week but I’m already bored. Last year I went to France and before I went I bought Angel Cake and I really enjoyed reading it. I also brought 2 of your other books because I’m a fast reader. Can’t wait for your new book. Hope to see you in September. XxXxXx
PearlyPink, 13, Co.Tipperary, Ireland
Kate says...
hey Cathy! I am counting down the days to July 8th to find out about the MBFR ! Soooo glad you are shortlisted for QoT and hope you win :D xx
Robyn says...
Well done Cathy!!! You deserve it for writing fabulous books!!!! I am going to vote for you!!!
Ellie says...
You rock Cathy, you definitely deserved it! I love writing too, so I’m a tad envious but can’t help loving you!!!!