Melva Mapletree
and the Great Undoing
Written by Danielle Slade and Kiz Crosbie
Illustrated by Lily Mae Kroese.
“A brilliant and funny story for young people about growth, change and growing up. Unflinching in its realness.”
– Parent of young reader.
Melva Mapletree and the Great Undoing is available now for £9.99!
About the Book
A brave, funny and unforgettable adventure story, full of laugh-out-loud moments and plenty of heart and realism.
Melva Mapletree wakes one morning to discover that (very annoyingly and without warning!) it has started… twelveness. But no one else in her world seems to understand what is going on – not her best friend, Barnabus, not her Grandpa Pebble, and definitely not her annoying teachers!
Melva is no longer the old her, but she’s not quite sure who the new her is going to be either… Her body smells awful, her temper is explosive and she’s making the most terrible decisions ever! And then, just as she’s sure it can’t get any worse, she makes a discovery that risks unravelling everything…
Perfect for young readers aged 8-13 (and their parents, carers or teachers!)
This exciting story explores important themes like worries and anxiety, changing self-image and fitting in, dealing with change, grief and loss and self-harming behaviours with humour and sensitivity.
Formats available: Paperback available now. Audio book & e-book coming soon.
Buy the book from: Amazon. Available in bookshops soon – stockists will be added shortly.
About the Authors & Creative Team
Danielle Slade – Writer
Danielle Slade is a Northumberland based children’s playwright, author and facilitator. Writer theatre shows MELVA and Raven, and author of Twinkle Twinkle, Arti.
“I believe every young person should read this book. It’s Melva Mapletree’s coming-of-age story — one of self-discovery, testing boundaries, and unearthing parts of her past that help her understand who she truly is. Along the way, we see the ups and downs of friendship, the challenges of growing up, and the importance of being honest about how we feel. I think young people will recognise themselves in the different characters and their emotional journeys, whilst also finding joy, laughter, and a much-needed escape in Melva’s special world.”
Kiz Crosbie – Writer
Kiz Crosbie is the founder, Artistic Director and CEO of Mortal Fools – a creative learning charity supporting young people aged 5—25 to develop their mental health & wellbeing, personal skills, and creativity.
“This book is dramatic and entertaining, while also covering some important themes and topics that can sometimes be difficult to talk about. Co-creating it alongside inspiring artists has been a true highlight of my career; I’ve laughed, I’ve cried and I’ve felt triumphant, as we’ve crafted this very special book. I hope our readers enjoy it half as much as we have enjoyed making it.”
Lily Mae Kroese – Illustrator
Lily Mae Kroese is a North East based animator, illustrator and community artist, specialising in co-production and collaborative art and film making.
“It’s been a joy to illustrate Melva Mapletree and the Great Undoing. Children and young people’s emotions are important, and I hope that capturing these big feelings in illustrations helps validate, celebrate and support them. I hope our readers love the story, the illustrations and the world we’ve built together.”
Funded and supported by:
