tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9765337151487413722024-03-13T11:34:09.146-07:00Armadillo MagAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-11693219891776176912016-06-22T10:29:00.002-07:002016-06-22T10:29:20.587-07:00An ovedue reading roundup!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Having a passion for
anything can sometimes lead to disappointment, particularly if you have set
your hopes on it and so it can be with reading.
I have a passion for reading; I want to read every book that comes my
way, I then want to share the joy that I have experienced. Rarely is there a book that I do not enjoy
and because I am reading for myself as well as to share with others I am conscious
of the fact that even if I did not enjoy the book others will, it may just be
that it was not quite the book for me.
This happens. Very rarely am I
ever truly disappointed by a book. Very
often I love a book and the books take me by surprise with their enjoyability!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">And so it is, as someone
with a passion for books and reading that I read A LOT! Usually a book a night, thus with a train
journey into and out of London this week I had the chance to read more … <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">From Usborne and Tamsyn
Murray came <i>Tanglewood Animal Park: Baby
Zebra Rescue</i> a delightful story that is perfect for animal lovers. Zoe and her little brother have grown up
around zoo’s – that is where their parents work and now they are about to live
in their own zoo, but all is not well, with poorly and injured animals, a
physical structure in need of repair and a very moody vet’s son to contend with
will the zoo open on time and will everything be in place? This is a charming story for those who love
animals yet at the same time also a story about friendship, understanding and
learning to give and take.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Sedric
and the Roman Holiday Rampage</span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">
by Angie Morgan, Egmont, continues the medieval adventures of Sedric and the
gang, this time trying to undo all the trouble caused by Baron Dennis’ rather
unpleasant son. Packed with humour and
delightfully illustrated by the author this is a wonderful addition to the
series and will have readers laughing with every turn of the page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Moving up the age groups
I came to <i>Magrit</i> by Lee Battersby
(Walker Books). This is a sparse and
haunting tale, appropriately set in an abandoned cemetery where Magrit lives
with her friend Master Puppet. They live
happily and peacefully until a passing stork drops a bundle and despite his
best efforts to dissuade her Master Puppet sees Magrit growing ever closer to
the new addition with unfortunate consequences.
A masterful and moving story, delicately and beautifully told.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Then the book that truly
took me by surprise, <i>Songs About a Girl</i>
by Chris Russell (Hodder Children’s Books).
As a book about a boy band and a young girl I am sure you can imagine
where I thought this was going … but it didn’t.
This is an honest and truthful story about the trials and tribulations
of fame, about understanding people and friends, how they work and why. Charlie is a great character the true geek
yet hiding a streak of rebellion whilst Melissa, the archetypal best friend may
not be all that she seems and the same applies to the boyband. With a rollercoaster ride of emotions this
book is packed with page-turning elements and is a really good read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Father’s Day was last
Sunday and what better way to celebrate that by asking dad to read you a story
about … Dad’s?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">If your dad is new to
his role then you could start off with <i>School
for Dads</i> by Charlotte Guillain and illustrated by Ada Grey (Egmont) through
which your dad will learn about how not to be late for pick up, how to pay
attention to you and not his phone and how sometimes the children just need to
take charge! Dad’s will learn an lot
from this delightful book, children will love the action in the pictures and it
will have created a wonderful sharing experience too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The
Best Bit of Daddy’s Day</span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">
by Claire Alexander (Egmont) anthropomorphises the roles of father and son into
Daddy and Bertie, two dogs, both delightful and appealing to small children. Bertie’s daddy is a driver of wonderful
trucks and diggers and of course Bertie would love to do this too so when he
discovers a special surprise waiting for him at school it seems that their days
may well be just the same. This is a
lovely, simple story, about understanding, overcoming anxiety and sharing
experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Amazing
Daddy</span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"> by Rachel
Bright (Orchard Books) features two pandas, Daddy Panda and Little Panda
sharing a day together all their special moments. Celebrating the special relationship between
father and son this is a warm, loving book and the perfect title for father’s
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-70548432403961670652016-05-13T08:58:00.004-07:002016-05-13T08:58:55.270-07:00Another installment of great reading...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Following her last reading marathon reviewer Bridget Carrington has been stoically reading all the books I send her (and believe me my pile is still huge as you will soon see when Summer Armadillo goes live - all the Also Out books are the titles I have been reading)!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>So now I bring you Bridget's latest thoughts on some of the latest goodies that have found their way to her ...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I’m writing this just before midday on April Fools’ Day, when anything
can happen! Something really good that has happened recently is the way in
which teachers try to engage children with reading, despite the shackles with
which state education tries to prevent us. </span></div>
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New ways to read books are always
fun, and John Fidler, himself a teacher, has come up with a winner. <b><i>Little Red Riding Hood, The Wolf, Grandma
and the Woodcutter</i> </b>from Creative Education Press is an intriguing modern
variation on an old idea used by musicians who shared a single score while
sitting around a rectangular table. Originally produced in monochrome, but now
brought fully to life in simple colours, Fidler’s retelling of the Red Riding
Hood traditional tale appears on the page as a central square which cleverly
contains a four-part image, each part facing a different side of the square,
and illustrating the text which is written along the square’s outer edge. Each
side tells the part which Red Riding Hood, the Wolf, Grandma and the Woodcutter
plays in the story. This way four readers could sit round the book and each
read/play the part of one of the characters, while building up the complete
story. It’s a pretty traditional telling though not as gruesome as Perrault’s
original, and the illustrations maintain a folky feeling somewhat reminiscent
of Eastern European art. This is a beautiful book for all sorts of reasons, and
I look forward to seeing more of Fidler’s work.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Although all are about castaways, Olivia Levez’s debut novel <b><i>The Island</i></b>, from Oneworld’s YA imprint Rock
the Boat, is about as unlike Defoe’s <b>Robinson
Crusoe</b> or O’Dell’s <b>Island of the
Blue Dolphins</b> as you could imagine. Frances (Fran to her few friends, and
Frannie to her brother, who she calls Monkey) describes herself as ‘cold as
rock, hard as stone’, resulting from the traumatic family situation which has
resulted in her beloved little brother Johnny being taken into care. Her anger
at what she sees as a betrayal by a trusted teacher has resulted in her ending
up in court, but instead of a custodial sentence she becomes part of an experiment
to place young offenders in a situation where they will work co-operatively to
help communities in the developing world. The plane taking Fran and other
workers crashes, but she survives and reaches an uninhabited island, where she
has no option but to learn how to survive, and eventually discovers that there
are at least two other survivors. In the very short unnumbered passages which
comprise the novel Fran recounts in turn both her current situation and the events
which have brought her to it. While this takes time and patience for the reader
to navigate, we gradually see what the drivers were for her anti-social
behaviour, and to realise the close and enduring bond which exists between Fran
and Johnny, to whom she has been a surrogate mother. At the book’s end we see
Fran, a dog and a gravely sick survivor on a makeshift raft, attempting to find
civilization and medical help. There’s much to think about underlying the
immediate story, and we’re left not knowing how things end. Perhaps Levez will
write a sequel? She has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EidLt90QXuo" target="_blank">practical tips for lone desert island dwellers</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.panmacmillan.com/panmacmillancorporatesite/media/panmacmillan/Cover%20Images/Monica-Hesse/9781447295013The%20Girl%20in%20the%20Blue%20Coat.jpg?ext=jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://www.panmacmillan.com/panmacmillancorporatesite/media/panmacmillan/Cover%20Images/Monica-Hesse/9781447295013The%20Girl%20in%20the%20Blue%20Coat.jpg?ext=jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Monica Hesse’s <b><i>The Girl in the
Blue Coat</i> </b>(Macmillan) is a move away from the author’s previous YA sci-fi
fiction. Instead her journalist self has painstakingly researched an aspect of
the Dutch Resistance movement and while the novel revolves around a Dutch
Jewish teenage girl, the result is an interesting alternative to Anne
Frank-related books. The Girl in the Blue Coat herself only appears towards the
end of the book, and the ‘heroine’ Hanneke is not Jewish, and indeed her Aryan
good looks allow her to undertake her Black Market activities under the noses
of the occupying German soldiers. When one of her regular Black Market
customers asks her to try to find Mirjam, a Jewish girl she was hiding, Hanneke
is reluctant. Still unable to come to terms with the death of her boyfriend
during the invasion of the Netherlands, and emotionally crippled by her guilt
at having encouraged him to join up, Hanneke seems a somewhat remote, aloof and
unfeeling character, but as she gradually understands what the student members
of the Resistance risk to move Jewish children to safety, and to record
everyday life under the Nazis she becomes increasingly, if still reluctantly,
determined to find and save Mirjam. There are several twists in the story, with
a major one right at the end of the book, but possibly the greatest interest
lies in Hesse’s carefully constructed account of life under the regime. While
with Anne Frank’s account we learn about life in hiding, through Hanneke’s
experience we appreciate the restrictions to ordinary everyday life – school,
work, romance, travel – that occupation imposed on those Dutch citizens who
were supposedly free to live their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Somehow the Manson murders seem an odd topic for a YA novel, and Alison
Umminger’s <i><b>My Favourite Manson Girl</b></i>
(Atom Books) is an odd book. In this Bildungsroman, fifteen-year-old Anna tells
her own story and we learn that she has ‘borrowed’ her step-mother’s credit
card to enable her to run away to LA to join Delia, her older sister, a bit-part
actress in the movies. Her home life has been disrupted by her mother’s new
relationship with Lynette – now her step-mother – and the birth of their child,
Birch, and despite her deep love for the new sibling, she cannot cope with the
change of home and school. Needing to pay back what she ‘borrowed’ and at a
loose end while Delia is filming, Anna accepts a job researching the Manson
murders, for a film that Delia’s obsessive ex-boyfriend is planning. While we
learn a lot about Anna, about life on the edge of the starry world of movies,
and about relationships, both relating to family life and sexuality, we also
unpick the reasons behind what drove Charles Manson’s group of adoring girls to
commit murder for him. This may still intrigue US readers, but fifty years on
from those events it’s unlikely that this part of the story will resonate with
many UK YAs. Somehow I feel a potentially good novel about the complexities of
growing up has been side-tracked by the Manson element.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-40264136871428918242016-04-25T05:11:00.002-07:002016-04-25T05:11:31.257-07:00Something Old Something New<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Now I really must apologize, a PhD deadline, for submitting my
first chapter, rather took precedence over the Blog for a few weeks but it is
Monday morning, it is my birthday tomorrow and I always like to start the new
birthday year with a new challenge, this one is going to be to keep the Blog
updated by writing a new one each and every Monday ... if I have not posted by
1pm you must email/Facebook/Tweet me and remind me to do it ...</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">So for week 1 of the new mission a blog written by reviewer and
all round fantastic book reader Bridget Carrington with plenty on offer to get your teeth into ...</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://anonymouslegacy1.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/13clocks-cover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://anonymouslegacy1.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/13clocks-cover1.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Something old and
something new came through my letterbox in February. The old comes in welcome
reissues by the New York Review of Books of two classics:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>James Thurber</b>’s splendid
fairy-tale from 1950,<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><i> </i></b></span><b><i>The
13 Clocks</i></b>, with its original illustrations by<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Marc Simont</b>, and from 1964,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><i>The Pushcart War<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b>by another American author,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Jean Merrill</b>, with its original
illustrations by<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Ronni Salbert</b>.
