Kitten Katie, or Secret in the Closet
Lucy always dreamed of a little kitten. I dreamed so much that I was forced to lie to a classmate at school that I didn’t have a pet.
In fact, it was a partial lie - the girl found a small hungry cat in her garden, gave her the name Katie and put her in her closet.
Neither dad nor grandmother knows that Lucy has a friend. In addition, my father was always against animals in the house.
Puppy Toby, or Senior Friend
Girl Ruby finally got a puppy. Toby is a rabbit dachshund, very small in size, very inquisitive and loud.
Barking, it rushes at any passing dog of any size, as soon as it comes close to its owner. Toby thought that he was protecting and protecting his little mistress, and Ruby was ashamed of the puppy's behavior.
Toby is still too small for training school, and Ruby came up with the idea of walking the pet in remote and deserted places.
Kitten Dandelion, or Hide and Seek
Olivia finally made a friend - a small kitten, so gray and fluffy that they gave him the name Dandelion. The baby was sweet, affectionate and childishly curious.
Not knowing any obstacles, the kitten climbed everywhere and the girl constantly found him in the most unexpected places. Ben, Olivia's older brother, invited his best friend Rob to visit. Olivia was seriously scared, because hooligan boys could offend Dandelion.
Everything went quietly and peacefully, but when Rob left, the kitten disappeared too. Olivia, out of habit, began to look for him in the house, but did not find him. Where could Dandelion hide this time? Or did Rob steal her kitten?
Kitten Snowflake, or Winter Magic
All the most interesting things happened to the cat Pushinka during a snowfall. Having run away from her farm, she found herself in the middle of a terrible snowstorm, lost her way home, and only miraculously reached the house of the girl Ella. And now it all happened again.
Fluffy went for a walk and again got caught in a snowstorm and got lost. The cat decided to escape to an abandoned house and found a tiny snow-white kitten there. Fluffy began to help the baby - feed and warm, but soon realized that the baby could not cope.
Now Pushinka has to overcome the high snowdrifts, find the owner and bring her to the kitten’s aid. Or maybe winter magic will help the cat and the kitten?
Kitten Smoky, or The Mystery of the Tree House
Emmy dreamed that her parents would give her a cute and fluffy kitten for her birthday. But mom and dad seriously doubted that their daughter would be able to take care of the baby, so the gift was a tree house. Real, cozy, beautiful and the best in the world.
But is it possible to replace some house of a real living friend! One day, a black cat came to visit Emmy’s house and they quickly became friends. Emmy gave her the name Smokey and decided to hide her existence from her parents.
Later, the girl found out that Dymka already had an owner who was bored and looking for a pet. So what should Emmy do now? She got so used to it and became attached to the cat!
Kitten Button, or Bravery as a reward
The parents of the main character named Maddie decided to surprise her before the holidays - give her a kitten!
The cute tricolor cat began to be called Button. But it soon became clear that the garden at Maddie’s house was already regarded as their property by 2 large neighbor cats.
Over and over again the cats bullied poor Button. Shy Maddy decided to dot all the i's - but the cat's owner did not want to talk to her, and his pets continued to create outrages in someone else's garden. And then Button disappeared completely. Maddie immediately went searching. Only in order to find the kitten, she needs to overcome her shyness and seek help...
Kitten Silver, or Striped Brave
Like most children, Helen really wanted to have a kitten. But mom was not happy with this idea, so they resolved the situation this way: Helen would no longer ask for a cat, but she would have the opportunity to help her cousin Lucy at the veterinary clinic.
One day, Helen and Lucy found a kitten on the street that had been hit by a car. They were able to save the baby, but his owner never made contact. The main character manages to persuade her mother to shelter the kitten for the duration of treatment.
But how can Helen now tell her mother that she would like to leave Silver for good?
Maisie Hitchins. Adventures of a girl detective
The mystery of the closed box
Oh, how Maisie Hitchins would like to begin her brilliant career as a detective with the search for stolen jewelry!
But the girl will have to find her first job herself.
By the way, this is a good one: you need to find out where the money disappeared from the locked box and save a boy you know from being accused of theft!
The missing emerald
Maisie's first case brought fame: now even actresses turn to her for help!
Today we need to help Sarah Massey, whose necklace with a huge emerald disappeared from her dressing room. And the investigation must be carried out as quietly as possible, without much noise, so that no one finds out about the loss. After all, otherwise Sarah’s fiancé (and this is the Duke himself!) may break off the engagement.
