Kids of all ages are digging into The Griffins of Castle Cary.
What do you do when you're ten, and you've just read an amazing book? You re-read it.
I've been visiting schools and talking to children about my brand-new book The Griffins of Castle Cary. One boy said "I love spooky!" Another child said "If there was a sequel, I would read it in a flash!"
Then a 10-year-old gave the Griffins the highest compliment a child can give: "I'm re-reading it."
The Griffins of Castle Cary has been in children's hands for a few weeks. I'm thrilled with the reception. Here's what people are saying: Action-packed. Spooky & charming! Fast-paced. Adorable. Magical. We laughed out loud. We stayed up past 10 pm three nights in a row to finish it! Fabulously told. I adore the characters. Huge fan. Keep writing for kids!
Well, the good news is I'm going to. I've found my home here in Middle Grade fiction, and intend to keep writing more books for kids. For those of you who've grown up with my It's OK Not to Share books, now you'll have something for everyone in the family to read.
Why are these books hiccuping? Read the Griffins to find out.
Here's what the book is about:
Siblings Meg, Will, and Ariel Griffin are off on an adventure! They can’t wait to spend a week visiting their eccentric aunt and her giant, tongue-drooling Newfoundland dog in England. But when they finally arrive, they’re faced with a few local secrets that stir up more than a little trouble.
Add in some very peculiar lights, strange new friends, a police chase and some stampeding sheep, and the Griffin kids are in over their heads—literally. Apparently this town has a ghost problem and the three children must race to solve the mystery before the ghosts take something that doesn’t belong to them.
I love everything about children's fiction: the writing, the children, the school visits. I also love the infinite range of story ideas. Writing for children means I can write about any idea, since kids' minds are willing to travel any place imaginable.
"I hope she's working on a sequel," said one 12-year-old. "Because I'm going to rip right through this book!"
Don't worry. I am. I'm writing two new books for kids right now, one a sequel to The Griffins of Castle Cary, and the other a historical fiction adventure. Can't wait to share them with you.
But in the meantime, happy summer reading! And when fall comes around, invite me to your school for an author visit or for Battle of the Books. I'd love to come meet you and share my love of books and reading.
What books did YOU re-read as a child? Or which ones are you re-reading now?
Order a copy of the Griffins - or learn more about Heather's books
