Welcome to Caroline Pitcher's web-site.


I have a new website at https://carolinepitchercouk.wordpress.com/


On Thursday July 4th, a sumptuous new edition of Mariana and the Merchild, was published by Otter-Barry Books. This is my re-telling of a Chilean folk-tale about kindness, fostering and making a difficult choice.
It's also a love poem to the ocean, stunningly illustrated by Jackie Morris.



You don't have to be a prince or a princess to star in a folk tale. Remember Jack? He was poor and somewhat gullible. He sold his mother's cow for a few magic beans. She was livid and hurled them away. Lo! a giant beanstalk grew. First written down in 1734, this folk tale has countless retellings with new shoots from the stem of the story. In a recent retelling, the Giant's wife even teaches Jack how to cook healthy meals… Folk tales don't have sacred or religious significance. They tell of everyday problems, such as how to harvest that Enormous Turnip. They demonstrate decent behaviour. If you didn't help The Little Red Hen earlier, don't expect to eat her delicious fresh bread. Folk tales seem simple, yet there's a sense of something mysterious waiting around, like Led Zeppelin's bustle in your hedgerow. The tales encourage empathy, protected community and culture. They are rarely judgemental and are still relevant so that in today's classrooms, children can talk about the tales, tell their own versions and act out the story lines. Folk lore has inspired novels, such as those by Catherine Fisher, Susan Cooper, Alan Garner and Katherine Langrish. Sometimes they weave in and out of narratives. Berlie Doherty's The Haunted Hills references a local tale of `the Lost Lad' and Linda Newbery's novel Lob for younger readers has a hybrid Green Man/Hob character. (Talking of hobs, the one who lives in the high cliffs at Runswick Bay can cure your child's whooping cough if you ask in the right way. Now that whooping cough is back, I sense a contemporary retelling lurking here...) Archetypes from folk tales swim, leap, fly, crawl, lumber and shape-change through stories all over the world, making them immediate to strangers from other cultures, changing and developing with each teller, listener or reader. They are passed from generation to generation, as if a song is sung over and over again but never the same way twice. They are often specific to a locality. The tale of the Shetland selkie differs from that of the Orkney selkie. Not too far away, the unruly Blue Men of Minch swim around the Hebrides. Merfolk swim through the endless sea in many cultures. Even near my home, far from any sea, a mermaid lives in a bottomless pool at Blake Mere and it is said cattle will not drink from that pool. I loved writing Mariana and the Merchild based on a folk tale from Chile, where the Mermaid is known as La Pincoya, sometimes blond and suntanned. You don't mess with her. She rescues shipwrecked sailors and advises on the abundance of fish stocks by dancing on the beach in a dress of seaweed. If the news is good, she dances facing out to sea, landwards if not. After reading this Chilean tale, I wanted to tell it differently and I wasn't going to kill off the old woman in the end, either. Folk tales were told to listeners of all ages. Picture books can be shared with children and adults and they have the added joy of illustrations. I hope my words will beguile their listeners and offer opportunities to the artist. In my telling and Jackie Morris's wonderful illustrations, our Mermaid isn't blond and suntanned or out of a Disney film. Her hair flames red, she has polished mother-of-pearl skin and opal eyes. After a storm fronted by sea-wolves, old Mariana ventures out of her ramshackle hut and finds a baby in a crab-shell cradle. She hears someone singing, but not words from this world and is confronted by an awesome Mermaid as tall as a mast. This is a folk-tale and so there are conditions; if the old woman cares for the Merchild until the seas calm, the Mermaid will return each day to breastfeed her baby and teach her to swim. Mariana does as she is asked. It is the happiest time of her life, until she must face a hard choice. The Mariana Trench is 11 km down in the Pacific. It is an abyss where two tectonic plates meet. It shelters and protects diversity. Perhaps it is here that life on earth began? Well, Mariana shelters and protects the Merchild and so her name befits her. In our story, there are themes of kindness, loneliness and friendship. The village children are slightly scared of old Mariana and creep behind her, pulling faces. When they witness her kindness, they become her friends and are generous in return. A sense of fairness flows through folk tales wherever they spring from. Mariana and the Merchild speaks of loving relationships, of caring, of friendship, fostering and protection, all the way across the world and down the years to us.




