Religion and Saints

Discover the Anglo-Saxons introduces young readers to key figures, aspects and themes of Anglo-Saxon Britain. The books feature an appealingly graphic, young, colourful approach, with one large image per spread plus fact and feature boxes, timelines, places to visit and further resources.

Religion and Saints looks at the importance of religion in Anglo-Saxon culture. Beginning with the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons and the foundation of great monastic centres of Canterbury, Iona and Lindisfarne, the book covers the worship of saints such Cuthbert and Aldhelm, the rise of monasteries and dioceses and the relationship of kings such as Alfred and Athelstan to the Church and its teachings.

I have been writing for many years in a number of different genres, from books for babies up to books for 11 year-olds plus. I like to try new things and tackle new subjects, so I don’t limit myself to one type of book. One month I might be writing about history, and the next month I might be creating an imaginary story. Examples of my work have been selected for national Key Stage study in the UK, and in the USA I was commended by the Library of Congress for my work in non-fiction, which they felt encouraged reluctant readers. I work with visuals always in mind, and love the challenge of getting across information or an exciting story with good graphics to back it up. Lately I have been blogging about the craft of writing, and I’ve also appeared at National Book Festivals, which I think of as the most challenging thing of all to do! I get a lot of emails from children around the world, inspired by one of my books they have read, and that gives me great pleasure.