Stairwell Books hosted Rebecca Smith, author of Shadow Cat Summer and Illustrator Dawn Treacher at The Blue House Bookshop here in York on Saturday 28th August. Rebecca Smith talked to readers and signed prerelease copies of her new book while illustrator Dawn Treacher entertained young readers with drawing and colouring. The young people were fascinated by Dawn’s showing how to use their hands as templates for birds, snakes and other animals.

Shadow Cat Summer is the story of 12 year old twins Katrina and Alex, who find themselves staying with artist Aunt Clara and forest ranger Uncle Archie after their mum has a breakdown and enters treatment for alcohol addiction. Almost right away, the twins find themselves hunting for what seems to be a big cat. Local livestock do seem to be disappearing. But is this a case of two children missing their mum, and letting their fears get the better of them?

Best-selling children’s author Ali Sparkes writes, “A wonderfully atmospheric and lyrical story, unsentimental but so affecting.”

Rebecca is on a tour of the North, and will feature in The Stairwell in Scotland festival next month, to talk about big cats that roam Scotland: but her very first stop is York. “I love York! I’m delighted to visit,” says Rebecca. Rebecca will be joined in Scotland by Katy Turton, Yvonne Hendry and Northumberland poet Bob Beagrie.