Jump to content

Hilary Robinson (author): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Interops (talk | contribs)
231 edits
Rectification of multitudinous syntactic and grammatical errors.
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|British children's author, broadcaster, radio producer and feature writer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2015}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2007}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2007}}
{{Infobox writer <!-- for more information see [[:Template:Infobox writer/doc]]-->
{{Infobox writer <!-- for more information see [[:Template:Infobox writer/doc]]-->
| image = Hilary-robinson-2016.jpg
| image = Hilary Robinson 2021.jpg
| alt = Hilary Robinson
| alt = Hilary Robinson
| name = Hilary Robinson
| name = Hilary Robinson
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1962|1|23|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Paignton]], [[Devon]], England
| birth_place = [[Paignton]], [[Devon]], England
| nationality = British (Manx ancestry)
| nationality = British (Manx ancestry)
Line 14: Line 14:
}}
}}


'''Hilary Robinson''' (born 23 January 1962) is a British [[children's literature|children's author]], broadcaster,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/hilaryrobinsonauthor |title=Hilary Robinson |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2014-07-27}}</ref> [[radio]] producer and [[feature story|feature]] writer.
Hilary Robinson FRSA is a British [[children's literature| award winning children's author of over 70 books]], broadcaster,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/hilaryrobinsonauthor |title=Hilary Robinson |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2014-07-27}}</ref> [[radio]] producer and [[feature story|feature]] writer.


==Background==
==Background==
The daughter of lecturers, Robinson grew up in [[Zaria]], [[Nigeria]] during the [[Nigerian Civil War]], and later in [[Dorset]] and [[Yorkshire]]. Her father, P. H. Turner, was an [[economist]] <ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cY2ZgNGCZk4C&q=%22the+commerce+of+new+africa%22&pg=PA840 |title=The Cambridge History of Africa - Google Books |date=1998-12-01 |isbn=9780521224093 |access-date=2014-07-27|last1=Fage |first1=J. D. |last2=Crowder |first2=Michael |last3=Oliver |first3=Roland Anthony }}</ref> and a biographer of [[David Livingstone]] <ref>{{cite book|title=Livingstone: A Beginner's Guide by P.H. Turner|id={{ASIN|0340845414|country=uk}}}}</ref> who established an educational trust and spearheaded the building of a non-profit independent school in Zaria, Nigeria. Robinson attended this school with other local and overseas children, including theatre director [[Rufus Norris]]. Her mother was a lecturer in mathematics and statistics with the [[Open University]].
The daughter of lecturers, Robinson grew up in [[Zaria]], [[Nigeria]] during the [[Nigerian Civil War]], and later in [[Dorset]] and [[Yorkshire]]. Her father, P. H. Turner, was an [[economist]]<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cY2ZgNGCZk4C&q=%22the+commerce+of+new+africa%22&pg=PA840 |title=The Cambridge History of Africa - Google Books |date=1998-12-01 |isbn=9780521224093 |access-date=2014-07-27|last1=Fage |first1=J. D. |last2=Crowder |first2=Michael |last3=Oliver |first3=Roland Anthony }}</ref> and a biographer of [[David Livingstone]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Livingstone: A Beginner's Guide by P.H. Turner|id={{ASIN|0340845414|country=uk}}}}</ref> who established an educational trust and spearheaded the building of a non-profit independent school in Zaria, Nigeria. Robinson attended this school with other local and overseas children, including theatre director [[Rufus Norris]]. Later, she attended a mixed state comprehensive, Hemsworth High School, in West Yorkshire. Her mother was a lecturer in mathematics and statistics with the [[Open University]].


==Career==
==Career==
Line 24: Line 24:
Robinson worked at [[Radio Aire]], [[TV-am]] and [[Yorkshire Television]] and the [[BBC]]'s Faith and Ethics Department. She is now an independent [[radio producer]].
Robinson worked at [[Radio Aire]], [[TV-am]] and [[Yorkshire Television]] and the [[BBC]]'s Faith and Ethics Department. She is now an independent [[radio producer]].


