About our Guest
Katherine Woodfine is a real children’s literature champion. Until 2015 she was Arts Project Manager for Booktrust, where she project-managed the Children’s Laureateship and YALC, the UK’s first Young Adult Literature Convention, curated by Malorie Blackman. She was a co-founder of Down the Rabbit Hole, a radio show which discusses children’s literature and she also is a regular reviewer of children’s books.
She is the bestselling author of two series of books; the Sinclair’s Mysteries and Taylor & Rose Secret Agents, both published by Farshore. Her debut book The Clockwork Sparrow was short-listed for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
A Dancer’s Dream is Katherine’s first picture book but the story first appeared in Winter Magic, an anthology of short stories also published by Simon & Schuster.
You can find out more about her writing and the availability of virtual visits to schools by visiting her website .
Featured Titles
A Dancer’s Dream is a luxurious hardback picture book that is suitable for generations of readers to enjoy together, especially if they like dance. It tells the part fact/part fictitious story behind the first performance of the Nutcracker Ballet in St Petersburg and would make a lovely Christmas gift. It contains full colour illustrations by Lizzy Stewart. A book review of A Dancer’s Dream by a young reader is available to read on Reading2Smile.
Winter Magic is an anthology of winter-themed short stories curated by Abi Elphinstone. Katherine Woodfine’s short story is included in the book as well as contributions from a stellar line-up of acclaimed contemporary children’s writers: Michelle Harrison, Piers Today, Lauren St John, Amy Alward, Geraldine McCaughrean, Berlie Doherty, Jamila Gavin, Michelle Magorian and Emma Carroll. This is the hardback edition.
The Podcast Bookshop
In a Nutshell
- Tea or Coffee: Earl Grey tea
- Snack of Choice: Homemade cake
- Paddington or Pooh Bear: Winnie-the-Pooh
- Book Finish Ritual: Don't have one (yet!)
- Recent Reading Discovery: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
- Special Book to Save: The Christmas Book by Enid Blyton
- Fantasy Lockdown Location: Coastal Cornwall or the Edinburgh Festival
