Jeremy Williams
I am a writer of serious books for adults, and less serious books for children. This website is about my children’s writing – links to my other work here. My latest book is Max Counts to a Million, published by Nosy Crow in March 2022.
Absolutely nailed having an eight year old narrator.
At times I was both laughing and crying at the same time.
“fun and cathartic… with a healthy dose of humour, tenderness and joy” – review
“a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming and poignant account of a child’s life during lockdown” – review
“I loved Max’s reflections on the pandemic, and seeing the world afresh through the eyes of an eight-year-old” – review
“I don’t think there’s a child in the country, or their family members, for whom this won’t resonate” – review
Do you like epic quests of amazing counting?
Do you dislike global pandemics, being stuck at home, and the number 7?
Then I have a story for you. It’s about how I counted to a million during lockdown – with help from Mum and Dad, friends and neighbours, and Grandad. And some birds. And a bucket of marbles. And an awesome TV reporter.
Sometimes, just keeping on going makes you a hero.
Eight-year-old Max is counting to a million. Normally, school or having anything interesting to do would get in the way, but school is shut and everyone has to stay home because the UK is in its first lockdown. Max’s dad works at the hospital and counting helps Max with missing him, but as the pandemic progresses and Max’s grandad journeys through his own battle with the virus, what starts as a distraction turns into record-breaking effort that brings Max’s community together.
Suitable for readers aged 7 up, this funny, poignant, uplifting story reflects the experiences shared by so many during the Covid pandemic and celebrates how ordinary people accomplish epic things.
£1 from the sale of every copy of this book will be donated to NHS Charities Together (Registered Charity Number 1186569)
Awards and end of year lists
December is that time of year when people review what they’ve been reading, and it’s been lovely to see Max Counts To A Million turning up in a few lists and awards.
Luton Literature Festival
Luton’s first literature festival is taking place on September 24th. There are workshops, readings and opportunities to meet authors – including Zanib Mian (Planet Omar), Steve Cole (Swarm Rising), and Luton’s own Sharna Jackson (High Rise Mysteries). Check out the list and see if there’s something you want to book in for. I’ll be there…
Greenbelt Festival
Thanks to everyone who came along to the Max Counts to a Million event at the Greenbelt Festival! We had a good turnout at the Ta-Dah! family tent, where we worked out how long it would take to count to a million – with some epic maths. We heard some stories from the book, had…
Jeremy Williams 