== Selected Radio Producer Credits ==
For six years, until January 2011, she produced [[BBC Radio 2]]’s Good Morning Sunday with [[Aled Jones]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/radio/2010/wk9/sun.shtml |title=Good Morning Sunday (28 February 2010) |access-date= 14 March 2010|publisher=BBC }}</ref>


* [[Private Peaceful]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/radio/wk45/fri.shtml#fri_peaceful |title=Private Peaceful |access-date=2024-05-07 }}</ref> radio drama narrated by Robson Green (2008)
BBC radio documentaries include:
* Hang A Thousand Trees with Ribbons,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archives.history.ac.uk/1807commemorated/media/reviews/hangthousand.html |title=Hang A Thousand Trees with Ribbons |access-date=2024-05-07 }}</ref> radio drama narrated by Sophie Okondeo (2007)
* The Robeson Files (2011) presented by [[Dotun Adebayo]] - which looked at the [[FBI]] and [[MI5]] interest in [[Paul Robeson]] - a forerunner of the [[civil rights movement]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Robeson Files|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0128hkr|publisher=BBC Radio 2|access-date=4 August 2011}}</ref>
* Behind Enemy Lines (2009) <ref>{{cite web|title=Behind Enemy Lines (7 November 2009)|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/radio/2009/wk45/sat.shtml|publisher=BBC Radio 2|access-date=14 March 2010}}</ref> presented by [[John McCarthy (presenter)|John McCarthy]] - an examination of the effect of captivity on survivors.
* In His Hands,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/ad13a670727442cea193528bb6c23475 |title=In His Hands |access-date=2025-01-06 }}</ref> presented by Candi Staton (2007)
* [[Lenny Bruce Is Dead]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/cb7bc09235d847f78ed46ef1e66e3fb4 |title=Lenny Bruce Is Dead |access-date=2024-05-07 }}</ref> presented by Simon Amstell (2008)
* Turn Your Radio On (2008) <ref>{{cite web|title=Turn Your Radio On: Ray Stevens (8 January 2008)|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008mmlm|publisher=BBC}}</ref> presented by [[Don Maclean]] – the wit and wisdom of [[Ray Stevens]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Turn Your Radio On: Ray Stevens (8 January 2008)|url=http://www.radiolistings.co.uk/programmes/t/tu/turn_your_radio_on___ray_stevens.html|publisher=Radio Listings|access-date=1 August 2011}}</ref>
* Behind Enemy Lines,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/radio/2009/wk45/7day.shtml |title=Behind Enemy Lines |access-date=2024-05-07 }}</ref> presented by John McCarthy (2009)
* In His Hands (2007) presented by [[Candi Staton]] - a powerful documentary about music borne out of domestic abuse.<ref>{{cite web|title=In His Hands (15 May 2007)|url=http://www.radiolistings.co.uk/programmes/i/in/in_his_hands.html|publisher=Radio Listings|access-date=1 August 2011}}</ref>
* The Robeson Files,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0128hkr |title=The Robeson Files |access-date=2024-05-07 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/singer-campaigner-paul-robeson-was-1819886 |title=Barry Humphries' Forgotten Musical Masterpieces |access-date=2024-05-07 }}</ref> presented by Dotun Adebayo (2011)
* [[Lenny Bruce Is Dead]] (2006) <ref>{{cite news|title=The comedy master turned martyr|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5241370.stm|newspaper=BBC News|date=3 August 2006|author=Stephen Robb}}</ref> presented by Simon Amstell - produced to mark the 40th anniversary of the premature death of one of America's most outspoken and persecuted comedians.
* Barry Humphries' Forgotten Musical Masterpieces,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.strausshouseproductions.com/radio-production/ |title=Radio 2 Remembers Barry Humphries |access-date=2024-05-07 }}</ref> executive producer Hilary Robinson (6 series 2016-2023)

