Emma Barnes

Children's Author

Emma is an award-winning writer of children's fiction and drama. She also writes scripts and fiction for adults under the name E.J. Barnes.

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Reviews“A thoughtful and entertaining story about human gullibility and pigheadedness, the fact that magic and science each contain a little of the other, and the way two people can be right and wrong at the same time” The Guardian“A refreshing variation on the witches and wizards that now crowd children’s fiction” Sunday Times“A delightfully witchy story that has its feet fully planted in reality…some very clever plot twists” –Booklist, American Library Association“A delightful comedy from Emma Barnes, a serious story cleverly wrapped in a funny one” Glasgow Herald“An engaging debut” Shelf Life, Scottish Book Trust“Deliciously ridiculous, delightfully incredible and celebrates eccentricities big-time?this very assured and entertaining book ends on a happy high” Irish Times“This is about much more than witchcraft: the fears of a child about her parents’ divorce, a girl’s scientific ambitions, and the curious chemistry of friendships” Independent“A well-observed, entertaining take on family tensions” Independent Magazine“Roald Dahl meets Jacqueline Wilson” Financial Times“Emma Barnes tells a lively, spellbinding story” Daily Mail“The themes of parental problems and the plight of the children caught in the crossfire have rarely been treated with such a humorous, yet sympathetic, touch” Waterstones Books Quarterly“readers who enjoyed the witty, fast-moving story of the sparky Jessica Haggerthwaite as Witch Dispatcher will be delighted with the sequel…perfect for the seven to ten year olds” Financial Times“kids will love the high-spirited antics of the bubbly Jessica and her crazy magical mum” Waterstones Books Quarterly“Emma Barnes creates a wonderful cast of characters in an eminently readable, fast-paced and funny story” Financial Times“terrific entertainment” The Scottish Herald“perfect for 10s and over – a terrific comic adventure with many a hair-raising episode” Times Educational Supplement“A real cracker of a book” Armadillo“Funny, clever and satisfying…thoroughly recommended” Books for Keeps, Book of the Week“This delightful story is an ideal mix of love and loyalty, stirred together with a little magic and fantasy” Carousel“A delightful book” The Bookbag