Testimonials
The pupils were enthralled and captivated. Absolutely loved it. Met the needs of our kids. Rich language experience. Structure and content of session appropriate to age and abilities of pupils - KS1 Teacher evaluation, Read a Million Words in Wales project
It was a truly inspiring day. Lots of very positive comments from pupils and staff. Thank you so much! - Swindon Library Service
Excellent presentation. Very high standard. The children benefitted from a super day – Penllwyn Primary School
I think Cat is the best storyteller in the world – Cameron, Machynlleth CP School
Thank you for the boundless energy and enthusiasm you have given to each class. You have made our Writing Week exciting, fun and thought provoking – Kington Primary School
I have seen Cat work with a variety of ages of children for events organised as part of our Bookstart Week celebrations. Each activity was tailored beautifully to the ages of the children and exceptionally well prepared. Cat’s storytelling mesmerised the children and the sessions were really lively and interactive with a good range of storytelling, props, music and songs. I would highly recommend her and am looking forward to a return visit in October. Inspirational! – Bookstart, Swansea
Last year you visited our school. Since then you inspired me to read. I started by reading ‘Barkbelly’ and now I am reading ‘Snowbone.’ Now my mum has to tell me to STOP reading and go to sleep. But when she leaves the room I carry on reading because I love your books – Amelia, Sutton Coldfield
Book Reviews
Barkbelly
Barkbelly
A startling fresh voice in children's books! Cat Weatherill is one of our great storytellers, vivacious and inventive. She brings all her consummate skill to the creation of her first magical book
Michael Morpurgo, author of Private Peaceful and War Horse
The real star of this month’s fantasies is Cat Weatherill’s Barkbelly. What makes the book special is not just the quality of the author’s imagination but her richly poetic style.
Amanda Craig, The Times
Cat Weatherill’s quirky Barkbelly divides so beautifully into self-contained chapters that it is no surprise to learn that her background is in performance storytelling. Her curious fable of a wooden boy cries to be read aloud
Helen Brown, The Daily Telegraph
Magic and length now rule the roost in children’s stories: glorious when you get fine writing and soaring imagination… and Cat Weatherill’s Barkbelly falls squarely in the glorious category… As in all the best stories, what he learns on the way about love, friendship and courage becomes the real point of the tale.
Christina Hardyment, The Independent
I think it's just wonderful. Cat has brought her vivid storyteller's gifts straight on to the page -- her Barkbelly is a lively, affecting wooden hero, as much a real boy as Pinocchio ever was. This is a magical and moving debut.
Erica Wagner, Literary Editor, The Times
Cat Weatherill’s glorious book Barkbelly sees a little wooden boy delivered to a kindly, childless couple… It’s a beautiful and touching story.
Kim Bunce, The Observer
Snowbone
The book is filled with action… made all the more powerful by a spiritual undercurrent and moments of intense lyrical beauty. As the story progresses Snowbone grows in maturity, gaining wisdom and knowledge through her experiences. This is a dazzling book, inventive in plot and rich in language – Carousel Guide to Children’s Books
This book is a testament to the imagination. A children’s novel that will appeal to adults, Cat Weatherill’s sequel to Barkbelly broaches issues of slavery, love and death while maintaining a magical charm
The Big Issue
My particular favourite… a journey of discovery where they learn more about themselves than anything else
Level Up, BBC 2 / CBBC
This book is a testament to the imagination. A children’s novel that will appeal to adults, Cat Weatherill’s sequel to Barkbelly broaches issues of slavery, love and death while maintaining a magical charm
The Big Issue
My particular favourite… a journey of discovery where they learn more about themselves than anything else
Level Up, BBC 2 / CBBC
Wild Magic
Don’t miss reading this book. Like the piper’s tune, it is so real you can taste it –
GoodReads
The book’s greatest achievement is Finn. This irredeemable villain is fleshed out with such detail that readers will not be able to decide if he is good or evil –
Booklist
Where Magic Hides
The stories are told with energy and pace, but at enough length to develop character and motive and hold the attention. This book would be an excellent addition to a classroom library.
Wendy Crockett, Gwales