* Radio 2 Remembers Barry Humphries,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2023/bbc-radio-and-bbc-sounds-christmas-2023 |title=Radio 2 Remembers Barry Humphries |access-date=2024-05-07 }}</ref> presented by Steve Wright, executive producer Hilary Robinson (2023)
To mark the two hundredth anniversary of the [[abolitionism|abolition of the slave trade]] Robinson produced [[Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons|Hang A Thousand Trees With Ribbons]] – the true story of the published slave [[Phillis Wheatley]], narrated by Oscar-nominated actress [[Sophie Okonedo]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.ac.uk/1807commemorated/media/reviews/hangthousand.html |title=A review of the radio programme 'Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons'(Radio 4) |publisher=History.ac.uk |date=2007-03-30 |access-date=2014-07-27}}</ref> and [[Private Peaceful]] to mark [[Remembrance Sunday|Remembrance]] 2007 with [[Robson Green]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Private Peaceful (28 November 2008)|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0088nch|publisher=BBC Radio 2}}</ref>
* At The Foot of the Cross,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/proginfo/2024/13/at-the-foot-of-the-cross |title=At The Foot of the Cross |access-date=2024-05-07 }}</ref> presented by Revd Kate Bottley (2024)

* Barry's Forgotten Musical Memories with Barry Humphries (Exec Producer) – 2016/17/18/19/20/21 <ref>{{cite web|title=Barry's Forgotten Musical Memories|url=http://strausshouseproductions.com/radio-production#barry-humphries/|publisher=Strausshouse Productions|access-date=19 September 2016}}</ref>
* The Sheila Tracy Tapes (Exec Producer) July 2016 <ref>{{cite web|title=The Sheila Tracy Tapes|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07v9f16|publisher=BBC Radio 2|access-date=19 September 2016}}</ref>

===Children's author===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Elves-emperor-book-launch-cutout.jpg|thumb|upright|Hilary Robinson at the launch of The Elves and The Emperor book]] -->[[File:Hilary Robinson at The Copper Tree book tour.jpg|thumb|left|Hilary Robinson]]Robinson is the author of over 60 books.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hilary-Robinson/e/B001HMP9VK |title=Hilary Robinson: Books, Biogs, Audiobooks, Discussions |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=2014-07-27}}</ref> Her first book, ''Sarah the Spider'', was written to help her young daughter cope with a fear of spiders was published in 1995. The following year the sequel, ''Sarah The Spider, Prima Spiderina'' was short-listed for Best Picture Book by the [[English Association]].

In Autumn 2002, [[Ken Livingstone]] and the GLC invited her to write ''Pick It Up'' – an environmental book featuring litter detectives – which was read at a high-profile launch by [[Richard Attenborough|Lord Attenborough]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Thousands of schoolchildren turn detective over London litter|url=http://legacy.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=1504|publisher=Press Release|date=3 March 2002|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719202746/http://legacy.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=1504|archive-date=19 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The Spanish edition of ''The Princess's Secret Letters'' <ref>{{cite web|title=Interview with Hilary Robinson|url=http://www.littletigerpress.com/lyndall/interviews.htm#hilary|publisher=Little Tiger Press|access-date=11 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105233334/http://www.littletigerpress.com/lyndall/interviews.htm#hilary|archive-date=5 January 2009|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> saw the main character, Princess Isabella, become renamed as Princess Letitia in recognition of the 2004 marriage of [[Letizia, Princess of Asturias|Letizia Alvarez]], a journalist, to the Spanish Heir Apparent, [[Felipe, Prince of Asturias]].