Who would have thought that the happiness of an unfortunate girl would depend on the attentiveness of Maisie, a twelve-year-old girl detective!
ghost cat
What a blessing that you can go to the countryside from stuffy London, covered in smog!
But there are bad rumors about the house where Maisie and her friend settled. Literally all, all, all tenants left the house without spending even a week there. Obviously, the matter is dirty.
Moreover, Maisie saw the ghost with her own eyes! ..
The Mystery of the Jungle Boy
Now secrets are pouring in on Maisie from all sides, just have time to reveal them (at the same time, it is important not to forget to carry out all the instructions of your beloved grandmother).
Oh, how I would like to quickly find out who the “Son of the Dark Jungle” is!
It’s curious why this boy is constantly watching the professor and why the “Son of the Dark Jungle” needs a mask with red feathers so much...
Puppy undercover
If it weren't for this incompetent policeman, Maisie Hitchins would not have gotten involved in the affairs of Scotland Yard.
But who is to blame that the girl was able to figure out the policeman in no time? He needed to come up with a better legend.
And so, Maisie is simply forced to figure it all out: how are the famous gang of painting thieves and the boarding house of her beloved grandmother connected?..
The Secret of Spilled Ink
Maisie Hitchins' best friend, Alice, has disappeared somewhere from the Institute for Noble Maidens. What happened to Alice? Will the kidnappers really show up soon and extort a huge ransom from the girl’s father?
Childhood and youth
Holly Webb is a native of London, born in 1976. From childhood, the girl was attracted to the natural world. Together with their parents, they traveled to the Suffolk coast, where they observed the world of flora and fauna.
There were always animals in Holly's house. When she was very young, she learned to care for her beloved cat and dog. Her pets were always groomed and fed.
The girl had a developed imagination, which aroused her interest in various myths. Later she began to study ancient Greek and Latin.
Young Webb dreamed of becoming a librarian so she could study more books. Then she wanted to be an archaeologist to engage in exciting excavations and searches for antiques. And later, when the time came to choose a university, the girl chose the profession of philologist and entered the University of London.
Desired job
During the summer holidays, Holly found something she liked. She got a job at a book publishing house, where she held the position of an ordinary employee. Her duties included simple photocopying of working documents and manuscripts. Although it was a simple task, the girl was happy. She was attracted even by the atmosphere of the printing house.
After finishing her studies, Holly didn’t think for a long time about where to go next. She remained at her native publishing house, where she was offered the position of editor. She edited texts and read the rules for new items that came for printing.
Some time later, Webb got married and gave birth to a child, but even this circumstance did not become an obstacle to stopping work at her favorite publishing house. She remained in her position and also performed her duties, only now she did it all at home - remotely.
First steps
Holly first decided to write a book when she was 28 years old. Then she realized that she was able to write better than those authors whose work she edits herself every day. Her first work was a work from the “Triplets” series, which told about the life of three sisters. The idea of creating such a work arose in her head while traveling on a train. While moving, she jotted down her first thoughts, which she already organized and corrected at home. This is how her career as a writer began. In the first year after the book was published, the girl became famous throughout England.
Photo: Holly Webb with children Now Holly Webb is the author of more than 60 books. You can learn about all the writer’s works, study their content and see the latest news on the author’s own English website. There she talks about herself, her life and, quite a bit, her family.
Each story by the author is written in clear and simple language, which is capable of developing the correct moral and ethical qualities in a child. Webb's favorite subject to write about is animals. She gets her inspiration from interacting with her pets, which then results in an interesting and spontaneous story. Each of her books is accompanied by colorful illustrations and is imbued with the life of small animals. Several cartoons based on her series of works have already been made in England.
Personal life
Holly Webb is a loving mother and happy wife. The whole family lives in the county of Berkshire, the city of Reading. She has three sons, who by their mere presence help her create masterpieces. They are also the first listeners of all the writer’s works. A cat, Marble, whom everyone adores, also lives with them. While writing all the works, she does not leave the author alone and constantly sits next to her.
Now Holly Webb is an active writer of children's stories and a good woman who has amazing ease of communication, beautiful style and a charming smile.
Domestic reader
Today, the writer’s works are just beginning to enter the Russian market. More than 60 of her works can be found on bookstore shelves. Each work belongs to a specific series: about animals, about magic, or about various incredible adventures.
