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Lucy Courtenay

Lucy talks about creating underwater worlds, writing about emotions and starting school, and life as an editor

About The Author and Illustrator

Lucy Courtenay works in children's publishing and has contributed to a number of series for young readers including 'Beast Quest' and 'Animal Ark', whilst more recently writing romance for young adults. When not writing, she enjoys singing, reading and travel. 

Sheena Dempsey is a children's illustrator and picture book author from Cork. She has illustrated many books including 'Dave Pigeon' written by Swapna Haddow (Faber & Faber, 2016) which was shortlisted for the Sainsbury’s Book Award. Sheena now lives in London with her husband, Mick, and her retired racing greyhound, Sandy. She loves to write and draw characters that are bursting with fun, humour and mischief.

 

About The Book:

It is Marnie Blue's very first day at Lady Sealia Foam’s Mermaid School, and she's terrified. What if she can't make any new friends, or if she's asked to ride a seahorse? What's more, her famous diva aunt Christabel was a notorious rebel at the same school, and got up to all sorts of naughtiness. Marnie is soon branded a troublemaker by her grumpy octopus music teacher and wants nothing more than to clam up. But when a fellow pupil finds herself in danger, it's up to Marnie to show that daring runs in the family and swim to the rescue.

 

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An Introduction to 'Mermaid School'

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The Inspiration behind 'Mermaid School'

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A Reading from 'Mermaid School'

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Lucy's Writing Challenge

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How did you create the underwater world?

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What can you tell us about the main character, Marnie?

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Why did you begin the series with Marnie starting school?

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Which 'Mermaid School' character are you most like?

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Why did you want Marnie's mum and auntie to be such opposite characters?

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How do the illustrations help tell the story?

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Are there any messages you hope readers will take away?

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How has your job as an editor helped your writing?

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What is it like being an editor?

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Resource Download: 'Mermaid School' Extract