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Gill Lewis has adored animals for as long as she can remember. From building a mini hospital for insects in her garden as a child, to working as a vet in the wilds of Africa, her life has been full of fascinating wildlife adventures. She now lives in Somerset with her family and their pets, which include dogs, chickens, and a rescued Shetland pony. She dreams up stories in her treehouse, surrounded by squirrels and plates of biscuits. Her books have won and been shortlisted for numerous awards. A Street Dog Named Pup is the first book that she has also illustrated herself.
Gill’s writing has earned her numerous awards such as the UKLA Children’s Book Award and the Little Rebel Award, and several nominations for prestigious awards including the CILIP Carnegie Medal.
Gill lives in Somerset.
May 2021 Book of the Month | Framed by a lyrical, mythological story of the Great Sky Wolf and every mother-dog’s desire to protect her pups (“she cannot know what lies ahead…when they are taken from her, into the world of man”), Gill Lewis’s A Street Dog Named Pup is a poignant tale of survival, and the lifelong, life-changing bonds that can be formed between humans and dogs. Brimming with empathy and understanding, it’s a thrilling and deeply moving novel that will be adored by animal-lovers and fans of adventure fiction alike. From the off, the special human-dog bond sits centre stage when Pup, “a dog with a big heart”, lovingly refers to “his boy, who held him tight and told him that one day he would grow into his big puppy paws.” But something isn’t right. Pup’s boy isn’t there, and in his place is a big man who abandons him in Dead Dog Alley, where the Street Dogs take him under their paws. Among them Frenchi, a French bulldog, imparts the wisdom that in order to survive, you need shelter and food, but “Pup wanted his boy. He wanted him more than ever.” While this desire to be reunited grows deeper each day, and no one else will do, hope fades as time passes. What’s more, Pup and his new-found canine crew have other pressing problems to attend to. At times gritty, and always gripping, this has all the hallmarks of an animal adventure classic - a story with the power to move readers in every possible way.
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Gill Lewis is contemporary children’s literature’s nature writer par excellence, telling moving stories of human encounters with wild animals that powerfully connect readers with the natural world. Swan Song tells the story of Dylan, expelled from his school and struggling with depression until he moves with his mother to her family home in a tiny Welsh village. In the peace and quiet of days on his grandfather’s boat, Dylan begins to find himself again, but it is the discovery of an injured Whooper swan that is life-saving, and shown to be literally so. Written for dyslexia specialist Barrington Stoke, this short novel will be accessible to all readers and its message of the healing power of nature and community more important now than it’s ever been. The LoveReading LitFest invited Gill Lewis to the festival to talk about Swan Song, and green reads for kids with fellow author Konnie Huq. You can view the event by subscribing to the LitFest programme for as little as £6 per month - or you can pay per view. For just £2, go, see them in conversation with Paul Blezard, you won't be disappointed. Check out a preview of the event here
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2021 | July 2019 Book of the Month | Characteristically, Gill Lewis skilfully conjures a vivid sense of landscape and wildlife in a story starring a character driven by her love of wild things and determination to achieve justice for them. Bobbie lives on a sheep farm in the Scottish Highlands with her parents and strong-willed, somewhat eccentric grandma. In a shocking opening chapter, Granny’s little dog dies suddenly and horribly, poisoned by bait intended to kill a magnificent young golden eagle. Bobbie and her granny know that the local landlord’s gamekeeper is responsible, and that he’s a threat to all birds of prey in the area. Can they prove it, and protect the eagle? Readers will be gripped by the story and quickly come to understand Bobbie’s love for the eagle and her passion to stand up for it and all wild birds. It’s a terrific story, told with real impact, one for all animal lovers. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | August 2018 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month August 2018 | | A thought-provoking and touching story of the bond between children and nature, from renowned storyteller and award-winning author Gill Lewis. Award-winning Gill Lewis is renowned for her skilful capturing of the healing power of human/ animal friendships and the importance of nature to all – and especially to children who grow up without much chance to explore it. Searching for a secret place where they can practise their skateboarding, Izzy and Asha discover the perfect spot – the site of an abandoned gas works. But they are not the first to find it. The gas works site is also home to a wounded wolf. Knowing that they must keep its existence a secret the girls take care of the wolf and, in doing so, become involved in keeping the patch of wasteland safe from developers. It is a heartwarming story with a deep theme written in a highly readable way. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
UKLA Shortlist Book Awards - 2019 | Sky Dancer is a vivid, inspiring animal story in which the British countryside is as important a character as its human protagonists. Joe has grown up on the moors, and knows no other world. But following the death of his father, nothing seems certain anymore. His sense of insecurity is reflected in the wider community, divided over the fate of the hen harriers that nest nearby. Gill Lewis explores ideas of trust and loss, and like the very best animal stories, this is a thrilling and moving read that will help young readers understand the natural world, and their responsibility to look after it.
