Draft:Amy Sparkes
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Amy Sparkes is a British children's author renowned for her imaginative storytelling, blending humor, magic, and adventure across picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade fiction.
Early Life and Education Born in Eastbourne, England, Amy Sparkes grew up by the sea, nurturing a vivid imagination that included 13 imaginary friends. She pursued English Literature and Theology at the University of Kent, graduating in 1999. After working in charities and the NHS, she transitioned to writing full-time upon starting a family. Fantastic Fiction +3 HarperCollins Canada +3 LoveReading4Kids +3 Penguin Random House +1 Walker Books +1
Career Sparkes began her writing career in 2009 with picture books and expanded into junior and middle-grade fiction. Her works have been featured on CBeebies Storytime and shortlisted for awards like the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the BookTrust Best Books Awards. Beyond writing, she contributes to Writing Magazine, co-founded the Writing Magazine Children’s Book Prize, and conducts workshops for aspiring authors. Hampshire Writers' Society HarperCollins Canada +4 Walker Books +4 amheath.com +4 LoveReading4Kids +5 amheath.com +5 Words&Pictures +5
Notable Works Picture Books Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo! (Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie): A humorous tale of a child's adventure in a monster-filled zoo. BookTrust
The Christmas Doll: A Repair Shop Story: Inspired by the BBC series The Repair Shop, this story emphasizes restoration and family. Words&Pictures
Chapter Books Pirate Blunderbeard Series (Illustrated by Ben Cort): Chronicles the misadventures of Barnacles Blunderbeard, the "Worst. Pirate. Ever." Time Out Abu Dhabi +4 BookTrust +4 Words&Pictures +4
Middle-Grade Fiction The House at the Edge of Magic series: Follows Nine, a pickpocket who discovers a magical house with quirky inhabitants under a curse. Fantastic Fiction +9 Time Out Abu Dhabi +9 Words&Pictures +9
Bibliography Hodge the Hedgehog: Sparkes' debut picture book, illustrated by Benji Davies. Time Out Abu Dhabi +3 Words&Pictures +3 Hampshire Writers' Society +3
Ellie's Magic Wellies: A magical adventure featured on CBeebies Storytime. Walker Books +2 amheath.com +2 Fantastic Fiction +2
The Goodnight Star: A comforting bedtime story for young readers.
The House at the Edge of Magic: A middle-grade novel blending fantasy and humor. Time Out Abu Dhabi
Pirate Blunderbeard Series: A chapter book series filled with nautical mishaps and laughs. ReadingZone
Amy Sparkes continues to enchant young readers with her imaginative tales, fostering a love for reading through her engaging characters and stories.
🧙♂️ Main Characters
Nine
A courageous and resourceful orphaned pickpocket from the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. Her life changes when she discovers the magical house and becomes entangled in its mysteries.
Flabberghast the Unworthy High Wizard, Chair of the Tea Tasters Committee, and World Hopscotch Champion (1835). Eccentric and flamboyant, Flabberghast is both comically inept and endearingly earnest in his magical pursuits.
Eric the Troll The house's gentle and meticulous housekeeper. Emotionally attached to his feather duster, Eric is a wholesome character who challenges typical troll stereotypes.
Dr. Spoon A kilt-wearing, sentient wooden spoon and alchemist. Formerly known as Agent Spoon, he is on a quest to find his partner, Professor Dish.
🧙♀️ Supporting Characters Professor Dish Dr. Spoon's best friend and partner in alchemy. In The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond, the group seeks to rescue Professor Dish from the clutches of the witch Ophidia.
Ophidia the Unpredictable A greedy witch who traps Professor Dish in the basement of a peculiar shop, presenting a significant challenge to Nine and her friends.
Gazillion the Unstoppable A formidable wizard and rival to Flabberghast. Known for his relentless ambition, Gazillion seeks the secret formula to make gold and is often seen collaborating with Ophidia the Unpredictable.
Bewilda the Wise A powerful and enigmatic witch, Bewilda is Flabberghast's sister. Her complex relationship with Flabberghast adds depth to the narrative, and her actions significantly impact the storyline.
Eliza Nine's mother, Eliza, is a pivotal character whose past actions and secrets are gradually unveiled throughout the series. Her connection to Bewilda and the magical world plays a crucial role in Nine's journey.
Bonehead the Gloomy Skeleton A loyal and endearing skeletal companion, Bonehead provides both comic relief and heartfelt moments throughout the series.
Cascadia Spout ("Cas") A mottled grey gargoyle with small wings, chunky legs, and a bulbous nose. Cas is a gruff yet lovable character who finds her place atop the house's tower.
Griselda the Unruly A formidable and unpredictable witch whose actions pose significant challenges to Nine and her companions. Her unruly nature adds complexity and excitement to the storyline.
Pockets The unscrupulous leader of the Nest of a Thousand Treasures, where Nine was raised. He resembles Fagin from Oliver Twist, exploiting children for theft.
Mr. Downes A librarian who provides Nine with a sanctuary and a glimpse into a world beyond her life as a pickpocket.
🏠 Magical Entities and Features The House A magical, ever-changing dwelling with unpredictable rooms, including a wandering toilet, a cursed tea cupboard, and a garden inhabited by giant bats with corrosive droppings.
The Curse An enchantment placed on the house and its inhabitants by a malevolent witch, causing various magical malfunctions and trapping the residents.
This ensemble of characters contributes to the series' charm, blending humor, magic, and adventure to create a captivating world for readers.