Through the Magic Door is the remarkable memoir of the great children’s book writer Ursula Moray Williams (1911-2006) whose classic titles The Little Wooden Horse and Gobbolino enthralled millions of readers. Drawing on unpublished diaries and letters, her own heart-warming story is told for the first time. From the crumbling, fairy-tale mansion of her youth, through love, faith, crises and sacrifices that brought deep insight into the worlds of children, it is a life as remarkable and inspirational as the adventures of her brave, fictional heroes.

‘I was riveted by The Little Wooden Horse, one of the first books I read, and couldn’t put it down. It was one of the biggest influences on me and my love of storytelling.’ Nick Park, creator of Wallace & Gromit

‘One of the great children’s writers of her generation. In Colin Davison she has a biographer who can do justice to her remarkable talent, and give us a vibrant picture of her life.’ Shirley Hughes, author and illustrator

‘‘The Little Wooden Horse was one of the greatest children’s books ever written and, as this biography shows, it came from the heart of a woman who faced life with the same joy, courage and humour as her most endearing characters.’ Anne Wood, Teletubbies creator

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