In April 2012 Hilary Robinson with illustrator Mandy Stanley launched [https://web.archive.org/web/20171229111507/http://www.thecoppertree.org/ The Copper Tree Class books], a series of accessible picture books designed to help young children cope with challenging situations. The first, ''The Copper Tree'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pop.booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/193/childrens-books/reviews/the-copper-tree |title=Children's Books - Reviews - The Copper Tree &#124; BfK No. 193 |publisher=Pop.booksforkeeps.co.uk |access-date=2014-07-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Copper Tree: Helping a Child Cope with Death and Loss: Amazon.co.uk: Hilary Robinson, Mandy Stanley: Books |id={{ASIN|0957124503|country=uk}} }}</ref> deals with bereavement, the second, ''Christmas Surprise'',<ref>{{cite book|title=Christmas Surprise Copper Tree Class Celebrating The Lives Of The Elderly The Copper Tree: Amazon.co.uk: Hilary Robinson, Mandy Stanley: Books |id={{ASIN|0957124511|country=uk}} }}</ref> celebrates relationships with the elderly and the third, ''Help A Hamster'',<ref>{{cite book|title=Help A Hamster: A Gentle Introduction To Adoption: Amazon.co.uk: Hilary Robinson, Mandy Stanley: Books |id={{ASIN|095712452X|country=uk}} }}</ref> focuses on adoption. Other subjects to be covered include homelessness, traveling children and child caregivers.

A year after the publication of ''The Copper Tree'', USA website efunerals.com listed it as one of the top ten books to help children cope with death and grief.<ref>[http://efuneral.com/top-ten-books-for-children-dealing-with-death-and-grief] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319025631/http://efuneral.com/top-ten-books-for-children-dealing-with-death-and-grief |date=19 March 2013 }}</ref>

In 2014 she released ''Where The Poppies Now Grow'', the first of four [https://web.archive.org/web/20160914183904/http://strausshouseproductions.com/publishing/poppies-series/ books for young children to help them engage with the centenary of the First World War]. This was followed by ''The Christmas Truce'' (2015), ''Flo of the Somme'' (2016), and ''Peace Lily'' (2017).

In June 2017, ''Mixed Up Fairy Tales'' was voted as the top book of 2004 by 384,000 children. They were taking part in the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170606080746/http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/news/7856_children_s_reading_enjoyment_levels_reach_record_high National Literacy Trust’s Young Reader’s Programme] to choose their favourite books from the last twenty years.

===Campaigns===
In September 2003 Robinson visited [[Durban]], [[South Africa]] as part of an 8-person delegation to celebrate the Durban Book Appeal, in which 60,000 donated books from [[Leeds]] were distributed at the [[Reading Excellence and Discovery Foundation]]'s Festival of Books to understocked school libraries. She worked in schools and libraries in many of the most deprived townships and attended the opening of the new Hambanathi library.<ref>{{cite news|title=Durban books plea set to smash 200,000|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Durban-books-plea-set-to.530522.jp|newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post|date=11 June 2003|author=David Marsh}}</ref>

In April 2013, Robinson was invited to the Czech Republic to work in schools and libraries, as part of the ten year celebration to mark the twinning of Leeds and Brno.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hilaryrobinson.co.uk/visit-to-czech-republic |title=Visit to Czech Republic &#124; Children's author Hilary Robinson, but also award winning radio producer, broadcaster and feature writer |publisher=Hilaryrobinson.co.uk |date=2013-03-23 |access-date=2014-07-27}}</ref>

She is a supporter of, and has worked with, a number of reading initiatives with schools in [[inner city]] areas. She has campaigned against the move to promote age banding on [[children's books]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.notoagebanding.org/index.php?p-s |title=supporters P-S |publisher=No to Age Banding |access-date=2014-07-27}}</ref> and collaborated with authors, illustrators and editors to oppose [[The war on iraq|the war on Iraq]]<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/feb/06/antiwar.uk | location=London | publisher=The Guardian | title=Oppose war on children | date=2003-02-06}}</ref>. Additionally, she supports author [[Alan Gibbons|Alan Gibbons']] campaign against cuts to the library service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Defend Libraries!|url=http://alangibbons.net/?p=58|publisher=Alan Gibbons blog}}</ref>

===Festival appearances===
Robinson has appeared at the Harrogate International Festival,<ref>{{cite web|title=Harrogate International Festival|url=http://www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/events/childrens-festival/|access-date=4 August 2011}}</ref> the Edinburgh Children's Book Festival, the North of England Children's Book Festival, the Swansea Book Festival, the Manx Literary Festival<ref>{{cite web|url=http://manxlitfest.blogspot.co.uk/ |title=Manx Litfest |publisher=Manxlitfest.blogspot.co.uk |access-date=2014-07-27}}</ref> the Sunday Times Educational Festival<ref>[http://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/media/.../cu_blog_26.07.12_to.docx ]{{dead link|date=July 2014}}</ref> and the Sheffield Book Festival.

