The Seamaiden’s Odyssey
A strange and beautiful sea creature is held in captivity. If she tells the amazing story of her family history, will she be released to her ocean home?
These books should all still be currently available, although please bear in mind that they can sometimes be out of stock for shorter or longer periods.
Here you can find my other books, which are currently unavailable or out of print. You may be able to find secondhand copies of many of them.
The Haunted Hills
Carl’s parents bring him to the countryside, to recover from personal tragedy. Is there really a ghost in the hills, or is he losing his grip on reality?
Rose Doran Dreams – a psychological fairy tale
Rose Doran Dreams is a psychological fairy tale. Rose escapes into magical stories that she and her strange, fantasist neighbour Paedric create. Can she ever find her true self again?
Walking on Air – my collection of poems for children
Walking on Air is my collection of poems for children, written over several years and published in countless anthologies. They are favourites in schools and for public recitations.
Daughter of the Sea – set on Papa Stour, Shetland Islands
Daughter of the Sea is an award-winning selkie book set on the Shetland island of Papa Stour. Gioga is found by a fisherman, and he and his wife bring her up as their own. But one day the Lord of the Oceans comes to claim her back.
Street Child – the bestselling novel
Street Child is my best-selling novel about Jim Jarvis, who runs away from a Victorian workhouse and lives on the streets. One day he ventures into Dr Barnardo’s Ragged School. 10+ Carnegie nominated.
The Girl Who Saw Lions (previously Abela)
The Girl Who Saw Lions, first published as Abela, is set in Tanzania and Sheffield. Abela, an HIV/Aids orphan, and Rosa, an only child who lives with her mum, lead very different lives. Abela is smuggled to England as an illegal immigrant, desperately needing love and a home. 11+
Jeannie of White Peak Farm – family story set in Derbyshire
Jeannie of White Peak Farm is set in Derbyshire. Jeannie tells the secrets and hardships of her family, living on a remote hill farm. Will she leave, like her brother Martin? Carnegie nominated. 10+
The Starburster Stories – three magical fantasy adventures
The Starburster Stories brings together my fantasy adventure series The Starburster, The Humming Machine and The Windspinner. When Baby Blue is stolen by fairies, only a 9-year old boy can rescue her. Tam takes the changeling child Pix with him to claim his sister back. 7+
Children of Winter – my novel about the Plague in Eyam
Children of Winter is a historical time-slip novel set in the Derbyshire village of Eyam. Three siblings have to survive alone in a barn during the Great Plague of 1666. 8+
Blue John – a magical story set in the Castleton Caverns
Blue John is a magical story set in one of the Castleton Caverns in the Peak District. The Queen of Darkness makes a beautiful child from ice and fire, and says he must never leave her. Dyslexic-friendly. 5+
Dear Nobody – the Carnegie-winning young adults’ novel
Dear Nobody is a Carnegie-winning Y/A novel about love and teenage pregnancy, and is my most translated book. When Helen and Chris (17 and 18) find out that she is pregnant, they and their families are deeply shocked, but they have to decide for themselves what to do. TV film.
Wild Cat – a mystery adventure story set in Wales
Wild Cat is a mystery story set in Wales. Catrin hears eerie sounds in the night, and is sure there must be a wild animal up in the mountains. She and her friend Leo overcome their fears and try to find it. Pearl Band 18
Tilly Mint Tales – includes Tilly Mint and the Dodo
Tilly Mint Tales is a much-loved collection of linked stories. When Mrs Hardcastle goes to sleep, Tilly Mint escapes into magical adventures. In her final adventure she tries to save the last Dodo in the world from extinction. Illustrated by Tony Ross. 6+
The Three Princes – my retelling of a Persian folk-tale
The Three Princes is a humorous retelling of the famous Arabian magic story. Which of her three suitors will Princess Halima choose to marry? Highly illustrated. Topaz book band 13.
The Snow Queen – a retelling of Hans Andersen’s classic
The Snow Queen is a retelling of the wonderful Hans Andersen story, in which Kay, with a splinter of ice in his heart, deserts his home to live with the Snow Queen. His friend Gerda sets off on a fantastic journey to save him. 8+
Nightmare: Two Ghostly Tales – Nightmare/Ghost Galleon
Nightmare: Two Ghostly Tales, brings together two of my most popular ghost stories. In Nightmare two children encounter a black horse trapped in ice on a desolate Derbyshire moor. Ghost Galleon is set on the Fens, where Charlie finds himself caught up with the Spanish Armada. Diamond Band 17.
Joe and the Dragonosaurus – an illustrated story
Joe and the Dragonosaurus. At school, children are writing stories about their pets. Joe can’t have pets because of his mother’s asthma, so he invents a fantasy creature. But a farm animal next door is dying. Can Joe help? Dyslexia friendly. 6+
Classic Fairy Tales – 12 retellings of fairy tale classics
Classic Fairy Tales is a much-loved re-telling of some of the most popular fairy tales in the world, beautifully illustrated by Jane Ray. Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway award.
Bella’s Den – a story about a country childhood
Bella’s Den is set in Edale, in the Peak District. It is a story about friendship, a family of foxes, and a farmer. Dyslexic-friendly. 7+