Elen Caldecott
Elen Caldecott graduated with an MA in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University and was highly commended in the PFD Prize for Most Promising Writer for Young People.
Before becoming a writer, she was an archaeologist, a nurse, a theatre usher and a museum security guard. It was while working at the museum that Elen realised there is a way to steal anything if you think about it hard enough. Elen either had to become a master thief, or create some characters to do it for her - and so her debut novel, How Kirsty Jenkins Stole the Elephant, was born. Kirsty Jenkins was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Prize and longlisted for the 2010 Carnegie Award.
Elen lives in Bristol with her husband, Simon, and their dog.
Books
Cats and Curses
Author: Elen Caldecott
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+
This is the fourth book in the Marsh Road Mysteries series, although there is no need to read them in order. Andrew, Piotr, Minnie, Flora and Sylvie are great characters and this is an exciting adventure that will be devoured in a few sittings.
How Kirsty Jenkins Stole the Elephant
Author: Elen Caldecott
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 9+
Kirsty Jenkins loves the allotment her grandfather lovingly tends and, just before he dies, he asks Kirsty to look after it for him. Unfortunately, Mr Thomas from the council has other ideas and insists the allotment must go to the next person on the waiting list.
Operation Eiffel Tower
Author: Elen Caldecott
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+
A funny and very moving story that tackles important issues with a light touch
Spooks and Scooters
Author: Elen Caldecott Illustrator: Nathan Reed
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 8+
When Flora and Sylvie's holiday with dad is cancelled, they are determined to discover who or what is responsible. Amid the excitement of unravelling the mystery, Caldecott sympathetically shows us families coming to terms with change.
The Great Ice Cream Heist
Author: Elen Caldecott
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+
Shy Eva lives a quiet life with her protective Dad - until the noisy McIntyre family move in next door.
The Marsh Road Mysteries 2: Crowns and Codebreakers
Author: Elen Caldecott
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 8-10
Reading age: 8+
The second in the Marsh Road Mysteries series once again brings together friendship, adventure and solving mysteries.
The Marsh Road Mysteries: Diamonds and Daggers
Author: Elen Caldecott
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9
With a fast-moving plot and satisfyingly diverse group of young investigators, this humorous whodunit has a contemporary feel and will appeal to a wide range of young readers.
The Mystery of Wickworth Manor
Author: Elen Caldecott
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 10+
This lively story from Elen Caldecott is packed with humour and action, but also has a serious side, touching on the history of the slave trade.