===Journalism===
Robinson has written features for [[The Times]], [[The Times Educational Supplement]], [[The Guardian]], [[The Independent]], [[Yorkshire Post|The Yorkshire Post]], Practical Parenting, Primary English, Teach Primary, Family History Monthly and other specialist press. She is a regular blogger at [[The Huffington Post]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hilary-robinson/ | work=Huffington Post | first=Hilary | last=Robinson | title=Hilary Robinson}}</ref>

==Radio awards==
In 2004 she won the [[Frank Gillard Awards|Gillard Gold Award]] for Religious Programming and was highly commended with an [[Andrew Cross Award]] for ''[[D Day]] - 60 Years On'', a live broadcast from [[Normandy]].

Writing in The Radio Magazine (issue 661) on 11 December 2004 after winning the Gillard Gold, Station Editor John Ryan described Hilary as "one of our secret weapons ... she has the ability to develop really creative treatments that make the religious subjects appeal way beyond the traditional audience for faith programmes."


==Book awards==
==Book awards==
Line 94: Line 59:
* WINNER - North Somerset Teacher's Book Award Quality Fiction 2017
* WINNER - North Somerset Teacher's Book Award Quality Fiction 2017
* SHORTLIST - Historical Association's Young Quills Award 2018
* SHORTLIST - Historical Association's Young Quills Award 2018
* WINNER - [http://gorsedhkernow.org.uk/wp/?p=655 Holyer an Gof 2018] - Books for children of Primary Age
* WINNER - Books for children of Primary Age
* WINNER - [http://gorsedhkernow.org.uk/wp/?p=655 Holyer an Gof 2018, The Gorsedh Kernow Ann Trevenen Jenkin Cup] - Awarded for authorship in the class for children and young adults
* WINNER - Awarded for authorship in the class for children and young adults


===Gregory Goose is on the Loose - Up The Mountain===
===Gregory Goose is on the Loose - Up The Mountain===


* SHORTLIST - Sheffield Children's Book Award - 2021
* SHORTLIST - Sheffield Children's Book Award - 2021

===Mixed Up Fairy Tales===
In 2017, the National Literacy Trust<ref>{{cite web|title=The National Literacy Trust|url=http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/news/7856_children_s_reading_enjoyment_levels_reach_record_high/|access-date=3 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606080746/http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/news/7856_children_s_reading_enjoyment_levels_reach_record_high|archive-date=6 June 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> published a list celebrating the 20 most popular childrens' books of the last two decades. The books were chosen by children who took part in the Young Reader's Programme. ''Mixed Up Fairy Tales'' was voted as the top book of 2004 by 384,000 children.


==Personal==
==Personal==
Robinson lives and works in [[London]] and Yorkshire. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the [[Society of Authors]].
Robinson lives and works in [[London]] and Yorkshire. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the [[Society of Authors]].

==Charity==
Robinson is a voluntary supporter of several charities including:
===The Federation of Children's Book Groups===
A national voluntary self-funded organisation whose aim is to promote enjoyment and interest in children's books and reading and to encourage the availability of books for children of all ages, from first picture books to young adult.

===The National Literacy Trust===
A national charity that aims to empower people with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. [https://literacytrust.org.uk/news/hilary-robinson-celebrates-young-readers-st-mary-st-pancras-primary-school/ The National Literacy Trust]

===Patron of Reading - Extol Trust===
Based in the North East of England the partnership of schools is driven by social and civic responsibility; ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background or where they go to school have equal access to high quality education.

