The Highland Falcon Thief wins the FCBG Younger Readers Award.

The Highland Falcon Thief won the Federation of Children’s Book Groups younger readers award! This is one of the most special awards a children’s author can win because it’s voted for by all the children in the book groups. Often prizes and awards are judged by learned adults, but to be awarded a prize by the people you actually write the book for is meaningful to me. It means I’m doing a good job, and that’s the best feeling in the world.

Sadly the award ceremony was cancelled because of the rail strikes, so the party has been postponed until later in the year, when I hope to meet our readers and thank them for this great honour. It’s really made my week.

Find out more about the FCBG awards here.

TWITCH is long-listed for the James Cropper Wainwright Prize 2022

It is with utter delight, I can tell you that TWITCH has been long-listed for the Wainwright Prize for Children’s writing on nature and conservation! This prize is a special one. Every year I read the shortlists and grow.

This means such a lot to me - and I’m humbled to be included. Massive congratulations to all the other long listees!

This long list features writers I respect, admire and - to be honest - fangirl over. I don't know how anyone picks a winner. I certainly couldn't.

You can find out more about the prize and the other books that are long-listed here.

KEY DATES: 

• The Prize shortlists will be announced on 28th July at Foyles, London.

• The Prize winners will be announced live on 7th September at the London Wetlands Centre.

Audible commissions a winter fairytale from M. G. Leonard!

I’ve got deliciously wintery news for audiobook fans. I’ve been working with Audible to create a magical Christmas present for you. You’ll be able to make a cup of hot chocolate, settle by the fireside and listen to The Ice Children with your family from November 2022. I cannot wait for you to hear it.

In 2023, Macmillan will be transforming this story into an exquisite book ready for Christmas stockings.

More exciting news concerning the project will be coming soon, so watch this space!

THE TWITCHERS book 2 is called SPARK

I’m very excited to be able to announce that there will be more books in THE TWITCHERS series. The second book will be called SPARK and published at the beginning of September.

The title is a reference to the Spark Bird - the bird that sparks an interest in birding, that opens your eyes to the wonder of birds & nature. A pivotal moment in which your world is changed. And this story is about Jack.

You can preorder a personalised, signed and dedicated, copy from my local children’s bookshop Book Nook Hove here. They will post to anywhere in the UK.