Ann Pilling facts for kids

Ann Pilling (born on October 17, 1944) is an English writer and poet. She is well-known for her books written for young people, often called young adult fiction. She has also written scary stories, known as horror fiction, using a different name, Ann Cheetham.

In 1985, her book Henry's Leg won the annual Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. This is a special award given to a children's book by a group of British children's writers. It is an award a writer can only win once.

Ann Pilling was born in Warrington, England. She grew up in a house filled with many books. She started writing poems when she was just eight years old. When she was twelve, she felt a strong connection to faith. This faith is still important to her, but she often writes about everyday topics. She studied English at King's College London.

Ann Pilling's Books

Ann Pilling has written many different kinds of books. She has written scary stories, books for children, and poetry.

Scary Stories

Ann Pilling wrote her first four scary books under the name Ann Cheetham. These books are part of a series called "Dark Powers."

• Black Harvest (1983)
• The Beggar's Curse (1984)
• The Witch of Lagg (1985)
• The Pit (1987)
• The Empty Frame (1997)
• The Catnappers: The Mystery of the Disappearing Cat (2003)

Children's Books

Ann Pilling has written many popular books for children. These books cover a wide range of topics and adventures.

• The Year of the Worm (1984)
• Henry's Leg (1985)
• The Friday Parcel (1986)
• No Guns No Oranges (1986)
• Our Best Stories (1986), edited with A. Wood
• The Big Pink (1987)
• The Beast in the Basement (1988)
• Dustbin Charlie (1988)
• On the Lion's Side (1988)
• Stan (1988)
• The Big Biscuit (1989)
• The Jungle Sale (1989)
• Our Kid (1989)
• Getting Rid of Aunt Mildred (1990)
• The Donkey's Day Out (1990)
• Before I Go to Sleep: Bible Stories, Poems, and Prayers for Children (1990)
• The Boy with His Leg in the Air (1991)
• Vote for Baz (1992)
• Considering Helen (1993)
• Dustbin Charlie Cleans Up (1994)
• The Kingfisher Children's Bible: Stories from the Old and New Testaments (2003)
• Realms of Gold: Myths and Legends from Around the World (1993)
• The Baked Bean Kids (1993)
• Mother's Daily Scream (1995)
• The Life of Jesus (1996)
• Noah's Ark (1996)
• Amber's Secret (2000)
• Why Bear Has a Stumpy Tail and Other Creation Stories (2000)

Poetry Books

Ann Pilling has also published several collections of her poems.

• Growing Pains (2008)
• Home Field (2008)
• The Dancing Sailors (2011)
• Ground Cover (2015)
• Ways of Speech (2020)
• In Flight (2024)

Awards and Recognition

Ann Pilling has received important awards for her writing.

• In 1986, she won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize for her book Henry's Leg.
• Her children's books On the Lion's Side and Stan were considered for the Carnegie Medal in 1988. The Carnegie Medal is another very important award for children's literature.