==Stationers' Company==
On 14 October 2024 at a ceremony in London, Robinson became a Freeman of the Stationers' Company, (the City of London Company for the Communications and Content Industries).
<ref>{{cite web |title=ADMISSION TO FREEDOM 14TH OCTOBER 2024 |url=https://www.stationers.org/news/latest-news/admission-to-freedom-14th-october-2024 |publisher=The Stationers' Company |access-date=21 October 2024}}</ref>

==Selected Literary Festival Appearances==
* [https://www.childrensliteraturefestivals.com/howarth-childrens-literature-festival/ Keighley Children's Literature Festival]
* [https://www.hilaryrobinson.co.uk/gallery/visit-to-anagh-coar-school/ Manx Literary Festival]
* [https://www.childrensliteraturefestivals.com/author-spotlight/ Blackburn Literary Festival]
* [https://www.shropshirebookfest.co.uk/past-projects/ Shrewbury Lit Fest]
* [https://www.cosyfoundation.com/derby-book-festival-announces-childrens-authors-on-world-book-day/ Derby Book Festival]
* [https://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/16189502.schools-heavily-involved-broadway-art-festival/ Broadway Arts Festival]
* [https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/11065971.childrens-programme-extended-at-history-festival/ Chalke Valley History Festival]



==Books==
==Books==
Line 177: Line 165:
* 2021 Old Tabby Brontë, The Servant's Tale - Strauss House Productions
* 2021 Old Tabby Brontë, The Servant's Tale - Strauss House Productions
* 2022 God's Love In A Nut Shell - SPCK
* 2022 God's Love In A Nut Shell - SPCK
* 2022 Tatty Mouse, Rockstar - New Frontier
* 2022 Tatty Mouse - Super Racer - New Frontier
* 2023 Tatty Mouse - Christmas - New Frontier
* 2024 Paw Together For God - SPCK
* 2024 Tatty Mouse - Birthday Surprise - New Frontier




==References==
==References==
Line 183: Line 178:
==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.hilaryrobinson.co.uk Official website]
*[http://www.hilaryrobinson.co.uk Official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20171229111507/http://www.thecoppertree.org/ The Copper Tree]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120321211946/http://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/about-us/about-us---CU-Patrons3/ Robinson's profile on the Children's University website]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

Latest revision as of 10:26, 6 January 2025

Hilary Robinson
Hilary Robinson
BornPaignton, Devon, England
OccupationRadio producer, children's author, feature writer, script writer
NationalityBritish (Manx ancestry)
Notable worksMixed Up Fairy Tales, Where The Poppies Now Grow
Website
hilaryrobinson.co.uk

Hilary Robinson FRSA is a British award winning children's author of over 70 books, broadcaster,[1] radio producer and feature writer.

Background

[edit]

The daughter of lecturers, Robinson grew up in Zaria, Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War, and later in Dorset and Yorkshire. Her father, P. H. Turner, was an economist[2] and a biographer of David Livingstone[3] who established an educational trust and spearheaded the building of a non-profit independent school in Zaria, Nigeria. Robinson attended this school with other local and overseas children, including theatre director Rufus Norris. Later, she attended a mixed state comprehensive, Hemsworth High School, in West Yorkshire. Her mother was a lecturer in mathematics and statistics with the Open University.

Career

[edit]

Radio producer

[edit]

Robinson worked at Radio Aire, TV-am and Yorkshire Television and the BBC's Faith and Ethics Department. She is now an independent radio producer.

