{"id":5695,"date":"2019-06-18T18:00:40","date_gmt":"2019-06-18T18:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/schoolshistory.org.uk\/topics\/?p=5695"},"modified":"2019-06-17T10:16:34","modified_gmt":"2019-06-17T10:16:34","slug":"mc-holliss-historical-fiction-for-primary-school-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/schoolshistory.org.uk\/topics\/mc-holliss-historical-fiction-for-primary-school-children\/","title":{"rendered":"MC Holliss: Historical Fiction for Primary School children"},"content":{"rendered":"

MC Holliss writes wonderfully illustrated books rooted in history and mythical beasts. Aimed at a younger audience, these are a great example of how history can be used as a tool to grip the imagination of children. Inspired by her own young grandchildren the books use aspects of the past such as castles and knights alongside mythical beasts such as dragons. The artwork is provided by a number of illustrators, often recent graduates of the Local Universities School of Art.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What inspired you to write children’s history books?<\/h3>\n

Although I started my career as an infant teacher, the inspiration to write came from my first grandson. At the age of two, he showed great enthusiasm for knights, castles and especially imaginary dragons!<\/p>\n

\"The
Forthcoming release – out in July 2019<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Illustrations are very important in children\u2019s books. How do you plan for that aspect of your work?<\/h3>\n

As I\u2019m writing, I build up pictures in my head of the plot characters and background. I always use illustrators, as art was never one of my strong subjects! I also try and use illustrators who have just started their career and have a young approach. For example, the illustrator of my first book had just graduated from the Leeds College of Art.<\/p>\n