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Samantha Mattocks

Award-winning author and journalist, creator of the Magical Mister Mishkins™ series

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children’s book

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BBC Upload interview

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 29 August, 202529 August, 2025 Leave a Comment on BBC Upload interview

At the end of July, I was interviewed by the brilliant Rob Jelly for BBC Upload, and I am delighted to share the piece with you here. In it, I talk all things Mister Mishkins, the life of an authentic writer, inspiration, and more. Honourable mentions go to Society of Children’s Book Writers & IllustratorsBookbugs …

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Today is the day!

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 29 August, 20258 August, 2025 Leave a Comment on Today is the day!

Today is the day! The Magic of Mister Mishkins is released into the world! I cannot wait for you to have this book in your hands. The Magic of Mister Mishkins is book two in The Magical Mister Mishkins series, and it is such a lovely book with a story to enchant and illustrations to …

Cover of Mister Mishkins' Apothecary - a ginger cat in front of a rainbow
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Launching today – Mister Mishkins’ Apothecary

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 22 May, 20243 October, 2023 Leave a Comment on Launching today – Mister Mishkins’ Apothecary

“The idea of shifting magical places reminded me a little bit of The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton…”

Mister Mishkins' Apothecary
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Announcing Mister Mishkins’ Apothecary

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 30 August, 20233 August, 2023 Leave a Comment on Announcing Mister Mishkins’ Apothecary

I am delighted to share that, two months today, I will launch my debut children’s book, Mister Mishkins’ Apothecary.

Samantha's Instagram

Excuse me internet... Nothing to see here, just a Excuse me internet...

Nothing to see here, just a dog riding a horse. 🐕🐎

#NeroTheHero #ChildrensBooks #Bookstagram #DogOnAHorse
Feeling very grateful to my friends and neighbours Feeling very grateful to my friends and neighbours for having me over to watch Rivals last night.

On arrival, this perfect raspberry g&t in this beautiful glass was put into my hands. They found this glass during one of their travels in Scotland; I may need to track one down for myself! 

Thank you J&J for another fun evening, complete with Miss Samantha Pup xx
Happy Gotcha Day Mister Mishkins! It is five year Happy Gotcha Day Mister Mishkins!

It is five years today, almost to the hour, that you officially became an Ivy Cottage Cat. And what a joy you are to have around! Peacekeeper among all the cats, the Best Snuggler and Squiggler, and most important of all, the inspiration behind my Magical Mister Mishkins series. 

I am often asked about where the inspiration for these books came from. Honestly, it was simple. The night before Mishkins arrived, I was playing with names and I settled on Mishkins. I said: "If the name suits him, I'm going to call him Mishkins, I'm going to write children's books about him, and he is going to own an apothecary." The rest, as they say, is history.

So, Happy Gotcha Day to the most incredible cat I have ever been blessed to be owned by. It feels rather appropriate to be starting the first chapter of book three today, due out on September. Yes, Mister Mishkins will return; meanwhile, he is just Mishks to me, and will be celebrating his anniversary with prawns from his favourite fishmonger later. 

Samantha xx
Two weeks tomorrow until Nero the Hero is released Two weeks tomorrow until Nero the Hero is released! I thought I would give you a little bit of background into who Nero is and why he inspired the book.

Please get your pre-orders in & get ready to leave reviews. I cannot wait to share Nero the Hero with you! 

Samantha xx
A gorgeous, relaxed day out with @paulasmith.2025 A gorgeous, relaxed day out with @paulasmith.2025 today. The perfect way to unwind after a ridiculously busy couple of weeks. 

A highlight was soup and half a cheese toastie @theox.cafe.yoxford - I had smokey tomato and Paula carrot and ginger. Both were perfect, and just what we needed on a rainy June day. 

Back to the next deadline tomorrow, but today was a perfect pause. And, breathe...
All set up @oldhallfarm & ready for sharing @magic All set up @oldhallfarm & ready for sharing @magicalmistermishkins & Nero the Hero with the world!
Quite possibly, my first ever crush. A man who the Quite possibly, my first ever crush. A man who then became the coolest librarian ever. Such a sad day. RiP Anthony ahead, aka Giles aka the Gold Blend man.
Tell me you're a cat person without telling me you Tell me you're a cat person without telling me you're a cat person... 

Camera reel I cats I ginger cats I cat lady I inspiration
I am excited to be part of Open Farm Sunday at @ol I am excited to be part of Open Farm Sunday at @oldhallfm Woodton, this Sunday! 

Come along to find out more about my Magical Mister Mishkins series, meet your favourite new superhero, Nero, and talk all things wordy. 

I'll be all set up from 9am and it is sure to be a fantastic family day out. I look forward to seeing you there!

Samantha x
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Contact

E-mail is the best way to reach me - please use the address below and I will get back to you as soon as possible! Thank you, Samantha

  • write@samanthamattocks.com

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