The book that has occupied most of my time over the last five years will be published in October in South Africa by Jonathan Ball. Death of an Idealist: In search of Neil Aggett is the story behind the only … Read more
News & views
Some events from 2011
My retelling of Aesop’s Fables with delightful illustrations by Piet Grobler (another South African – and illustrator of The Great Tug of War) is published by Frances Lincoln on 3 March. A number of co-editions (including Danish, Swedish, Dutch … Read more
Some highlights from 2010
At the end of last year, I joined the End Child Detention Now campaign. Nearly 70 children’s authors and illustrators signed a letter of protest calling on the government to stop keeping child asylum-seekers in prison conditions. Karin Littlewood (who … Read more
Some highlights from 2009
This year I look forward to becoming a grandparent… and already I’m thinking of the little one’s library! There’s a great beginner pack for babes and toddlers on the Australian storyteller Mem Fox’s website Mem believes that by the age … Read more
Some highlights from 2008
- I hope to spend most of my time writing this year (on a very special project) but will be taking time out to visit a number of schools, some here in the UK, some further away like the International School
Some highlights from 2007
Burn My Heart, my novel about loyalty and betrayal, set in 1950s colonial Kenya, was handed in to Puffin in June last year – on time! My story begins just before the State of Emergency when 55,000 British soldiers were … Read more
Some highlights from 2006
I spent most of the first half of the year working on my new novel, set in 1950s Kenya (no title yet!) but I made time for a few events and celebrations including:
- A few readings in India – Chennai,
Some highlights from 2005
This year I return to novel writing but I shall make time for a few visits, including:
- Kenya in March for the Caine Prize for African Writing workshop; Greensteds/Nakuru High School; International School of Kenya, Nairobi; return visits to library
Some highlights from 2004
- Author visit to Kenya – includes opening Mathare North Library with Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, 21 Feb – 2 March
- Baba’s Gift, written with daughter Maya, illustrated by Karin Littlewood. Published by Penguin on World Book Day, 4 March. Beverley
Some highlights from 2003
- International School of Brussels, 24 – 27 March
- Cheltenham Festival with Liz Laird and Bernard Ashley, 5 April
- The Other Side of Truth, (adapted by the author) The Afternoon Play Radio 4, 22 April
- Receiving Doctor of the University from