A HUGE thank you to Charlotte Hayward and her class from St Louis Catholic Primary School in Frome, Somerset! They have sent me their wonderful responses to Lord of the Forest. There are setting descriptions, diary entries and even a letter from Tiger to his Mum. I've enjoyed reading your delightful writing, Year 2, so thank you again, from Caroline x.

I have been blogging!



The new supersize Lord of the Forest was published by Graffeg on September 15th






'Beautifully produced in a large format, this fable, richly imagined in both the lyrical words of the text and the stunning, large scale watercolour illustrations, is a book to treasure.'
Julia Eccleshare M.B.E Read the full review in Love Reading

'This book is so beautiful, it is impossible to do it full justice here. Caroline Pitcher’s lyrical text is a rich texture of descriptions and figurative language, her use of metaphors, alliteration and onomatopoeia weaving the mesmerising rhythms of nature into the story: ‘the grass growing’, ‘the shudder of branches’, ‘the curling of Chameleon’s tongue’; crabs creep, fish flip, Tiger’s paws are ‘scimitar claws’...Ultimately, Lord of the Forest is a uniquely beautiful picture book to be read, looked at, enjoyed and contemplated by a universal audience and one which I strongly recommend..' Reviewed by Barbara Valentini in Best Books for Schools

'Elegance and humility reign both in Caroline Pitcher’s lyrical telling and Jackie Morris’s awesome art. Jackie’s stunning watercolours immediately breath life into the creatures she portrays: the dignity and grace of the tiger in particular is palpable, while Caroline Pitcher’s poetic narrative truly transports us to the forest habitat with its magnificent sights and mellifluous sounds. This enlarged edition of a book first published 18 years ago seems even more beautiful than the original. Sheer joy to read aloud, it’s one to add to family bookshelves and classroom collections.'
Reviewed by Jill Bennett in Red Reading Hub

Graffeg partners with Wild Cats Conservation Alliance

We're so excited to announce our new partnership with Wild Cats Conservation Alliance. With every purchase of Lord of the Forest or Arglwydd y Fforest (Welsh edition translated by Mererid Hopwood) on our website using the code 'WildCats' we will donate £4 to this charity.

WildCats Conservation Alliance is an initiative of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation (DWF) channeling public and zoo support for wild tiger and Amur leopard conservation projects. To date, WildCats has mobilised over £4m in support of 103 monitoring, protection, conflict resolution, firefighting and awareness-raising projects.

Currently, WildCats supports projects in 5 tiger range countries within Asia. It works with implementing partners whose projects are regularly, independently, reviewed providing supporters with the confidence that their money is being used effectively.

'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' (Kirkus Review)

This illustration from Lord of the Forest has been auctioned on eBay. The painting, together with a signed hardback copy of the book sold for £620.00. The money all goes to help 21st Century Tiger. Thank you, everyone!

Annie, a primary school teacher in North Devon, wrote "The Year 2s in my class were completely hooked by the story (of Lord of The Forest) and literally gasped several times at the incredible language.
I have never seen a book engage and inspire a class to the extent that this one has."
Annie sent me 11 examples of the childrens' own versions using different animals and they were excellent!! Thank you, Annie and her class.

There's a new Winter Dragon out last year, published by Graffeg.



These Little Owls DO get around - now there is a Russian One!






At the moment I am writing a novel for adults and a novel for children and guess what?
They both happen in Crete.

I have reviewed The North Water by Ian McGuire for WRITERS REVIEW. Take a look at this site, or follow it on twitter @WritersReview.
There are some good things here, recommendations by published writers.

I was happy to hear from Irina in Romania who tells me her son enjoyed reading The Shaman Boy .
I didn't even know there was a Romanian edition of The Shaman Boy. Apparently there is a Romanian edition of 11 O'Clock Chocolate Cake too.
Irina says "please write more books. Children love your wonderful stories" Thank You Irina.

Remembering some fun gigs with Berlie Doherty at Eyam Hall, and visits to lovely schools.

"Thank you from all of us at Griffe Field for your wonderful, inspiring visit to our school"

"Just wanted to say what a great day yesterday was. Thank you for engaging and inspiring our children so well. All the teachers that were in the sessions in the morning and the storytelling in the afternoon commented on how excited the children were. Thanks again",
Sam Taylor Head of Physical Education Smith's Wood Primary Academy

Some of my short stories can now be bought as e-books from
Cut a Long Story Short the writers publishing community.
There are lots of good stories for grown-ups too.