Thurber’s is a wonderful story, well-known beyond its country of origin, while
Merrill’s less familiar work, reset in the future, time having caught up with
the 1964 original, provides an amusing but cutting commentary on the often
ridiculous origins of war. While there may be other editions out there, the
NYRB specializes in faithful reproductions of classic twentieth-century
children’s texts together with the illustrations which went with them in their
original form, something that’s often missing from later re-publications. The
NYRB is an occasional series which has returned to us several otherwise hard to
come by titles, mainly American, but notable also for British authors such as
Eleanor Farjeon, Leon Garfield, E. Nesbit and (to my great pleasure) Barbara
Sleigh’s delightful<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>Carbonel<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b>stories.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">The new includes
two picture books and two Australian YA/New Adult novels. I’m not quite sure
what distinguishes a New Adult novel from a YA novel. One definition classes it
as YA with added sex and swearing, but this clearly ignores many noteworthy and
award-winning YA novels written in the last fifty years. Equally, as she
doesn’t include sex and swearing, should we count Jane Austen as an
up-and-coming writer of Young Adult rather than New Adult material? If it’s only
that the protagonists are older, but the subject matter remains coming-of-age
related angst/relationships/romance it seems a false distinction. Perhaps this
just shows how unhelpful it is for publishers to pigeonhole books into
categories based on age…</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1377216434l/13480258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1377216434l/13480258.jpg" height="200" width="127" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Australian author<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Laura Buzo</b>’s second novel<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>Holier than Thou</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>(Allen and Unwin)<span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>is classified as New Adult, and
her main protagonist is twenty-four, a graduate in her first job as a mental
health social worker. There is sex and there is swearing, but there’s an awful
lot more to this deeply thoughtful narrative. Holly tells her own story,
starting with a crisis at work, but then ranging to and fro through her high
school and university life to examine her relationships with her parents, her
sibling, her friends and her boyfriends. In an interview Buzo herself describes
the novel as being ‘about<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">the trajectory of grief, and of friendship,
family, loss, loyalty, work and the nuts and bolts of morphing into adulthood.’
She adds, ‘It is sad and I don’t pull punches, but I never forget to bring the
funny as well.’ All this is true, and Buzo makes an excellent job of it,
particularly in examining Holly’s reaction to her father’s death, and her
search for a man whose intellectual as well as physical charms would make a
suitable permanent relationship. Has she made the right decisions by the end of
the novel? If Buzo gives us a sequel, we might find out, but otherwise it ends
as real life so often does – in resigned uncertainty.<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Michael Adams’<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">YA novel<span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><b><i>The
Last Girl</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(Allen and
Unwin) envisages a post-apocalyptic Australia in which almost the entire
population is suddenly affected by The Snap, whereby they can all hear what
everyone else is thinking, and which results in a considerable amount of
violence and a great number of deaths. Following this the majority of the
remaining citizens enter a catatonic state, apart from a few who have a
physical anomaly which appears to shield them. Sixteen-year-old Danby is one of
those, and after the Snap-related deaths of her father and step-mother we
follow her attempts to help her learning disabled younger step-brother, and to
reach her vulnerable real mother’s remote home. Along the way we see
convincingly portrayed scenes of mass hysteria, devastation and horror, and are
introduced to Nathan and Jack, to both of whom Danby is attracted. There are
complex and interesting moral dilemmas raised, particularly when it comes to
choices over resuscitation of the catatonic, and we are promised even greater
decisions to be made in the two following novels,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>The Last Shot<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b>and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>The Last Post</i></b>.<u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">In<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>Time Travelling Toby and the
Battle of Britain</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>written
by<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Graham Jones</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and illustrated by<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Neil Parkinson</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(GroBags) we have the curious
combination of a cheery comic style, featuring the eponymous hero and his
brothers being taken by his time-travelling sports car to the Battle of
Britain, with a rhyming text which seems at variance with the serious nature –
bombing and death – of the setting. Parkinson’s illustrations are bright and
attractive, but would be better employed in more appropriate texts. Further
volumes are planned,<span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span><b><i>Apollo
Moon Landing</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span>and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>Battle of Trafalgar</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span>and there is a website:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://timetravellingtoby.com/"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">http://timetravellingtoby.com/</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.darcypattison.com/notes/wp-content/uploads//Faraday-250x250-150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.darcypattison.com/notes/wp-content/uploads//Faraday-250x250-150.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Far more interesting is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>Burn:
Michael Faraday’s Candle</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>written
by Darcy Pattison and engagingly illustrated by Peter Willis (Mims House),
which is adapted from Faraday’s own Royal Institution Christmas Lectures,
turning his 1848 six-part scientific series on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Chemical History of a Candle</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>into a text which younger readers
could understand. Faraday himself published the full lectures as a book in
1861, and advocated that several of the experiments could be undertaken by
children at home, so Pattison and Willis are following in a noble tradition of
engaging children with practical science. Pattison accurately puts the subject
in context, with a brief explanation of what the RI Christmas Lectures were and
who attended, followed by Faraday’s own words explaining how a candle burns,
and followed by detailed information about Faraday, the Lectures, and an
explanation of the terms and ingredients. The text is varied in type, size,
colour and style on the page, while the illustrations are placed in a
nineteenth-century world, bright, inviting, amusing and accurate, providing a
lively visual interpretation of both historical and scientific matter. As I
would unreservedly recommend it for every primary school book shelf, it would
be helpful to relate the concepts to UK curriculum stages, as they have with
the US NGSS, but other than this, this is an excellent book, which should
engage and entertain young people as the Christmas Lectures themselves continue
to do into the twenty-first century.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-66638543657935523792016-03-20T12:57:00.002-07:002016-03-20T12:57:37.396-07:00Spring has Sprung - books and Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hercampus.com/sites/default/files/2016/03/01/springflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hercampus.com/sites/default/files/2016/03/01/springflowers.jpg" height="125" width="200" /></a></div>
I<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t's the first day of Spring, what better way to come back to the Blog and make up for my remiss in not keeping you updated!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is also the perfect day for all things outdoors and fun, plus as Easter is almost upon us some Easter activity doesn't go amiss either.</span><br />
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<a href="http://d33y93cfm0wb4z.cloudfront.net/Ruth/Things-to-do/Easter-rabbit-eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d33y93cfm0wb4z.cloudfront.net/Ruth/Things-to-do/Easter-rabbit-eggs.jpg" height="121" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This afternoon I've been busy celebrating Spring, being outdoors and organising an Easter Egg Hunt for the local community in which my School is located. Over 50 families and 100 children came along for some fun and games all of which was fantastically supported by the gerous publishers of children's books and so it is that I extend my thanks to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.egmont.co.uk/childrens-websites/" target="_blank">Egmont</a></b> - I cannot extend a big enough thank you for providing me with enough <i>Thomas the Tank Engine</i> books for every family to take one home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/genres/children-s/" target="_blank">PenguinRandomHouse</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.walker.co.uk/" target="_blank">Walker Books</a></b> - the children loved their stickers, thank you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/childrens/" target="_blank">Bloomsbury</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.hachettechildrens.co.uk/homepage_hodderchildrens.page" target="_blank">Hodder</a></b>, <b><a href="http://corporate.harpercollins.co.uk/imprints/harpercollinschildrensbooks" target="_blank">HarperCollins</a></b> - thank you very much for the books that went into our raffle and were much sought after!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://nosycrow.com/" target="_blank">Nosy Crow</a></b> - the children loved the balloons and the outdoor goodies were perfect for the raffle, there were some very happy children... :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Children made their own baskets, went on a hunt and then had the chance to meet the Easter bunny for their chocolate prize and extra gifts, they then all piled ono the School Quad to play games and enjoy the great outdoors. May Easter nests were consumed along with yummy biscuits, colouring in was done and a great time had by all.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.theworks.co.uk/images/9781405276719_M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.theworks.co.uk/images/9781405276719_M.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The books we had were perfect too - <i>Thomas and the Easter Egg Hunt </i>was a real hit not only with children who love Thomas already but with them all as they sat with parents and began to share the story - so lovely to see. <i>Emma the Easter Fairy</i> was a popular choice among the older children and the bundles of books much sought after which was heartwarming to see - so many children who knew their book characters and were keen to get a new book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So a large group of children in Leatherhead Surrey have this afternoon had their first Easter Egg hunt, played outdoors as the National Trust and their books urge us to do and they have hopefully all gone home ready to read and keep books alive and well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's hope we can have more such occasions and grow more small people into big readers!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-42373466808942301042016-01-20T09:42:00.001-08:002016-01-20T09:42:53.973-08:00An Award Winning Book<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here at
Armadillo Magazine we focus on literarure for children and young adults but
occasionally something comes to our attention that we think it is important to
share, this Blog post is about such a something … important for its coverage of
a minority group of fiction writers read on to find out more and be inspired
for your own reading if not for the reading of your children, just yet at least
…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Prize</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b>…</b> The </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">DSC Prize for South
Asian Literature 2016</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://themanbookerprize.com/sites/manbooker/files/images/books/Anuradha%20Roy-Sleeping%20On%20Jupiter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://themanbookerprize.com/sites/manbooker/files/images/books/Anuradha%20Roy-Sleeping%20On%20Jupiter.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Winner</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b>…</b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anuradha Roy for <i>Sleeping on Jupiter</i> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anuradha
Roy is Economist Crossword Prize for Fiction winner for her novel <i>The
Folded Earth</i>. Her first novel, <i>An
Atlas of Impossible Longing</i>, has been widely translated and was named
by <i>World Literature Today</i> as one of the sixty essential books
on modern India. Anurdha lives in Ranikhet.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Plot … </span></b><i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A train stops at a railway station. A young
woman jumps off. She has wild hair, sloppy clothes, a distracted air. She looks
Indian, yet is somehow not. The sudden violence of what happens next leaves the
other passengers gasping. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The train terminates at Jarmuli, a temple
town by the sea. Here, among pilgrims, priests and ashrams, three old women
disembark only to encounter the girl once again. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is someone like her doing in this remote
corner, which attracts only worshippers? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the next five days, the old women live
out their long-planned dream of a holiday together; their temple guide finds
ecstasy in forbidden love; and the girl is joined by a photographer battling
his own demons.<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Evil and violence lie beneath the serene
surface of this town becoming evident when lives overlap and collide.
