My name is Elen Caldecott, I am a writer for children and young people. I live in Bristol with my husband and my dog. Before my real dog arrived, I had an imaginary dog called Augustus Snags.
I have always liked to read books. When I was a child I would write sequels to some of my favourite books because I couldn’t bear to say goodbye to the characters. Eventually, I started inventing characters of my own.
Before becoming a writer, I was an archaeologist, a nurse, a theatre usher and a museum security guard. It was while working at the museum that I realised there a way to steal anything if you think about it hard enough. I either had to become a master thief, or create some characters to do it for me so I began my debut novel, How Kirsty Jenkins Stole The Elephant.
My work has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Award and the UKLA award, longlisted for the Carnegie and has won the Tir Na n’Og award
The Great Ice-Cream Heist
'Those McIntyres are nothing but trouble!' When the McIntyre family moves in next door, Eva is intrigued - it is the first interesting thing to happen for ages. But her ever protective Dad - even more protective since Eva's mum died - does not agree. And the McIntyres are certainly noisy! But Eva is curious about Jamie, who she often sees on the roof of his garden shed, escaping the family chaos.
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The Mystery of Wickworth Manor
An exciting adventure with lots of humour and action, which also gives some background on the slave trade.
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Operation Eiffel Tower
A funny and very moving story that tackles important issues with a light touch.
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How Kirsty Jenkins Stole the Elephant
A warm, funny and moving novel about family relationships, dealing with bereavement, green beans and marrows.
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How Ali Ferguson Saved Houdini
With the help of his friends and, significantly, Caitlin's dad, Ali and his mum begin to feel comfortable and happy in their new life without Ali's dad.
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The Short Knife
Winner of the Tir na n-Og Award
Shortlisted for the Young Quills Historical Fiction Award
Longlisted for the Carnegie Meda
Diamonds and Daggers
Meet Piotr, Minnie, Andrew, Flora and Sylvie – true friends and even better mystery-solvers!
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Crowns and Codebreakers
Meet Piotr, Minnie, Andrew, Flora and Sylvie – true friends and even better mystery-solvers!
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Spooks and Scooters
Meet Piotr, Minnie, Andrew, Flora and Sylvie – true friends and even better mystery-solvers!
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Cats and Curses
The fourth title in the brilliant mystery adventure series by Waterstones Book Prize shortlisted author, Elen Caldecott. For fans of the Laura Marlin Mysteries by Lauren St John.
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