PUBLICATION AND WORLDWIDE BROADCAST FOR DEBUT NOVEL BY MAIRI CRAW

- ENFIELD, MIDDX, UK, November 28, 2005 - Book Description: A magical tale inspired by memories of a Scottish childhood. "Beyond the Hedge", a reality-based fantasy for older children and adults, is published by AuthorHouse, UK, and the book was received enthusiastically at its launch on November 19 in Irvine, Mairi"s old home town in Ayrshire.

The story revolves around eleven-year-old Sandy Henderson who lives a carefree life with her family in a small Scottish port, unaware that the enchanted world of Sylvania lies beyond a huge hedge at the bottom of their overgrown garden. When her beloved cat, Leo, tumbles headlong into this extraordinary land, while they"re exploring an unfamiliar part of the orchard, Sandy undertakes a dangerous journey to bring him home again.

In the company of Jock, a handsome, swaggering crow, and the Hendersons" haughty Siamese cat, Jamie, Sandy encounters a host of colourful characters, all of whom have the power of speech. There"s Pongo, the hairiest dog imaginable, master of quips and "one-liners"; Lorimer, an outrageous lobster who lives by the motto "Dress to Thrill!"; and self-serving "Captain" Pestilence Grimshaw who joins forces with Maligna the Harpie, the monstrous entity whose sole preoccupation is the destruction of everything Sylvanians hold dear. Sandy quickly discovers that Scottish fairy folk are witty, resourceful and tenacious, even when faced with evil on an unprecedented scale. Will she be in time to save Leo and will she ever see Scotland again?

"Beyond the Hedge" has been lavishly illustrated by Mairi"s former art teacher and fellow Scot, Johnny Milne, whom she met again at a school reunion in 2002.

There will be a world premiere broadcast of the entire novel, in daily 30-minute episodes read by the renowned Scottish actor David Rintoul, on the book lovers" digital radio station "Oneword" throughout December. The first episode is being transmitted on Monday, November 28, and the dramatised serialisation will continue daily, reaching its dramatic conclusion on Christmas Day. On Saturday, November 26, there will be a half-hour feature on Mairi Craw as part of Oneword"s new series, "The Children"s Good Book Guide". "Beyond the Hedge" will soon be available as a downloadable audio
book worldwide.

About the Author: Mairi Craw graduated with an MA in English Literature and History of Fine Art from Glasgow University. She worked for BBC World Service before starting her own publicity and design business. Mairi lives with her family and a host of animals in rural Dorset in the south of England. She is a member of the West Country Writers" Association. "Beyond the Hedge" is the first of a series of fantasy novels inspired by her
childhood in Scotland. The cover is the author"s own design.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mairi Craw (author)

Tel: 01258 817214 Mobile: 07969 936662
or, e-mail: mairimairicraw.com

www.mairicraw.com is updated regularly with news of the book and the author

Copies of "Beyond the Hedge" can be ordered from Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1420885766/qid%3D1133017778/203-6241367-5767935

14.12.2005 - 18:58 Source: 24-7pressrelease.com | Read: 155 X