Picture a British storyteller who weaves magic into every page, conjuring worlds where fairies lurk and mysteries unfold—meet Michelle Harrison! Born in 1979, this award-winning author has enchanted young readers with her spellbinding children’s and young adult novels, starting with her debut, 13 Treasures, which snagged the prestigious Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize. With a knack for blending folklore with heart-pounding adventure, Harrison’s stories invite readers to tiptoe between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Harrison’s tales, translated into over 20 languages, have captivated audiences worldwide, earning her a cherished spot in fantasy literature. Whether it’s the eerie charm of fairy lore or the thrill of a ghostly mystery, her vivid imagery and relatable characters make every book a page-turner. Let’s dive into the life, works, and magic of this Essex-born wordsmith!
The Making of Michelle Harrison
Born and raised in Grays, Essex, Michelle Harrison grew up steeped in stories, thanks to her two older sisters who read to her and spun their own tales. By age 14, she was crafting short stories, dreaming of becoming an author and illustrator. After studying illustration at Staffordshire University, Harrison took on eclectic jobs—barmaid, art gallery worker, children’s bookseller at Waterstones, and assistant editor at a children’s publisher in Oxford. These roles fueled her love for storytelling, and she began penning 13 Treasures during her university years, refining it through years of persistence despite rejection letters.
Michelle Harrison’s Unforgettable Stories
Harrison’s debut, 13 Treasures (2009), kicked off a trilogy that follows Tanya, a girl who can see fairies, as she unravels a dark family legacy. The book’s blend of creepy folklore and gripping mystery won the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize and led to sequels 13 Curses (2010) and 13 Secrets (2011). Fans adore the trilogy’s vivid settings, like the fairy-haunted Elvesden Manor, and Harrison’s knack for making the fantastical feel real.
Beyond the trilogy, Harrison’s A Pinch of Magic series, starting with its 2019 namesake, introduces the Widdershins sisters, who wield enchanted objects in a magical adventure. The series, including A Storm of Sisters (2022), is a bestseller, praised for its sibling dynamics and whimsical charm. Her standalone novel The Other Alice (2016) won the Calderdale Book of the Year Award, weaving a tale of stories coming to life. Harrison’s latest, Twice Upon a Time (2024), explores time-travel mysteries, while her picture book There’s a Beach in My Pants! (2024) delights younger readers with humor.
Harrison’s style is a magical brew of folklore, suspense, and heart. Drawing inspiration from darker fairy tales and artists like Brian Froud, she crafts immersive worlds where magic feels tangible. Her characters—often bold, curious kids—face fears and uncover secrets, resonating with readers who crave adventure with a touch of wonder.
Why Michelle Harrison Matters
Michelle Harrison’s stories do more than entertain—they spark imagination and a love for reading. Her books, translated into 24 territories, have inspired countless young readers to explore folklore and embrace their creativity. Through school visits and talks at festivals like Edinburgh and Hay, Harrison champions reading for pleasure, encouraging kids to write their own stories. Her awards, including a Dutch Bronze Pen for A Pinch of Magic, highlight her influence in children’s literature, where she’s a beacon for aspiring authors.
Her ability to blend the eerie and the heartfelt ensures her stories linger, inviting readers to see magic in the everyday. From fairy-haunted manors to enchanted islands, Harrison’s worlds remind us that adventure awaits those who dare to look closer.
- Born: December 21, 1979, in Essex, England
- Key Works: 13 Treasures, A Pinch of Magic, The Other Alice, Twice Upon a Time
- Awards: Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, Calderdale Book of the Year, Dutch Bronze Pen
- Fun Fact: She has three cats named Marmite, Sorsha, and Widdershins!
About Michelle Harrison
Ready to fall under Michelle Harrison’s spell? Snag 13 Treasures or A Pinch of Magic and dive into her enchanting blend of mystery and magic!