The author is a prominent representative in the world of children's literature. Her work receives excellent reviews, and children are always interested in reading a new story. Holly Webb's books are popular all over the world and have already been translated into many languages.
Each story by the author is imbued with interesting adventures, humor and is quite unusual. The characters always manage to interest children. A special feature of each book is its printing. The reading font is quite large so that the child can independently study the work and at the same time perfectly develops speed reading in preschool children.
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When starting to study a writer’s work, pay attention to the works that are at the top of this rating. Feel free to click on the up and down arrows if you think that a certain work should be higher or lower in the list. As a result of common efforts, including based on your ratings, we will receive the most adequate rating of Holly Webb’s books.
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Twins Adam and Georgia have been quarreling almost since birth - over toys, over household chores, you never know what you can argue about. But they had a common dream - a dog. And then a beautiful puppy, Favorite, appeared in the house. Affectionate, playful, slightly playful puppy really became the favorite of the whole family, but he was very upset by the quarrels between the twins. Every time Adam and Georgia started arguing, the puppy tried to run away from them and hide somewhere.... Further
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It's good to get away from the stuffy, smog-filled summer London to the countryside! It’s bad that there are bad rumors about the house where Maisie and her friend Alice settled. They say that things are dirty there - all the tenants are quickly moving out, and no one is telling why. And most importantly, the girls are their own eyes saw a ghost walking along the corridor! Small, the size of a cat...... Further
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Like many children, Helen dreamed of a kitten. But mom was against it, so they agreed this way: Helen would stop asking for a pet, but she could help her cousin Lucy at the veterinary clinic. One day, Helen and Lucy picked up a kitten on the street that had been hit by a car. The baby's life was saved, but his owner was never found. They couldn’t leave the kitten at the clinic, but it needed special care until it finally recovered. The girl had to break her promise and ask her mother to temporarily shelter the kitten. Fortunately, the mother agreed, and the baby, whom Helen named Silver, moved in with them. But how can Helen now admit to her mother that she dreams of becoming Silver’s new owner? So that their home becomes not temporary, but permanent for Silver?... Further
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Millie and Jasmine live in England. And they didn't know each other until Max, the bobtail puppy, showed up. Each of the girls dreamed of having their own dog. Millie was able to persuade her parents, and they gave her a black and white bobtail puppy, an Old English sheepdog. Girl She named him Max and became close friends with him. But one terrible day, Max disappeared... And on the same day, Jasmine found a cute black and white puppy on the road. He suffered a little, and there was no way he could be left without help. The girl named the puppy Lucky because he was very lucky to be found. Jasmine's parents were against dogs in the house, but Lucky was so charming and friendly, and the girl took such good care of him, that they relented. But then it turned out that Max and Lucky are the same puppy... And how can he now be divided between two mistresses?... Further
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Ellie, a golden Labrador puppy, adored her little owner Megan, and the girl could not live a day without her beloved dog. Together they did literally everything: prepared homework, walked in the park, played, and came up with a lot of interesting activities. And so it was until The girl's parents did not decide to move to a new house. Trying to protect the puppy from the turmoil associated with the move, Megan's parents gave the dog to her grandmother for a few days. Not knowing what was happening, Ellie was at first confused and sad, and then she realized that she had to find the girl at all costs. Surely Megan couldn't leave her? It's just some kind of mistake! Ellie seized the moment and slipped out the door. But how do you find your way home? And will she meet her beloved mistress in the same place?... Further
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“Jess, the collie puppy, had a wonderful life: she had a cozy home, tasty and nourishing food, a loving family. And most importantly, she had Will, a boy whom Jess considered her main owner and with whom she could run, jump and play to your heart's content whatever. But one day Will broke his leg and was admitted to the hospital. Jess was left to her own devices: Will's parents are at work all day, and his younger sister Chloe is terribly afraid of dogs and won't even go near the puppy. Who will take care of Jess while Will is away? Chloe decided she was up to the task. But how can a girl overcome her fear? And can she replace the puppy’s beloved owner?”... Further
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Maisie’s dad is a sailor, always on voyages, and the girl hasn’t seen him for a very long time. Dad doesn’t forget his daughter, and now he sent her a gift - a necklace with a pendant. The pendant is covered with mysterious Egyptian hieroglyphs, and Maisie, as a budding detective, is impatient decipher the inscription. Of course, this requires the help of an expert. But the greatest expert on Ancient Egypt has his own misfortune - the golden scarab, the pride of his collection, has disappeared. “So these are two whole Egyptian puzzles!” – the girl was delighted and eagerly set to work on these riddles.... Further
