The Stickleback Catchers

Product Information

Finally, you already know that I’m basically your biggest fan. You are so talented, and I truly believe your books have the power to change the world – knowing that children are growing up with stories like yours to read means so, so much. There’s very big heads-up at the end of this story about what’s coming next (the cause of my biggest bookish jaw-drop to date) but dare I ask… after a well-deserved rest, what’s next for you? Even though This is primarily aimed at children, I enjoyed the humour within the story. Some funny moments even made me laugh out loud. Grandad and his bacon antics spring instantly to mind. Even Mimi laughs at herself on several occasions, which is an upbeat message for readers. Mimi is the most incredible young girl who is fighting through her fear, hurt and anger as the Gran who she clearly adores becomes lost to her through her memory loss. Her fallability makes her such a sympathetic character. Having adored Lisette’s debut, The Secret of Haven Point, I was so excited to read this book. In my humble opinion, it’s a future classic. The cast of characters is wonderfully diverse – there is queer, neurodivergent, disabled and chronic illness representation – and the story is everything I love in middle grade: it’s full of magic, adventure, and heart. Our main character, Mimi, uses beautifully decorated mobility aids to get around. I’m not ashamed to admit that I wept when I read the joyous description of Mimi’s crutches: often mobility aids are looked down upon, and not seen for what they are: a tool for freedom. I especially loved the author’s note at the end, which encapsulates the wonderfulness of disabled, chronically ill and ND people, just as they are. Jayben and the Golden Torch by Thomas Leeds Nothing brought me quite as much joy as Fig’s vocabulary and dialect, and I’m totally adopting the word ‘soggle’ (a sob and a giggle) for everyday use. How did you go about creating these glorious words and phrases?

Now the Nitty-Gritty. I first caught on to the author Lisette Auton when I read and recommended her excellent novel, The Secret of Haven Point. A spellbinding children's adventure book based around a remote lighthouse and an abandoned young baby. With beautiful illustrations that enhance the delightful story. The Primary School Library Alliance is calling on the government to match-fund the private investment it has brought into helping primary schools c... The winners of the Diverse Book Awards 2023 have been announced, with one winner from each of the four categories announced: Picture book, Children...I think it’s the way I would have wished to have been told. With love and kindness and care, but mostly honesty. Young people are ludicrously clever and can feel and know when something isn’t right and they’re not being told something. That happens to Mimi in this book. Life is hard and heart-breaking, but beautiful too. We need to be prepared for both. This is the most heartachingly beautiful story of family, of friendship and of finding the courage to accept change, to treasure memories and to support those we love through loss. Doing voices and getting into character: Nathan and Lewis share their magical experiences of sharing stories with their babies

Although the book is for middle-grade readers, there are some difficult topics and themes woven into the narrative. Mimi is losing the mother figure in her life to dementia and going through a time of big changes, something that many readers will likely experience in their own lives. How did you go about communicating something so big and emotive in a way that made it digestible for a younger audience? The story becomes gorgeously fantastical and incredible, but at its heart everyone can recognise Mimi’s story. It’s about the terrifying teetering on the precipice of adult realisations about the world and its injustices, and the longing for an uncomplicated past of childhood freedoms and joyful naivety. Auton has a rare talent for exploring an incorporating lesser talked about themes but in a beautifully seamless way, allowing adventure and mysticism to lead the narrative. Woven within the action and adventure are mysterious goings-on, suspense, and emotional angst. The tension is cleverly increased as the story progresses by the Crow's fleeting appearances. A neat subtle play that undoubtedly works on Mimi. Gives her the heebie-jeebies. It doesn’t have to be sitting there with an encyclopaedia. Even small, fun books help develop that love of books in children'For those who are new here, would you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your writing journey so far? This is a moving story about a grandparent with dementia, with original and often scary magical realism touches. Auton explores friendship – Mimi is still working out how to be a good friend and not always succeeding – and community. There’s a real sense of community among the bowls regulars, and both grandparents are strong characters. Another plus is the inclusive portrayal of disability and illness – Mimi uses crutches as she’s wobbly without them, and another new friend, Nus, hardly leaves her bed. They are accepted as they are by each other and by Titch. A thought-provoking read. Importantly, Auton doesn’t create an unrecognisable utopia of harmony. The new trio of friends get it wrong. They irritate and upset each other. They are inconsiderate and tactless. The exploration of how a neurodivergent person’s particular fixation can create selfishness is thoughtfully and expertly written. Mimi must learn how to be a good friend, and to meet the needs of those around her. In your books, you make a deliberate choice not to name the specific diagnoses that each disabled character has. Can you tell us a bit more about this, and the role it plays in how you define your characters?