Reception at the House of Lords

In her capacity as author and patron Hilary has been invited, with illustrator Mandy Stanley, to an evening reception, on January 21st 2013, at the House of Lords to celebrate The Children's University.

Four New Fairytale Jumbles!

Traditional stories mixed up to reveal new fun topsy turvy twists!

Just published are four more rhyming books by Hilary now making a series of eight for Wayland's Start Reading programme. The latest books are:

• Cinderella and the Beanstalk

• Rapunzel and the Billy Goats

• Hansel and Gretel and the Ugly Duckling

• Beauty, Beauty And The Pea

Endorsement from Lorraine Kelly

Positive endorsement from Daybreak's Lorraine Kelly for the Copper Tree series

It is so refreshing for a series of  children’s books to cover such challenging social issues in such a sensitive manner, and so beautifully illustrated too.

and from Librarian Ruth Humphreys

Hilary Robinson and Mandy Stanley create ground breaking books that deal with topical issues in a very sensitive way. There are very few books aimed at this age group which treat these issues.

St Peter’s C of E School, Leeds

Visit to Czech Republic

Hilary will be visiting Brno in the Czech Republic for four days to celebrate the ten year city partnership with Leeds. She will be working with children of all ages in schools and libraries.

Hilary and Copper Tree illustrator, Mandy Stanely will also be speaking at the National Psychologists Conference, in Harrogate on 11th April about how their books can help children cope with difficult situations.

USA website lists The Copper Tree

USA website lists The Copper Tree as one of the 'Top Ten Books for Children Dealing with Death and Grief'.

Chosen by efuneral.com their selection is based on books that have "the ability to help bereaved children make sense of the difficult feelings associated with death and to understand the healing process."  They described The Copper Tree as "a tender and lighthearted approach towards helping young children understand death and the subsequent feeling of loss."

Mothers' Union to sell The Copper Tree

Mothers' Union, is now selling The Copper Tree, a book to help children come to terms with death and loss. With 4 million members worldwide 100% of the profit made from the sale of the book is covenanted back to the charity to fund the valuable work of supporting families in 83 countries.

Praise from The Bookseller for Mixed Up Nursery Rhymes!

Previewing titles published in July, the Bookseller has endorsed the paperback version of  Hilary's Mixed Up Nursery Rhymes.

A long awaited sequel to the brilliant Mixed Up Fairy Tales.  Interactive split pages allow children to create their own versions of favourite rhymes.  Ingenious, imaginative fun.

Endorsements for The Copper Tree

Top University and Child Minder Of The Year recommend The Copper Tree.

More endorsement for 'The Copper Tree' comes from the Times Higher Education UK University of The Year 2012/13, the University of Strathclyde and from Childminder Of The Year, Carol Harris who recommends it at the best book available for children dealing with bereavement.

Keynote address at graduation ceremony

On Wednesday, 12th June, Hilary will be delivering the keynote address and handing out awards at the graduation ceremony of the Lambeth branch of the Children's University.

Hilary

Where The Poppies Now Grow

Hilary is delighted to be working with War Horse illustrator, Martin Impey, on a picturebook to mark the anniversary of the start of the First World War.  'Where The Poppies Now Grow' will be published early next year.

Illustration copyright by Martin Impey OUP

Mixed Up Nursery Rhymes now in paperback

Mixed Up Nursery Rhymes - the sequel to the best selling Mixed Up Fairy Tales is out this week in paperback!

A long awaited sequel to the brilliant Mixed Up Fairy Tales.  Interactive split pages allow children to create their own versions of favourite rhymes.  Ingenious, imaginative fun.

- The Bookseller

The cover for "Where The Poppies Now Grow"

Hilary's illustrator, Martin Impey has just released the cover for their book which will be published early next year to mark the anniversary of the start of the First World War.

Both Hilary and Martin lost great uncles at the Somme. 'Where The Poppies Now Grow' will be dedicated to their memory.

Mixed Up Nursery Rhymes top choice

Julia Eccleshare of The Guardian selects Mixed Up Nursery Rhymes as a top choice for summer reading!

Help A Hamster is recommended

Help A Hamster is recommended in The Bookseller’s Autumn Children’s Buyer Guide.

A touching and insightful story that helps children understand more about adoption.

UK Library lending

Hilary is one of the most borrowed authors from UK libraries according to figures for 2011/12 recently released by the Public Lending Rights Office. The full list can be found on the Guardian website.

Children's University graduation

Hilary was delighted to present certificates to Children's University graduates in Lambeth a few weeks ago. More information here.

South Korea buys rights

It has just been announced that the foreign rights to all three books in the Copper Tree Class series have been sold to South Korea by Morag O'Brien at Ed Victor Ltd.

Rights sold to the USA

Demand for Mixed Up Nursery Rhymes has been so high it's been reprinted after just one month and now rights to Mixed Up Fairy Tales have been sold by Hodder Children's Books to the USA.   Sterling Publishing, an imprint of Barnes and Noble have acquired the rights to this title which has now sold over 100,000 copies.

Story Tellers Chair

Misty Suite

The composer, Adrian Munsey, has composed a suite for four movements based on Hilary's as yet unpublished story, Misty, The Story Of A Rocking Horse.  Just released on his new album - Full Circle.

City Library, Bradford

Hilary was invited to take part in opening of the new City Library, in Centenary Square in Bradford.  Pictured with two enthusiastic library supporters, Naila and her son Musa.