Take a thrilling journey into the past in this clever time slip mystery
which, written in different voices from different times, takes its
readers from a dystopian future to a Dickensian past. Caleb is on a
tourist trip to the future when his father is kidnapped and he is
accused of murder. Eve comes from Pastworld and knows nothing of
contemporary life. From different worlds Caleb and Eve find themselves
caught up in the murderer’s wicked plans and escape will not be easy.
Pastworld. A city within a city. A city for excursions and outings.
Pastworld is a theme park with a difference, where travellers can travel back in time for a brush with an authentic Victorian past. But what if the Jack the Ripper figure stopped play-acting and really started killing people? For Caleb, a tourist from the present day, his visit goes terribly wrong when his father is kidnapped and he finds himself accused of murder.
Then Caleb meets Eva Rose, a Pastworld inhabitant who has no idea the modern world exists. Both Caleb and Eva have roles to play in the murderer's diabolical plans - roles that reveal disturbing truths about their origins.
AN BECK is a familiar name to the Doubleday/Corgi lists with his
previous successful picture books. A freelance illustrator for over
twenty years (including such notable artwork as the record cover for
Elton John's Yellow Brick Road album), Ian turned to writing and
illustrating children's books on the birth of his own first child.
Q & A with Ian Beck
1. When did you first start to write stories or draw?
I drew incessantly as a child, but came late to writing stories. 2. In general, where do your ideas come from?
From life or from other stories 3. What made you write this book?
The main character of Tom Trueheart popped into my head and refused to go away, he demanded to have his stories told.
4. What have you enjoyed most about working on this book?
The
process of trimming changing and cutting the book from the first draft,
and working with the editor and designer on the whole book, design,
illustrations, layout etc. 5. What is your earliest memory?
Being
sent to bed early in summer and looking enviously out of the bedroom
window at other children playing happily in the sunlit street. 6. What did you enjoy most at school?
At
school I enjoyed Art classes and drama, I managed to appear in two
Shakespeare productions at school which gave me a lifelong love of
Shakespeare.
7. Of all the places you have lived, where have you felt most at home and why?
Where I live now in the western suburbs of London surrounded by the song of Blackbirds and near the Thames. 8. Is there a particular holiday destination that you have visited that you would love to return to?
A little seaside town in France called St Jacut De La Mare.
9. Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your pets, past or present?
We have no pets at the moment, although we have had two very nice Hamsters over the years.
10. What would you say is your greatest talent?
Noticing things in detail and long term patience. 11. What new skill – it can be anything at all – would you love to learn?
Although much too old I would love to surf the beaches of Cornwall.
12. What is the most unusual job you have done?
Singing as part of a cabaret group in restaurants in Soho.
13. What is your most treasured possession?
A beautiful and immaculate copy of Now We Are Six by A A Milne which was given to me for a birthday present many years ago.
14. Is there a particular book, author, or film that had a great impact on you in your childhood?
Book: The Just William stories by Richmal Crompton. Film: Forbidden Planet.
15. What are your hobbies?
Listening to film music and going to the cinema as often as possible.