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Usatik was the smallest and timid of the kittens. He was wary of loud noises and strangers and preferred to sit in the box while the other kittens bravely explored the vast new world. The owner, the girl Emily, was worried whether anyone would want to take her home such a timid and unaffectionate kitten. But Emily's friend, Mia, turned out to be patient and kind enough to win Mustache's friendship. Mia came almost every day to play with Usatik, but for some reason she never took him home. The kitten was alarmed - does Mia really not love him? And what does he need to do for the girl to finally become his mistress?... Further
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The girl Bella's dream came true - her parents allowed her to adopt a dog. Bella chose the puppy Sid - a mongrel and very funny, with huge fluffy ears. The pet turned out to be a very intelligent puppy, affectionate, playful, so the whole family fell in love with him. But then Bella argued with a classmate and passionately promised to participate in a dog show with Sid. Only there is very little time before the exhibition, Bella is a novice trainer, and she needs to learn an absolutely stunning trick with Sid in order to amaze the judges and get first place.... Further
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The parents of the girl Maddie gave her a surprise before the holidays - a kitten! The adorable tricolor cat was named Button. But it turned out that the garden at Maddie’s house is considered their property by two large neighbor cats. Gradually, the cats completely intimidated poor Button. Shy Maddy had to intervene - but the cat's owner did not want to talk to her, and his pets continued to misbehave in someone else's garden. And then Button disappeared completely. Maddie immediately rushed to search. Only in order to find the kitten, she needs to overcome her shyness and ask for help...... Further
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All the most important events in the life of the cat Pushinka happened in the snow. First, she ran away from her native farm, got caught in a terrible snowstorm, got lost, and only a miracle led her to the house of the girl Ella. Now Pushinka went out for a walk - and because of the blizzard she got lost again. The cat found shelter in an abandoned house and found a very tiny snow-white kitten there. Fluffy tried to help the baby - to feed and warm him, but very soon she realized that she couldn’t handle it alone. Now Pushinka has to get out through the deep snow, find his beloved mistress and bring her to the rescue. Maybe winter magic will help the kitty and her new friend?... Further
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Maisie wouldn't have gotten involved in Scotland Yard's affairs if an undercover policeman hadn't moved into their house! Not a very skillful policeman, I must admit, - the girl saw through him in no time. And since the detectives from Scotland Yard are so incompetent, Maisie is simply obliged to help them. Moreover, the girl herself is interested in what the connection is between her grandmother’s modest boarding house and the famous gang of painting thieves...... Further
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Zoe loved dogs, but she understood that she was not destined to have a pet - her older sister was very afraid of them. To be able to communicate with dogs, Zoe began helping at an animal shelter. One day they threw a box of very tiny puppies there, and Zoe started talking about them take care. The girl fed them with a special formula, played with them and became very friendly with the smallest and weakest puppy, Kroshka. Time passed, the puppies grew up, and it was time to look for a new home for them. What a pity that Zoey can’t take Baby with her! Or maybe? To do this, you just need to persuade your older sister not to be afraid of dogs...... Further
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Sarah Massey, an aspiring actress, asked Maisie for help. And not with any cleaning, but to find a necklace with a huge emerald that disappeared from the poor girl’s dressing room. The stone is so big that everyone thinks it’s glass, and Sarah doesn’t want to advertise its loss - if her fiancé, a real duke, finds out about this, he might break off the engagement! And now Sarah’s happiness depends only on Maisie’s attentiveness and intelligence!... Further
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The girl Taya dreamed of a kitten, and one day her parents gave her Millie, a Bengal cat, the same breed that looks like little leopards. Taya and Millie immediately became friends and began to actively explore the world around them. True, curiosity constantly led cat to troubles that Taya had to deal with. This time, Millie just jumped out of the house for a minute to check what was happening in the neighboring yard, when someone grabbed her and took her far away to a strange place. But the Bengal cat is one of the most agile creatures in the world, and, without a doubt, Millie will figure out how to get out of the cage. Taya also wastes no time and posts notices about the missing kitten wherever she can. Will Millie be able to return to her owner? Alone, in another area, find your way home?... Further
