Katie Morag and the Two Grandmothers

"Yes, I could be a bit biased, but I do think that Mairi Hedderwick captures island life perfectly in all her books. She draws so carefully, she captures the wind – every picture is windy – and there’s probably never a moment when it’s not windy on the islands of Scotland. I love that, and how everybody has their wellies [rubber boots] on. You feel transported there, you can really see the details of the houses and the post office and the jetty. It’s just amazing. What I love about Katie Morag and the Two Grandmothers is that whether we have two grandmothers that are very different, or sisters, or aunties, it is something that children can relate to. I love how the story shows both the personalities, and how they struggle to get on with each other but in the end they make friends. I think that’s a very good life lesson for children: you will always have people that are very different around you, whom you love, and they might not be compatible all the time. So, as well as the art being so realistic that it makes you feel like you’re on a Scottish island, it is a very good friendship and relationship story. And a good example of how you can love two people that are completely different."