11 November 2013

Siobhan Dowd's last extraordinary story, The Ransom of Dond, enchantingly illustrated by the hugely talented Pam Smy was published on Thursday 7th November 2013.

A world of legend and superstition. Where it is thought that in order to bring 13 years of luck, the 13th child must sacrificed to Dond on their 13th birthday…. and Darra is that child and Darra must be sacrificed. Follow her fate as it is shaped by a long kept secret and a mother’s choice.

Stunning two-colour illustrations by Pam Smy blend smoothly with the bewitching words of Siobhan Dowd, transporting us to a land where only the truth and a mother’s kiss can set us free.

Rave reviews have poured in already and it is with huge pleasure we can say that Lovereading has picked it for Mega Book of the month November 2013. 

It was also picked for Children’s Book of the week on 10th November by The Sunday Times, where Nicolette Jones described Pam’s illustrations as “bringing rich draughtsmanship to Dowd’s beautifully crafted creation”.

You must buy this book, re-read this book, share this book and treasure this book. It is a poignant reminder of the gift of life itself.

Siobhan Dowd

Siobhan Dowd was an extraordinary author giving us four fantastic and award winning novels before The Ransom of Dond - A Swift Pure Cry 2006, The London Eye Mystery 2007, Bog Child 2008 and Solace of the Road 2009– each recognised for their greatness. Sadly, Siobhan died in August 2007, aged 47. In her final days Siobhan set up The Siobhan Dowd Trust, which works to give young people the opportunity to read and enjoy literature:

http://www.siobhandowdtrust.com/

Pam Smy

Pam Smy studied BA (Hons) Illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, going on to study the MA in Children's Book Illustration in 2001. Her first picture book contract was Egmont Books in 2003. She has illustrated for authors such as Julia Donaldson, John Agard and Arthur Conan Doyle. Pam's books are published in various countries around the world including Britain, Germany, USA and Australia. She is a Lecturer in the Cambridge School of Art in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and has been lecturing in Illustration for the past 5 years.