Unexpected connections are revealed between devotion and violence, friendship
and fear as Jarmuli is revealed as a place with a long, dark past that
transforms all who encounter it. This is a stark and unflinching novel by a
spellbinding storyteller, about religion, love, and violence in the modern
world.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6<sup>th</sup> January 2016; Sri Lanka:</span><i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a glittering ceremony, the US $50,000 DSC Prize along with a unique
trophy was awarded by Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Anuradha Roy.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The six shortlisted authors and novels in contention for
the DSC Prize this year were Akhil Sharma:<i> Family Life</i> (Faber
& Faber, UK), Anuradha Roy:<i> Sleeping on Jupiter</i> (Hachette,
India), K.R. Meera:<i> Hangwoman</i> (Translated by J Devika;
Penguin, India), Mirza Waheed:<i> The Book of Gold Leaves</i> (Viking/Penguin
India), Neel Mukherjee:<i> The Lives of Others</i> (Vintage/Penguin
Random House, UK) and Raj Kamal Jha:<i> She Will Build Him A City </i>(Bloomsbury,
India).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now in
its sixth year, the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature is an established
international literary prize that awards the best work in South Asian
fiction writing each year. This year the DSC Prize received 74 entries with entries
from publishers from the South Asian region as well as the UK, US, Canada,
Australia and South Africa amongst others. The Prize specifically focuses on
South Asian writing. It is not ethnicity
driven by the origin of the author and is open to any author whose story is
based on the South Asian region and its people. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The DSC
Prize for South Asian Literature 2016 was judged by a five member jury panel comprised
of Mark Tully, Chair of the jury panel and renowned journalist; Dennis Walder,
Emeritus Professor of Literature at the Open University, UK; Karen Allman,
highly respected book seller and literary coordinator based in Seattle, USA;
Neloufer de Mel, Senior Professor of English at the University of Colombo, Sri
Lanka; and Syed Manzoorul Islam, celebrated Bangladeshi writer, translator,
critic and academic.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking
on the occasion, Mark Tully on
behalf of the jury commented <i>“We had a shortlist of six outstanding
books. Their excellence made our task particularly difficult. We chose Sleeping
on Jupiter by Anuradha Roy because of its elegance, flair and readability. It
raises many issues succinctly and with commendable economy of words. The South
Asian setting is described faithfully and evocatively. Among the issues raised
are the power of memory and myth, religious hypocrisy, sexuality, abuse and
other forms of violence. The novel contains powerful portraits of both major
and minor characters. We believe this book will be a source of inspiration to
other writers.”</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surina Narula, MBE and co-founder of the
DSC Prize</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> said<i> The
winning novel highlights the changing dynamics in South Asian life and culture
in a unique way. </i></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last five winners of the DSC Prize have been <i>Jhumpa Lahiri</i> <i>(The
Lowland</i>: Vintage Books/Random House, India), <i>Cyrus
Mistry</i> (<i>Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer</i>: Aleph Book Company,
India), <i>Jeet Thayil</i> (<i>Narcopolis</i>: Faber & Faber,
London), <i>Shehan Karunatilaka (Chinaman</i>: Random House, India)
and <i>HM Naqvi</i> (<i>Home Boy</i>: Harper Collins,
India). Each of these winners has gone on to be published internationally
and their work has reached a larger global audience which has been one of the
central visions of the DSC Prize.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Read
this year’s winner or one of the previous and find out for yourselves how great
this literature is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-72767874311241923032016-01-04T12:06:00.005-08:002016-01-04T12:06:50.067-08:00Books with meaningNow I know all books have meaning, to any author or illustrator associated with them, to their editors and publishers but perhaps most of all to their readers ... and so with this in mind I have two very special books to recommend.<br />
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Both books are from Nosy Crow, a small, independent and very high quality publishers whose books each year are few but amazing.<br />
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The first book, a Christmas title with a supremely important message is linked to the ongoing refugee crisis and as such is Nosy Crow's way of doing something to help by raising money and also helping parents to address the difficult questions children may raise when they see the news coverage.<br />
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The book is incredibly moving, so beautifully written it will take your breath away and its text is so well matched to its illustrations that although the story may seem familiar it is also at once new and different. No money will go to Nosy Crow if you buy this book, all those involved in its sale and distribution have waived their fees, and only the printing costs need to be covered which means £5 from each and every copy sold will go directly to <a href="http://www.warchild.org.uk/" target="_blank">War Child </a><br />
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This is an important book not only this Christmas but throughout the year too, those who have children in the family or who work with children will find it moving and invaluable and I encourage you all to find a copy.<br />
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So what is its story? It is the Christmas story focusing on the fleeing of Jesus and his parents from the soldiers of Herod, into sanctuary in Egypt. Told from the perspective of the donkey who carries them on their journey this is a clever, thoughtful, lyrical and beautiful book.<br />
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Another, completely different book from Nosy Crow yet still a very special one, is <i>The Many Worlds of Albie Bright</i> by Christopher Edge. Published on 14th January this is a short insight for you into what promises to be an early hit in 2016. I ma quite certain that this book will find its way into the hearts of children and adults alike with its honest and curious Albie searching for meaning after loosing his mother to her battle against cancer. Whilst the book is amusing, easy to read and fun it is also serious at its heart and helps us all, adults and children alike, to understand how we can cope when we lose a loved one and also how the universe and quantum physics may have a bigger role to play than we could ever imagine!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-26275642300944546202015-12-22T15:14:00.002-08:002015-12-22T15:14:40.398-08:00A Christmas Round-UpWhat a wonderful selection of Christmas books have been made available this year for readers of all ages and whilst for the younger members of our audience many of these have a Christmas theme some are just very good books that Christmas allows the leisure of time to read!<br />
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It is with enormous thanks to Macmillan books that I present you with the first part of my selection, a wonderful parcel of goodies that arrived in my office just this week , part two is a pair of books from Hot Key Books and Picacdilly Press' Christmas highlights, then if you head over to <a href="http://www.armadillomagazine.co.uk/" target="_blank">Armadillo Magazine</a> you will see a great selection from a variety of publishers to read this Christmas (these are featured as a round-up in the <i>Also Out</i> section but don't forget all the other great books that we feature too!)<br />
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Now back to my current selection, sitting next to me on the desk and begging for readers just like you are ...<br />
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<i>The Macmillan Alice, Advice for Modern Women: What Would Alice Do?</i> with a foreword by Lauren Laverne. In this wonderful pocket-sized book are selected quotes from Alice on the themes of Inspiration, what to do when having a bad day or a tough day at work - keep your sense of humour and remember that each day will come to a natural end!. And so it goes on with plenty of wit and humour these selected quotes will help you get through the day and maybe even encourage you to read <i>Alice</i> all over again, a real treat and beautifully illustrated too.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">If getting through the day means having a good colouring in or doodle session then </span><i style="text-align: center;">Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Colouring Book</i><span style="text-align: center;"> could be just what you need and in fact is featured in the Winter edition of Armadillo. Or why try something from our current Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell's </span><i style="text-align: center;">Doodle a Day</i><span style="text-align: center;"> should keep many a doodler happy for an entire year ... packed with Chris' own illustrations and plenty of tips and hints this book could create some master doodlers in a year's time!</span><br />
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Three stories in one slim book make up the very special <i>The Christmas Star: A Festive Story Collection</i> from Eva Ibbotson. Read and discover how a young Viennese girl discovers the magical meaning behind the family celebrations or how the words of a fortune teller can change the life of a family and finally a heroic fish who, destined for the Christmas dinner plate wins over his would-be eaters!<br />
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For comedy at Christmas try <i>William at Christmas </i>by Richmal Compton or for comedy of a non-christmasy but still very funny type why not pick up <i>Mooneboy: The Fish Detective</i> by Chris O'Dowd and Nick V. Murphy, the hardback has a great front cover cut out feature and the story - well it is just a laugh a page!<br />
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<i>A Thousand Nights</i> by E. K, Johnston is a classic re-imagining of the famous 1,001 Arabian Nights story and has been reviewd in Armadillo so I won't go into detail again here suffice to say it is an arresting, clever and unusual read.<br />
Another title already mentioned in our main magazine is Julia Donaldson's <i>What the Ladybird Heard Next</i> with its glorious glittery cover this is a must read for fans of the little ladybird and the wonderful creative imagination of Julia Donaldson and her illustrator Lydia Monks.<br />
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From Hot Key and Macmillan not only two charming books but they were in a delightful red envelope complete with snowflakes and a mini candy cane, quite charming. <i>snowball: The Baby Bigfoot </i>is a delightful addition to <i>The Secret Animal Society</i> series by Ruth Symes and illustrated by Tina Marchington. The story is perfect for younger readers with its mix of fantasy and reality, the delightful characterisation and the warm appealing story. <i>Lily and the Christmas Wish</i> by Keris Stainton is a magical Christmas story abut how wishes really can come true, in the most unexpected of ways. This magical story of mix-ups is a delightful read, perfect for sharing at Christmas and ideal for helping to realise that there are many ways in which wishes can come true - not always for the best ...<br />
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To conclude this blog two very Christmasy titles, from Macmillan imprint Campbell books <i>Busy Santa</i> a board book introducing the youngest of readers to the busy time that Santa has every Christmas with plenty of options to 'push, pull and slide' keeping little fingers busy... then <i>The Best Christmas Present Ever</i> by Ben Mantle with its glorious glittery snowy cover and wonderful story of love and friendship at Christmas what could be a better way to round off this Blog?<br />
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As always your comments welcomed...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-62826205597212049052015-12-07T04:09:00.001-08:002015-12-07T04:09:32.533-08:00Barrington Stoke at its very best<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">A round-up of titles</span></b><b style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> from Barrington Stoke …</span></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In this week's Blog, reviewer and teacher Simon Barrett rounds-up and reviews a selection of some of Barrington Stoke's excellent titles...</span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Barrington Stoke's latest publications offer great reads for young people with a reading age of eight.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">There are a number of books aimed at young readers from eight to twelve years old.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">As ever, it includes new stories by great authors, this time including Jonathan Stroud (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Ghost of Shadow Vale</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">) and Terry Deary (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hat Trick</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">), not reviewed here but certainly recommended reads.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">A book I do want to tell you more about is written by Tony Bradman and tells the story of the legendary king, Harald Hardrada in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Harald Hardnut</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harald had fled Norway when he was fifteen, using his sword to carve out a fierce some reputation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With his comrades-in-arms Ulf and Haldor, Harald became a bodyguard to the Emperor himself, before winning the hand of a Russian Princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon becoming King of Norway, Harald eventually became bored of court life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he accepted one last challenge, to take the throne of England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harald couldn’t have been happier than meeting Harold, son of Goodwin in battle at Stamford Bridge in 1066.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In addition there a number of books of interest to teenagers: <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dream On</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Return of Johnny Kemp </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Devil's Angel and The Diary of an (Un) teenager.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dream On</i>, Baljit dreams of being a football star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His teacher thinks he is good enough even to go for trials at Leicester City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baljit’s parents however want him to stop dreaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They think he should focus on a doing well at school and getting a good job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then his cousin Mandip comes up with a brilliant idea of a school trip to fool Baljit’s parents, allowing him to go to the trials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baljit however will have to overcome racism off and on the pitch if he is to prove he is the better player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also means lying to his parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Dan, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Return of Johnny Kemp</i>, is in deep trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The school bully – Johnny Kemp – is back and Dan is the one who was responsible for him being excluded for two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message from the Baxter brothers and all his classmates is that Dan is a dead man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one seems to listen and no one is on his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it is up to Dan to face Johnny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There can only be one winner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a brilliantly written story about school bullying with one surprising twist at the end.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>The Devil’s Angel</i> by Kevin Brooks explores the growing friendship between Jack and new bad boy in town, Dean. In an intense summer, involving drink and drugs, Jack and Dean seem to relish the rock and roll life, until Dean picks a fight with the wrong people. It is an interesting story of a band nearly making it and an unlikely friendship, beginning and then drifting apart. This book will interest teenage readers with a reading age of 8.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spencer is in shock. His best friend Zac turns thirteen and changes into a skater, complete with a hoodie and a skateboard. Spencer is thirteen in a few weeks, but vows to not change. He is going to be an (un) teenager.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Diary of an (Un) teenager</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Pete Johnson is the hilarious story of Spencer refusing to change. His lego and model airplanes are firmly staying in his room. Neither is he going to buy new trainers, when his old (and slightly smelly) ones are perfectly suitable for a kick about in the park. Spencer's resolve is however fully tested when he receives an anonymous birthday card and a badly drawn heart in the corner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spencer is back in <i>Return of the (Un) teenager</i>. This time Spencer has to contend with the fact his voice is breaking and that his best friend Zac has made loads of new friends on Facebook, including his new girlfriend Sarah. Spencer's relationship with Emily is not going very well. <i>Return of the (Un) teenager</i> is another comic story of miscommunication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The anniversary of WWI has
inspired a number of novels from Barrington Stoke. The two latest books by Alan Gibbons and Tony
Bradman fictionalize their own personal, family histories relating to WWI and
WWII.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Street
Corner Dad</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> by Alan Gibbons tells the story of Jimmy and his sister
Molly who are forced to meet their father secretly on a street corner when a
family tragedy tears the family apart.
Their Dad’s promise that nothing will keep them apart in this world or
the next seems ill-fated as news arrives that his ship has been torpedoed. This is an excellent story aimed at a reading
age of 7 and an interest age of 7-12 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">ANZAC Boys</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> by Tony Bradman is based upon the lives of his
Grandfather Bert and his brother Frank.
Orphaned, the boys are transported by priests to the otherwise side of
the world. Upon arrival Bert’s promise
that he will always look after Frank is quickly broken as Bert is sent to
Australia and Frank to New Zealand. Bert
tries with no success to find Frank, until remarkably, they meet up by chance
preparing for the WWI battle of Gallipoli.
