Catherine Randall
- AUTHOR -
Hello, I’m Catherine Randall, a writer of children’s historical fiction.
I am delighted to announce that my new novel, The Great Bear Breakout, was published on 28 February 2026 and is now available in bookshops and online. The Great Bear Breakout is inspired by real events at a long-forgotten Victorian zoo and features bears, bravery, Dickensian villains and an heroic rescue. Click here to read more.
My first novel, The White Phoenix, set at the time of the Great Fire of London, is a tale of forbidden friendship, prejudice and plague. It was highly commended for the Historical Association Young Quills Award.
I am a member of the Society of Authors and Secretary of CWISL (Children’s Writers & Illustrators for Stories & Literacy).
The Great Bear Breakout
Catherine Bruton
Author of Bird Boy, No Ballet Shoes in Syria, and Another Twist in the Tale
‘Catherine Randall has done it again; like The White Phoenix, The Great Bear Breakout is exciting and well-crafted with drama, heart and fascinating historical detail. It is an excellent choice for readers aged 9–12, particularly those who enjoy stories where bravery, friendship and a sense of justice drive the action.’
Barbara Band
School library consultant and Vice Chair of the School Libraries Group
‘I really like how it was fast moving and exciting and kept me reading and loved every second of it! I would recommend this to other children who are around my age between 9 to 12 and think they would love it too.’
Ianthe, aged 10
The Great Bear Breakout is published by The Book Guild and is available from your local bookseller and online retailers.
The White Phoenix
The White Phoenix is published by The Book Guild and is available from your local independent bookshop, Waterstones, and online retailers.
The judges of the Historical Association's Young Quills Award recommended The White Phoenix as 'a strong book that would enhance learning in school'.
'I really enjoyed the book. A wonderful read.'
Lady Antonia Fraser
Acclaimed biographer and historical writer
'Lizzie is a wonderfully feisty and strong-willed character. The story is well researched, gripping and tense, full of detail and the reader finds themselves fighting not only for the survival of the bookshop but also for the whole family as fire creeps across the city. Perfect for top KS2 and KS3 readers.'
Barbara Band
School Library.Reading and Literacy Consultant - @bcb567
Ally Sherrick
Author of Black Powder and The Buried Crown
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