About the Author

Ex-teacher Sue Hampton now has nineteen published books for children and adults, one of which, TRACES, made the top three in The People's Book Prize 2012. Her work across a range of genres has been praised by her hero, Michael Morpurgo: "terrific" "enthralling" and "beautifully written". Sue has made over three hundred author visits to schools, aiming to inspire children and teenagers to read and write. She also addresses adult book groups, U3As and writers' groups with her husband, poet and novelist Leslie Tate, and has guest-lectured to trainee teachers on the importance of using good writing in the classroom. With her alopecia and bare head, Sue also likes to share the message that it's O.K. to be different.

Reviews

"Magical, Mysterious and heart-warming" ...publishedbestsellers.com "Three magical stories to lift you up - full of humour, imagination and hope. A wonderful read and highly recommended" ...Christina Billington, Diocesan Lay Minister and editor of All Saints' Church Newsletter... "I absolutely loved these stories. They all gave me that warm fuzzy Christmassy feeling. Absolutely delightful." ...Heather Pretty, school librarian... "Charming, a perfect stocking-filler."...Collette Caffrey, Stanza Poetry Group... "Funny, the book is beautifully written and one that will be read over and over again"...Lottie Yinka, ex-minister... "Thoroughly enjoyed. Imaginative stories and great illustrations"...Jenefer Llewllyn Ferguson, Teifi Scribblers... "Delightful Christmas-themed stories with a deceptively light style where the very different characters are all dealing with difficult but survivable situations in a very positive way. The description is gentle but so skilful. The characterisation is sharp. The emotion is bouncing from the page in amongst the clear straightforward language. Very appealing."...Sue Dyer, ex-school librarian... "Marvel at the breadth of Sue's imagination. A story of hope in a dark place. A beautiful tale shot through with humour that can be read many times. A super book that is to be highly recommended."...Christina Billington, Diocesan Lay Minister... "The stories can be enjoyed both for their simplicity, and also, by older children, for their underlying messages. By illustrating the effect of hope and challenge, with the help of a little magic, in overcoming adversity, these stories offer a valuable, and unique, addition to children's Christmas literature." ...Sally Hickman, Abbey News, St Albans... "Aliens and Angels. This book of three Christmas-themed stories by Sue Hampton is one that should have a place in every home with young children, every school library and every children's section of public libraries" ...Jennifer Jewiss, Andeira Writers... "This is a delightfully written book, perfect for kids in the run up to Christmas or, even better, a Christmas present for the long, dark winter nights. Highly recommended." ...Edward Trayer, Amazon review... "Best Christmas book of the year! My favourite author Sue Hampton has come up with a cracker of a book this festive season"... Joanne Bowers, librarian, Ipswich... " - Beautifully written with rich visual imagery, full of humour and imagination. Makes us see three familiar aspects of Christmas in a different light." ...Editor, Northchurch Parish magazine... "WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY! It creates mixed emotions. If you are looking for a special something for a child on Christmas, I suggest you go and buy this book"...Sophia Shah, 16... "The stories can be enjoyed both for their simplicity, and also, by older children, for their underlying messages. By illustrating the effect of hope and challenge, with the help of a little magic, in overcoming adversity, these stories offer a valuable, and unique, addition to children's Christmas literature"...Sally Hickman, Abbey News, St Albans... "This book of three Christmas-themed stories by Sue Hampton is one that should have a place in every home with young children, every school library and every children's section of public libraries"...Jennifer Jewiss, Andeira Writers... "This is a delightfully written book, perfect for kids in the run up to Christmas or, even better, a Christmas present for the long, dark winter night. Highly recommended"...Edward Trayer, Amazon review... "Best Christmas book of the year! My favourite author Sue Hampton has come up with a cracker of a book this festive season"...Joanne Bowers, librarian, Ipswich... "All three stories are charming... inspirational and spiritual in quite a subtle and lovely way" ...Rosie Press, Folkestone Healing... "These quirky tales, vividly told, will appeal to adults as well as children. Ideal for reading aloud at bedtime on Christmas Eve"...Kathy Lee, author, for Boaters' Fellowship magazine... "All three stories are original and imaginative and Sue's writing brings them magically to life. Children will love these stories which will fire their imagination and make them laugh and smile"...Clare Swatman, Berkhamsted Living... "I loved this book" ...Penny Shaw, U3A reading group, Watford... "Aliens and Angels provided some beautiful imagery and a lesson in escaping from people's expectations... Very enjoyable and satisfying read with well rounded characters - an excellent Christmas read" ...Sue Pettit, Watford Writers...