Sadly the reunion is not the happy one Bert intends. This is a story for a reading age of 8 and
interest age of 9+.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.barringtonstoke.co.uk/images/P/Robot-Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="http://www.barringtonstoke.co.uk/images/P/Robot-Girl.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></span></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Also published is a new story by
Malorie Blackman illustrated by Matthew Griffin entitled <i>Robot Girl</i>. The author
brilliantly subverts the genre as Claire becomes jealous of her father’s new
creation. Once again he is spending
hours in his laboratory, working on a new project to create an artificial
intelligence, using Claire’s own brain patterns without her permission. Claire’s new friend Maisie is the only person
who seems to understand. The story is
intended for a reading age of 8 and an interest age of 8-12 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white;">Quite a selection so hopefully something for everyone and a great variety too!</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-60282115767713155012015-07-25T03:54:00.001-07:002015-07-25T03:54:17.583-07:00Starting Summer with a Celebration!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US">I love a summer
celebration and there have already been a few with more to come … these have
been celebrations of the book launch and party kind, for new books in the
meantime however there are also celebrations of old books to note this summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.heraldchronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/colorful-balloon-clip-art_15-13045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.heraldchronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/colorful-balloon-clip-art_15-13045.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Well when I say
old, I mean the books are having their anniversaries and as such there are in
fact new editions and spin offs to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141207180321/ttte/images/9/96/Thomas_Promotional_Illustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141207180321/ttte/images/9/96/Thomas_Promotional_Illustration.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Let us start with
Thomas the Tank Engine, he must be everyone’s favourite little engine I am sure
and so it is only right that we celebrate 70 years of being able to enjoy his
stories with a charming new series of picture books and a wonderful slipcase,
hardback edition of the first and absolutely classic title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This wonderful celebratory edition introduces
us to Thomas and friends in a classic story that has withstood the test of time
and includes too photographs and sketches that have not been seen before and
will delight fans and enthusiasts old and new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.panmacmillan.com/devpanmacmillan/media/panmacmillan/featured_pages/alicebg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.panmacmillan.com/devpanmacmillan/media/panmacmillan/featured_pages/alicebg.png" height="176" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">An older book is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alice in Wonderland</i>, which, this summer
is celebrating 150 years in print and there have been a wealth of titles
published to help the celebrations along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little Folks Edition</i> puts
the story into the smallest of hands in a charming hardback edition with
wonderful watercolour illustrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This miniature was in fact first published by Macmillan in 1907 and at
only a sixth of the length of the story is perfect for the youngest reader as
an introduction to the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there
is the story with a foreword by Hilary McKay in a charming classic edition from
Macmillan Classics, this is a hardback book for collectors to treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Nursery Alice, </i>first published in 1890 as the very first colour edition has
been faithfully reproduced and adapted for the younger reader to enjoy an then
for the very youngest there is a board book complete with holes to poke fingers
through, sliders and even flaps giving a wonderful interactive feel to the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Busy Alice in Wonderland </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is
a delight!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">If all this is not
enough to fill your book case then look to Andersen Press who also have an
Alice title, this one retold and illustrated by Tony Ross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Andersen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland</i> is a perfect abridgement of the
original story magically retold and stunningly illustrated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-61819430927900173652015-07-05T02:12:00.001-07:002015-07-05T02:13:17.029-07:00Brandon Robshaw's Guest Post<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418p2qWBU3L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418p2qWBU3L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a>The author Brandon Robshaw, who has recently has his book <i>The Big Wish </i>published by Chicken House, writes here for us about his experiences of Writing for Children. Before you read his piece however a few words about his charming book. The book features Sam, a young boy who is given what many children may consider the best gift ever, unending wishes. The trouble is he soon learns that you really do have to be careful what you wish for and that perhaps this gift that keeps on giving is not really what he wanted...</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b>WRITING
FOR CHILDREN </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Children hate being bored.
Everybody hates being bored, of course, but when we are young there is
something peculiarly painful and intolerable about it. I can remember as a
child being ready to scream with boredom on long car journeys, or in afternoon
lessons where time seemed to have stopped. And I didn't put up with boring
books. If a book was boring I threw it aside and found something else to do. On
the other hand, if the book was interesting it could put me into a trance. I
would lose myself in it completely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">If
you want to write for children, it's important not to forget this. An adult
reader might put up with a few boring pages, and be prepared to wait for the
good bits. But a child reader, justifiably enough, wants it </span><i style="line-height: 200%;">all</i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> to be
good bits, starting from page one. This is even truer today than it once was,
for now there are far more rival attractions than there used to be. Kids can
spend their time playing Minecraft, or surfing the net, or going on social
media instead of reading books. So reading has to be fun, if it's going to
compete.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">What
makes reading fun, then? I'd say there are four important things:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">The book
has to be written from the heart.</b><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;"> If a writer thinks, ‘I know, I'll write a
book about superheroes because that's really popular with kids’, it's unlikely
that the book will be very interesting. But if the writer thinks, ‘I wonder
what it would be like to really have superpowers, that would be amazing!’, then
the book will come from the heart, and that will carry across to the reader.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">The
language.</b><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;"> It has to be fresh and clear and bright. No waffling. Descriptions
should be vivid but short. Dialogue should be quick and punchy – no long
speeches – and it should sound natural. This doesn't mean the vocabulary has to
be simplistic. Children like learning new words, and they like silly, quirky,
made-up words, too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">The pace.</b><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">
It should be swift. Something happening on every page. Enough said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">4)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">The
story.</b><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;"> Children have a strong sense of wonder, and they like stories with
wonderful, crazy, unlikely or impossible events – as long as the author can
make those events </span><i style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">feel </i><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">real. ‘What if’ is one of the most powerful
engines to get a story going. What if my best friend turned out to be a spy?
What if I could go invisible? What if there was buried treasure under my house
and a gang of criminals found out about it? What if my dreams came true?
Whether the story is a realistic one or a fantasy, whether it's serious or
funny, children want to be able to satisfy that sense of wonder.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: list 72.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
But the secret of writing a book
that children want to read isn't to tick off these four things one by one. It's
to get them all working together at the same time! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-12038435505206196142015-06-14T10:44:00.003-07:002015-06-14T10:44:51.094-07:00A guest reviewer writes ...<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><i>I asked Armadillo reviewer and writer Bridget Carrington to review a book by Kathryn James so that we could mark a special event this month and link it to YA fiction. The following is Bridget's contribution:</i></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://grthm.natt.org.uk/images/GRTHM_logo_generic.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://grthm.natt.org.uk/images/GRTHM_logo_generic.gif" height="53" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All over the UK June is <a href="http://grthm.natt.org.uk/" target="_blank">Gypsy Roma TravellerHistory Month</a>, and perfectly timed for this comes <b>Kathryn James</b> latest novel, <b><i>Gypsy Girl </i></b>(Walker Books). Kathryn writes
from in-depth experience of this very special and widely misrepresented group,
as she worked for years in a variety of jobs which supported the traveller
community. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In an interview she has written:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><i>When I met up with
the Gypsy girls we’d worked with in the past, they moaned that there’s never
any books or stories about their lives. They and I both wanted a kick-ass Gypsy
girl heroine. Sassy. Gypsy smart rather than School smart. And true to what the
girls are really like. </i></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/3/23/1427115114912/gypsy-girl-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/3/23/1427115114912/gypsy-girl-002.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sammy-Jo Smith is just that. She’s a prize-winning
fighter, but can’t progress to the official adult fights because she’s too
young. Her big sister wants a big wedding, so Sammy-Jo secretly earns money in
illegal cage fights to pay for it, and remains unbeaten against all-comers. But
this year when the Smith family pulls onto the field they’ve always stopped on
they find they are no longer welcome, and Sammy-Jo discovers there’s far more
to that than meets the eye too. And she’s fallen in love with a gorger, whose
father owns the field, although she’s expected to marry a cousin, who seems to
be mixed up in something illegal. Sammy-Jo is an unusual heroine, and her world
will be unfamiliar to many readers, except via the discriminatory reports in
certain areas of the media. Through her we learn much about the close family
units, about the history of the people and their traditions, and how they’re
both the same and different from us – the housed. All this comes through a
fast-paced, exciting, and frequently funny, mystery-adventure-romance with an
engaging heroine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There’s a hint that we might see more of her – I certainly
hope so! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There’s an excellent <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2015/may/29/my-time-with-gypsy-and-traveller-communities-in-pictures" target="_blank"><i>Guardian</i> </a>picture article in which Kathryn James shows the sources
for some of the ideas in <i>Gypsy Girl</i>, and a piece on the <a href="http://grthm.natt.org.uk/local-story-east1.php" target="_blank">GRTHM </a>site about a traveller who competed in the boxing in
the 2012 Olympics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-67920127093875366362015-05-26T09:36:00.000-07:002015-05-26T09:36:03.095-07:00Wychwood Festival 2015 .... Part 1 - Pre Festival Excitment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1.wp.com/blog.liftshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Wychwood-festival-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1.wp.com/blog.liftshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Wychwood-festival-logo.jpg" height="61" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">So here I am, three days away from
attending the Wychwood 2015 Festival and I have to say I am excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is there to be excited about I know you
are wondering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what does it have to
do with Armadillo?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Well, the two questions can be answered in
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is because Wychwood has a
dedicated Chlidren’s Literature Festival running alongside the music and
workshops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only is there a packed
programme of authors for children to meet and listen to but also they have the
opportunity to attend classes and workshops and enjoy performaces too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wychwoodfestival.com/line-up/images/tiles/Wychwood-Festival-workshops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://wychwoodfestival.com/line-up/images/tiles/Wychwood-Festival-workshops.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Wychwood is a an incredibly family friendly
festival and I know that any children who attend will not only be inspired by
the authors they listen to and meet but they will gain from their experience
fond memories of a wonderful weekend and some inspirational encouragement to
read and maybe even be writers themselves one day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lots of thought and hard work, considerable effort,
goes into the planning of these events and I know that my first trip to
Wychwood 2 years ago was a great opportunity to meet some wonderful people and
the Children’s Literature Festival was there, in its own marquee, roving
popular but looking at the programme for this year I can see that even more authors
are involved, there are even more big names and there is likely to be very
little room left in the children’s tent for the whole of the weekend!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">So just who will be there – fantastic authors
galore …Ali Sparkes (think Monster Makers, Shapeshifters, Dark Summer) offering
something to children aged 7 and upwards; Petr Horacek with his marvellous picture
books appropriate for all ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
know Giancrlo Gremin but am excited that I may get a chance to meet this new
name along with the also unkown First Draft and local author Karen Langtree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDNMUUCyV-IVeac2XunFVsTL5p3dpS1ikFhOJ2GDudHbNX7PaWCSU_qVg1o9x24qrBMPJsbPq8PvUIzIPKXs1PZGJfNyJuSi4SHY9GGdz-eIKqCkRYn3Rm2QgKMLU6IZTYi1eOUyTvSg/s1600/Wychwood+Fest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDNMUUCyV-IVeac2XunFVsTL5p3dpS1ikFhOJ2GDudHbNX7PaWCSU_qVg1o9x24qrBMPJsbPq8PvUIzIPKXs1PZGJfNyJuSi4SHY9GGdz-eIKqCkRYn3Rm2QgKMLU6IZTYi1eOUyTvSg/s320/Wychwood+Fest.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Steve Anthony will be there and I am hoping
he will show off his fantastic illustration skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friend of mine Steve Cole will be there and
he could be talking James Bond, Egyptian Adventures or even dinosaurs in space –
watch this space to find out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
bearded giant that is Philip Ardagh is likely to have his audiences in stitches,
John Dougherty will hopefully play his guitar whilst Anna Wilson, Tracey
Corderoy, Paul Strickland, Chris Edge and Cathy Cassidy not forgetting Matt
Brown, Paul Strickland and Tony de Saulles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Phew I think I need a sit down now but
maybe that will have to wait until this weekend when I park myself in the Children’s
Literature Tent at Wychwood for an inspirational series of events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">If I have time in my busy schedule I may
pop along to listen to some music on one of the 4 stages, learn more about what