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The girl Rosie had long dreamed of a kitten, but her mother did not agree. So Rosie went to a nearby farm and watched the kittens living there. She especially liked one, a bright red one, whom she called to herself - Ryzhik. But one day the farm was sold, and all the cats taken away by shelter employees. Rosie was very afraid that she would never see Ryzhik again, and even persuaded her mother to take him in with her. But when they arrived at the shelter, it turned out that Ryzhik was not there! Where did he go? And where to look for it? Won't the little red-haired happiness settle in Rosie's house?... Further
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Jasmine knew all the neighborhood cats and cats. Since your parents won’t allow you to have your own pet, you can at least pet someone else’s. But the girl especially made friends with the cat Zvezdochka, affectionate and playful. Therefore, Zvezdochka's owners offered the girl look after your pet during their vacation. Jasmine agreed and began to diligently take care of Star. But for some reason the cat suddenly became lethargic and sleepy, and then disappeared completely. Jasmine was very upset - some trouble might happen to Zvezdochka on the street! However, Zvezdochka disappeared for a reason. She prepared a big, one might even say, double surprise for everyone!... Further
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Fluffy was timid and cautious, so those on the farm were not surprised that other kittens had long ago found new owners, but no one wanted to take her. But one day an unfamiliar car stopped in the yard, and a quiet, modest girl got out. Ella and Pushinka at once They liked each other, but the girl’s mother did not allow her to take a kitten into the house. Ella had to leave, and Pushinka was left alone again. The longing for the girl was so strong that the cat decided to go looking for her. But she didn’t expect the world to be so huge. Will Pushinka be able to find Ella, because she doesn’t even know where she lives?... Further
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Lily lives in a huge old mansion on the island. There are not many people there, only the girl's family and a few servants. Lily's family used to be rich and famous, but then the queen banned magic and they had to hide. One terrible day, Lily finds out that her older sister Georgie has a spell - from a terrible, forbidden section of magic. Who bewitched Georgie? Is it really one of the relatives - after all, there are no other wizards on the island? So what should Lily do now? How to save my sister?... Further
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Maisie doesn't know anything about ships, but she liked this one. He has a beautiful carved sculpture on his nose - the figure of a mermaid. And if you look closely, it seems that the mermaid is crying: drops of resin are frozen on her cheeks. A wonderful ship, but the girl is confused by only one thing - her father recently wrote to her that the ship on which he began his service sank. And the distinctive feature of this ship was a crying mermaid...... Further
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Emmy always dreamed of a cat and hoped that her parents would give her a cheerful, fluffy kitten for her birthday. But mom and dad weren’t sure that their daughter was ready to take care of someone, so the girl received a tree house as a gift. Almost like a real thing, beautiful and cozy, but even the best house in the world cannot replace a kitten! One day, a black cat looked into Amy's house, and the girl quickly became friends with her. Amy named the cat Smoky and was in no hurry to tell her parents about her. And later it turned out that Dymka already has an owner who misses her and is looking for her. What should Emmy do, since she is already so attached to the kitten? And which housewife will Dymka herself choose?... Further
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Riddles are pouring in on Maisie from all sides, just have time to solve them (and at the same time carry out her grandmother’s orders). For example, who is this boy who performs under the name “Son of the Dark Jungle”, why is he watching Professor Tobin and what does the huge mask with red feathers have to do with it, which the scientist brought from an expedition to the real jungle?!... Further
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Lucy always dreamed of a kitten, and finally her dream came true - her parents gave her Violet. Only now the kitten appeared after the family moved to another area and Lucy had to go to a new school. The girl thought - dad and mom want her to forget the old house and former friends and was not very upset about the move. Lucy didn't want to forget, so she decided to pretend that she didn't need any kitten and not play with Violet in front of her family. But the girl had no idea how she would fall in love with the kitten, and every day it became more and more difficult to be cunning. Will Lucy be able to admit to her parents that she is pretending?... Further
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Maisie takes out her trusty magnifying glass again. Her best friend Alice has disappeared from the boarding house for noble maidens, and the only evidence is an overturned inkwell and a chain of cat tracks. Where did Alice, the only daughter of a very wealthy merchant, go? What if she was kidnapped? Besides Her cat and kittens disappeared along with the girl. But it’s not for nothing that Maisie is proud of her powers of observation and sharp mind – and this secret will be revealed!... Further
