About this item
A tender, sweet, and hilarious novel about growing up with a loving family and a perfectly rambunctious dog, from an author who "has set the standard of brilliance" (Horn Book) .When she was eight, Binny's life was perfect: She had her father's wonderful stories and Max, the best dog ever. But after her father's sudden death, money is tight, and Aunty Violet decides to give Max away - he is just too big for their cramped new life. Binny knows she can't get her dad back, but she never stops missing Max, or trying to find him. Then, when she's eleven, everything changes again. Aunty Violet has died, and left Binny and her family an old house in a seaside town. Binny is faced with a new crush, a new frenemy, and ... a ghost? It seems Aunty Violet may not have completely departed. It's odd being haunted by her aunt, but there is also the warmth of a busy and loving mother, a musical older sister, and a hilarious little brother, who is busy with his experiments. And his wetsuit. And his chickens. You'll delight in getting to know Binny and her charming, heartwarming family in this start to a new series from the inimitable Hilary McKay.
About the Author
I was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, the eldest of four girls. I grew up in a household of readers. That sounds peaceful, but it wasn't. Far from it at times, and thank goodness for my local library, a few steps from my school. It was a dark building, steel shelves, squeaking floors, a smell of dust, and a place where children could expect to be glared into silence at the slightest remark. I absolutely adored it. Anyway, to continue. I went to school and after school to St. Andrew's University where I studied Zoology and Botany (officially) and English lit and Fine Art unofficially. You could walk into any lecture in those good old days, and I did. I loved St Andrew's; for a few years it was my private, medieval, sea swept little heaven.After university I had various jobs. Also I started writing books. From the beginning I had incredible luck. My first book, The Exiles, won the Guardian Fiction Prize. As if that wasn't enough, my second, The Exiles at Home, won the Smarties, now gone, but then the most lucrative award for a children's book in the UK. This double success got me a US contract with Simon & Schuster, where I have remained ever since. Other books did well too, with Saffy's Angel winning the Whitbread (now the Costa) , various shortlistings, and most recently, The Skylarks' War another Costa win.I am beginning to sound unbearable.In between these books, came many others. School readers, series books, fantasy, historical fiction, retellings of classics and fairytales, the bread and butter of life as a children's writer. I've lost count of how many now, dozens and dozens.You will find more details, together with news, backgrounds to books and stories, and snippets of what is coming next listed on my website: www.hilarymckay.co.uk
