Sea Story

In 1986 David, who had always liked sailing, suggested that they acquire a family boat, moor it near Ipswich in Suffolk and use it to spend time together away from the pressures of work and success. Jill was secretly appalled. She had visions of the children falling overboard, the boat being blown out to sea, all hands lost...it was hard to admit to such fears and David's calm and rational assurances were not enough to dispel Jill's alarm.

She decided that the only way forward was to learn everything she could about boats; she diligently applied herself to the rules of navigation and sailing, the demands of the tides and the wind, shipping lanes and safety at sea. As she began to inform herself, her fears abated and so she was able to begin to enjoy their leisurely excursions up and down the Orwell. The children loved these expeditions and, though small soon acquired a natural good sense as far as water was concerned.

To her surprise, Jill discovered a real interest in the sea which spilled over into Brambly Hedge. How did the mice get their salt? What route did they take and whose responsibility was it to make sure that the Store Stump always had an adequate supply. Little by little, the plot of SEA STORY began to unfold. Bemused staff at the National Maritime Museum may have exchanged glances when Jill asked if they knew how a mouse might make a compass of natural materials available in the British Isles, but once again her meticulous research and insistence on authenticity would underpin her work and enhance the illustrations.

	The Secret Staircase		The High Hills
	Poppy's Babies		The Animated Brambly Hedge