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Hannah has dreamed of having a Dalmatian puppy all her life. At first, mom and dad didn't allow it because she was too small to properly care for the puppy. Then Hannah had a brother, and again she had to wait. But before Christmas, a real miracle happened - parents decided to make Hannah's dream come true and brought a puppy from the Dalmatian nursery! The dog was named Oscar and fell in love immediately and forever. And everything would be fine, but it turned out that Hannah’s brother is still too young and considers the puppy a living toy. That's why poor Oscar hides all over the house from the overly sociable boy. Can Hannah explain to her little brother that Oscar is not a toy and make this Christmas a truly happy one?... Further
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Girl Ruby received a long-awaited gift - a puppy, Toby. Toby is a rabbit dachshund, that is, a very tiny, but very curious and very loud dog. He barked at any dog, no matter what size, as long as it approached his adored owner. Toby thought so he protects the girl, and Ruby was ashamed of the puppy's behavior. Toby is still too small to go to training school, so Ruby and her pet began to walk in deserted places. And one day Toby got lost. Ruby was very scared for him; she knew how many dangers a puppy faced on the street. But the world is not without kind people and dogs, the main thing is not to bark at the saviors!... Further
The girl Lucy dreamed of a kitten. She dreamed so much that she lied to a classmate at her new school that she had a pet. In fact, it was not entirely a lie - Lucy found a tiny hungry cat in the garden, named her Katie and made her a cozy home in the closet in her room. But neither dad nor grandma know that Lucy has a pet. In addition, dad always said that grandma was against animals in the house. How can Lucy confess her secret now? After all, dad and grandmother may demand that the girl give Katie to a shelter. And I also need to explain myself to my classmate...... Further
Author of more than six dozen books. She has written both works for children and books for teenagers. The writer told the editors of our portal about how she works with such a demanding audience, how she competes with YouTube and social networks, as well as how she creates her heroes and comes up with amazing stories.
Holly, tell us how you started writing? After all, you previously worked as an editor in a publishing house.
Yes, that's absolutely right. One day, our editorial team came up with the idea of writing a story about twin girls with very different personalities. The publishing house staff had to offer their ideas on how this plot could be developed, but I was so captivated by the process that I decided to write everything myself. I worked on the train from Berkshire to London and back.
Does your editorial experience interfere with your current work? Don't you constantly want to rewrite and change something?
It disturbs both the writer and the reader. But as for my books, this helps to a certain extent: I hand over ready-made material, and they edit it quite a bit.
You write books for children, but today's children are growing up in the digital age. How difficult is it to keep their attention and compete with YouTube and social networks?
It seems to me that today in England children are still returning to books. Of course, it's still a challenge to compete with the internet, but I think stories (in the broadest sense) are an extremely important part of life. Even a game should have a good story, otherwise it's not interesting. And it seems to me that books will always interest children, regardless of the time in which they grow up.
Holly Webb Add to favorites Add to favorites
Interest in reading is not the most typical situation. Are there any programs to stimulate interest in books?
In England, libraries have been hit hard by funding cuts. But people who read books discuss them on social networks, for example, on Facebook and Twitter. Due to this, interest in literature is growing.
David Walliams is very popular today. People still read Jack Wilson's books. Also in my country the books of the American Angie Thomas are known. But Walliams, compared to them, I think, is the most successful. Interest in fantasy continues, especially among teenagers.
Among your books there are those intended for six-year-olds and those written for twelve-year-olds. Which audience is the most demanding?
I like to write for both, these children are very different. Little ones cannot be upset; stories should be very light and kind. It’s more difficult with teenagers; they have many interests: friends, hobbies, social networks. Their attention just needs to be kept, but I understand how to communicate with them, because I myself have children - an eldest son of 13 and twin boys of 11 years old.
Your stories for kids are really very light and touching. Are there any among them that are written based on real events?
Yes, it's over. Many of them are written about my pets, starting with the first book “” (in Russian translation - “Pushinka the Kitten, or the Christmas Miracle”). Before I was born, my parents adopted a cat. The father went out to lunch and when he returned there was a cat sitting in his office chair and he took it home.
When I was little, my mother and I would imagine what adventures she had gone through before she found us. As I grew up, I remembered these stories, and my first book is based on them. Now I'm making up stories about the cats that live in our house today. One of them “gives” me a lot of stories because she is very restless and a little stupid.
Do you have any favorite breeds of cats and dogs?
All my cats are Bengal breed. These are beautiful graceful animals. We took them because they are very friendly and good with children. My kids play with them all the time. I love dogs too, when I was little I had a dachshund.
