PETER PAN LEAK!

It is unusual for children's books to have strict embargoes - and even more unusual for those to be of sufficient interest to be breached. The New York Times on 28th August ran a story

"A copy of Ms McCaughrean's manuscript obtained by The New York Times is more in keeping(than the Barry and Pearson prequels) with the style of Barrie's educated British voice and her Peter is truer to the original: as selfish and egomaniacal as ever."

It then goes on to give hints of the story and have caused OUP to issue a press release saying that they are investigating the leak. In a joint statement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity say they "obviously we will be trying to find out, in conjunction with the US publisher, how this happened. However the published article only included a few new details, plus some inaccuracies..."

The book, "Peter Pan in Scarlet" by Geraldine McCaughrean will be published in the UK by OUP, in the States by Simon & Schuster and will be published simultaneously in 31 countries in 34 editions on 5th October 2006.

Carousel will be carrying an interview with the author, Geraldine McCaughrean, in the next issue - available from the end of October. If you wish to subscribe please complete the form which you can access from the home page of the Carousel website or leave a message on 0121 622 7558 or email carousel.guide@virgin.net