There is nothing like the artistry of a beautifully drawn and written book. The Hideaway, by Pam Smy, celebrated author and illustrator of Thornhill, is set to be released on September 7th, and we’re excited to bring you the trailer for the upcoming book, which Kirkus calls, “Atmospherically heartfelt and cathartic.”
We first heard about The Hideaway in 2019, when book publisher Neil Dunnicliffe acquired world rights all language rights.
Duncliffe had said about the book, “The Hideaway has a very moving and exciting story with elements of the supernatural, and Pam’s art for the book is so beautiful that every page is a delight.”
And judging by the trailer, the acclaim, and the beautiful artistry and reviews for the book, we fully believe it will have been worth the wait.
The Hideaway tells the story of a boy, Billy McKenna, who runs away from a difficult situation at home and takes refuge in an overgrown graveyard. While hiding there he meets an elderly man who is tending the graves in preparation for a day in November when something magical is set to happen.
The book is written in two alternating narratives, both different aspects of the same story. One thread tells of Billy’s experience of hiding away in the graveyard, his mixed-up feelings and emotions, and the supernatural events he eventually witnesses. The other tells of his mother’s situation at home and the police search for Billy. Covering themes of family, childhood, separation and reunion, domestic violence and doing the right thing, this is an important and beautiful book for middle grade readers right up to adults.
Billy’s story is illustrated throughout with tonal and textured black and white drawings, until the event on All Souls’ Eve, when the text gives way to a series of double page images of the supernatural happening.
The Hideaway is a compelling, exciting and emotional story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
The attention to detail for Pams work makes us excited to read this story. You can order your copy HERE.
Pam Smy studied Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, where she now lectures part-time. Pam has illustrated books by Conan Doyle, Julia Donaldson, and Kathy Henderson, among others. Her first novel, Thornhill, was a critical and commercial success, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the UKLA Book Awards, the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2018, and winning the 2018 British Book Design & Production Award for Graphic Novels. She lives in Cambridge, UK.
