Welcome to Caroline Pitcher's web-site.
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These are my two new picture books that have just
been published. |
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You'll know from The Shaman Boy and Cloud Cat that I love snow leopards. Here they are again, in my story Two Little Snow Leopards published this month by Stripes in Winter Tales. |
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I have written 3 stories for Wow! 366 Speedy
Stories.
All the authors donated their stories in aid of children's charities.
Nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2004
Helen Davis reviewed my latest novel The Shaman Boy: |
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'Two things immediately stand out: the warmth
and originality of the characters, and the richness of the imaginative
description. Reading the book is a sensual experience of shape, colour
and texture… the startling use of imagery and language point to the
fluid and unsettled nature of reality, throwing up questions about how
we see the world, about freedom and choice. Luka, a blind boy, discovers that he has the power to transfer his spirit to move with an animal, allowing him to experience the world from a stunning variety of perspectives, to marvel at the miracle of the universe. Sharply contrasted against this dizzying world of possibility is the harsh reality of a village suffering the trauma of recent war. The orphan children love to hear Luka’s stories but Florin’s ability to process any story or information is reduced starkly to “bang bang dead.” Ultimately, The Shaman Boy is a book about power. Luka must move between the powerlessness of fear and the power of imagination, love and infinity. ..' You can read the whole review at www.writeaway.org.uk |
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Click on the book cover above to see
the characters, hear Luka's tune and read more reviews. |
Berlie Doherty describes The
Shaman Boy as 'a feast of a book'. |
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This is the beautiful new edition
of Mariana and the Merchild.
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Yum!!! take
a look at the cover for the Italian edition of 11 o'Clock Chocolate Cake: |
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The BBC will use Are You Spring on
their Let's Move radio programmes for schools.
I hope it moves you. |
| My story 'Wakes' appears in In The Frame, an anthology of young adult stories from the 3 counties, published by Five Leaves.
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| 'The Dolphin Bracelet' appears in Like Mother, Like Daughter? an anthology for mothers and daughters. 'In this delightful collection... Caroline Pitcher strikes a poignant note in the story of a family holiday with a terminally ill mother' (Valerie Coghlan in Books for Keeps) |
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Lord of the Forest is out in paperback.
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| 'For something genuinely awe-inspiring, try Lord of the Forest.......this
unforgettable story about a tiger could stop even the stroppiest of infants
in their tracks.' (Nicholas Tucker in The Independent) |
'I defy anybody's head not to turn at this magnificent
picture book.' (Emma Shaw in the Derby Evening Telegraph) |
'Caroline Pitcher's language is as measured as a tiger's
footfall......repetition, alliteration, and rhyme hidden in the prose all
contribute to the "tigerliness" when reading aloud......Jackie
Morris's drawing is skilful and accurate' (INIS - Children's Books Ireland) |
'The best animal picture book of the season is Lord
of the Forest...... Ms Morris's illustrations are lavish and painterly,
and the story—who exactly is the king of the jungle?—holds the reader in
suspense until the very last page.' (The Economist) |
'beautiful watercolours distinguish this quiet story
about grace, humility and identity' |
One of the best things I've ever done is to write
Tam The Eldest
for
Lines in the Sand

Published by Frances Lincoln for £4.99.
This anthology of writings on war and peace raises money for UNICEF's emergency appeal for the children of Iraq.
PLEASE BUY IT NOW.
If you like a giggle, try my novel
it's the story of the summer just gone.
| 'What a joy to read! A great book for teenage girls,
that had me constantly laughing aloud..... Sadness, tears, joy, depression
and anger all take turns to feature. The layout is rather unusual.......
the nicknames are very funny...... I loved this book, and read it in
three days....... It's like an older version of a Jacqueline Wilson
story, but with a few added twists, that keep you guessing until the
end.' (a young reviewer in Education Otherwise)
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'...a delicious slice of teenage life. Readers will be engaged at once..... Great stuff.' (Adčle Geras in Times Educational Supplement) | 'This is a real giggle about the most important things in life - friendship and food!' (Mizz) |
| Click here to read more rave reviews |
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Frances Lincoln
have also published a picture book with beautiful illustrations by Nilesh Mistry

| Books for Keeps gave it a 5 star review: 'Nico...calls his pet 'the chameleon of the sea' | 'The book communicates a strong sense of place - a sunny Mediterranean fishing village where the people live an open air life' | 'An illustrated story of this quality is worthwhile in its own right, but this one also provides a context for a great deal of learning - about a particular sea creature and about a lifestyle.' |
You can order Caroline Pitcher's books in shops and online bookstores
Click on the picture below to visit Scarthin Books:

or better still visit in person.
You will find every wall covered in books, new and second hand, and friendly
staff who live and breathe books. If it all becomes too much you could stop
off in their cafe for some delicious home cooked food and proper coffee.
Why not visit the websites of other 'Scattered Authors' (SAS)
or the Scattered Authors' website
or of a wonderful writer and wonderful friend Berlie Doherty
or of a fantastic writer and fantastic friend Patricia Elliott
or of an excellent writer Elizabeth Kay
See the publications of a small Nottingham press Five Leaves
The Shaman Boy is featured on www.literatureeastmidlands.co.uk/
Bridget Mackeith has illustrated lots more books www.bridgetmackeith.co.uk
I was involved in Megaread for www.thelauracentre.org.uk
You can e-mail Caroline at lineyATcarolinepitcher.co.uk (replace 'AT' with '@')There is a wealth of information about writers and writing at www.ukchildrensbooks.co.uk
You can read Nikki Gamble's interview with me and other writers at www.writeaway.org.uk
Luka's tune from The Shaman Boy was written and played by Max who has been inspired to a life of Jazz by the marvellous East Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra
NB The publishers listed are those publishing the books in the UK - often different publishers are used in other countries.
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All texts on this site are the copyright © of Caroline Pitcher unless
otherwise attributed.
All illustrations remain the copyright © of the artists
acknowledged herein, or their publishers.