The authenticity of family life and the intensity of childhood emotions shine through the pages of this warm, thought-provoking book * Daily Mail *
McKay continues to enthrall readers with her vigorous blend of screwball comedy and heartfelt emotion * Horn Book Magazine *
With masterful comic timing McKay spins a whirl of horrifying yet hilarious admissions, mishaps, tart exchanges, and domestic tempests, as well as profoundly affecting discoveries and epiphanies, around her intense, sensitive, impulsive protagonist * Kirkus *
McKay depicts families in all thier particular and universally recognisable eccentricity as entertainingly as any contemporary children's writer * The Sunday Times *
Binny is a wonderful creation, impetuous, stubborn, awkward, generous, an irresistible character. Hilary McKay tells her story with wit, warmth and extraordinary insight and perception...Reading McKay gives us all entry to those childhood moments of perfect sunlit present * Books for Keeps *
The natural heir to E Nesbit and Dodie Smith, she describes the various mini-adventures of childhood and family life with so sure a touch it is as if those concerned are in the next room ... Adults as well as adolescent readers in search of a story where everyday life is rendered almost magical need look no further * The Independent *
Mystery with a warm, touching portrait of family life and a skillfully interwoven pre-war narrative * Metro *
Praise for Binny for Short: * Hodder Children's *
This book is optimistic, clever, beautifully written and very, very amusing. It really is a book you shouldn't miss. * * * * * * Bookbag *
Hilary McKay is a wonderful storyteller, with an especial gift for writing about family life, bringing the thoughts and feelings of children vividly to life. Beautifully-written and enormously engaging, this gentle story about friendship and family in a seaside town will charm readers, right up until its warm-hearted and very satisfying ending. * Booktrust *
Few writers capture the voice and intimacy of family life as well as McKay and fans of her Casson Family series will adore this sensitive exploration of friendship, grief and the often hilarious rough and tumble of families adjusting to change. More Binny please. * Daily Mail *
McKay constructs convincing, page-turning portrait of a loving family that copes with adversity. Nourishing and tremendously entertaining. Warm, wise and witty... Binny for Short shows a mistress of her medium at work. * Guardian *
I've long been a fan of this author for her sure touch and comic genius when it comes to writing about the ups and downs of family life. Funny, warm-hearted and perfectly pitched. * Lion & Unicorn Books *
If you're trying to wean your daughter off Jacqueline Wilson, try Hilary McKay. Her books are so good you want to climb inside the covers and live there. * The Daily Telegraph *
Mixes family life and friendship, with plenty of warmth and humour. * Sunday Express *
Few writers, if indeed any, write as warmly and accurately about family life as Hilary McKay, or with such humour. Her books feel both utterly timeless, and utterly contemporary. * * * * * * Books For Keeps *