One of Our Books of the Year 2017 | Longlisted for the UKLA 2018 Book Award | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month May 2017 Gill Lewis’s A Story Like the Wind, a powerful and lyrical story about contemporary refugees, is fuelled by an ancient tale which tells how throughout history music has crossed barriers and bound people together encouraging them to stand up to oppression and injustice. Rami has nothing but his violin as he sets off on a terrifying journey to try to find safety. Starving and thirsty he takes nothing from his fellow travellers as he has nothing to share. Why did you not sell your violin, they ask? With his violin as an accompaniment Rami swiftly demonstrates why; his inspiring story of freedom from long, long ago unites his fellow refugees and stirs them all to believe in their journey and their hope of a better life.
In a nutshell : daring puppy heroes Gill Lewis’s little stories of the doggy students of the Puppy Academy have much to recommend them. Each story stars a different dog tasked with learning a rescue skill, but generally facing a personal challenge too. Murphy, a Leonberger pup, is big and strong, used to being admired by the other puppies. He’s determined to do best at water rescue training and finds it hard to cope when tiny Rodrigo, the Mexican hairless dog, proves to be a natural in the water. Murphy has to swallow his pride, along with quite a lot of sea water, before he feels at ease with himself again. It’s a fun and reassuring story and gently delivers a message about the right way to behave. Holly Webb also writes gentle animal stories for young readers. ~ Andrea Reece
Shortlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award Gill Lewis writes outstanding animal stories, and Gorilla Dawn is very good indeed. The setting is the forests of the Congo, home to the great lowland gorilla but also to rebel soldiers, who hide out there after attacks on local villages. Imara is just a child, but regarded as a talisman by the Black Mambas, one of the rebel groups. Their leader believes her to be a Spirit Child with magical powers to protect his men. It’s a frightening life and Imara has withdrawn into herself for protection. The arrival in camp of a baby gorilla taken to be sold into captivity breaks down her defences and she determines to save it. Imara’s story is terrible and Lewis chooses to reveal it in full only when Imara is safe. She allows us to feel hope for the gorillas too while explaining to her readers all the dangers they face. Above all, this story tells children that we all share the world, that if we lose our love of it, we lose our souls. A thrilling story which will sweep readers along, this is one of the best books of the year. ~ Andrea Reece A note from Gill Lewis: “The world is at our fingertips…or so it seems. We use our mobile phones and computers to connect with people far across the globe. And yet, they also connect our fate to that of the gorilla. The electronic devices we use every day contain rare minerals, many of which are sourced within the forests of the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, home of the eastern lowland gorilla. I wanted to tell a story, through the eyes of two children who have been swept into the conflict, that questions our responsibility as consumers of electronic goods; responsibility to insist on fair trade and conflict free minerals, and to actively protect our natural world.”
