The Windspinner

Berlie Doherty began writing for children in 1983, after teaching and working on schools radio. She has written more that 35 books for children, as well as for theatre, radio and television. She won the Carnegie Medal twice: in 1987 for Granny Was A Buffer Girl and in 1992 for Dear Nobody. She has also won the Writer's Guild Children's Fiction Award for Daughter of the Sea. Her work is published all over the world, and many of her books have been televised.

First the fairies took Tam's little sister, Blue. Then they took his Great-Grandpa Toby. Now Tam has to keep a great secret - not only is Great-Grandpa still in Faery as King, but the old King of the fairies, Oban, is now in Tam's world disguised as a boy Tam's age! 
 
At first, it's lots of fun having Oban and his magic around. He manages to charm everybody - even Tam's teacher at school. But then things start to go wrong . . . 
 
When Tam finds the magical Windspinner that Great-Grandpa Toby left for him, Oban can't make the magic work like Tam can and he disappears in a huff and starts causing chaos. The only person who can stop the trouble and call Oban home to fairy land is his mother, the Damson Hag. But she's locked up tight in a golden cage. So Tam sets off on another adventure to Faery - this time with Great-great aunt California at his side - to rescue the Damson Hag and try and return Oban and Great-grandpa Toby to their right homes . . .

The Starburster Stories

Three magical adventures from much-loved, Carnegie Award-winning author Berlie Doherty: The Starburster, The Humming Machine and The Windspinner.

(Of The Humming Machine): The story is told with a great deal of charm

(Of The Humming Machine): Doherty writes for children with simplicity, pace and zest, making thoroughly modern stories out of tales that have roots delicately lace in Celtic myth

(Of Deep Secret): We should treasure writers like Berlie Doherty who are incapable of writing a mediocre sentence

(Of The Starburster): A great story to read aloud or for new readers to tackle on their own

(Of Deep Secret): We should treasure writers like Berlie Doherty who are incapable of writing a mediocre sentence

(Of The Humming Machine): Doherty writes for children with simplicity, pace and zest, making thoroughly modern stories out of tales that have roots delicately lace in Celtic myth

Berlie Doherty began writing for children in 1983, after teaching and working in radio. She has written more than 35 books for children, as well as for the theatre, radio and television. Berlie has won the Carnegie Medal twice: in 1987 for GRANNY WAS A BUFFER GIRL and in 1992 for DEAR NOBODY. She has also won the Writer's Guild Children's Fiction Award for DAUGHTER OF THE SEA. Her work is published all over the world, and many of her books have been televised.

Follow Tam on three exciting adventures to the land of Faery - where he'll battle castle nightmares, evil creatures and mischevious fairies! 
 
THE STARBURSTER 
At first, Tam isn't at all keen on his baby sister, Blue. But with a little inventive persuasion from Great-grandpa, Tam changes his mind. One terrible night, Blue is stolen - and an ugly fairy changeling is left in her place! It falls to Tam to journey to the magical land of Faery, return the changeling and win back Blue... 
 
THE HUMMING MACHINE 
Great-grandpa Toby is making so much NOISE! And if Tam can hear the clamour coming from his humming machine, the fairies will too. Soon enough, on the night of a blue moon, Great-grandpa vanishes. Tam must venture to Faery Land once more - but what will he find when he gets there? 
 
THE WINDSPINNER 
First the fairies took Tam's little sister, Blue. Then they took his Great-grandpa Toby. Now Tam has to keep a great secret - not only is Great-grandpa still in Faery as King, but the old King of the fairies, Oban, is now in Tam's world disguised as a boy Tam's age! 
 
At first, it's lots of fun having Oban and his magic around. He manages to charm everybody - even Tam's teacher at school. But then things start to go wrong . . . 
 
 
Three enchanting stories from much-loved, Carnegie Award-winning author Berlie Doherty. 
 
 
Young Corgi books are perfect for building reading confidence

The Starburster

An enchanting tale by this Carnegie Medal winner, of Tam's brave journey to rescue his baby sister who has been stolen by the fairies.

