Chloe

by Cesca Adey

Juvenile Literature, Children's Books

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2005

About the author

As a child...

I grew up in the countryside with lots of animals. After school I’d share a packet of crisps with my cat, Poppy. Stickers and plastic necklaces were treasures to me. I went around with lots of things in bags. I liked my own company, and spent hours focusing on puzzles and games. My best friend was called Kate; she thought it strange that she wasn’t adopted, since there were so many people in my village who had been. I was the third of four adopted children. I spent a lot of time trying to catch up with my older brother, and would even wear the same size shoes as him (then I’d trip over all the time). When my younger brother arrived, I was especially close to him.

As an adult...

I have a lovely view of the river from my window. I like creating things and feeling challenged. I did an English degree at the University of York, and spent a lot of time painting in my room. It took me a few years to work out what I wanted to do. I had a go at working with film companies and art magazines, also tutoring children. I was interested in children’s illustration, so one summer I came to Walker Books to do work experience. Afterwards I decided to focus more on my writing – a lifelong passion.
As an artist...

I like to write about subjects that are important to me. I’m interested in exploring the thoughts and feelings of my characters – also showing how good things can come out of bad things. My book, Chloe, is loosely based on my experience of when my younger brother was adopted. I was nine at the time, and can remember it well: going to visit him at his foster home, and what he was like.

Things you didn't know about Cesca Adey...

I can move both my eyebrows individually.

I have the largest sneeze around.

There are about ten clocks on my shelf that all tell the wrong time.

I like taking photos of reflections on water and of people when they don’t know anyone is looking.

I used to be part of a group called the Explorers. We’d go around the woods, collecting sticks and keeping boys away. Our den was called the Bird’s Nest.

For five years, I had to wear a turquoise Victorian smock (as part of my school uniform).

I once stole my sister’s old teeth, that she kept in a Tic-Tac box, and put them under my pillow, hoping to make a fortune from the tooth fairy.

One time, my older brother made me believe there were little people living in the pond.

I love going on car trips, and visiting random places on the map.

My favourite colour is ultramarine blue.

Reviews

[Samantha O · Rating 5 out of 5]

i found this book very interesting and it was a popular book in my primary school libary. intresting, lifestory bout a young girl. this book should be read and should get an award thats how good it is.
from this book, i learnt that life is not alwys easy, never judge a book by its cover and peopels image canbe diseving.

[Arabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely my favourite childhood book, definitely worth the read =)

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good I love the author she needs to write more books!!!!!!!!

[Claireyhewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for children in upper primary school years - perhaps Grade 4 onwards. Content might be a concern for children under this level, depending on what they have already experienced in life.

[Indya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in primary school. Loved it at the time, haven't got the faintest memory of it though.