Wychwood are doing to go green, hone some belly dancing skills. Listen to some
comedy … the list of things to do is endless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Whatever your plans were for this coming
weekend change them and get yourselves over to Cheltenham Racecourse for the
stunning Wychwood Festival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-49415076346915651412015-05-15T10:27:00.003-07:002015-05-15T10:28:43.985-07:00Picture Book Joy <span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">I really can't believe it has been so long since I last posted I actually thought it had only been a week or two so my sincere apologies, in all that time I have not stopped reading but once again I am posting this on a Friday evening after a more hectic than ever week so once again I am indulging in my favourite past time of picture books and what a delight they have been. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkF3eNslXFWIhNQdgKUtRYEP4GcdX2uu4sgkDDkJgjA8rPdwS5PtEww6AtbuzutO3xSw-wunYcmQPdNwYw0HDobg_5QDAwk5RtK4Jvk_7gidONvikI8TVVzCCll5JSizmCemYyrVGzlU/s1600/books.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkF3eNslXFWIhNQdgKUtRYEP4GcdX2uu4sgkDDkJgjA8rPdwS5PtEww6AtbuzutO3xSw-wunYcmQPdNwYw0HDobg_5QDAwk5RtK4Jvk_7gidONvikI8TVVzCCll5JSizmCemYyrVGzlU/s200/books.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">If you ever need to bring a smile to your face these books can really help, they are quite honestly disarmingly wonderful, simple yet complicated, intricate in their images yet just stunning to admire and books that make you want to shout out loud from the rooftops just how wonderful they and their creators are. I could not get through my week without some gorgeous picture books to read and share and I defy anyone not to love at least one of what is to follow.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">In no particular order what follows is a few of my thoughts on my small(!) pile of reading!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVDvn-E-mo6JGXWFfAGIhFuDlm8EEFrjaGEZEwgmZ_Rl4xX-CIxCxgw4-IfqTwpglR79eeupIFCikra59ya1Fny6-m33knGLbpVv3X96AaV-A0VOpjVbyANmoBewthjycjJHc95oyozc/s1600/dragon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVDvn-E-mo6JGXWFfAGIhFuDlm8EEFrjaGEZEwgmZ_Rl4xX-CIxCxgw4-IfqTwpglR79eeupIFCikra59ya1Fny6-m33knGLbpVv3X96AaV-A0VOpjVbyANmoBewthjycjJHc95oyozc/s200/dragon.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><i>Ace Dragon Ltd</i> is a collaboration between Russell Hoban and Quentin Blake a classic story published by Walker Books and a dream team collaboration of words and pictures that will have you laughing out loud. This is an adventure in the sky, a story of a little boy and quite a big dragon. It is a story about learning to believe that if you want to do something you need to try it, nothing is impossible (in the imagination at least) and you just never know where you might go, who you might become and why a bale of hay may be just the thing you need!</span><br />
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<a href="https://ec1f234efcd44fd455a0-6aaf0a2e2991e656883c5119142839e5.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/large/9780/9928/9780992872861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://ec1f234efcd44fd455a0-6aaf0a2e2991e656883c5119142839e5.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/large/9780/9928/9780992872861.jpg" width="162" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><i>Little Bell and the Moon</i> by Giles Paley-Philips and Iris Deppe is a gentle, warm and delightful bedtime story. From its front cover - a big round smiley moon holding hands with a little girl, you just know that this is going to be a very special adventure that will produce the sweetest of dreams and demand regular nightly reads. Its soft and muted pallet is the perfect relaxant and its simple but evocative words will lull the reader into a place of warmth and security in time for sleep. Its subject - growing old - is rare and it is dealt with in a very sensitive way, charming, unusual and a delight, thank you Fat Fox for publishing this one.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.sparkey.org.uk/Books/wp-content/uploads/Mouse-cover-266x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sparkey.org.uk/Books/wp-content/uploads/Mouse-cover-266x300.jpg" height="200" width="177" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Now for a splash of colour and perhaps even a splosh in the ocean join Mouse in a glorious rhyming sea adventure. <i>The Mouse Who Sailed the Seas</i> by Amy Sparkes and Nick East (Egmont) is funny and silly a great book for sharing and for using to delight children with the idea of rhyme and great adventure going hand in hand. Remember to look closely at the artwork too and see what Mouse really gets up to and discovers on his adventures - hours of fun!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.lamontbookclub.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/3/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/9/7/9781488949616_-_space_walkies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lamontbookclub.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/3/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/9/7/9781488949616_-_space_walkies.jpg" height="200" width="181" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Out of this world adventures are always fun to read and <i>Space Walkies</i> is one such book with a difference, here we have a dog in space! Suspend disbelief for who knows, this could really happen ... however when Bailey the dog finds himself in space he may meet alien life but what he really thinks he would like is to have a walkie with his very own Orson again. This title, by Robert Dunn, along with <i>Fins Fluff and other Stuff</i> by Bruno Merz and Dreda Blow are both in the QED <i>Storytime</i> series and offer a wonderful rhyming introduction to stories and their sharing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://covers.lovereading4kids.co.uk/gardimg/200/9781909428522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://covers.lovereading4kids.co.uk/gardimg/200/9781909428522.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">This next one came in a noisy box - a clever marketing tool that really did get me looking at the book to see what all the noise was about. What did I find? <i>Nina Goes Barking Mad</i> by Anita Pouroulis and Agata Krawczyk (Digital Leaf) is the mystery picture book story investigating the reason that Nina just won't stop barking but will Jules get to the bottom of all the noise before everyone is driven completely mad? A silly, funny and lively story about one of the joys of having a pet!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Perhaps what Jules needed was <i>Dinosaur Police</i> by Sarah McIntyre (Scholastic) maybe they could have solved the problem but of course they are busy trying to save the day and the town from a very greedy T-Rex, exuberant fun!</span><br />
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<a href="http://images.randomhouseimages.co.uk/9781783441105-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://images.randomhouseimages.co.uk/9781783441105-large.jpg" height="200" width="170" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Finally three delightful books from Andersen Press. <i>Go to Sleep Monty! </i>by Kim Geyer is another lovely bedtime story but not in the way that you might expect. The naughty culprit who won't go to bed in this one is actually a new puppy and we soon learn that whilst they may look cute they are not always the easiest of pets so just wait and see who it is that ends up going to bed!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><i>Fish is Fish</i> by Leo Lionni is a simple and muted yet lively book about learning how important it is to accept and be just who you are. This story follows a little tadpole who becomes a frog and finds a new world opening up before his eyes. But can a frog become a fish and should he? A clever and insightful story told with great sensitivity.</span><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61kMoZaddcL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61kMoZaddcL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="200" width="169" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><i>The Little Bookshop and the Origami Army</i> by Michael Foreman is perhaps a little bit of a favourite, being about bookshops which are of course akin to libraries! Will the closing down of a bookshop in favour of a supermarket really be allowed to go ahead? Can Hoey and Origami Girl come to the rescue with their army of characters? Find out in this exuberant and important story all about the power of reading...</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-2212064284074311732015-04-17T03:57:00.000-07:002015-04-17T03:57:16.805-07:00A Light Hearted SelectionAfter the teen angst of last week I have continued to indulge in my favourite past time of reading but this time reading picture books, a guilty pleasure? Great enjoyment!<br />
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I love the title of my first one <i>Don't Think About Purple Elephants</i> of course makes me want to think about them Susan Whelan and Gwynneth Jones (EK Books), in fact I want to see them too and know why I can't think about them! This is of course the perfect title for a book, it generates questions and when you open it to start reading some of those questions are answered! This is a gentle and calm book about coping with troubles, troubles that come to mind at night, the worst possible time for them of course, and minor troubles they may be but they are enough to keep a young person awake at night - what if a favourite t-shirt is being washed and can't be worn? What if its sprouts for supper? A lighthearted and wonderfully illustrated look at the idea of easing worry that will resonate with children and grown ups alike. And are there any purple elephants ... I will leave that to you to find out!<br />
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<i>What the Jackdaw Saw</i> by Julia Donaldson, Nick Sharratt and the children from Life & Death (Macmillan Children's Books) is a very special book written and illustrated by a super talented duo along with a very special group of children who were lucky enough to spend a day with Julia when she was Laureate. In exploring stories for deaf children they worked on this new title whose characters are deaf and use sign language. A book about signing, about acceptance and about friendship this is a delight to read and an education too. It features some wonderful animals and a very funny story!<br />
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Ever wondered what life is like for children in Australia? Wonder no more for with the help of <i>An Aussie Year: Twelve Months in the Life of Australian Kids</i> by Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling (EK Books) you are about to find out! This is a packed and busy book but it does take you through 12 months, using 5 children and their pet dog to introduce you to all things Australian from Chinese New Year in January when it is summer to paddling with jellyfish in May there is an Aborigine celebration in July of course play dates and sleepovers and even Christmas. Some fascinating insights into similarities and differences make this a fascinating book to return to time and again.<br />
<a href="http://anaussieyear.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Tottie-Dot-front_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://anaussieyear.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Tottie-Dot-front_cropped.jpg" height="200" width="196" /></a>Another book from the same authors and publisher is the charming <i>Tottie and Dot, </i>two best freinds who do everything together until one day competition enters their lives, what will be the cot? A thoughtful exploration of what friendship means.<br />
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Ever wondered what a slimy slug would feel like if you were to give it a hug? Wonder no more for in Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross' <i>Slug Needs a Hug </i>(Andersen Press) you can find out just how the little slug feels when he doesn't get a hug from his mummy. Why can this be he and his friends wonder and so efforts are made to make him more attractive but is this really what he needs? A great book about accepting who you are and understanding just what it is you might really need.<br />
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Now a collection of titles from the glorious Phaidon Press. <i>The Beast of Monsieur Racine</i> by Tomi Ungerer is the story of a prize winning pear tree missing all its fruit. Monsieur Racine cannot be cross however for the stealer of his fruit is a very strange looking beast and they soon form an unlikely friendship. There is a wonderful twist at the end too so do pay attention to the illustration. A picture book for older readers this has a strong message, more detailed text and a generally more grown-up feel to it. <br />
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<i>Snail Where Are You? </i>by Tomi Ungerer again is a gloriously vibrant wordless picture book that encourages no end of storytelling ideas with its quirky pictures. From a boat at sea to owls, a ballerina and even a violinist what story can you make and how many different ones can you tell?<br />
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Finally, but not least of all <i>A World of Your Own</i> by Laura Carlin is a tremendous picture book, a work of art that encourages readers to look at the pictures, read the sparse words and literally try to create a world of their own. Laura Carlin provides the sparks, the reader must provide the imagination. Intelligent and once again a picture book well deserving of an older readership.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-45858814128582362902015-04-10T10:12:00.000-07:002015-04-10T10:12:12.472-07:00Summer teen reads - without the angst!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been reading in the Bookseller magazine about concerns that many teen novels are reflecting the enormous pressures and concerns impacting on the lives of these teen readers. Is this really anything new I wonder? Yes, there do seem to be more books featuring 'issues' but hasn't this always been the case I asked myself? Haven't teens always wanted to read realistic fiction alongside fantasy and adventure and all the other genres available to them. Is this not just a way in which they can find a way to understand the issues that may face them, that they read about in the papers and may see in those around them? Is it not safer to allow them to read about these issues and learn about them through fictional stories than in real life? Books and their fictional characters, no matter how set into reality they are, are an escape for readers, a way to help them understand, a story for them to enjoy, a chance for them to look at concerns and issues in a safe and structured environment and hopefully realise that almost every problem in life can be solved and is not usually as bad as it seems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A rise in dystopian fiction is not unheard of and it is a great way for teens and adults to realise what the world could turn into if we do not look after it. transgender and other gender novels are also a wonderful way for all readers to explore their sexuality and what it all means. Teens will always need an outlet and a means to understand the complex world that they are entering into, fiction is one of the safest ways I can think of for them to do this. Whilst I agree that they need some uplifting reading too it is all out there for them, they are free to make their choices with us as adults as their guides, one more reason why it is so important to read this all ourselves and recommend it to them - PLUS - it is all SO GOOD! I love my teen reading as much as my picture books and junior fiction!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So rant over what teen fiction am I going to recommend?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will start with a book that readers can get their teeth into and which will keep them going until my additional recommendations are available!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Me Being Me is Exactly as Insane as You being You </i>by Todd Hasak-Lowy (Simon & Schuster) is almost as long as its title! At 646 pages this is not a book for the reader who is after a small volume but having said that as this is a book of the most brilliantly conceived lists. This is the story of Darren. Darren has had an awful year, his parents have divorced his brother has gone to college, his best friend has moved to another state and he has no girlfriend. This is a book of teen angst, hilarious lists. It is the story of a journey, a journey in the physical sense, on a bus, and also metaphorical all about what can happen to you in life, how it can change you as a person and why this can be hard but good. Many pages it may have but the list format makes it highly accessible and surprisingly thought-provoking. A brilliant creation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recommendation number 2 is a book in time for summer festivals. <i>Remix</i> by Non Pratt (Walker Books) is Non's second title for teens, a book of friends, music and lies. This is the story of best friends, ex-boyfriends and some great music. Over the course of three days two friends will go to one music festival and discover whether there is any chance of things working out either how they planned or entirely differently! I love the way that this book is written, Non has a very strong teen voice and the characters truly come to live in the mind of the reader, their voices really can be heard, their situations imagined and you can almost feel yourself shouting at them about their wrong decisions, knowing much ore than they do is the benefit of being the reader and also a drawback as you have to wait and see what the characters will do, when they will realise and how the story will unfold whilst all you can do is sit back, watch, wait and enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, as always, for now only, <i>This is Not A Love Story </i>by Keren David<i> </i>(Atom) is going to be the next perfect read for summer. Here is a story that is complicated and it not what it seems to be on face value. First there is Kitty, a girl who lives in a suburban London and has dreams of a beautiful life. Amsterdam holds promise, here she can escape the haunting memories of her father's death and start a new life - can't she? What she finds in Amsterdam is two boys. Ethan, unpredictable and Theo clever but troubled. These boys have their own secrets as does Amsterdam. However Amsterdam is a new city, a beautiful city and as she is far from home Kitty takes advantage of the opportunity to fall in love for the very first time. First love is never easy, being away from home can make it harder. Will Kitty find the love that she is looking for, hoping for? Will any of the hearts involved in the story survive intact? A brilliantly moving, cleverly told summer love story full of angst and issues, yes, but full of hopes and dreams too.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-24378701358078261772015-03-15T05:54:00.001-07:002015-03-15T05:54:36.344-07:00A Non Fiction Celebration<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps
it is because there are a number of imprints now under the Quarto Publishing
Group that there are such a wealth of titles, I am not sure but what I am very
sure about is the quality of these titles, it really, honestly is outstanding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have
had so many wonderful books arriving in my post recently, many of them
non-fiction which is wonderful from my perspective of a Librarian as well as an
editor of a children’s book review magazine for me there is always a need for
fresh, exciting, informative non-fiction for children of all ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Younger children who just devour facts and
information, yearning for knowledge need a wide range of materials to satisfy
their needs and older children too still have a thirst to learn only they also
need the books to support their school learning and subject knowledge
development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The difference is perhaps
subtle but it is there and it needs to be addressed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frances
Lincoln and Wide Eyed Editions both have an amazing output of highly quality
books that not only do I strongly recommend but that I use in my own library or
send to local primary schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would
be wrong of me to recommend something I have not read or used myself so I make
sure to make use of and read all these books too – I really do – not having a
television provides so much more time to read and I love it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now to
the books, let us start with Frances Lincoln titles:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My First Experiences</i> series by Ifemoa
Onyefulu, continues with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deron Goes to
Nursery School</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grandma Comes to
Stay</i> sharing the experiences of these activities in an African setting
allowing children to capture the universality of such first experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continuing
with the theme of setting books around the world, as we all know football is a
global phenomenon and with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goal! Football
From Around the World</i> by Caio Vilela we can see the excitement of football
in action around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then a
book with charity endorsements, from Street Child Africa and Streets Ahead, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Street Children</i> by Anthony Robinson
addresses the plight of six real children, and their families who must live and
work on the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are stories
from Zimbabwae, Mozambique and Guatemala of people who are resilient and live
in hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An important message not only
about hope but about remembering how lucky we are to live the lives we do and
how much others around the world need our support now as much as ever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another
title with an African setting is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thank
You Jackson</i> by Nicky Daly and Jude Daly with illustrations that glow and a
story that will make smiles shine from the faces of readers this is a touching
picture book tale of manners and thank you’s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Family
and friendship are strong and repetitive themes in children’s publishing but
they are so for a reason, because these two are incredibly important for
children to understand and learn about in the course of growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore the paperback edition of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Great Big Book of Families</i> by Mary
Hoffman and Ros Asquith is a welcome publication and will hopefully mean more
libraries and schools will now be able to afford to stock copies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another title in this series is now available
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Great Big Green Book</i> attempts to explain why we need to look after the
earth and be conscientious about conservation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Understanding
the people around us, family and friends, is important, as is knowing about
those of a similar age around the world but we must not forget issues closer to
home. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Victoria’s Day</i> by Maria de
Fatima Campos is again new in paperback but this is a title which explains, in
a child friendly style, the way in which a child with Down’s Syndrome is just
like any other and can be integrated into main school activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Particularly touching is the personal touch
with this title having been photographed by her mother.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://d3soxcs9eo85xz.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/poster/dreams_of_freedom18crop3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://d3soxcs9eo85xz.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/poster/dreams_of_freedom18crop3.png" height="120" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In
partnership with Amnesty International comes the feast of visual imagination
and story <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dreams of Freedom in Words and
Pictures.</i> This title combines the words of some of our heroes of human
rights with stunning illustration from around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book has a powerful message to be
explored with young children and it is done in a uniquely sensitive way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now let
us turn to adventure with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wild Adventures</i>
by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom, an adventure in the playground of nature
for the whole family to enjoy that will inspire an awareness and love of the
natural world too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">100 Family Adventures</i> by Tim, Kerry, Amy and Ella Meek is a family
book by a family team encouraging family adventure outdoors, an inspiring get
out and do title! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a
book close to home what better title could there be than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ABC London</i> by James Dunn and Kate Slater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An alphabetic tour of our capital city not
only does this book help children learn their alphabet and a selection of words
it also introduces them to the unique cultural identity of one of the world’s
best known cities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before
this Blog post closes I must tell you about the most wonderful fiction from
Frances Lincoln for they do this beautifully too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a new
series <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Classics Unfolded</i> classic
literature from throughout the ages is transformed into works of art and a
bite-sized version of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
book is condensed into 16 scenes featuring quotes from the original, close-up
pictures of main characters and summaries of the key themes in the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see these being used in displays as
well as to quickly give pupils in school an overview of the main thrust of some
classic texts before they are studied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is an ingenious new idea that will have a wide appeal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now to
the Wide Eyed Editions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I
mentioned these in my last blog post as some of the forthcoming titles were
displayed at the recent Quentin Blake event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now I have some of my own to share with you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://wideeyededitions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Counting_CVR-293x401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://wideeyededitions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Counting_CVR-293x401.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Learning Garden </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">series, to date two titles <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Colours, Counting</i> is a new series of
board books with sturdy flaps to lift, teaching children how to spot and know
their colours and how to count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gloriously chunky and colourful these books are a true delight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">One Thousand Things</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> by Anna Kovecses is a visual
encyclopedia of things to spot and say with a difference, the pictures are
strong, bold and dominate the page, the labels are clear and defined but it is
not just about the learning, it comes with a game too, a little mouse to spot
on every page!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Compulsive and instructional
fun, minimal and modern.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There it
is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A quick romp through and round-up of
a selection of fiction and non fiction titles from one of our outstanding
children’s book publishers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-5028247419933894532015-03-05T12:29:00.003-08:002015-03-05T12:29:47.611-08:00How Quentin Blake Told Us A Picture<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday 4th March, a calm and balmy evening and a surprisingly revamped walk through Kings Cross to the House of Illustration, a place that I think I would love to work - how inspiring.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What was I doing? I was going to an event to celebrate the work of Quentin Blake, the re-issue of his glorious Tell Me a Picture and also the first year of the Frances Lincoln imprint Wide Eyed Editions.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a beautifully white and sparkly gallery, with a sparkly glass in hand, the invited audience filled the space in anticipation of Quentin's speech, a chance to see the illustrations from the book and a chance to view the most recent exhibition. The buzz was wonderful, we were all there because we love Quentin, because we love children's books and because of the stunning work that Frances Lincoln do to bring us the very best and most beautiful books we can imagine.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/images/jackets/l/18/1847806422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/images/jackets/l/18/1847806422.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15 years ago Quentin Blake was made out first Children's Laureate, as the first he was able to shape the role, a privilege and one that he took seriously, making now a notable title. Back then no-one knew what the laureate should do and so Quentin made it up as he went along - his words and managed to get children's book illustration into the National Gallery!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In developing his story he created some stunning pictures, pictures that have stories in them that come together to make their reader think about stories in pictures and the name of the book. Today, 15 years on, this book is still with us and it has been reissued as part of Frances Lincoln's Wide Eyed Editions list - a list of simply stunning books of the very highest quality which make us realise just how important art is in books for children and in books for all ages.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quentin explained to us how proud he is of the book, how proud he is that it still exists, that it is not just an exhibition but a tangible book to be read and loved, treasured too. Here is a book with educational value to love and treasure, a book that encourages questions to be asked and every reader to create their own story from its pages.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you Quentin for inpsiring us all, thank you Frances Lincoln for a wonderful evening and I highly recommend not just this book but the new list, we will be featuring its titles over the coming months and years, hoping, that just as <i>Tell Me A Picture</i> it will endure and continue to bring great pleasure to us all.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-54669264521021171242015-02-23T12:19:00.001-08:002015-02-23T12:19:08.159-08:00A week of reading!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">February half term is never my
favourite time of year, grey, wet and cold it was this year enhanced by some
wonderfully sunny days but more so by a lovely big pile of new children’s
books. Some of the books I have had the
pleasure of reading are not to be published for a couple of months yet – one of
the benefits of being part of the industry – being able to read in
advance. However I will tell you about
them nonetheless as you can then add them to your wants list!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">Despite the apparently large
selection I am about to share with you here there are still more on my pile and
I will find time to get to them all so if, publishers and authors, you are
reading this, I will get to your books very soon!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">I am regularly asked if I have a
favourite author or indeed book and I can honestly say I don’t, not for
children’s or for adult literature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have favourites whose books I love to return to or make a point of reading when
a new one comes out but one single favourite is impossible to choose and so it
is with this selection here, there were some I loved but I enjoyed them all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1377012204l/18242896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1377012204l/18242896.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">Starting with books for teens, the
ones I have quite literally just read Ann Brashares <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Here and Now</i> (Hachette Children’s) is an exciting and quite
different time travel romance, it is at once entirely believable and also
wonderfully futuristic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself
willing Prenna to make everything right, to fall in love and for it to work for
her, she is a brilliant heroine, strong, clever, and feisty, someone to look up
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prenna must live by a set of rules
in a community driven by fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knows
that there is always a second chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She knows that there is more-than-meets-the-eye taking place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gripping thrilling romantic story this book
had me gripped and I know it will you too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412753136l/23121745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412753136l/23121745.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">Another thriller, this one
