I got so carried away with the idea of picture books, that I went straight on to Katie Morag and the Dancing Class, by Mairi Hedderwick.
I just love Katie Morag, and have done for years. There are some advantages with having children, after all, and reading good books to them must be one. Whereas I can’t stop myself from reading older children’s fiction for my own pleasure, I tend not to with books for much younger readers. Daughter turned up soon after I’d finished reading this one, and exclaimed “I love Katie Morag!” So, we’ve got something in common. This 15-year-old read the book twice, and then inquired where her other Katie Morag books had got to. (The witch carefully saved them from a clean out long ago.)
This time both of Katie Morag’s Grannies have decided that she’s to have dancing lessons. Katie Morag feels a little differently about it, as she should. Katie Morag has some nice avoidance techniques which have to be admired, but as usual it all ends well.
Talking of admiration, Mairi’s illustrations are utterly perfect. I’m sure all the adults reading her books wish they were there, on the Isle of Struay with Katie Morag. I can hear the sea, and I can smell it, too.
And if I need to be someone, I’ll be Grannie Island.
3 responses so far ↓
Meg Rosoff // February 20, 2008 at 19:45
I sat next to Mairi Hedwick at a dinner once, and through my awe got the sense that she was a bit sick of Katie M. Shocking, I know, but you can’t help being sympathetic. She’s written about 900 other books.
bookwitch // February 20, 2008 at 19:53
Yes, I got that impression, too, from somewhere. Decided against writing her a gushing letter, for that reason. The pictures are still wonderful, though.
rebecca // May 27, 2008 at 12:29
great and informative
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