Award-winning children’s author Tracey Corderoy has released a new book.

‘Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Missing Masterpiece’ is the latest release from the acclaimed author. The book sees the much-loved characters back for a new adventure as they endeavour to solve the mystery of a missing masterpiece. “The book reunites two of my favourite characters for an exciting adventure,” said Tracey. “If you’ve read their previous tales you’ll definitely enjoy the exciting new story,” she added.

Since leaving her job as a teacher Tracey has released close to 50 books that have won awards for their vivid storytelling and imaginative artwork. Having previously worked in education Tracey says the role that reading plays, especially for children starting primary school, is of vital importance. She continued: “Although I no longer teach, I’m very fortunate to get the opportunity to visit schools regularly and interact with children. I’m able to keep up to date with the stories and characters that children enjoy. Children learn at different rates, some pick up reading a lot quicker than others. Reading is so important, when I look back on my childhood in Port Talbot I have fond memories of my favourite book – ‘Cinderella’.

In her short literary career Tracey has won several awards, but she says the satisfaction she gets from people who have read her books is just as important as the awards. Tracey continued: “It’s great to win awards, very humbling. The awards that mean the most to me are the ones that are voted for by children. Getting nominated and winning awards is a special feeling but it’s equally as pleasing when I receive letters and emails from parents who tell me their children have enjoyed my books and made a difference to their reading.

“All my stories are very character driven. When it comes to writing I always start with the characters rather than the plot. The main inspiration behind Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam came from my dog Dylan. In the first book the two characters start out as thieves but they’re so bad at it they quickly change career paths. Shifty and Sam go on to become detectives, they know how thieves think so they’re well placed to catch them. I love writing new stories for them, they’re two characters very close to my heart.”