Best known for her excellent animal stories for older readers, Gill Lewis turns her attention to younger readers in this new series about the new students of the Puppy Academy! Star the Border Collie is one of these, and has a lot to live up to: her mum is a champion, winner of the National Sheepdog Trials. But herding doesn’t come so easily to Star, especially when her enthusiasm gets the better of her and she finds herself running circles round (and round) the sheep. They don’t like it at all, and Star is feeling very low until an expedition up Stormy Mountain lets her prove just what she’s capable of. It’s an exciting story with lots of humour and a reassuring message for readers too about finding out what you are good at. ~ Andrea Reece
One of our Books of the Year 2015 Gill Lewis writes outstanding animal stories, and Gorilla Dawn is very good indeed. The setting is the forests of the Congo, home to the great lowland gorilla but also to rebel soldiers, who hide out there after attacks on local villages. Imara is just a child, but regarded as a talisman by the Black Mambas, one of the rebel groups. Their leader believes her to be a Spirit Child with magical powers to protect his men. It’s a frightening life and Imara has withdrawn into herself for protection. The arrival in camp of a baby gorilla taken to be sold into captivity breaks down her defences and she determines to save it. Imara’s story is terrible and Lewis chooses to reveal it in full only when Imara is safe. She allows us to feel hope for the gorillas too while explaining to her readers all the dangers they face. Above all, this story tells children that we all share the world, that if we lose our love of it, we lose our souls. A thrilling story which will sweep readers along, this is one of the best books of the year. ~ Andrea Reece A note from Gill Lewis: “The world is at our fingertips…or so it seems. We use our mobile phones and computers to connect with people far across the globe. And yet, they also connect our fate to that of the gorilla. The electronic devices we use every day contain rare minerals, many of which are sourced within the forests of the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, home of the eastern lowland gorilla. I wanted to tell a story, through the eyes of two children who have been swept into the conflict, that questions our responsibility as consumers of electronic goods; responsibility to insist on fair trade and conflict free minerals, and to actively protect our natural world.”
One of our Books of the Year 2015 - A Reader Review Panel Pick of the Year 2015 - chosen by Daniel Bisland, aged 8 Gill Lewis is best known for her very successful award-winning animal stories for children of 9-plus. This new series is for younger readers and features puppies that are learning to become working dogs. Each book will star a different dog and in this one German shepherd Scout, ‘the smart one’, is the hero. Scout wants to be a police dog just like her mum and dad and gets a chance to show off her talent for sniffing out crime when sausage thief Frank Furter strikes! It’s a fun adventure story and children will love Scout and the other inhabitants of Little Barking. ~ Andrea Reece
May 2014 Book of the Month - Winner of the Little Rebels Book Award 2015 - Longlisted for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie Medal | Gill Lewis is renowned for her stories about powerful and beneficial relationships between animals and children. Scarlet Ibis is an emotional story about how befriending birds can help to heal Red, a little boy with complex difficulties. In Scarlet’s troubled life only one thing matters; keeping her little brother Red safe. But that’s easier said than done as Red is hard to manage and Scarlet’s mum is no help. When disaster strikes their fragile family, Scarlet and Red are separated. As Scarlet grows stronger in a new environment she finds a way of making sure Red is safe forever. Find more books with Positive Images of Disability.
May 2014 Book of the Month - Winner of the Little Rebels Book Award 2015 - Longlisted for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie Medal | Winner of the Little Rebels Book Award 2015 - Longlisted for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie Medal - Gill Lewis is renowned for her stories about powerful and beneficial relationships between animals and children. Scarlet Ibis is an emotional story about how befriending birds can help to heal Red, a little boy with complex difficulties. In Scarlet’s troubled life only one thing matters; keeping her little brother Red safe. But that’s easier said than done as Red is hard to manage and Scarlet’s mum is no help. When disaster strikes their fragile family, Scarlet and Red are separated. As Scarlet grows stronger in a new environment she finds a way of making sure Red is safe forever. ..................................... Scarlet Ibis has won the Little Rebels Book Award 2015. The award, which is for children’s fiction for readers any age up to 12 that promotes social justice, went to Scarlet Ibis because it “raises awareness of the care system, mental health issues and the challenges facing young carers”, said the judges. Kim Reynolds, professor of children’s literature at Newcastle University, and a judge of the award, said: “All the judges agreed that Scarlet Ibis stands out as a book that not only fulfils the criteria for the award but is also excellently crafted. Birds, especially the scarlet ibis, weave the book’s multiple storylines together and provide a moving backdrop for a story that celebrates the often overlooked courage, loyalty and competence of children.”
