My parents both died this summer. We’re a family business and they were part of Parakeet Books in different ways so we wanted to share this news with you all.
Janet Skidmore died in June, after ploughing on through many years with chronic illnesses. She was a warrior in the face of pain. But more than that my mum was hilarious, clever, beautiful and she smelled amazing. Mum was wildly enthusiastic about Parakeet Books, she listened to my poems and helped edit the stories. Me and my sister Alice gave her a beautiful funeral, there were flowers everywhere and tiny sandwiches and jazz.
Alan Skidmore (known as Skid to everyone) died in August after a quick infection. Just days before he had been drinking beer with my sister and his grandson in France and charming the locals with his irresistible charm. Dad was a fantastic artist with a poetic soul who wanted to make everyone feel special and to make them laugh. He was Parakeet Books’ first published author and artist with the charming Alice and Judy adventures. Dad’s funeral was big and bold and beautiful with horses and a painted coffin. And more jazz.
