Hilary McKay won The Guardian Children's Fiction Award for her first novel, THE EXILES - and its sequel, THE EXILES AT HOME was the winner of the prestigious Smarties Book Prize - for which DOG FRIDAY was also www.hilarymckay.co.uk shortlisted. Her success has continued with SAFFY'S ANGEL - winner of the Children's Whitbread Prize for 2002, for which INDIGO’S STAR was also shortlisted. SAFFY’S ANGEL was selected for 2007’s inaugural Booked Up list of 12 children’s titles to be available free to every Year 7 school child in the .

Hilary’s story telling has a bouncy enthusiasm and children love her crazy humour. She studied botany and zoology at St. Andrews University and has lived in Cumbria and then Derbyshire, where she completed her first two novels whilst working as an analytical chemist. Hilary is married with two children and writes full-time.

Publications

Wishing for Tomorrow                                   Age 10+

A sequel to A Little Princess

Hilary McKay revisits Miss Minchins' Select Seminary for Young Ladies after the events of A Little Princess and Sara Crew's happy ever after. But Sara is much missed - and most acutely by her best friend Ermengarde, who laments that 'nothing is the same as it was before'. But life must go on at Miss Minchins', as new friendships are made, rivalries continued, lessons learned and, most importantly, fairytale endings are had.

UK: Hachette Sept 2009                 50,000 words                    Translation: JLA

The Casson Family Series – Hachette        Age 9+

SAFFY'S ANGEL

Saffron is the adopted member of an eccentric and muddled artistic family where she has never felt quite at home. She has memories of a happier time when she had an angel of her own. This is the wonderfully rich and funny story of how Saffron and her angel are reunited - and how Saffron finally discovers where she belongs.

"This is a really lovely book" Nic Knight, The Bookseller

INDIGO'S STAR                                                           

It's back to school for the start of a new term. Indigo's returning after a bout of glandular fever and is dreading it. Rose is worrying about Indigo - and her new glasses. Saffy is busy dictating Rose's homework answers, while Caddy agonises over ways to dump her current boyfriend. And their mother, Eve, is busy trying to dry her latest painting with a hairdryer. Some things never change. But this term Tom has joined Indigo's class. And that will make all the difference…            

PERMANENT ROSE                                         

Rose's life has been turned upside down since Tom left for America. And in his place is David, the walrus - some swap! Life in the Casson family has a way of working out. But with Caddy dodging Michael, Dad Bill still in London, Indigo stuck in a book, Saffy hunting a father and Mum Eve in the shed… Rose feels slightly alone. Can David be her knight in shining armour?

CADDY EVER AFTER

In this fourth book, every member of the Casson family has their say. The book begins and ends with Rose - with Indigo, Saffron and Caddy all taking turns to tell their own story. CADDY EVER AFTER relays the chain of events in their unique household leading to the spectacular climax of Caddy and Michael’s wedding day.

FOREVER ROSE

This fifth and final instalment of the Casson family series is told by the author’s favourite character. Disasters, Catastrophes, Perils, Adventures, Friends, Homes and a very definite Happy Ever After – which is just what Rose has always wished for.

PUDDING BAG SCHOOL Series

Pudding Bag was an ordinary kind of school and Simon Percy was an ordinary kind of boy who hated school, until the arrival of the magical and mysterious Miss Gilhoolie. THE BIRTHDAY WISH starts series, followed by COLD ENOUGH FOR SNOW and A STRONG SMELL OF MAGIC.
UK Hodder 9-12

DOG FRIDAY TRILOGY

The adventures of the irrepressible young members of the Robinson and Brogan families who live in a big old house on the Yorkshire coast. THE AMBER CAT and DOLPHIN LUCK continue the crazy escapades of Robin, Dan - and Beany and Sundance from next door.
UK Hodder 9-12

THE EXILES TRILOGY

Ruth, Naomi, Rachel and Phoebe don't expect to be packed off to Big Grandma's for their long summer holidays. Together they plot to raid whatever Grandma is hiding behind the locked door! THE EXILES AT HOME and THE EXILES IN LOVE continue the escapades of the four Conroy sisters.
"The Exiles is a delight" The Guardian
UK Hodder 9-12

HAPPY AND GLORIOUS/PRACTICALLY PERFECT

The adventures of a wild 10 year-old queen as she outwits her lazy ladies-in-waiting and cantankerous domestic staff with the help of the enterprising gardener's boy and her much loved Royal Donkey."Everything is lively about this book" The Independent
UK Hodder 7-9

PARADISE HOUSE SERIES

The adventures of Danny, Nathan and Anna, whose families share the same old house - cheerful, family based stories, thought provoking and easily readable. There are now six titles in this series.
UK Hodder 7-9