Gill Lewis is renowned for her stories about powerful and beneficial relationships between animals and children. Scarlet Ibis is an emotional story about how befriending birds can help to heal Red, a little boy with complex difficulties. In Scarlet’s troubled life only one thing matters; keeping her little brother Red safe. But that’s easier said than done as Red is hard to manage and Scarlet’s mum is no help. When disaster strikes their fragile family, Scarlet and Red are separated. As Scarlet grows stronger in a new environment she finds a way of making sure Red is safe forever. Find more books with Positive Images of Disability.
Winner of the Little Rebels Book Award 2015 - Longlisted for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie Medal - Gill Lewis is renowned for her stories about powerful and beneficial relationships between animals and children. Scarlet Ibis is an emotional story about how befriending birds can help to heal Red, a little boy with complex difficulties. In Scarlet’s troubled life only one thing matters; keeping her little brother Red safe. But that’s easier said than done as Red is hard to manage and Scarlet’s mum is no help. When disaster strikes their fragile family, Scarlet and Red are separated. As Scarlet grows stronger in a new environment she finds a way of making sure Red is safe forever. ..................................... Scarlet Ibis has won the Little Rebels Book Award 2015. The award, which is for children’s fiction for readers any age up to 12 that promotes social justice, went to Scarlet Ibis because it “raises awareness of the care system, mental health issues and the challenges facing young carers”, said the judges. Kim Reynolds, professor of children’s literature at Newcastle University, and a judge of the award, said: “All the judges agreed that Scarlet Ibis stands out as a book that not only fulfils the criteria for the award but is also excellently crafted. Birds, especially the scarlet ibis, weave the book’s multiple storylines together and provide a moving backdrop for a story that celebrates the often overlooked courage, loyalty and competence of children.”
Shortlisted for The Little Rebels Children's Book Award 2014 Best-selling Gill Lewis tells a hard hitting story as she opens reader’s eyes to the appalling treatment of bears and their natural environment. Tam’s world implodes when his father in killed by a mine. Sent away from everything he knows, he is given a job in a bear farm. Tam has no idea of the appalling cruelty he is about to witness. The bears are viciously treated and wickedly milked for their bile which is believed to have curative powers. Tam does everything he can to protect the bears and when a young cub is brought in he knows he must take desperate action to save him. Tam’s integrity and courage as he takes himself and the bear cub to safety is a powerful, touching and attitude changing story. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Moon Bear a small number of our readers were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'Gill Lewis writes in an exciting style keeping the reader hanging on to every twist and turn of the adventure. Even in the last few pages my heart fell and rose again with the final events. Read this great book and join the fight to save the bears.....' Scroll down to read more reviews.....
May 2013 Book of the Month Best-selling Gill Lewis tells a hard hitting story as she opens reader’s eyes to the appalling treatment of bears and their natural environment. Tam’s world implodes when his father in killed by a mine. Sent away from everything he knows, he is given a job in a bear farm. Tam has no idea of the appalling cruelty he is about to witness. The bears are viciously treated and wickedly milked for their bile which is believed to have curative powers. Tam does everything he can to protect the bears and when a young cub is brought in he knows he must take desperate action to save him. Tam’s integrity and courage as he takes himself and the bear cub to safety is a powerful, touching and attitude changing story. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Moon Bear a small number of our readers were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'Gill Lewis writes in an exciting style keeping the reader hanging on to every twist and turn of the adventure. Even in the last few pages my heart fell and rose again with the final events. Read this great book and join the fight to save the bears.....' Scroll down to read more reviews.....
Shortlisted for the Centurion Book Award (Bath) and the Kernow Youth Book Award. Bestselling Gill Lewis’s new story tells of the amazing, life-affirming powers of dolphins. Kara’s life is in a mess; her mum has disappeared, she is in trouble at school and her father is about to sell their beloved boat in order to pay off his debts. Within her tight knit fishing community there is also trouble as catches get scarcer and greed pushes the locals into taking action which will damage the seabed forever. Brought up by her mum to fight for the conservation of all wildlife and dolphins in particular, Kara, helped by her new friend Felix, takes on all comers in this passionate and lyrical story about the power of the creatures in the sea, the sea itself and the desperate need to protect it from destruction. The Lovereading Comment: Like the author's debut, this wonderfully written and unforgettable novel will pull at the heart strings. It's so poignant and utterly captivating that the reader will find him or herself at the end of the book before they know it. It's all about choices and risking everything to find the truth. It is the second novel from the author of the sensational Sky Hawk. Click on Readers Guide on the right hand side of this page for some notes and activities, which are also suitable for classroom use. Shortlisted for the Key Stage 2 category of Brilliant Books, Oldham Schools’ Book Award.
