Siobhan’s Books

Between 2004 and 2007, Siobhan wrote four outstanding novels for young people, all of which have won awards. For her last novel Bog Child (2009), she became the first author to be posthumously awarded the UK’s premier accolade for children’s writing – the CILIP Carnegie Medal.

Before she died, Siobhan left an outline for a story with her editor at Walker Books. That editor approached Patrick Ness to take on the brief outline, and he created A Monster Calls. It is the only book to win both the Carnegie Medal and the Kate Greenaway Award for Jim Kay’s illustrations. Patrick also wrote the screenplay for the film which comes out in 2016/2017 (depending on where in the world you are). Patrick talks about Siobhan and writing the book in this short film here.

Since Siobhan’s death, two more of her short stories have been made into illustrated books: The Ransom of Dond is illustrated by Pam Smy, and The Pavee and the Buffer Girl (which will be published in March 2017) is illustrated by Emma Shoard.

One of Siobhan’s most well known books which is read in schools around the world is The London Eye Mystery, a sequel The Guggenheim Mystery (using the same characters but in a new location) is currently being written by Robin Stevens.

You can buy Siobhan’s books at the DFB bookshop or hive.

A Monster Calls (2011)

by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay (based on an idea by Siobhan Dowd) “Compelling…Powerful and Impressive” Phillip Pullman “When does a writer really die? Since Dowd’s death, her publisher has brought out her Carnegie-winning novel, Solace of the Road. And...

Solace Of The Road (2009)

“Dowd writes with economy, sympathy and an unflagging perceptiveness about the human condition: Holly’s odyssey could have been far more harrowing than Dowd’s first novel about teen pregnancy, but becomes something unexpectedly life affirming, wise and mature’” The Guardian...

Bog Child (2008)

‘Bog Child is a radiant work, written by a novelist of subtle and complex literary gifts at the height of her powers.’ The Guardian Digging for peat in the mountain with his Uncle Tally, Fergus finds the body of...

The London Eye Mystery (2007)

Monday, 24 May, 11.32 a.m. Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim get on board the London Eye. He turns and waves and the pod rises from the ground. Monday, 24 May, 12.02 p.m. The pod lands and the...

A Swift Pure Cry (2006)

“Written with a fluent, lyrical sprightliness, this poignant novel invests tragic events with humanity and even, in places, humour” The Sunday Times After Shell’s mother dies, her obsessively religious father descends into alcoholic mourning and Shell is left to care...