Question about teen books. - a girl detective living in the 19th century. What Victorian works did you turn to to recreate the atmosphere of old London?
Firstly, these are, of course, detective stories about Sherlock Holmes. Another very important book for me was Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Little Princess.” I don’t know how well known it is in Russia, but I remember that the story was filmed. London is as much a hero here as the characters. The frightening atmosphere of the capital of the empire with its fogs, described by Barnett, is very suitable for detective stories.
You are talking about Sherlock Holmes, but you made a girl the heroine of your books. Why?
I think because I read Sherlock Holmes as a child and constantly imagined myself in his place. I think it’s amazing to watch people and notice some small but important details. The funny thing is that I’m terribly inattentive and just don’t know how to notice little things. That's why I came up with a girl detective to do it for me. And instead of Doctor Watson, Maisie has a dog.
So you can find your traits in the heroine?
She is rather my opposite, because she is good at the deductive method. In it I embodied my desires. And, since I loved detective stories since childhood, I decided to create my own story about a young detective.
Could Maisie Hitchins eventually become, or do you have a different destiny in mind for her?
That would be great! I don’t know how many books have been translated in Russia, but in one of the last ones, Maisie’s father returns to Maisie, who lives with her grandmother, and together they found a detective agency.
What is more interesting for you to work on, the character of the heroine or recreating the atmosphere of Victorian London?
What is your favorite era in British history?
I really love the Victorian era, but I also love the very beginning of the 19th century, and my next book will be about that time. The main characters of this book are a little girl and animals who lived in an ancient house at different times and remained there in the form of spirits in paintings and statues. With their help, the heroine learns about the history of her home and her country.
You have three children, do they read your books?
Of course, the younger sons read books about animals, and the eldest, since I started writing before he was born, literally grew up on them. He read both children's stories and Maisie Hitchins novels, but he always complained that there were very few boys in my books. Of course, it’s easier for me to write about girls, but when my sons grow up, it will be great to write a book with boy heroes.
On your website, you wrote that as a child you dreamed of becoming a librarian because you thought they spent the whole day reading books. How have your professions influenced the reading process, since you are exposed to texts both as an editor and as a writer?
Yes! I really thought librarians did nothing but read all day. But when I was ten years old, a book with errors on the back came into my hands. I was very worried about the author and the people who published this book. Until that moment, I did not know about the profession of an editor, but I realized that I wanted to correct mistakes in good books.
I will not recommend anything specific, because it depends on the preferences and imagination of a particular teenager. It seems to me that many stories make you sympathize with the characters. It is important to read about people in different situations, people living in different countries. This way the world opens up to the reader in all its diversity, I think this is important.
Speaking of writers, what advice can you give to aspiring authors? Especially for children.
Do not stop! Get started and don't give up. If you do something wrong, you can always redo it.
I know there are quite a few writing schools in the UK and US. How effective do you think they are and how much can it help beginners taking their first steps in literature?
Some of them have indeed produced very good authors, but writing courses are quite expensive and there is no guarantee that you will be published after them. Plus, there are people who are so desperate to become writers that they can do it without taking any courses.
I was lucky, I worked in a publishing house and during my time as an editor I unknowingly learned basic things about literary craftsmanship.
(estimates: 7
, average: 5,00
out of 5)
Name: Holly Webb
Date of Birth: 1976
Place of Birth: Great Britain
Holly Webb - biography
Holly Webb is a contemporary children's writer originally from the UK. She was born in 1976 in London. Since childhood, Holly has been attached to animals and enjoyed taking care of her pets - a dog and a cat. At the age of ten, the girl became interested in ancient Greek myths and decided to learn Latin and ancient Greek. At school, Holly Webb studied well, showing a special inclination towards the humanities, and loved to read. She dreamed of becoming a librarian, then an archaeologist, but after graduating from school she made a choice in favor of a philological specialty. Holly entered the University of London. By this time, she was already working in a children's publishing house - where the girl spent every summer vacation. Her duties included photocopying, but Holly was happy to have this part-time job. Webb really liked the atmosphere of the printing house, so it is not surprising that after graduating from university, Holly remained working in the same publishing house, but as an editor. She read the texts and made corrections. It was her dream to read books at work. Even after the future writer got married and gave birth to her first child, she did not leave her job and began editing remotely.