contemporary and equally believable is A J Grainer’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Captive</i> (Simon & Schuster).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Robyn Elizabeth Knoylls-Green is 16, the daughter of the prime minister
and survivor of an assassination attempt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This makes her an A-List celebrity and a target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kidnapped by a mysterious game, caught in a
web of deceit and corruption Robyn must keep reminding herself of the most
basic facts including that she is still alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But who is the mysterious and melancholy boy in charge of guarding her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can she find a way in and a way out, can she
unravel the deceit in time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a
most intelligent thriller, one which makes you feel you know where it is going
only to surprise you again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fK9ikjF2L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fK9ikjF2L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">The
Accident Season</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;"> by Moira Fowley-Doyle (Penguin Random House) may not
be published until July but it is a debut not to be missed. This MUST go on
your to-buy list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst I worked out
the twist quite early on there were strands to be followed and understood that
kept me reading and meant I got through it all in one sitting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intelligent, dark and bewitching this is the
story of one family and the mysterious curse that hangs over them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422630313l/22549636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422630313l/22549636.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">Now to books for Junior readers
and I will start with a sequel, one that I hope is only the second in a new
series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Murder Most Unladylike </i>by Robin
Stevens (Penguin Random House) was rather like a cross between Famous Five and
Agatha Christie!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Arsenic for Tea </i>is the second Wells and Wong Mystery and is equally
fun and intriguing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schoolgirl detectives
on the case of a mysterious poisoning, can they solve the mystery before
another victim succumbs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wonderful fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Zr%2BmHBznL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Zr%2BmHBznL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">Cathy Cassidy is an author with a
strong and loyal following.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alice in
Wonderland is a classic title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put the
two together and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Looking Glass Girl</i>
by Cathy Cassidy (Puffin Books) is the modern day Alice, a girl who falls down
a hole and finds herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A growing-up
fantasy with echoes of realism, this is a perfect modern retelling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.littletiger.co.uk/image/cache/data/onix/9781847155962-06-600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.littletiger.co.uk/image/cache/data/onix/9781847155962-06-600x600.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">A
Whisper of Wolves</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;"> by Kris Humphrey (Stripes) has echoes of
Michelle Paver’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wolf Boy</i> but is a
unique story of one girl, her power to understand wolves and the danger she
faces when it appears no-one will believe the demons have returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the first of four stories in a new
series of adventure, fantasy and war, family and courage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2x0pa82zm2ku3u4bqu2j1uankbn.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_3468-1-220x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2x0pa82zm2ku3u4bqu2j1uankbn.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_3468-1-220x300.jpg" height="200" width="146" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">On the subject of courage I come
to the new novel by Lucy Coats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Known
for her stories of ancient myth this one is no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A young Queen Cleopatra is the heroine of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cleo</i> (Hachette) and with all the glamour
of Ancient Egypt, the glory, the wealth and the power we learn of her struggle
against monstrous half-sisters and blood-thirsty gods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gripping and exciting read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-80184880353308701052015-02-14T11:36:00.000-08:002015-02-14T11:36:14.282-08:00Enter WonderlandWell I was going to continue the new tradition started in January and write about new books for the month, then it was going to be Valentines read but then a lovely pile of <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> books arrive on my desk so I must tell you about these instead!<br />
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<a href="http://www.panmacmillan.com/devpanmacmillan/media/panmacmillan/featured_pages/alicebg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.panmacmillan.com/devpanmacmillan/media/panmacmillan/featured_pages/alicebg.png" height="283" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.panmacmillan.com/devpanmacmillan/media/panmacmillan/Books/width140px/alices-adventures-in-wonderland-the-little-folks-edition-978144727778101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.panmacmillan.com/devpanmacmillan/media/panmacmillan/Books/width140px/alices-adventures-in-wonderland-the-little-folks-edition-978144727778101.jpg" /></a>2015 is the 150th anniversary of the publication of the book and fans old and new are in for a treat.<br />
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But first for some history. It was 1863 when Charles L. Doodgson met Alexander Macmillan, Macmillan fell in love with Alice and agreed to publish the story. From 1865 to 1900 there were no less than 9 editions of <i>Alice</i> including revised English editions, French, German and Italian translations too! The two men continued to be friends too. Now, 150 years later Macmillan are still publishing <i>Alice. </i>What you may not know is that <i>Alice </i>was commissioned by them, her iconic blue dress, blond hair and band came from them.<br />
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For a very special anniversary comes a very special selection of books, from heritage collectible editions to newly imagined works there is a whole new range featuring something, quite literally, for everyone.<br />
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You may know that <i>Alice</i> was inspired by a real life friend of the author and took two and half years to write the story but did you know that it is now one of the most iconic of children's books?<br />
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There is <i>Alice In Wonderland the Little Folks</i> edition with its big print and glorious illustrations this is a real treat, a miniature edition, a sixth of the length of the original but every bit as charming if not more. Sir John Tenniel's colour illustrations, all 32, are a delight and bring the story to life and this book feels extra special because it is from an archive original. John Tenniel's drawings were originally black and white plates later replaced with colour drawings but by 1911 his eyesight was failing and Macmillan commissioned Harry G. Theaker to complete 16 new plates, these gave Alice her iconic look. Over the years other illustrators have added to the collection of images creating a wonderful library of prints.<br />
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<i>The Little Folks</i> edition is complemented by the equally gorgeous <i>The Nursery Alice</i> which was first published by Macmillan in 1890 and was the first colour edition specially adapted for younger readers,a delightfully simple version of the story for the reader to interact with and pictures to truly engage with, another delight complete with copies of original adverts found int he first book. Enchanting and delightful.<br />
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The new paperback <i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i> is a charming read, as ever, for those old enough to manage a full book and then for the very youngest reader, not wanting to leave anyone out, Macmillan have produced a very special picture book complete with audio CD which is read by one of the Downton Abbey stars! <br />
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<i>Alice in Wonderland Down the Rabbit Hole</i> has the essence of the story simplified into picture book form by Joe Rhatigan and Charles Nurnberg with illustrations by Eric Puybaret. <br />
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This is a magical story, a magical version of an enduring classic and another fabulous title from the 150th anniversary collection that would do well to be added to the shelf. For the very smallest reader the Macmillan imprint Campbell books will include Alice in their <i>Busy</i> series with tabs to pull making Wonderland come to life for its readers.<br />
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Anyone wanting to know more about Charles L Dodgson aka Lewis Carroll will not be disappointed either for there will be two titles <i>The Selected Letters of Lewis Carroll: Anniversary Edition</i> is wonderful for enthusiasts and for biography fans a biography by Morton N. Cohen will tick the box.<br />
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Need a small gift for family and friends? Look no further than <i>What Would Alice Do?: Alice's Guide to Life</i> with inspired quotes.<br />
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Alice day, Sunday 4th July will be a day of celebrations, there will be events galore and activity packs for libraries, bookshops and schools. Visit the website <a href="http://www.aliceinwonderland150.com/">www.aliceinwonderland150.com</a> and the Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/aliceinwonderlandofficialbook">www.facebook.com/aliceinwonderlandofficialbook</a><br />
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Perhaps the piéce de resistance however is the hardback gift edition, <i>The Complete Alice</i> which you will need to wait until June to get your hands on. This volume will contain both <i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i> and <i>Through the Looking Glass</i> with some archive material, a foreword by Philip Pullman and illustrations by all the contributors.<br />
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In fact the whole collection is a delight, each book different, a new take on the story and a new way to engage with it, so go on, splash out and treat yourself to them all!<br />
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Let us know how you plan to celebrate this very special anniversary and send us your pictures too and we will compile a special report to feature them all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-37732046686194390032015-01-21T05:44:00.001-08:002015-01-21T05:47:31.019-08:00Books to Lift the Spirits<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January is such a long month, we had the pleasure of Christmas, the excitment of new year, we have had promises of snow (Surrey has had none) gale force winds, rain and much else besides, we are now all looking for signs of Spring, well I can give you one, my two new hens have both started to lay! However to help banish those January blues how about some great books to read, get lost in another world and forget this one for a while!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What am I looking forward to in 2015? Plenty!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First there is the brilliant, funny, in fact laugh out loud, <i>Love Bomb</i> by Jenny McLachlan. If you didn't read <i>Flirty Dancing</i> I want to know why not and demand you go and find a copy to read now after all you need to in order to read <i>Love Bomb.</i> Well I suppose you don't really but it would make sense to! <i>Love Bomb</i> is brilliant, it tells Betty's story, Betty is one of the group of girls who were once best friends. Finally Betty is about to have a chance to fall in love but is she ready and what will it feel like? A great reminder of that hilarious first kiss moment for some readers and a way to break the ice for others. This is my first recommendation for the year!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the subject of love and romance there is also Malorie Blackman's latest anthology, <i>Love Hurts</i> (Penguin Books) is in time for Valentines and is in fact more cheering than it sounds but more than that it is filled with brilliant short stories by a group of fantastic writers.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What about a book for young readers? I adore <i>15 Things NOT To Do With A Baby</i> by Margaret McAllister and illustrated by Holly Sterling (Frances Lincoln). This is not only perfect for new parents or those children new to being a sibling it is also a fun, funny picture book that everyone will love for its great pictures and warm text.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh and not forgetting non fiction titles there is the brilliant Baby Animals colouring book from Buster Books, not only hours of fun colouring in but also learning about lots of different animals, their names and their appearance. Educational colouring at its best!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there we are, some of my first suggestions for the year. This weekend I am off to tea with Scholastic then next week it's the Chicken House Big Breakfast so there will be plenty to report after those. Coming up I also have a launch for the 50th anniversary of <i>Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</i>, Malorie Blackman's <i>Love Hurts</i>, Daisy Hurst's <i>The Girl With a Parrot on Her Head.</i> Phew, its going to be a busy time and that will just be all the reading I'll be doing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ianfleming.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/chitty_chitty_bang_bang1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ianfleming.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/chitty_chitty_bang_bang1.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a></div>
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413880013l/23058402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413880013l/23058402.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Interveiws with John Burningham on <i>Chitty Chitty Bang Bang </i>and Lisa Williamson on <i>The Art of Being Normal</i> are promised too so watch this space...!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-43389591714490999022014-11-17T07:34:00.002-08:002014-11-17T07:34:28.030-08:00Celebrate! Its National Non Fiction November<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Educational, fun, inspiring, creative.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I think of non fiction books these are the words that come to mind. Why? because it is all these things and more that non fiction books pack into their pages.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are non fiction books for every age and every taste, even for those who claim not to love reading,I bet they love facts and they need to read in order to find these so put them in front of a non fiction book, see their faces light up and help them to realize that in fact reading is great fun, it just doesn't have to be make believe, it can be very real!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">National Non Fiction month is a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the world around us, to learn a new fact, a new language or even a new skill. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me craft books are the real draw, for others it could be science, nature or even art. In my school library it is university guides and obscure topics being researched for A Level independent study that are currently popular.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is the topical non fiction November book where you are?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Armadillo we make sure always to review a selection of titles for younger and older readers, it is important to remember them all and to remember that they are not just for homework they are for pleasure too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My non-fiction book for November has to be the brilliant <i>Yo Er San: My First Chinese Nursery Rhymes</i> selected by Jie Mu and illustrated by Patrice Aggs (Frances Lincoln) which has taught me my very first words of Chinese thanks to the accompanying CD - I cannot fathom the text but I love the gentle illustrations.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.smartbooksforsmartkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/0763671622.int_.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.smartbooksforsmartkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/0763671622.int_.1.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then of course there is also the stunning pop-up panorama of<i> New York</i> bought to us by Jenny Maziels and paper engineer Richard Ferguson (Walker Books). This amazing book captures the glamour and scale of New York with its 3-D skyline and fascinating accompanying facts. I love it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there we have it, a very brief look at some non fiction to help celebrate National Non Fiction November.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you have found something to surprise you this month, something to love, something to learn and a new love of all books to keep you going until the same time next year!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-50989545917984314602014-11-13T00:06:00.002-08:002014-11-13T00:06:09.881-08:00Three ~ Not of A Kind!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Armadillo reviewer