Selected Radio Producer Credits

[edit]
  • Private Peaceful,[4] radio drama narrated by Robson Green (2008)
  • Hang A Thousand Trees with Ribbons,[5] radio drama narrated by Sophie Okondeo (2007)
  • In His Hands,[6] presented by Candi Staton (2007)
  • Lenny Bruce Is Dead,[7] presented by Simon Amstell (2008)
  • Behind Enemy Lines,[8] presented by John McCarthy (2009)
  • The Robeson Files,[9] presented by Dotun Adebayo (2011)
  • Barry Humphries' Forgotten Musical Masterpieces,[10] executive producer Hilary Robinson (6 series 2016-2023)
  • Radio 2 Remembers Barry Humphries,[11] presented by Steve Wright, executive producer Hilary Robinson (2023)
  • At The Foot of the Cross,[12] presented by Revd Kate Bottley (2024)

Book awards

[edit]

Where The Poppies Now Grow

[edit]
  • The Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals 2015 – Nominations
  • The Hampshire School's Library Award 2014 - shortlisted
  • The Education Resources Award 2015 - finalist
  • English Association Book Award 2015 – shortlist
  • Rubery Book Award 2015 – shortlisted
  • Coventry Libraries Book Award 2016 – shortlisted

The Christmas Truce

[edit]
  • The Education Resources Award 2015 – finalist
  • Sheffield Children's Book Award 2015 – finalist
  • The People's Book Prize 2016 – finalist

Flo Of The Somme

[edit]
  • WINNER – Historical Association – Young Quillss Award 2016
  • WINNER - North Somerset Teacher's Book Award Poetry section 2016
  • WINNER - EOCT/SLS Picture Book Award 2017

A Song For Will and The Lost Gardeners of Heligan

[edit]
  • WINNER - North Somerset Teacher's Book Award Quality Fiction 2017
  • SHORTLIST - Historical Association's Young Quills Award 2018
  • WINNER - Books for children of Primary Age
  • WINNER - Awarded for authorship in the class for children and young adults

Gregory Goose is on the Loose - Up The Mountain

[edit]
  • SHORTLIST - Sheffield Children's Book Award - 2021

Personal

[edit]

Robinson lives and works in London and Yorkshire. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Society of Authors.

Charity

[edit]

Robinson is a voluntary supporter of several charities including:

The Federation of Children's Book Groups

[edit]

A national voluntary self-funded organisation whose aim is to promote enjoyment and interest in children's books and reading and to encourage the availability of books for children of all ages, from first picture books to young adult.

The National Literacy Trust

[edit]

A national charity that aims to empower people with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. The National Literacy Trust

Patron of Reading - Extol Trust

[edit]

Based in the North East of England the partnership of schools is driven by social and civic responsibility; ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background or where they go to school have equal access to high quality education.

Stationers' Company

[edit]

On 14 October 2024 at a ceremony in London, Robinson became a Freeman of the Stationers' Company, (the City of London Company for the Communications and Content Industries). [13]

Selected Literary Festival Appearances

[edit]