Holly's first attempts at writing came at the age of twenty-eight. It all happened suddenly - a young mother was traveling on a train, and suddenly she got the idea to write a short story about a fictional girl, Becky. This is how her first book, “Becky’s Difficult Period,” appeared, which became the beginning of a series of stories about three sisters Becky, Katie and Annabelle called “Triplets.” Webb had tried writing before, but this children's epic was her first completed work.
The writer’s reverent attitude towards our little brothers was also reflected in her work - in 2006, Webb began work on a large-scale series of stories, “Good Stories about Animals.” By the end of 2017, there were already twenty-eight works in this series. The last book, “Toby the Puppy, or Elder Friend,” was published in 2017. Holly reveals to young readers all the complexities and amazing adventures of cats and dogs, inviting children to step into their shoes, at least for a little while. Her stories emanate warmth and kindness, even the pets’ names are affectionate - Dandelion, Star, Pet, Button, etc. All of Holly Webb's books in this series are great fun. These are real adventures and challenges that little kittens and puppies face. In addition to the animals, the characters in the stories are children who care for and help their little brothers. The educational significance of this cycle is difficult to overestimate.
While working on stories about animals, the modern writer decided to try herself in other genres, without departing from children's creativity. She has always been attracted to detective stories - frightening and exciting, shrouded in a network of intrigue and unexpected turns. This is how the epic about the girl detective Maisie Hitchins appeared, who helped solve mysteries and expose criminals (the title of the series is “Stories about ancient Britain - a girl detective and no magic”). This Holly Webb character is one of the favorite heroines of children all over the world. Smart, insightful, observant, brave, obedient, but sometimes very stubborn, Maisie helps her grandmother run a boarding house, and in her free time she solves crimes using her deductive methods. The books about Maisie turned out to be not only fascinating, but also atmospheric - you instantly become immersed in the surroundings of 19th century England, imagining yourself on the pages of the works of Arthur Conan Doyle. To date, this detective series has eight books. The last of them, “Undercover Puppy,” was published in 2016.
The British author's later work is associated with the fantasy genre. Thus, Holly came as close as possible to a fairy tale in which miracles happen and good defeats evil. In the fantasy genre, Webb created several cycles of works - the tetralogy “Stories about Magical Britain”, the four-volume epic “The House of Magic”, the series “Stories about Modern Britain and Miracles at Christmas” and “The Old Manor”, also consisting of four books. Holly’s most recent work is the beginning of the epic “Secret Venice,” which the writer is currently working intensively on. The sequence of books in this cycle to date is “Olivia, or the Magic Horse,” “Mia, or the Mermaid’s Sister.”
Today, Holly Webb's books sell in huge numbers all over the world and give young readers from different parts of the world the opportunity to immerse themselves in magical fairy tales and exciting adventures. By 2017, the Englishwoman’s writing collection included more than a hundred books, and the author’s imagination still does not dry out. Her works of various genres are at the top of reader ratings for modern children's literature. According to reader reviews, Holly’s best books include many stories about animals, as well as stories about the girls Emily and Rose, revealing magical secrets (the “Stories of Magical Britain” and “House of Magic” series).
Today Holly is a happy mother of three sons. She lives with her family in Reading, devoting herself entirely to her children, husband and writing. The first listeners of her stories are always children and the cat Marble, a family favorite.
If you want to feel the magic of this talented writer’s work, we invite you to read Holly Webb’s books online in our virtual library. Also, everyone can download the author’s books in Russian absolutely free of charge, choosing a convenient format: fb2 (fb2), txt (tkht), epub or rtf. Our website contains a complete list of the author's e-books, arranged in chronological order.
All books by Holly Webb
Book series - My Naughty Little Puppy
- Home for Rascal
- Rascal and the Wedding
- New Tricks for Rascal
- Rascal's Sleepover Fun
- Rascal's Seaside Adventure
- Rascal's Festive Fun
- Rascal the Star
Book series - Good stories about animals
- Kitten Silver, or Striped Brave
- Puppy Toby, or Senior Friend
- Kitten Mustache, or Brave Heart
- Kitten Millie, or Welcome back, leopard!
- Christmas stories. Take me for a ride, little bear!
- Kitten Snowflake, or Winter Magic
- Little Puppy, or Friends Forever
- Kitten Pirate, or Nimble Claw
- Puppy Button, or Smart Baby
- Christmas stories. Moonlight Girl
- Kitten Button, or Bravery as a reward
- Puppy Jess, or Let's be friends!
