Local author Freddie Hillberg will be celebrating the publication of his new children’s picture book, ‘Brave Cat Millie’ on Thursday 26th October 2023. Aimed at children aged 4 to 7, the new hard-back book is, according to its publisher Carraway, an endearing, gentle and touching story accompanied by delicate and beautifully drawn illustrations that will be popular with younger readers and also with parents and grandparents.
Freddie Hillberg, who is retired and lives in Bradley Stoke with his wife Maureen, commented on the experience of becoming an author:
“I’m absolutely thrilled with the book and to become a published author is something very special. Brave Cat Millie is a joyful, everyday story about an average, ordinary family and their extraordinary, adorable and courageous cat. I got real pleasure in writing it and it feels like a real achievement to have the story in print and be available in bookshops. I’m thoroughly delighted.”
Freddie began his writing journey telling stories to his two granddaughters when they were younger.
“They always wanted me to read them a bedtime story and they knew their favourite books word for word. Eventually I got a bit bored telling them the same tales so started making up my own which they really enjoyed.”
It was just three years ago that Freddie was inspired to write the stories down. The character of Brave Cat Millie is based on his own cat, Millie.
Freddie is an active figure in his local community and has been involved with the conservation of nearby Splatts Abbey Wood for the last twenty years and is currently its vice-chairman and treasurer.
He retired from a long career in the construction industry in 1998 to care for his wife Maureen who lives with MS. The couple first met when they were both just 18 on a youth exchange programme to Germany. They have a daughter and two grandchildren.
When not writing down new ideas for stories, Freddie’s pastimes include gardening (where he often finds inspiration for his stories), photography, coin & stamp collecting and reading historical biographies.
The perfect Christmas gift
Jane Shergold, founder at Carraway Publishing commented:
“Brave Cat Millie is the first in a series of picture books following the adventures of a fearless and loveable black and white cat. With its playful storyline and charming watercolour illustrations, the book offers a cosy bedtime read that tells the story of an unlikely feline heroine who singlehandedly outwits unwelcome intruders into the family home.”
The early feedback from children, parents, grandparents and local booksellers has been really positive. It’s a book that can be enjoyed across the generations and is a perfect Christmas gift, especially for youngsters who are fond of animals.”
Priced at £12.99 (RRP) the hardback version of Brave Cat Millie (ISBN: 978-1-9160950-6-9) is published by Carraway Publishing and will be available from all good bookshops from 26th October 2023. To order and/or to read the full story online visit www.carrawaypublishing.co.uk/brave-cat-millie
The book’s vivid watercolour drawings are by acclaimed commercial artist Ellie Hooi, who is based in Cardiff.
The second book in the ‘Millie’ series by Freddie Hillberg, ‘Curious Cat Millie’ is due to be published next year.