A great story to read aloud or for new readers to tackle on their own

[The book] succeeds because it does not condescend to reluctant readers

Berlie Doherty began writing for children in 1983, after teaching and working for schools radio. She has written more that 35 books for children, as well as for the thearte, radio and television, and won the Carnegie Medal twice : in 1987 for GRANNY WAS A BUFFER GIRL and in 1992 for DEAR NOBODY. She has also won the Writer's Guild Children's Fiction Award for DAUGHTER OF THE SEA. Her work is published all over the world, and many of her books have been televised.

At first, Tam isn't at all keen on his baby sister, Blue. All she seems to do is cry. But with a little inventive persuasion from Great-grandpa Tam changes his mind and even goes as far as to admit he might quite like her. But then one terrible night, Blue is stolen and an ugly fairy changeling is left in her place. With his Mum and Dad wrapped up in grief, and his Great-grandpa far too old for adventures, it falls to Tam to venture to the land of Faery, return the changeling and win back Blue. But it is a hazardous journey, and Tam must keep his wits about him as he crosses the Sapphire lake, does battle with the castle nightmares and finally confronts the King and Queen of the fairies.

The Humming Machine

The Fairies stole Blue, and now they've got Great-grandpa! A heart-warming tale of Tam's adventures in Faery Land from this twice Carnegie medal-winning author.

Berlie Doherty began writing for children in 1983, after teaching and working for schools' radio. She has written more that 35 books for children, as well as for the thearte, radio and television, and won the Carnegie Medal twice: in 1987 for GRANNY WAS A BUFFER GIRL and in 1992 for DEAR NOBODY. She has also won the Writer's Guild Children's Fiction Award for DAUGHTER OF THE SEA. Her work is published all over the world, and many of her books have been televised. 
THE HUMMING MACHINE is the sequel to her much loved THE STARBURSTER.

Great-grandpa Toby is making so much NOISE! And if Tam can hear the clamour coming from his humming machine, the fairies will too. And soon enough, on the night of a blue moon, Great-grandpa Toby vanishes without a trace. While battling nightmarish fairies and decoding the words of the Flame-Reader, Tam eventually discovers his Great-grandpa has been captured by the beautiful Damson Hag, and turned into a nine-year-old boy! Bewitched, fed only with rose petals, and mournfully playing the humming machine to himself, Great-grandpa Toby is tempted to stay in Faery Land and be young for ever... Unless Tam has anything to do with it.

The Snow Queen: A Magic Beans Story

A short story from the Magic Beans series: a heart-warming tale of friendship against all odds.

Berlie Doherty began writing for children in 1982, after teaching and working in radio. She has written more than thirty-five books for children, as well as for the theatre, radio and television. She has won the Carnegie Medal twice: in 1986 for Granny Was a Buffer Girl and in 1991 for Dear Nobody. She has also won the Writer's Guild Children's Fiction Award for Daughter of the Sea. Her work is published all over the world, and many of her books have been televised.

The mischievous imps' magic mirror has frozen Kay's heart, turning him into a miserable prisoner of the Snow Queen. His best friend, Gerda, is racing barefoot across Lapland to save him - together they must find the secret of the universe and sing their way home, before Kay's heart becomes cold and black forever. 
 
This story is a magic bean. It may not look much like a bean, but I can promise you that it is. For if you plant it in a young mind, it will grow into a love of story and reading. These beans are favourite fairytales and legends that will delight, thrill and thoroughly entertain. Each story has been brilliantly crafted by one of the best-loved writers for children. 
 
This story was published by David Fickling Books as part of the Magic Beans anthology. The complete anthology is available in hardback and in ebook format.

Magic Beans: A Handful of Fairytales from the Storybag

Beautiful retellings of favourite fairytales by the best-loved writers for children.

An entrancing collection of classic fairtyales retold by leading storytellers such as Philip Pullman, Adele Geras, and Malorie Blackman. Elegant line drawings add to the magic

A wonderfully entertaining sampler of 14 great storytellers, who include Anne Fine, Phillip Pullman and Jacqueline Wilson. It's rich retellings range from Aesops Fables to the Little Mermaid

With wonderfully told stories by brilliant writers including Alan Garner, Linda Newbery, Anne Fine, Gillian Cross, Berlie Doherty and Philip Pullman, parents will love it every bit as much as their kids

If you don't have a collection, then Magic Beans: A Handful of Fairytales from the Storybag is as good a place to start as any . . . Even bought as a reference guide to fantastic writers for your kids to explore, it'll be money well spent

With comfortable print and decorative embellishments by well-known illustrators, this rich kaleidoscope of stories is a book for keeps

Much nicer and more accessible than a traditional keepsake edition, this anthology will actually be read and enjoyed rather than resting on the shelf. The whole clutch of stories is beautifully, clearly written, and adults will relish reading them aloud to children

Brims with elegant prose, enchantment, comedy and mischief . . . It's the perfect gift but also a book to squirrel away for yourself and enjoy on a rainy afternoon

Smartly written, the tales can be enjoyed afresh, imbued with a love of words that will no doubt excite and delight your child. The new hardback collection is printed in large type so should be a good first read. It would also make a lovely gift

Each of the stories in this anthology is a magic bean: a wondrous take that will capture your imagination. Lovingly crafted by some of the finest authors and illustrators in the business . . . these 'magic beans' will delight and thoroughly entertain

All the stories give a fresh and immediate version of the often cruel but funny originals where the darkest sides of human nature are contrasted against innocent honesty; magic intervening first on one side, then the other, until virtue triumphs. Skilful writing from modern storytellers

A bright cover and good sized print are attractive but the irresistible factor is the list of 14 authors . . . Amazing, brilliant and a comparative bargain

Adèle Geras (Author) ADELE GERAS was born in Jerusalem and travelled widely as a child. She started writing over twenty-five years ago and has published more than 80 titles. Ithaka was shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Prize and the Whitbread Chirldren's Book Award. She lives in Manchester with her husband and has two grown-up daughters and two grandchildren. Anne Fine (Author) Anne Fine is one of our most distinguished writers for children. She has written over fifty highly acclaimed books and has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and both the Whitbread Children’s Book of the Year and the Carnegie Medal twice over. Anne was appointed the Children’s Laureate from 2001-3, and her work has been translated into over forty languages. In 2003 she became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded an OBE. Anne lives in County Durham. Henrietta Branford (Author) Henrietta Branford was born in India in 1946 but grew up in a remote part of the New Forest. Her first novel, Royal Blunder, was published in 1990. After that she wrote many different sorts of books, from picture books to teenage novels, including Dimanche Diller (Smarties Prize and the Prix Tam-Tam) and Fire, Bed and Bone (Guardian Children's Fiction Prize). After her death in 1997 a prize was established to commemorate her and her editor Wendy Boase - the Branford Boase Award for a first novel. Jacqueline Wilson (Author) Jacqueline Wilson wrote her first novel when she was nine years old, and she has been writing ever since. She is now one of Britain’s bestselling and most beloved children’s authors. She has written over 100 books and is the creator of characters such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather. More than forty million copies of her books have been sold. 
 
As well as winning many awards for her books, including the Children’s Book of the Year, Jacqueline is a former Children’s Laureate, and in 2008 she was appointed a Dame. 
 
Jacqueline is also a great reader, and has amassed over 20,000 books, along with her famous collection of silver rings. 
 
Find out more about Jacqueline and her books at JacquelineWilson.co.uk Malorie Blackman (Author) MALORIE BLACKMAN has written over sixty books and is acknowledged as one of today’s most imaginative and convincing writers for young readers. She has been awarded numerous prizes for her work, including the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Fantastic Fiction Award. Malorie has also been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. In 2005 she was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her contribution to children’s books, and in 2008 she received an OBE for her services to children’s literature. She has been described by The Times as ‘a national treasure’. Malorie Blackman was the Children’s Laureate 2013–15. Philip Pullman (Author) Philip Pullman is one of the most highly respected children's authors writing today. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Whitbread Award, Pullman’s epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials has been acclaimed as a modern classic. It has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages. In 2005 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in Oxford. Tony Mitton (Author) Tony Mitton is an award-winning poet, whose gently mesmerising, often humorous poetry is irresistible to both children and adults alike. He is an extremely versatile author, writing story poems and shorter verse with skill and wit. Tony does lots of author events, school visits and poetry readings and always leaves his audience entranced. 
 
He lives in Cambridge with his wife and two children. Alan Garner (Author) Alan Garner was born in Congleton, Cheshire, in 1934. His began writing his first novel at the age of 22 and is renowned as one of Britain's outstanding writers for young adults. He has won many prizes for his writing, and, in 2001 he was awarded the OBE for services to literature. Berlie Doherty (Author) Berlie Doherty began writing for children in 1983, after teaching and working in radio. She has written more than 35 books for children, as well as for the theatre, radio and television. Berlie has won the Carnegie Medal twice: in 1987 for GRANNY WAS A BUFFER GIRL and in 1992 for DEAR NOBODY. She has also won the Writer's Guild Children's Fiction Award for DAUGHTER OF THE SEA. Her work is published all over the world, and many of her books have been televised. Gillian Cross (Author) Gillian Cross was born in 1945. Although she is now a full-time writer, she has had a number of informal jobs, including being an assistant to a Member of Parliament. Her books include Wolf (Carnegie Medal 1990), The Great Elephant Chase (Whitbread Children's Book Award, Smarties Prize, 1992) and the titles in the 'Demon Headmaster' sequence, which was also made into a TV series. Kit Wright (Author) Kit Wright was born in 1944 and is the author of more than twenty-five books, for both adults and children. His books of poetry include The Bear Looked Over the Mountain (1977), which won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize and the Alice Hunt Bartlett Award, and Short Afternoons (1989), which won the Hawthornden Prize and was joint winner of the Heinemann Award. His poetry is collected in Hoping It Might Be So: Poems 1974-2000 (2000). Michael Morpurgo (Author) Michael Morpurgo has written over 120 books, many of them award-winning. His most well-known work, War Horse, was adapted into a multi-Oscar nominated film by Steven Spielberg, and a widely-acclaimed play at the National Theatre. 
 
In 2003 Michael became the third Children's Laureate, a position he helped create with the poet Ted Hughes. 
 
With his wife, Clare, he set up the charity Farms for City Children, and for their pioneering work they were both awarded the MBE in 1999. Susan Gates (Author) S.P. Gates was born in Grimsby, England. Her dad is a musician and her mum was a tailor. Before she became a full-time writer she lived and worked in Malawi, Africa, then taught in schools in Coventry and County Durham in England. 
 
She has written more than 100 books for children. Many of which have won prizes, including twice overall winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award, commended for the Carnegie Medal and Highly Commended for the Nasen Special Educational Needs Award. She's diversified a lot in children's writing (she likes a new challenge) and has written plays, poems, picture books, books for reluctant readers, novels for teenagers, comedy, thrillers, comedy/thrillers, historical novels - and even once a series of books about grammar for schools. 
 
If she hadn't been a writer, she'd like to have been a professional guitarist like her father, who is still gigging at 88 years old! 
 
www.susangateschildrenswriter.blogspot.co.uk 
 
www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Gates-Children's-Author/208668295974052 
 
www.pinterest.com/monsterinthemud/susan-gates-childrens-books 
 Linda Newbery (Author) As a child Linda Newbery was a secret writer, filling exercise books with stories which she hid in her wardrobe. Now she is a published author of over forty books, mainly children's and teenage fiction. She has been shortlisted for many prestigious literary prizes and has won the Costa children's book award. 
Linda lives in an Oxfordshire village and enjoys yoga, gardening, walking and the cinema.

Magic beans. Sow them. Plant them. Watch children grow. 
 
'If you are a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hoper, a prayer, a magic-bean-buyer. If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire, for we have some flax-golden tales to spin. Come in! Come in!' - Shel Silverstein, Poet 
 
Each and every one of the stories in this anthology is a magic bean: a wondrous tale that will capture your imagination. Prepare to be dazzled by Rapunzel's golden tresses. Prepare to be moved by the suffering of the Little Mermaid. Prepare to laugh yourself silly as 'Mr Sultana' struggles to get the better of a little red rooster! 
 
Lovingly crafted by the finest authors and illustrators, these 'magic beans' will delight, thrill and thoroughly entertain.

Berlie Doherty

The moving and very real story of two teenagers and an unplanned pregnancy. It is told from two viewpoints - that of Helen as she writes her thoughts in a series of letters to the unborn baby, the Dear Nobody of the title, and of her boyfriend Chris as he reads the letters.  This Carnegie Medal-winning novel is now part of the Originals - Penguin's ground-breaking modern classics for young adults.

Berlie Doherty

Books by Berlie Doherty

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