Here we were at W.H.Smiths, Fargate, Sheffield. Thanks, Mick!

Thank you Melissa, Isobel, Charlotte and Kathryn for your amazing reviews of	And an extra Thank You! to Isobel for reviewing
the updated edition of 11 o'Clock Chocolate Cake. published by Cybermouse	the updated edition of Mine, again published by Cybermouse, with artwork by Emma J Graham. (Times 'Top Teen Book')

'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) '...a delicious slice of teenage life. Readers will be engaged at once..... Great stuff.' (Adèle Geras in Times Educational Supplement) This is a real giggle about the most important things in life - friendship and food!'  (Mizz)

'an unusually moving story of a girl unwillingly tuned into lamenting voices from thr past ...remarkable' (The Times) 'Fine poetic writing, a moving, ambitious book.' Berlie Doherty, choosing Mine in 'I wish I'd writen... (Books for Keeps)

Tiny Tiger is with us

Foyles are an efficient and reasonable firm who will send you books and pay their taxes.
But if you are anywhere near Cromford visit Scarthin Books.

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11 o'Clock Chocolate Cake (New Edition) Mine (New Edition) The Dolphin Bracelet The Shaman Boy and Ghost in the Glass are all now available on Kindle:

I loved to see this mention of my favourite bookshop (Scarthin of Cromford) in the Guardian www.guardian.co.uk/independent-bookshops

Obi's Umbrella is my story in Moonlight Tales.	My story Catch a Falling Star about a Narwhal called Nakkertok is in ON A STARRY NIGHT.	My Story Dog Star is about Chookie, a blue-eyed husky pup, and is in the Winter Wishes anthology.

Maybe I've read Once in a Blue Moon, That's What I Want or The Bit of Everything Dog to you in Assembly? They're in Wow! 366 which has now raised over £30,000 for ChildLine. So if School bought a copy, thank you!	My story 'Wakes' appears in In The Frame, an anthology of young adult stories from the 3 counties, published by Five Leaves. If you liked my novel Mine you'll like Wakes because it has a similar Derbyshire setting. The cover is by David Wyatt, who also illustrated the stunning covers for Sky Shifter, Cloud Cat and The Shaman Boy.	'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)	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.

Nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2004

Aren't they lovely? These are the reindeer from 'Fox Fire' published in the anthology A Winter's Night (Stripes £4.99). The story is about a young reindeer's encounter with a mysterious white fox, before he witnesses the amazing Northern Lights. The anthology also has stories by Penny Dolan, Karen Wallace, Malachy Doyle and more... It has delightful drawings by Alison Edgson. Buy From Amazon	Look out for my story about a dog called Wizard which has been published in Winter Magic.	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 by Stripes in Winter Tales.

AND

there's yet another slice of best selling Italian 11 O'clock Chocolate Cake, with a little cake on every page. This is a new paperback edition!

What a surprise to find my story Kylie and the Can-Can Beans in this Puffin anthology of Stories for Nine-Year-Olds.........

Octopus News........

The Littlest Owl is out in paperback. Gillian (8½) wrote to me to tell me of her own ending. 'One goes to a willow tree in Canada, Two goes to a willow tree in Ohio, Three goes to a willow tree in California, and Four in a tree in Texas!' What far-flung Owlets! She says 'I really liked the book, it was awesome.' Thank you, Gillian.

Here is a picture book with charming illustrations by the very talented Tina Macnaughton. Buy from Amazon

			These Little Owls do get around
			and NOW:

Helen Davis reviewed my novel The Shaman Boy:
	'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. ..'
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'.

Film News

Spinning Down the Derwent
It was great to see the finished film at The Ritz, Belper and
meeting up again with everyone who worked on it.

This is the beautiful second edition of Mariana and the Merchild. It was great to meet a real life Mariana in Assos - Hello Mariana!

Silkscreen

Silkscreen has won an Arts Council Writer's Award, and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. 'This is a powerful, moving and suspenseful story about loss and despair; but also about how good wins through eventually and how hope can triumph. The writing is excellent - the pitch,the pace and the juxtaposition of modern life against a Victorian background are absorbing and adept. A gripping read.' (Sheila Wood in The Bookseller)