Books

[edit]
  • 1995 Sarah the Spider
  • 1995 Sarah the Spider Prima Spiderina
  • Learning English With Ozmo
  • 1999 E-mail: Jesus@Bethlehem
  • 1999 Sarah the Spider and the Barn Dancers
  • 1999 Sarah the Spider's Christmas Surprise
  • 2000 Mr. Spotty's Potty
  • 2000 Spells and Smells
  • 2002 Freddie's Fears
  • 2002 Pick it Up (The Green Gang)
  • 2002 The Green Gang - Raffy's Party
  • 2002 Scrapman Stan And The Magical Mixer Fixer
  • 2003 E-mail: Jesus@Anytime
  • 2003 Flynn Flies High
  • 2003 Pippin's Big Jump
  • 2004 Batty Betty's Spells
  • 2004 How to Teach a Dragon Manners
  • 2004 Mixed Up Fairy Tales
  • 2005 Cinder Wellie
  • 2005 Croc by the Rock (also Big Book edition)
  • 2005 Pet to School Day
  • 2005 Rapunzel
  • 2005 The Frog Prince
  • 2005 The Princess's Secret Letters
  • 2006 Aladdin and the Lamp
  • 2006 Over the Moon!
  • 2006 The Little Match Girl
  • 2006 The Royal Jumble Sale
  • 2007 Pocahontas the Peacemaker
  • 2007 The Princess's Secret Sleepover
  • 2008 Goldilocks and the Wolf
  • 2008 Snow White and the Enormous Turnip (also Big Book edition)
  • 2008 The Elves and the Emperor
  • 2009 Ted's Party Bus
  • 2009 Three Pigs and a Gingerbread Man
  • 2010 The Big Book of Magical Mix-Ups
  • 2012 Hooray! It's Book Day - Franklin Watts
  • 2012 The Copper Tree - [14]
  • 2012 The Copper Tree Class Christmas Surprise
  • 2013 The Copper Tree Class Help A Hamster
  • 2013 Mixed Up Nursery Rhymes
  • 2013 Beauty, The Beast and The Pea
  • 2013 Hansel and Gretel and the Ugly Duckling
  • 2013 Rapunzel and the Billy Goats Gruff
  • 2013 Cinderella and the Beanstalk
  • 2014 Where The Poppies Now Grow
  • 2014 The Christmas Truce
  • 2014 Rapunzel (Must Know Stories), Franklin Watts
  • 2015 Aladdin (Must Know Stories), Franklin Watts
  • 2015 Tom's Sunflower
  • 2015 Flo Of The Somme
  • 2016 Sid's Red Card, Franklin Watts
  • 2016 The Frog Prince (Must Know Series), Franklin Watts
  • 2016 Favourite Mixed Up Fairy Tales
  • 2016 A Song For Will – Strauss House Productions
  • 2017 Christmas Fairy Tales Mix-Up - Hodder
  • 2018 Peace Lilly – Strauss House Productions
  • 2018 Spooky Fairy Tale Mix Up - Hodder
  • 2019 Jasper Space Dog - Strauss House Productions
  • 2019 Gregory Goose Is On The Loose in Space (November) - New Frontier
  • 2019 Gregory Goose Is On The Loose in the Jungle (December) - New Frontier
  • 2020 Jasper Viking Dog (February) - Strauss House Productions
  • 2020 Gregory Goose Is On The Loose Up the Mountain (March) - New Frontier
  • 2020 Gregory Goose Is On The Loose at the Fair (March) - New Frontier
  • 2021 The Christmas Star - SPCK
  • 2021 Ten Little Yoga Frogs - New Frontier
  • 2021 Twelve Little Festive Frogs - New Frontier
  • 2021 Old Tabby Brontë, The Servant's Tale - Strauss House Productions
  • 2022 God's Love In A Nut Shell - SPCK
  • 2022 Tatty Mouse, Rockstar - New Frontier
  • 2022 Tatty Mouse - Super Racer - New Frontier
  • 2023 Tatty Mouse - Christmas - New Frontier
  • 2024 Paw Together For God - SPCK
  • 2024 Tatty Mouse - Birthday Surprise - New Frontier


References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Hilary Robinson". YouTube. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  2. ^ Fage, J. D.; Crowder, Michael; Oliver, Roland Anthony (1 December 1998). The Cambridge History of Africa - Google Books. ISBN 9780521224093. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  3. ^ Livingstone: A Beginner's Guide by P.H. Turner. ASIN 0340845414.
  4. ^ "Private Peaceful". Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Hang A Thousand Trees with Ribbons". Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  6. ^ "In His Hands". Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  7. ^ "Lenny Bruce Is Dead". Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Behind Enemy Lines". Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  9. ^ "The Robeson Files". Retrieved 7 May 2024."Barry Humphries' Forgotten Musical Masterpieces". Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Radio 2 Remembers Barry Humphries". Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Radio 2 Remembers Barry Humphries". Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  12. ^ "At The Foot of the Cross". Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  13. ^ "ADMISSION TO FREEDOM 14TH OCTOBER 2024". The Stationers' Company. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  14. ^ "Home | The Copper Tree | Hilary Robinson & Mandy Stanley". The Copper Tree. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Hilary_Robinson_(author)&oldid=1267724128"