Catcall [Hardcover]

'An interesting and touching story of two young boys dealing with the arrival of their new baby sister and their parent's marriage break up in their own strange and unique way... A must read book for parents and children alike.' (Nina Smith, Cotswold Bookstore BERTRAM'S BUYER'S GUIDE )

'a very strong psychological drama... Josh and Jamie are battling demons that most children will recognise as demons of their own and the book's great pace and tension building with keep them reading.' (Jill Murphy THEBOOKBAG.CO.UK )

'I thoroughly enjoyed this book.... well-crafted... The characters are believable, the problem is well depicted; the tension it creates is tangible, and the solution comes as a great relief.' (Mark Betteney WRITE AWAY )

'Atmospheric and empathetic, this is an intense novel about two brothers.' (CAROUSEL )

'this beautifully told story is haunting and memorable.' (Nicholas Tucker THE INDEPENDENT )

'expertly contrasts knowledge and understanding against fears and doubt. Stepping beyond mere sibling rivalry, childhood neurosis is depicted here with an astute accuracy, but also with compassion and perception... The tectonics of familial relationships and alliance are related with extraordinary power and prowess.' (Jake Hope ACHUKA )

'presents a moving and insightful portrayal of a common family situation, given extra dramatic tension by Jamie's lion persona and by the links between animal and human behaviour as observed by Josh, a thoughtful, sympathetic narrator who grows in empathy and self-knowledge in a very satisfying way throughout the book.' (Sue Roe THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN )

'A highly enjoyable book written wtih a lot of humour, very strong characters adn times we can imagine ourselves in. This is a brilliant book full of wonderful ideas, funny descriptions which really giv eyou the scene... I would recommend it to anyone.' (David Shapira TEEN TITLES )

'expertly contrasts knowledge and understanding against fears and doubt. Stepping beyond mere sibling rivalry, childhood neurosis is depicted here with an astute accuracy, but also with compassion and perception... The tectonics of familial relationships and alliance are related with extraordinary power and prowess.'

An engaging story that blends reality and the supernatural to compelling effect.

Quietly compelling ... a moving and insightful portrayal of a common family situation, given extra dramatic tension by Jamie's lion persona

An insightful novel about the emotionally charged landscape families bumble through when they split and reform.

'An interesting and touching story of two young boys dealing with the arrival of their new baby sister and their parent's marriage break up in their own strange and unique way... A must read book for parents and children alike.'

'a very strong psychological drama... Josh and Jamie are battling demons that most children will recognise as demons of their own and the book's great pace and tension building with keep them reading.'

'I thoroughly enjoyed this book.... well-crafted... The characters are believable, the problem is well depicted; the tension it creates is tangible, and the solution comes as a great relief.'

'Atmospheric and empathetic, this is an intense novel about two brothers.'

'presents a moving and insightful portrayal of a common family situation, given extra dramatic tension by Jamie's lion persona and by the links between animal and human behaviour as observed by Josh, a thoughtful, sympathetic narrator who grows in empathy and self-knowledge in a very satisfying way throughout the book.'

It's a time of change for everyone is Josh's family - a relatively new stepdad and a brand new baby sister. For Josh's younger brother Jamie, the family upheaval has deeply disturbing consequences: he refuses to speak, and after a vivid, frightening dream develops an obsession with wild cats. With his parents so preoccupied, it's up to Josh to be the peacemaker, the healer - and to unravel and find a cure for his brother's strange behaviour, and keep the family together. In helping Jamie to recover his voice, Josh discovers an unexpectedly resonant one of his own. Catcall is a gripping and atmospheric novel, with a contemporary urban setting, full of powerful ideas, and blending deep psychological tension with fast-paced action. It is highly-acclaimed author Linda Newbery at her most compelling and insightful.

[Please set italicised text immediately below in an eye-catching font that is different from the main body text. Also, please highlight the first words 'The lion' in some way to really grab readers' attention.]

The lion turned and looked straight at me with his amber eyes. For that second it was like there was nothing between me and him...

Josh's younger brother, Jamie, has fallen under the wild cat spell. Now 'Leo' seems to have taken over his life, and it is becoming impossible for the family to cope with Jamie's frightening, unpredictable behaviour.

Only Josh understands, but is he brave enough to save them all?

'atmospheric and empathetic, this is an intense novel'

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www.orionbooks.co.uk

ISBN 978 1 84255 568 2

£6.99

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Linda Newbery always wanted to be a writer, but only began submitting work to publishers when she became a secondary school teacher. She now writes full-time from her home in a Northamptonshire village, which she shares with her husband and their cats. She has published poetry, short stories, picture books and novels for young people of all ages.