Bestselling Gill Lewis’s new story tells of the amazing, life-affirming powers of dolphins. Kara’s life is in a mess; her mum has disappeared, she is in trouble at school and her father is about to sell their beloved boat in order to pay off his debts. Within her tight knit fishing community there is also trouble as catches get scarcer and greed pushes the locals into taking action which will damage the seabed forever. Brought up by her mum to fight for the conservation of all wildlife and dolphins in particular, Kara, helped by her new friend Felix, takes on all comers in this passionate and lyrical story about the power of the creatures in the sea, the sea itself and the desperate need to protect it from destruction. Shortlisted for the Key Stage 2 category of Brilliant Books, Oldham Schools’ Book Award.
Shortlisted for the Centurion Book Award (Bath) and the Kernow Youth Book Award. Bestselling Gill Lewis’s new story tells of the amazing, life-affirming powers of dolphins. Kara’s life is in a mess; her mum has disappeared, she is in trouble at school and her father is about to sell their beloved boat in order to pay off his debts. Within her tight knit fishing community there is also trouble as catches get scarcer and greed pushes the locals into taking action which will damage the seabed forever. Brought up by her mum to fight for the conservation of all wildlife and dolphins in particular, Kara, helped by her new friend Felix, takes on all comers in this passionate and lyrical story about the power of the creatures in the sea, the sea itself and the desperate need to protect it from destruction. The Lovereading Comment: Like the author's debut, this wonderfully written and unforgettable novel will pull at the heart strings. It's so poignant and utterly captivating that the reader will find him or herself at the end of the book before they know it. It's all about choices and risking everything to find the truth. It is the second novel from the author of the sensational Sky Hawk. Click on Readers Guide on the right hand side of this page for some notes and activities, which are also suitable for classroom use. Shortlisted for the Key Stage 2 category of Brilliant Books, Oldham Schools’ Book Award.
Bestselling Gill Lewis’s new story tells of the amazing, life-affirming powers of dolphins. Kara’s life is in a mess; her mum has disappeared, she is in trouble at school and her father is about to sell their beloved boat in order to pay off his debts. Within her tight knit fishing community there is also trouble as catches get scarcer and greed pushes the locals into taking action which will damage the seabed forever. Brought up by her mum to fight for the conservation of all wildlife and dolphins in particular, Kara, helped by her new friend Felix, takes on all comers in this passionate and lyrical story about the power of the creatures in the sea, the sea itself and the desperate need to protect it from destruction. Shortlisted for the Key Stage 2 category of Brilliant Books, Oldham Schools’ Book Award.
Shortlisted for the 2012 Branford Boase Award for outstanding Debut novel. A Lovereading4Kids 'Debut of the Year 2011' selection. 9+. Rich in atmosphere and full of heart, Sky Hawk is an intense and touching story of how protecting a rare bird forges a deep and special friendship between two children. The osprey is Iona’s secret but she trusts Callum to keep it and together the two of them do all they can to keep the bird safe. From the glittering lochs of Scotland to the mangrove swamps of the Gambia, Sky Hawk is an enthralling tale about a promise between two friends, Callum and Iona, that will change lives forever, and the power of friendship, loyalty, and hope. A book to treasure. You can download OUP's Sky Hawk Reading Notes from the right hand column of this page - click on Reader's Guide.
