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 Egmont. 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 our Kids’ Reviews Page.
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
If you would like to order a personalised signed copy of the books that were featured in the podcast you can place your order by clicking on the picture of the front cover of the book below.
*Please be aware that this offer is only available for a limited period of time
As our copies will be individually dedicated it is only possible to order a single copy of each title per order.
All prices include postage to addresses in the United Kingdom
International customers wishing to buy from abroad or use an overseas delivery address are kindly invited to contact us directly to place their order.
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