The Secret Staircase

Jill had started work on the next four: THE SECRET STAIRCASE, THE HIGH HILLS, SEA STORY and POPPY'S BABIES. They were published individually in 1983, 1986, 1990 and 1994, and she was to discover that each one would present her with a special challenge.

Working on THE SECRET STAIRCASE meant that Jill experienced a fierce tug of loyalties. She wanted to spend as much time as possible with her new baby and yet she also wanted to get back to her inner world, the one into which she withdrew the minute she sat down to draw. Was it going to be possible to give both areas of her life the attention they required? She felt guilty towards her family when she worked; she felt a sense of obligation to her publisher when she didn't. And of course there is a special fear that comes after success. Would she be able to maintain the standard of commitment that she achieved with the first four books?

There was no need for anxiety. When THE SECRET STAIRCASE was published in 1983, her waiting public were delighted with this new adventure that gave more prominence to two favorite characters, Wilfred and Primrose.

	The High Hills		Sea Story
	Poppy's Babies		The Animated Brambly Hedge