Children's Laureate 2001-2003
Carnegie Medal 1989, 1992
Whitbread Award 1993, 1996
Guardian Fiction Award 1990
Children's Laureate 2001-2003
Carnegie Medal 1989, 1992
Whitbread Award 1993, 1996
Guardian Fiction Award 1990
I hate Frozen Billy - his painted, staring wooden eyes, the way his eyelids click when Uncle Len pulls a string, his long thin legs and his bright red wooden mouth...
Clarrie and Will live with their Uncle Len - a brilliant ventriloquist in the nearby music hall. But though Len loves his act almost as much as he loves his beer, Top Billing is out of his grasp until Will thinks up a way to double the drama with a new act and some extraordinary new patter that he and Frozen Billy can share on stage.
It's a grand idea, hatched in hope and excitement. But, to Clarrie's horror, soon it begins to turn terribly sour...
Anne Fine's novel combines her trademark humour, engaging characters and flawless prose to produce a spooky adventure set in the late-Victorian world of the music hall.
Frozen Billy was shortlisted for the Lancashire Fantastic Book Award 2006.
"Is that a zinger of a plot, or what?"
"a gripping tale of children abandoned to the care of a no-good uncle"
Dina Rabinovitch in The Guardian, which named Anne its Author of the Month
"This edgy novel recognises that the human psyche is more intriguing than supernatural gimmicks. Characteristically, Fine's plot is not obvious but develops with surprising twists, although a neat construction ties it all together. Unsettling and atmospheric, this story of a young brother and sister boldly making their own fates is told in the voice of the girl with lightness and simplicity, but covers dark and complex territory before reaching its happy ending."
The Sunday Times
"Fine's genius for storytelling reaches new heights: simple, direct,and with a subtle period feel to narrative and dialogue."
The Independent
"... a fascinating and engaging Victorian thriller. Beatifully written, gripping and ingenious."
Lindsey Fraser in The Bookseller
"A new novel from Anne Fine is always eagerly awaited and this is a real treat. Her trademark humour, engaging characters and flawless prose are put to great effect in this spooky adventure."
Teaching and Learning
"...she invests imaginative sympathy in her characters [and] she is superb. ... The wit and resourcefulness of the two child-heroes in the face of adult selfishness is vividly portrayed."
The Times
Frozen Billy is a book for children in the middle age range. It was first published on 2 September, 2004.
The US edition was published on October 31st 2006.
Use the links to order Frozen Billy from 
, or ask your local bookshop or library to order it for you (the ISBN will help them to do this):