Shortlisted for the 2012 Branford Boase Award for outstanding Debut novel and winner of the following awards - Green Earth Book Award, Heart of Hawick Children's Book Award 2012, Leeds Book Awards 9-11 Category, Solihhull Children's Book Award, UKLA Children's Book of the Year, Warwickshire Junior Book Award. Rich in atmosphere and full of heart, Sky Hawk is an intense and touching story of how protecting a rare bird forges a deep and special friendship between two children. The osprey is Iona’s secret but she trusts Callum to keep it and together the two of them do all they can to keep the bird safe. From the glittering lochs of Scotland to the mangrove swamps of the Gambia, Sky Hawk is an enthralling tale about a promise between two friends, Callum and Iona, that will change lives forever, and the power of friendship, loyalty, and hope. A book to treasure. The Branford Boase judges said: “An extremely well told animal story, and a very accomplished piece of writing. I liked it more with each reading.” The Branford Boase Award shortlist 2012: Long Lankin - Lindsey Barraclough Being Billy - Phil Earle Small Change for Stuart - Lissa Evans Everybody Jam - Ali Lewis Sky Hawk - Gill Lewis A Beautiful Lie - Irfan Master My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece - Annabel Pitcher
Shortlisted for the 2012 Branford Boase Award for outstanding Debut novel. A Lovereading4Kids 'Debut of the Year 2011' selection. 9+. Rich in atmosphere and full of heart, Sky Hawk is an intense and touching story of how protecting a rare bird forges a deep and special friendship between two children. The osprey is Iona’s secret but she trusts Callum to keep it and together the two of them do all they can to keep the bird safe. From the glittering lochs of Scotland to the mangrove swamps of the Gambia, Sky Hawk is an enthralling tale about a promise between two friends, Callum and Iona, that will change lives forever, and the power of friendship, loyalty, and hope. A book to treasure. You can download OUP's Sky Hawk Reading Notes from the right hand column of this page - click on Reader's Guide.
Shortlisted for the 2012 Branford Boase Award for outstanding Debut novel and winner of the following awards - Green Earth Book Award, Heart of Hawick Children's Book Award 2012, Leeds Book Awards 9-11 Category, Solihhull Children's Book Award, UKLA Children's Book of the Year, Warwickshire Junior Book Award. Rich in atmosphere and full of heart, Sky Hawk is an intense and touching story of how protecting a rare bird forges a deep and special friendship between two children. The osprey is Iona’s secret but she trusts Callum to keep it and together the two of them do all they can to keep the bird safe. From the glittering lochs of Scotland to the mangrove swamps of the Gambia, Sky Hawk is an enthralling tale about a promise between two friends, Callum and Iona, that will change lives forever, and the power of friendship, loyalty, and hope. A book to treasure. The Branford Boase judges said: “An extremely well told animal story, and a very accomplished piece of writing. I liked it more with each reading.” The Branford Boase Award shortlist 2012: Long Lankin - Lindsey Barraclough Being Billy - Phil Earle Small Change for Stuart - Lissa Evans Everybody Jam - Ali Lewis Sky Hawk - Gill Lewis A Beautiful Lie - Irfan Master My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece - Annabel Pitcher
Callum and his friends find Iona poaching on Callum's farm. She is not supposed to be there, but Callum feels bad about chasing her away. He finds her shivering in the woods, refusing to leave. There is a secret hidden in the forest above the dark waters of the loch, and Iona is its guardian. When she decides to trust Callum with it, they form an indestructible bond that will change Callum's world forever... And then I saw it. I saw the secret hidden in our valley. No one else knew about it. Just me, and Iona. Firstly published ten years ago to critical acclaim, Sky Hawk has been captivating readers ever since.
This beautifully illustrated story is an adaptation of the Welsh legend of Cantre'r Gwaelod, the lost area of Wales which disappeared beneath the sea. This drowned land was once a pleasant and prosperous kingdom, its low-lying fields protected from the waves by a high sea wall. But only Mererid, the storm child, knows that the tide-gates are failing and the next storm will breach the wall. As clouds and ravens gather overhead, she must race to save her friends and the kingdom before it's too late... TreeTops Greatest Stories offers children some of the world's best-loved tales in a collection of timeless classics. Top children's authors and talented illustrators work together to bring to life our literary heritage for a new generation, engaging and delighting children. The books are carefully levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book. Each book contains inside cover notes to help children explore the content, supporting their reading development. Teaching notes on Oxford Owl offer cross-curricular links and activities to support guided reading, writing, speaking and listening.
