As a child, Hilary McKay anaesthetized herself against the world with literature, a habit that blossomed into a lifelong passion for writing. Her narratives are deeply informed by an understanding of human relationships and the world, offering readers a unique perspective. McKay skillfully captures life's nuances, drawing readers into compelling stories with her distinct voice. Her work is cherished for its sensitivity and ability to resonate widely.
Ruth, Naomi, Rachel and Phoebe are packed off to stay with their grandmother for the summer. They find that Big Grandma does not appreciate their needs, and they are forced to invent some curious forms of entertainment.
Follow 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.
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.
From the winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 2018. Binny's life has been difficult since her father died and her dreadful old Aunt Violet disposed of her beloved dog, Max. Her world changed then, to a city flat with not enough space for her Mum, her big sister Clem and her small brother James. Definitely no room for a pet. Then one day Aunt Violet dies, leaving a small cottage in Cornwall to Binny and her family. Binny finds herself in a new world once more, full of sunshine and freedom and Gareth, the enemy-next-door and the ideal companion for dangerous dares. But Max is still lost in the past, and it seems impossible that she'll ever find him again...
Tilly's little brother Timmy used to be as good as gold. But now he makes all sorts of chaos during the night and won't go to sleep. It's the fault of his imaginary friend, Naughty Morgan. He's the boss around here now. Can Tilly find out how to tame Morgan before her parents are forced to sell Timmy on Ebay?
Tilly never has time to tidy her messy bedroom because she is always too busy helping other people. So when she leaves home to visit her far-flung relatives, how will her family cope without her?
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
Warm, magical and funny family tale from an award-winning author. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
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?
Return to the world of Skylarks' War in this hopeful and heart-warming follow up - a WWII story that spans generations and crosses the divides of war.