About this Event
From the exceptionally talented and admittedly mysteriously eerie imagination that brought us ; is the story of young Billy McKenna, who runs away from a difficult situation at home and takes refuge in an overgrown graveyard (things can only get better from there right?).
This book is written in two alternating narratives, presenting different aspects of the same story. One thread follows Billy's experience of hiding away in the graveyard, his whirlwind of mixed-up feelings and emotions, and the supernatural events he ultimately encounters. The other tells of his mother's sorrow and loss at home, amidst the police search for Billy.
Covering themes of family, childhood, separation and reunion, domestic violence and doing the right thing, this is an important and compelling book for middle grade readers right up to adults.
Billy's story is illustrated throughout with tonal and textured black and white drawings. Pam’s intricately beautiful illustrations wonderfully blur the lines between novel and graphic novel, making this a truly special book to be treasured.
About the Author
Pam Smy has illustrated folktales, chapter books, nursery rhyme collections, picture books and novels. She has had 20 years of art school teaching and lecturing experience at Cambridge School of Art and, over this time, has developed an understanding of how to nurture creative process and work through ideas with illustrators. She has a passion for observational drawing and sketchbooks.
Pam’s first novel Thornhill, received numerous prestigious accolades, which included being Shortlisted for the CILIP Greenaway Medal in 2018; and in 2020 she was awarded the PictureHooks Invisible Prize, which acknowledged the quiet reach and huge influence of Pam’s body of work .
About this event
Chaired by a great friend of the shop, hugely talented bestselling author *and* MBE recipient, . Join us for what will undoubtedly be a truly inspiring evening, discussing The Hideaway, the sketchbook-to-published-book journey and Pam’s remarkable career to date. This is the perfect event for graphic novel readers, book lovers and anyone who thinks actually they might have a book in them and wants to know where to begin?
The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Covid 19 Precautions will be adhered to ensure the safety of our attendees, authors and booksellers. For more information or if you would like a signed copy because you can't make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell's events team on 0131 622 8237 or [email protected]
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Blackwell's Bookshop, 53-62 South Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00