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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…
34 Comments on PUFFIN OF PUFFINS VOTE!!!
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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
Maeve says...
I just voted for Charlotte’s Web
Georgina says...
I really love your books Cathy! we did this guided reading activity in class, where we had to talk about a book you loved and why. I chose Angel Cake cuz it is one of the best!!!! Can’t wait until we find out who has got in the top six in My Best Friend Rocks! Me and my best friend Lil are sooooo excited! Love from your BIGGEST fan, who also is a BIG chatter-box!!! Georgina!!!! xxxxxxxxxxx :) :) :)
Elaine says...
Hey Cathy! Gonna go and vote now! Have to read Goodnight Mister Tom it sounds like a real page turner!
jess says...
love the book
Charley says...
Hi Cathy, I made my whole family vote (even my nan!) I love Goodnight Mr. Tom it’s sooo sad at the end!! I luv when Zach started talking about growing up sooo funny! Good luck and Peace Out! Charley, xoxoxox
libs says...
i love your books i cant stop reading them i am reading luky star at the moment xxxxxxxxxxx:):):)
chetna says...
your books are the best ::::
Isla says...
Phew… just got back from a 4 day Adventure Holiday with my school!! I just wanted to say, I thought your kind- of review on Goodnight Mr Tom was lovely! I’ve watched it at school before but, when reading this it made me want to cry!!
Lois says...
I voted for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!!
thabi says...
hey cathy! just wondering, would you come to perth, australia because if you do, i would be soooooo EXCITED !!!!!!!!!! u rock !!!!!
Chloe says...
Hi Cathy. I really think you should be on there! I have got all your books and i just read the new Daizy Star book in under 2 hours! I really want to know what happens next. Luv, Peace and Chocolate, Chloe aged 13
Name says...
Hi cathy. Wow I just finished reading Daizy star. I love Becca and murphy is so atractive. Am gonna get the new soon Daizy Star and the pink guitar. From your biggest fam. PEACE OUT . Salandaxxxxx
emilyVAMPIREXXX says...
LOVE YOU CATHY !!!!!! YOU ’RE GREAT AND WHEN I ’M OLDER I ’M SOOOOO BEING AN AUTHER ! I’M REALLY GOING TO VOTE YOU !
Niamh'says hi (: says...
wow. i checked out the books and i voted for charlies chocolate factory. fab book! My best friend and i are dying to find out the finalists for the MBFR comp + we are keeping our fingers crossed. I cant wait to buy mizz on the 8th of july. omg; its my last week of school! woohoo for summer holidays. thanks! lovin’you cathy. x
Emily says...
I’M SO GONNA VOTE FOR YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m one of your fans. Your books are so cool.
Finola:-)xxxx says...
I’ve nearly finished Dizzy and i really really like it xxxxxx
Em says...
I loved goodnight mr tom, i almost cried about Zach
Frances says...
I Have just finshed reading Love Peace and Chocolate i loved it. Some of the best friends things are revelt to my best friend! Frances
Maisie xx says...
I read ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’ in year Six! I absolutely LOVED IT !! I cried about Zach and his dead sis Trudy!! IT ROX
saifa says...
cathy you a amazing person with a graet sense of humour your books make me smile thanks!!
Katy says...
I would say my faveourite book would be good night mr tom i have recently finished and i have seen the film as well, not as good as the book. But my all time favourite cathy casidy book is Letters to cathy as if you have a problem you just need to find the page you need_ Katy
Ellie says...
I don’t know!!! I love so many Puffin Books it’s hard to choose! I don’t think I’ve ever read Goodnight Mr Tom but I’ve seen a bit of the film… does that count??? I love all your fantabulous books, Cathy, especially Angel Cake, Sundae girl, and Daizy Star. I’ve got Daizy Star and the pink guitar and I can’t wait to read it (saving it for my holiday though) wish I could read it!!! Let’s just say I love every book of yours! :D xxx
Yinka says...
Hey, I just voted u Cathy! I think others should too! I have read ALL your books including ‘Love,Peace and Chocolate’ :D There’s no doubt about it you are the TRUE Queen of Teen! xxx
Saneea says...
Hey, I voted you Cathy!!! I think all the girls should vote you because you are such a fantastic writer and I think that you should never stop reading. But my favourite book was Angel cake because it was really good and exiting.I think that you should be queen of writing because you are so good.
Emma says...
Hey Cathy, aww I missed my chance to vote! I was going to vote you. It was my bff who got me reading your books and I never stop. My all time favourite is Indigo Blue!
lola says...
listen to pearlypink come to CO.Tipperary i know tons of people that would come . you should write a follow on to love peace and choclate it was bril lola co.tipperary Ireland age turned 12 last sunday
Kathleen:) says...
I would really like to read the new book, angel cake, sounds dead good! I’m a really fast reader so i’ll probably get it 4 the hols!! See ya later!!
Prudence says...
Hi Cathy, awwww i missed my chance to vote.I love your books so so so so so so so so so so so so much it was my BFF Kirsty who got me into reading them!!
rosie says...
I missed my vote :/ Oops!!! But still!
PUFFY PUFFIN !
Lily says...
Hey Cathy, loving Cherry Crush and I cant wait to purchase all the other chocolate box girls stories!! I havent read Goodnight Mr Tom but ive watched it and its brill!! So i reckon it’ll be a great read but it is sad :’( xx Lol!! i didnt vote either rosie commenter…hey thats my sisters name!! LOL OMG !! Shout out to my lovely sis Rosie BFFL :) xx
Hannah says...
I absolutely adore your books recently finished cherry crush and starting indigo blue.My bffe Amy got your autograph a few weeks ago in Boston do you still rember her???