Christine Morton-Shaw
Christine Morton-Shaw is a British writer of children's books and books for teens. These include picture books and educational and novelty titles. She is perhaps best known for her more recent work as a Young Adult and Middle-Grade novelist. Her novels to date are The Riddles of Epsilon and The Hunt for the Seventh. Her works are notable for their spooky atmosphere, an emphasis on mystery and the solving of clues and surprising plot twists
Background
Christine Morton-Shaw grew up in Blackburn, England where she reportedly had several spooky or supernatural experiences. She later moved to Sheffield, England to study at university, later gaining a master's degree in Creative Writing from Sheffield Hallam University. Before this, she had already had several children's picturebooks published, starting with her debut The Pig that Barked.After success with several picture book titles, Morton-Shaw's career took a turn in 2003, when she signed a publishing deal for the teenage fantasy novel The Riddles of Epsilon with HarperCollins Children's Books UK and US arms. The book, published by the Katherine Tegen imprint in 2005 received much pre-publication hype. A sequel was published in 2008.
Work for younger children
Morton-Shaw's books for younger children include the following;The 'Stringalongs' series The Pig that Barked Don't Worry William Picnic Farm Run, Rabbit, Run Itzy Bitzy HouseMagoosyMr Jack: a little dog in a big hurryWake Up, Sleepy BearBears for Bedtime Storybook CollectionMorton-Shaw has received prizes and honours for her work in this area. Picnic Farm was awarded the Silver Honors by the Parents Choice Foundation, while Wake Up, Sleepy Bear is among the books chosen by the Dollywood Foundation for use in promoting reading among children. Run Rabbit, Run was awarded best children's illustrated work for four- to eleven-year-olds by the English association.
Works for older children and teens
- The Riddles of Epsilon
- The Hunt for the Seventh