In the Wilderness, where magic and nature collide, there are magical creatures and strange powers at work. In this story, and the Wilderness is in danger, the Wild Things - a group of children who have taken on the characteristics of the wild creatures they are named after - must create a magic spell written from the heart; a powerful enchantment to ensure that the Wilderness will never be destroyed.
May 2021 Book of the Month | Framed by a lyrical, mythological story of the Great Sky Wolf and every mother-dog’s desire to protect her pups (“she cannot know what lies ahead…when they are taken from her, into the world of man”), Gill Lewis’s A Street Dog Named Pup is a poignant tale of survival, and the lifelong, life-changing bonds that can be formed between humans and dogs. Brimming with empathy and understanding, it’s a thrilling and deeply moving novel that will be adored by animal-lovers and fans of adventure fiction alike. From the off, the special human-dog bond sits centre stage when Pup, “a dog with a big heart”, lovingly refers to “his boy, who held him tight and told him that one day he would grow into his big puppy paws.” But something isn’t right. Pup’s boy isn’t there, and in his place is a big man who abandons him in Dead Dog Alley, where the Street Dogs take him under their paws. Among them Frenchi, a French bulldog, imparts the wisdom that in order to survive, you need shelter and food, but “Pup wanted his boy. He wanted him more than ever.” While this desire to be reunited grows deeper each day, and no one else will do, hope fades as time passes. What’s more, Pup and his new-found canine crew have other pressing problems to attend to. At times gritty, and always gripping, this has all the hallmarks of an animal adventure classic - a story with the power to move readers in every possible way.
In the Wilderness, where magic and nature collide, there are magical creatures and strange powers at work. In this story the Wild Things - a group of children who have taken on the characteristics of the wild creatures they are named after - find that their camp has been destroyed by a flood. If only it would stop raining, then, perhaps, they could enjoy the meteor shower and the wishes that they make on the shooting stars would come true.
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Gill Lewis is contemporary children’s literature’s nature writer par excellence, telling moving stories of human encounters with wild animals that powerfully connect readers with the natural world. Swan Song tells the story of Dylan, expelled from his school and struggling with depression until he moves with his mother to her family home in a tiny Welsh village. In the peace and quiet of days on his grandfather’s boat, Dylan begins to find himself again, but it is the discovery of an injured Whooper swan that is life-saving, and shown to be literally so. Written for dyslexia specialist Barrington Stoke, this short novel will be accessible to all readers and its message of the healing power of nature and community more important now than it’s ever been. The LoveReading LitFest invited Gill Lewis to the festival to talk about Swan Song, and green reads for kids with fellow author Konnie Huq. You can view the event by subscribing to the LitFest programme for as little as £6 per month - or you can pay per view. For just £2, go, see them in conversation with Paul Blezard, you won't be disappointed. Check out a preview of the event here
In the Wilderness, where magic and nature collide, there are magical creatures and strange powers at work. In this story the Wild Things - a group of children who have taken on the characteristics of the wild creatures they are named after - discover another group, the Bark Skins, have taken over their camp, and won't give it back. A battle of the camps begins with witches, dragons, dragon's eggs and the two warring clans. Can they resolve the dispute and live alongside each other in The Wilderness?
When Willow crosses the boundary to the patch of woodland behind her house, something amazing happens: she enters The Wilderness, where magic and nature collide. It holds more than you could possibly imagine: secrets, shadows, a witch. Even a monster. Here she meets the Wild Things, a group of children who have taken on the characteristics of the wild creatures they are named after. For when you are in The Wilderness, the only limit to the world is your imagination. To her family she is simply Willow. To her new friends and in her new world, she is Willow Wildthing. With beautiful, lyrical storytelling from Gill Lewis, and stunning two-colour illustrations throughout from Rebecca Bagley, this is a joyful celebration of the power of nature and the imagination, encouraging children to explore, be curious, resilient, and adventurous.
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