| The content for most of the Katie
Morag books is loosely based on Mairi's own experiences: Katie's
toys are those of her own children, Granny Island's Rayburn stove
was Mairi's own, and the episode where Katie Morag throws her teddy
into the sea is something Mairi admits doing herself - twice! As
an adult!
There are now a number of Katie Morag stories available including;
Katie Morag and the New Pier; Katie Morag and the Wedding;
Katie Morag and the Grand Concert; The Second Katie
Morag Storybook and Katie Morag's Rainy Day Book, a
bumper collection of activities, puzzles and things to make and
do. Mairi's latest book, Katie Morag and the Riddles, was
published in April 2001.
As well as Katie Morag, Mairi has also created two stories about
the mischievous character Peedie Pebbles. The second Peedie Pebbles
story Oh No Peedie Pebbles, is now available in paperback and
tells how little Peedie Peebles, turns the family's new home into
a riot of colour as he tries a spot of painting!
Mairi was born in Gourock, Scotland in 1939. At the age of 17
she took a job as a mother's help on the island of Coll in the
Hebrides. There began a life-long love affair with islands and
small communities bounded by the sea.
After attending the Edinburgh College of Art, Mairi married and
had two children, Mark and Tamara. In 1962, she decided to opt
out of the rat race and the family moved to Coll, where she lived,
in a house with no electricity, water only available from a well,
and a three-mile walk to the nearest neighbour. The Katie Morag
books are loosely based upon her life there.
As well as writing and illustrating children's books Mairi writes
and illustrates travel books for adults. She spends a lot of time
visiting schools and is always accompanied by Katie Morag's teddy
who travels with her in a black bag.
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