Vivien Alcock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vivien Alcock
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| Born | 23 September 1924 |
| Died | 11 October 2003 (aged 79) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Known for | Children's fiction |
| Spouse(s) | Leon Garfield |
Vivien Alcock (born September 23, 1924 – died October 11, 2003) was a talented English writer. She was best known for writing exciting and imaginative books for children and young adults.
Contents
Vivien Alcock's Story
Vivien Alcock was born in a town called Worthing in England. When she was ten years old, her family moved to Devizes. Vivien was the youngest of three sisters. All of them loved to read, draw, and make up stories. It sounds like a very creative family!
Vivien went to Oxford University to study art at the Ruskin School of Drawing. But in 1942, she left her studies to join the British Army. She became part of the women's branch, called the Auxiliary Territorial Service, and even drove ambulances in Belgium during her service.
Her Family Life
While working in Belgium, Vivien met Leon Garfield. They fell in love and got married. Later, they adopted a daughter named Jane. Interestingly, Leon Garfield also became a very successful children's writer in the 1960s. It must have been a house full of stories!
Becoming a Published Author
Vivien Alcock didn't publish her first book until she was 56 years old! Her first book was called The Haunting of Cassie Palmer, and it came out in 1980. After that, she wrote many more books, about twenty in total. Some of her most popular books include The Cuckoo Sister (1985) and The Monster Garden (1988). These books are found in many libraries around the world.
Her Amazing Books
Vivien Alcock wrote many different stories, often with a touch of mystery, fantasy, or even ghosts! Here is a list of some of her published works:
- The Haunting of Cassie Palmer (1980) – This book was even made into a film!
- The Stonewalkers (1981)
- The Sylvia Game (1982)
- Travellers by Night (1983)
- Ghostly Companions: A Feast of Chilling Tales (1984) – A collection of spooky stories.
- The Cuckoo Sister (1985)
- Wait and See (1986)
- The Mysterious Mr. Ross (1987)
- A Kind of Thief (1988)
- The Monster Garden (1988)
- The Thing in the Woods (1989)
- The Trial of Anna Cotman (1989)
- The Dancing Bush (1991)
- Singer to the Sea God (1992)
- Othergran (1993)
- The Face at the Window (1994); also known as Stranger at the Window in the US.
- The Wrecker (1994)
- Time Wreck (1996); also known as The Red-Eared Ghosts in the US.
- The Silver Egg (1997)
- A Gift on a String (1998)
- Ticket to Heaven (2000)
- The Boy Who Swallowed a Ghost (2001)
Awards and Recognition
Vivien Alcock's books were very popular and received several awards and honors.
Awards She Won
- The Monster Garden was named the Best science fiction/fantasy book by Voice of Youth Advocates in 1988.
Books That Were Shortlisted
- The Trial of Anna Cotman was shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal.
Other Honors
- Several of her books were chosen as Notable Books for Children by the American Library Association:
* Travellers by Night (1985) * The Cuckoo Sister (1986) * The Monster Garden (1988)
- The Horn Book Magazine also recognized her work on their Horn Book Honor List:
* Travellers by Night (1985)
- Her books were also featured on the Horn Book Fanfare Best Books of the Year list:
* The Monster Garden (1989) * A Kind of Thief (1993)
