Acclaimed author Katherine Rundell will see her bestselling children’s novel, *Impossible Creatures*, gifted to every Year 6 and P6 child in the UK this Christmas, thanks to an initiative led by Queen Camilla. The announcement came during the Queen’s initiative to promote literacy among the nation’s youth, with over 800,000 special editions of Rundell’s book set to be distributed as a part of this effort.
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Rundell, 38, expressed her delight at the Queen’s announcement, stating that she was “thrilled and stunned” by the news. The author reminisced about her memorable meeting with Queen Camilla a few years prior at a gathering of writers at Clarence House. “The Queen is very warm and funny,” Rundell said. She praised the monarch’s ability to create a relaxed environment, emphasising the importance of reading as a tool for joy and intellectual freedom.
*Impossible Creatures*, which has achieved New York Times bestseller status, transports readers between the landscapes of Scotland and a fantastical realm known as the Archipelago. The narrative revolves around Christopher Forrester and Malum “Mal” Arvorian, a girl with the ability to fly, as they forge a friendship in their quest to save the Archipelago from impending calamity. The book has received significant acclaim, including recognition as the 2024 Children’s Fiction Book of the Year at the British Book Awards.
Reflecting on the royal endorsement, Rundell highlighted Queen Camilla’s ongoing support for her work, especially in advocating for literary engagement among children. “I was so thrilled and so stunned when I was told,” she remarked. Rundell emphasised that Queen Camilla’s role involved promoting vital elements of children’s wellbeing, particularly through literature.
In addition to *Impossible Creatures*, the Queen’s Reading Room — a literary club and charity initiative — has previously featured Rundell’s nonfiction work, *Vanishing Treasures*, which addresses endangered species. The engagement with the royal book club underscores the impact of Rundell’s work in promoting awareness of critical environmental issues through storytelling.
The author credits her own childhood in Zimbabwe as the inspiration behind the vivid and enchanting world of *Impossible Creatures*. Born to a British diplomat, Rundell experienced an extraordinary upbringing in the African nation before moving to Brussels at the age of 14. She fondly recalls the rich biodiversity of Zimbabwe, which opened her eyes to a world brimming with life. “You might see snakes, monkeys, and the extraordinary array of birds,” she described, adding that this formative experience heavily influenced the narratives she constructs in her writing.
Additionally, the *Impossible Creatures* series is set to enjoy a new chapter, with Disney acquiring the rights to adapt the story into a live-action film. As enthusiasm builds around this development, Rundell’s latest book in the series, *The Neverfear*, has recently hit the shelves, marking the third installment in a projected five-book series.
The initiative led by Queen Camilla showcases a dedicated effort to foster a love of reading among children in the UK. Providing young readers with copies of *Impossible Creatures* not only promotes literacy but also presents an opportunity for them to immerse themselves in imaginative storytelling drawn from the author’s passionate perspective.
As Christmas approaches, the distribution of these special editions serves not only as a gift but also as a means to inspire a new generation of readers. With *Impossible Creatures*, Rundell has woven a tale that captivates the imagination while encouraging children to approach books as gateways to discovery and adventure.