GRINNY republished by Hot Key Books as Nicholas Fisk turns 90

Nicholas Fisk, author of over 55 Sci-fi books for children turns 90 today, the same year that Hot Key Books republishes GRINNY 40 years after it was first published.

First published in 1973, GRINNY is a forgotten favourite, brought back to life by Hot Key Books and introduced by Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman. A classic sci-fi story filled with suspense, danger and adventure, this is a special bind up-edition including both the original story, and the powerful sequel that continues Tim and Beth’s encounter with Grinny in YOU REMEMBER ME! Grinny is a character whose sinister malevolence will continue to terrify readers, both old and new.

Malorie Blackman says in her foreword: ‘Science fiction stories like these from Nicholas Fisk present us with a thrilling, compelling view of the possible. And like all good stories, whatever the genre, they provide life lessons such as believing in yourself, even when everyone else around you is telling you otherwise. Enjoy!’

GRINNY is the first of a series of ‘Forgotten Favourites’ (favourite books out of copyright) published by Hot Key Books, followed by FIREWEED by Jill Paton Walsh, an exploration of two teens’ experience of the Blitz that was first published in 1970 and winner of the Book World Festival Award and a beautiful hard-back illustrated edition of MARY-MARY by Joan G Robinson first published in 1957 will be re-published in November.

Hot Key Books is looking for further suggestions of children’s and YA ‘forgotten favourites’ that are currently out of copyright to add to their list. Tweet @HotKeyBooks #forgottefave, or email suggestions to keynotes@hotkeybooks.com with the subject line ‘Forgotten Fave’.

Nicholas Fisk was born in London in 1923. Before becoming a full-time author, Nicholas served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, then found work initially as an actor, cartoonist, and jazz musician before becoming an advertising copywriter, illustrator, photographer and writer. He has written more than fifty books, most of which are Science Fiction for older children. Nicholas’ book MONSTER MAKER was made into a TV film for The Jim Henson Hour in 1989. Nicholas’ starting point for a story is an IF… IF we had a domestic robot, IF we could talk to animals, IF we could move back and forth in time. On such premises he places people – recognisable people living ordinary lives – until the IF explodes. Nicholas retired as an author in 1998 and lives in Hertfordshire.