All the books have also been published in large print versions by:

Magna Large Print Books, North Yorkshire, BD23 4ND.

All the books have been done on audio cassettes read by:

Christopher Kay of BBC by Soundings, Kings Drive, Whitley Bay, T & W NE26 2JT.

In the case of OUR KID, a version on 14 CDs has been produced by the same company (Soundings).

Also in the case of OUR KID, there is a Spanish version published by:

Suma de Letras (Ediciones Santillana). Click here for details.

Both Our Kid & Kate’s Story have also been transcribed into Braille.

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Article in Manchester Evening News

3^rd June, 2010

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'Hopkins has the ability to heighten the senses - in one moment you cannot help but chuckle, in the next you are wrestling with a lump in your throat, hoping that no one will notice.'

Alan Domville, Warrington Guardian

'I've met the man - and liked him, a lot - interviewed him, and liked him even more. I've read all his books - he could have been writing about me!!! Can't wait for the film "Billy".

Fred Fielder, BBC Radio Presenter.

Hopkins, like all best authors, writes in effortlessly simplistic prose and as such is a fascinating author, he seems to have few, if any, peers.'

Mick Middles, Manchester Evening News.

'I took the Billy Hopkins' books with me on holiday. Couldn't put them down. Didn't see much of Benidorm but got a lovely tan lying in the sun and reading the books.'

Bernie Holden, Manchester.

'Well, you've bent it like Beckham, Billy. All your books are on the W H Smith bookshelves!'

Bill Keeth, Middleton.

'Hello there! I've read HIGH HOPES and GOING PLACES and I must say they are masterpieces. Now I want to get my hands on KATE'S STORY and OUR KID. I am 13 years of age.'

James Dunne, Manchester.

'Thanks for your wonderful and nostalgic books which have given me the most enjoyment I've had for a very long time. Please, please, keep writing.'

Harry Pemberton, Auckland, New Zealand.

'Thank you very much for four wonderful books that have brightened many of my days this summer. All the best to you and may you have many more productive writing sessions.'

Pirkko Soundy, Finnish but now living in Buckinghamshire.

'Many thanks for reviving "old times".'

Hal Partridge, Malta.

'Just wanted to tell you that you are a fantastic author. I feel sad when I'm approaching the end of one of your books - I don't want it to end. I've laughed and cried out loud through all of the books, the humour and the emotion are so real.'

Tracy Wainwright (age 36 and an avid fan)

'I've read three of your books and think in a previous life I've been to the places where Billy was born and grew up. Thanks Billy. I hope your write more.'

Eiman J. N. Akbar, Iran.

'There is no doubt in my mind that you were genuinely inspired to put pen to paper and regale the world with your wonderful memories.

Gerald (Ged) Widders.

'What a fantastic read all the Billy Hopkins books have been - unputdownable.'

Sandra Barrington, Droylsden

'I rocked with laughter and was moved to tears at the same time. Thank you for giving so much pleasure.'

Annie Carr, Newcastle.

'I read your first three books over the Easter holiday and to say I am hooked is an understatement.'

Elaine Amos, Bristol.

'Having read all of your books, I feel I know you as a friend. Your books are of great interest to all ages.'

Mrs Patricia Hall, Eastbourne.

'Congratulations on the best series of books I have ever read.'

Alan Townley, Manchester.

'I have just finished your latest books and it was just as wonderful as the other three. Sadly now it is finished. Can we look forward to another great read?'

Lesley Ratcliffe.

'Congratulations for your heart-warming, funny, and poignant tales of your life that brought tears to my eyes and aches in my ribs from laughing out loud.'

Barry Jones (35), London.

'It was with a great deal of pleasure that I read your three books of growing up in the early thirties and forties. The thorough enjoyment of reading your books made me feel a "partner in your early years in Collyhurst."

Frank Green, Kirrawee, NSW, Australia.

'As I read your books, I like to "live" them and follow your exploits on the Manchester A-Z map. Thank you for such enjoyable literature.'

Mervyn J W Rea, Ocean Reef, Perth, Australia.

'Thank you for another great read.'

Maureen Forsyth

'I shall be taking your wonderful books with me on holiday this March.

Josie Conaghan

'Just a note to say how much I have enjoyed reading your books. I have lived every moment with you. Can we look forward to a fifth book? I hope so.

Jill Glendenning.

'You are a great author. So please keep writing these fantastic books.'

Deborah Mayes.

Kate's Story has a particular something that marks it out as the work of a master storyteller second to none.

Alkrington Life, Middleton

What a joy to read all your books are.

Shirley Castleton, Blackpool

After reading your books, I'm hooked. The continuity and lively writing style of your books makes for an easy read.

Maureen Johnson, USA

Your books bring great joy to readers of all ages. Keep up the good work

Hayleigh Stone, Rochester, Kent

WOW!!!

Hannah Proudman, Alsager.

I am reading your books for the second time and they are still as brilliant as they were first time round.

Jackie Norris, England

I picked up High Hopes in Munich and then I read the rest of your books and couldn't stop reading.

Elvira Seigel

After reading your books, I have laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed them all.

Sue Lyme, Stevenage, Herts

I sooooooo enjoyed your books, I couldn't find anything comparably good to read for ages afterwards.

Helen Widdows, Cyprus

Read your books within four weeks in the summer holidays and I am a busy mum of two, what more can I say?

Linda, East Kilbride

Loved reading your books as they transported me back to my northern roots.

Chris Rawlinson, Herts

Loved Kate's Story and Our Kid. I look forward to reading anything else you have written.

June Thompson, Canada

I am in awe not only of your writing but the full life you've led. You are indeed THE ULTIMATE STORYTELLER.

Maxine Blakemore, St Helens

AN INSPIRATION!!!

Michelle Howard, England

Absolutely riveting books. Hope you have a long and happy retirement.

Paul Hartley, England

Your books get you involved and when you've finished, you feel you have been there.

Denise Williams, The Wirral

Am starting to read all five books all over again.

Wayne Simon, Leeds

You have a very big following at my place of work, a sheltered housing project.

Graham Woolgrove, Birmingham

I get so engrossed in your stories, I feel part of the family.

Liz Walker, Glasgow

You manage to combine both the sadness and humour in life so beautifully

Sue Zaidi, Manchester

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such thought-provoking books.

Carol Arnall, Rugeley, Staffs

Am starting to read the whole five books again. I have experienced every emotion possible whilst reading this five-book rollercoaster.

Wayne Simon, Leeds

I am a 17-year old girl and I prefer sitting down with one of your books than going out!

Danielle Holmes, England

Just finished Anything Goes and would like to say how much I have enjoyed the series.

Vickie Parker, Bristol

Reading your books is like reliving my youth all over again.

Barry Cunliffe, England

Have just received Anything Goes and can't wait to read it! Have loved all your books.

Anne Nicholas, Hanworth

Your books have revived many old memories. An excellent piece of writing.

Ken Miller, Derby

Wonderfully honest, direct writing which made all the books so enjoyable.

Alec Adcock, Ireland