In this era of hybrid publishing, I've begun to publish a few titles myself, either my older titles that have fallen out of print or brand new stories!
WHITE FEATHER
The war is won but for Tony there is little to celebrate. His brother never returned from no man's land and has died not as a hero but executed as a coward. Refusing to believe that his brother was a traitor, a grief-stricken Tony is pushed to the edge in his dark quest to uncover the horrifying truth. A thrilling novelette of intertwining perspectives, particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
A STRONG FIRST WORLD WAR EMPATHY READ, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR YRS 5 AND 6
"Stands out for the tragic scope it packs into the tightest of compasses ... Touches of breathtaking cruelty ... are interlaced here with intrigue and an assured exploration of class structures on and off the battlefield, as well as a sense of how loss bleeds into lives like ink into blotting paper" – Times Literary Supplement
“A powerful, emotional and compelling story depicting the impact of the First World War on lives and families, wrapped up in a cleverly crafted supernatural mystery. It captures the reader from start to finish – I loved it.” Annie Everall, Director, Authors Aloud UK
“Even as an adult reader I found its message very affecting and I think the emotion will not be lost on children… a children’s book that brings history to life.” The Courier
“An event that truly shaped the course of world history, it is so important that children continue to be taught its impact. This is what makes White Feather by Catherine and David Macphail so special.” Emma Reekie, PRESSREADER
“The horrors of World War One and the huge demands it made on the young men who fought in it are explored in this thought-provoking and moving ghost story… a powerful story that raises issues of courage and responsibility.” Andrea Reece, Lovereading4kids
“I found this to be a moving story that conveyed the raw grief of losing a brother very powerfully … the plot moves quickly and the characters are well drawn from the outset to keep the interest of reluctant readers.” LETTERPRESSPROJECT
"This is a powerful story about the tragic impact of the First World War on both the soldiers who fought and the families that they left behind.” ALIBRARYLADY
“If you plan to read this book, I recommend you do it when there is no-one else around… allow yourself to be completely immersed. And then get ready to think about it endlessly for days on end. This is what I did.” ROACHIESREVIEWS
The war is won but for Tony there is little to celebrate. His brother never returned from no man's land and has died not as a hero but executed as a coward. Refusing to believe that his brother was a traitor, a grief-stricken Tony is pushed to the edge in his dark quest to uncover the horrifying truth. A thrilling novelette of intertwining perspectives, particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
A STRONG FIRST WORLD WAR EMPATHY READ, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR YRS 5 AND 6
"Stands out for the tragic scope it packs into the tightest of compasses ... Touches of breathtaking cruelty ... are interlaced here with intrigue and an assured exploration of class structures on and off the battlefield, as well as a sense of how loss bleeds into lives like ink into blotting paper" – Times Literary Supplement
“A powerful, emotional and compelling story depicting the impact of the First World War on lives and families, wrapped up in a cleverly crafted supernatural mystery. It captures the reader from start to finish – I loved it.” Annie Everall, Director, Authors Aloud UK
“Even as an adult reader I found its message very affecting and I think the emotion will not be lost on children… a children’s book that brings history to life.” The Courier
“An event that truly shaped the course of world history, it is so important that children continue to be taught its impact. This is what makes White Feather by Catherine and David Macphail so special.” Emma Reekie, PRESSREADER
“The horrors of World War One and the huge demands it made on the young men who fought in it are explored in this thought-provoking and moving ghost story… a powerful story that raises issues of courage and responsibility.” Andrea Reece, Lovereading4kids
“I found this to be a moving story that conveyed the raw grief of losing a brother very powerfully … the plot moves quickly and the characters are well drawn from the outset to keep the interest of reluctant readers.” LETTERPRESSPROJECT
"This is a powerful story about the tragic impact of the First World War on both the soldiers who fought and the families that they left behind.” ALIBRARYLADY
“If you plan to read this book, I recommend you do it when there is no-one else around… allow yourself to be completely immersed. And then get ready to think about it endlessly for days on end. This is what I did.” ROACHIESREVIEWS
BEYOND THE WOODEN HORSE
TROY HAS FALLEN, AND SO HAVE ITS HEROES
On the night of the great wooden horse, the city of Troy finally falls. A Greek slave boy is saved from the fire and slaughter by a mysterious girl, who leads him underground by some dark steps.
The boy finds himself wandering among the ghosts of the Greek war dead, who are trapped in the cavernous halls of the Underworld, yearning to find a way across the River Styx.
As time passes, the great Greek heroes such as Achilles and Agamemnon recount their fates, relive their grudges and re-enact their squabbles. The boy soon discovers a talent he never knew he had, and a purpose known only to the mysterious girl who brought him here.
Inspired by pandemic lockdown, David Macphail's dark, unsparing novelette picks up where the Iliad leaves off, exploring the idea of people trapped with each other in a place they cannot leave.
TROY HAS FALLEN, AND SO HAVE ITS HEROES
On the night of the great wooden horse, the city of Troy finally falls. A Greek slave boy is saved from the fire and slaughter by a mysterious girl, who leads him underground by some dark steps.
The boy finds himself wandering among the ghosts of the Greek war dead, who are trapped in the cavernous halls of the Underworld, yearning to find a way across the River Styx.
As time passes, the great Greek heroes such as Achilles and Agamemnon recount their fates, relive their grudges and re-enact their squabbles. The boy soon discovers a talent he never knew he had, and a purpose known only to the mysterious girl who brought him here.
Inspired by pandemic lockdown, David Macphail's dark, unsparing novelette picks up where the Iliad leaves off, exploring the idea of people trapped with each other in a place they cannot leave.