and avid reader Bridget Carrington gives us a taste of three very different but
equally excellent titles for the week ahead...</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Swarm:
Operation Sting<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">It’s a race against time for SWARM to locate and
retrieve a dangerous weapon before the thieves crack the encryption code
protecting it… but just who are SWARM? The clue’s in the title of this new
series by Simon Cheshire – they’re robotic insects used by the Secret
Intelligence Agency to outwit villains. They may be robots, but they can squabble
and moan just like us, but when things become serious they maximise their
individual talents (or talons…) and act together to support each other. Packed
with detail, easy-to-read, and accompanied by trading cards detailing the
skills of each member of SWARM, this is a highly enticing series, particularly
for boys who prefer games to books. Fans of Saxby Smart and Jeremy Brown
stories will recognise the style, which Cheshire describes as ‘action packed
comedy’, and look forward eagerly to the forthcoming titles in the series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">The
Kingdom of Beautiful Colours<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">A collection of seven folk tales by Isabel Wyatt, a
twentieth-century teacher, storyteller and collector of stories, which she
retold in numerous books to resonate with the Rudolf Steiner philosophy in
Waldorf schooling. Steiner’s views on education are a million miles from those
of Michael Gove (for a start Steiner’s ideas reflected his observation of how
children learn, and what makes a rounded human being…), and Wyatt’s stories add
much to this enrichment, filled with a corresponding morality, wonder and
beauty. This is just one of the new inexpensive Floris republications of
Wyatt’s stories, and I would urge readers to seek out the other six volumes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Scarlet
Ibis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">Gill Lewis is a vet, and her three earlier novels
have resulted from her passion about practical conservation. She doesn’t just
concentrate on the animals though, she is equally concerned about the humans
who must interact with the animals, and in her latest book she looks at what
the natural world can do for vulnerable humans. Scarlet looks after her
severely depressed mother, and her autistic-spectrum brother Red, and she’s desperate
to evade the intervention of their social worker. Red’s deeply focussed life
revolves around his collection of bird feathers, and the baby pigeon on his
windowsill. When the family gets split
up following a fire in their flat Scarlet has a plan to prevent her brother
being taken into care, a plan which has a far-reaching effect. In this powerful
novel infused with respect and empathy, Lewis highlights the plight of those
who are old, homeless, mentally ill or just different from us, people who at
best we often fail to understand and help, and at worst deride and bully. <span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">We'd love to know what you think after you have read any or all of these books so do leave us your comments ...</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-31066739303055971602014-11-05T01:54:00.000-08:002014-11-05T01:54:07.461-08:00Back for Good (the good of books)<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dear all,</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Faithful followers I know you have missed this Blog and I have missed making my contributions to it but I do hope in the interim you have been enjoying the magazine.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have not been idle these last few months and this may be part of the reason that you have not seen me here, but I have plenty of posts to contribute and will be updating this Blog every Wednesday from now on, so please, as they say, watch this space, come back into the fold and enjoy some great Blogs on some even greater books!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To begin ... an explosion for an explosive day ... (contributed by Simon Barrett)</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Itchingham Lofte: the explosive adventures of an
element hunter<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Itchingham Lofte
is an element hunter.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">He collects the
elements on the periodic table, possessing a totally obsessive and near
encyclopedic knowledge of them.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Impossibly Itch finds a new element, number 126.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">It is hot, radioactively hot.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Suddenly Itch attracts a lot of unwelcomed
attention.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far there are
three adventures in the element hunter series: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Itch</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Itch Rocks</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Itch Craft</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems impossible that the story can
continue and the stakes can get any higher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bruised, battered and near to death on more than one occasion, Itch and
his cousin Jack, manage to keep outwitting rogue corporations and corrupt
governments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Kirsten, an assigned M15
operative says, ‘I’m glad the kid is on our side’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inevitably his family and friends get dragged
into a spiraling deadly situation, fuelled by Itch’s commitment to do the right
thing and his enemies desire for revenge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Itch’s nemesis is
his old science teacher Dr Flowerdew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Flowerdew’s menace extends out of the classroom and goes global as he
uses his contacts and money in the oil business to try and steal element 126
and in villainous Bond-style exact a suitable death upon Itch and his
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In turn Itch must use his
knowledge of science to escape and finally bring Flowerdew down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flowerdew however is ruthless and simply
refuses to die.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Above all Simon
Mayo is a terrific storyteller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
adventures are impossible to put down as each chapter spurns you into reading
the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each book is packed with
action as Itch travels around the world hounded by the mafia, corporate goons,
government secret agents and outlaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is suspense and hints surreptitiously placed in the book, teasing
the reader to pre-empt what will happen next. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Itch, his family and friends are great
characters, showing great grit and courage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sadly not all of them will survive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moreover the books
have a really cool marketing concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you download the app and point your device to the front cover of each book, the
front cover comes to life and starts a book trailer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">element hunter adventures</i> have been the
hit books of the summer for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad
I could review the books after the final adventure, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Itch Craft</i>, had been released as I don’t think I would have had the
patience to wait for them to be published.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you haven’t done so already, start reading about the discovery of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lofteium</i>, element 126.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-29295228217375674862014-05-06T14:19:00.000-07:002014-05-06T14:21:42.202-07:00Making May Magnificent - Brilliant Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesLsdg4l1tuCND1RCAVm0LrZaCN2HuvZwWZJV83ljJYYbdfBjF5CGo7RPCKppuQCCG0YKr-4u0gxh0WSu5woHrej2hfpQlNc7CCl2oA4tjq7qDBrrTkApnFud-QRQYMzhwnEDVdLFBug/s1600/old+possum+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesLsdg4l1tuCND1RCAVm0LrZaCN2HuvZwWZJV83ljJYYbdfBjF5CGo7RPCKppuQCCG0YKr-4u0gxh0WSu5woHrej2hfpQlNc7CCl2oA4tjq7qDBrrTkApnFud-QRQYMzhwnEDVdLFBug/s1600/old+possum+75.jpg" height="320" width="265" /></a><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Over the last year there have been a number
of celebrations, celebrations of book birthdays and anniversaries and in 2014
this is set to continue, as we started the year there were anniversaries for a
number of books, some quite young, some much older. Now that we have come to May it is time to
celebrate 75 years of T.S. Eliot’s <i>Mcavity
The Mystery Cat</i> (Faber and Faber)!</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US">Mcavity is probably one of the most famous
of criminal cats and he has obviously been lucky enough to have more than 9
lives, being such a grand old age, which means that a new young audience of
readers can enjoy his escapades as he is brought to life again with delightful
illustrations by Arthur Robins.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US">Mcavity can usually be found in T S Eliot’s
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats</i>
but he has been given new life in his own picture book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the perfect combination of pictures
and poetry, the second charming picture book from the new Faber and Faber
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is as clever a creation as it
was when T S Eliot first imagined his trickster cat and it is truly a
delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This cat will have children and
adults giggling, learning at the youngest age how enjoyable poetry can be and
pouring over the glorious detail in each and every picture, not wanting to turn
the page until they have drunk in every little detail – and there are plenty to
see.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US">Baffling, funny, rhyming – a delight for a
new generation of Mcavity fans.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuIvsX7r_kNfNd2LFjLNbCpCekceEiQ-St9829z0t45F-ClVaC7sBGKYimGll6bh-QKHf633Z8vypjY54Z9tWDTt5Vm5rkj29BFbMC1j3_zov_9pf5VRm9JKXVLQj3IY5l0Hcy2bUb8c/s1600/lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuIvsX7r_kNfNd2LFjLNbCpCekceEiQ-St9829z0t45F-ClVaC7sBGKYimGll6bh-QKHf633Z8vypjY54Z9tWDTt5Vm5rkj29BFbMC1j3_zov_9pf5VRm9JKXVLQj3IY5l0Hcy2bUb8c/s1600/lion.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Whilst we celebrate the anniversary of
Mcavity we should also take some time </span></span>to remember those authors who are sadly
no longer with us but whose books continue to inspire, enthral and touch us
with their beauty. One such book that
has inspired and touched me this bank holiday weekend is <i>Jim’s Lion</i> by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Alexis Deacon
(Walker Books). Telling in graphic and
prose the story of a little boy needing a life-saving operation and the power
of dreams this is a modern fable with a dark magic that has been stunningly
captured by Deacon and his pen. I was
moved by the power of the pictures and comforted by the words. This is a winning combination of writing and
drawing that is evocative and important, for children and adults alike. This is a book to comfort those in pain and
fear but to also help us all understand the importance of letting a little
magic into our lives.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Then finally for today at least, there </span></span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">was <i>The Duck and the Darklings</i> by Glenda </span></span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Millard and Stephen Michael King (Allen & Uwin) another book with a dark
heart but a light touch and an important fable to tell us all. This is the story of a sorry and dark
underground land where light is but a distant memory until a wounded duck
brings hope and solace. Mended and well
she finds her wings and prepares to fly the nest but with her go the people of
Dark, whose hearts she has touched and for whom she has a quite beautiful
surprise. Cleverly crafted, perfect for
newly independent readers and as a moral tale this is a book to return to again
and again, reiterating its message and enjoying its beauty.</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022261730623808894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976533715148741372.post-45353545355037888582014-04-28T14:37:00.003-07:002014-04-28T14:37:48.765-07:00Sam Hay - why we all need Uncles!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sam Hay is the author of the <i>Undead Pets</i> series, published by Stripes. The latest book in the
series - <i>Hour of the Doomed Dog</i> is
out now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sam grew up in Scotland and worked as a journalist
for ten years before becoming a children’s author. She’s written more than 20
books. She lives in Wales with her family, in a small house with a big garden. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCpJmje7uwVynoT8S-JQk76EnwdNvzvbhMBa6gKYpSk0Iu4EnvmD-RM99IC6R9okfXYILajQsTJUoZZTmxl4IfYISp6__lIxbnKDOMxtlPv4EGNSjcJ4DDLv_AMuynS-smXf8TD3TVOE/s1600/Doomed+dog.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCpJmje7uwVynoT8S-JQk76EnwdNvzvbhMBa6gKYpSk0Iu4EnvmD-RM99IC6R9okfXYILajQsTJUoZZTmxl4IfYISp6__lIxbnKDOMxtlPv4EGNSjcJ4DDLv_AMuynS-smXf8TD3TVOE/s1600/Doomed+dog.png" height="320" width="208" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why Everyone
Needs a Magic Uncle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Uncles. They sometimes get a bad name in books.
From wicked old Uncle Ebenezer who tries to bump off his nephew in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kidnapped</i>. To Harry Potter’s mean-spirited
Uncle Vernon who makes Harry sleep in a broom cupboard! Not to mention several
Shakespearean rotters - Richard the Third who nabbed the crown off his nephews,
and, according to the play, had them killed! And Hamlet’s horrible Uncle Claudius,
who murdered Hamlet’s dad, married his mum and tried to poison his nephew!
Nice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But not all uncles are up to no good. Step forward
amazing Uncle Charlie!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Undead
Pets</i> books, it’s Uncle Charlie’s gift to his ten year old nephew, Joe, of
an ancient Egyptian amulet, that makes all the magic stuff happen. The amulet
turns Joe into the protector of Undead Pets and thereafter a string of
‘help-me-or-I’ll-haunt-you’ critters appear, desperate for Joe’s assistance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joe always wanted a pet - now he’s got loads!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s all thanks to Uncle Charlie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So who is Uncle Charlie? An old fashioned adventurer
- part explorer, part archaeologist, part Indiana Jones with the survival
skills to out-fire-start Bear Grylls. He’s a man of action. A man who plays
poker with pirates. A man who has pulled a Tree Python’s tooth out of his own
thigh and not only lived to tell the tale, but brought the tooth back as a
keep-sake for Joe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPcXRl7-95dTi2n6vTzOjHf0lihqb1slRlpFBgYMMbxs7cXcBaD5o3tjTJfhmD6oTM0x2Y6N1VHSWDBsUpu3qL5HtN90QA9ZkwXvYhvwYFufpWPPsnLaZtMEYdFdYZy6Xm-LHNL8i_hY/s1600/Uncle+Charlie.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPcXRl7-95dTi2n6vTzOjHf0lihqb1slRlpFBgYMMbxs7cXcBaD5o3tjTJfhmD6oTM0x2Y6N1VHSWDBsUpu3qL5HtN90QA9ZkwXvYhvwYFufpWPPsnLaZtMEYdFdYZy6Xm-LHNL8i_hY/s1600/Uncle+Charlie.png" /></span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unsurprisingly Joe loves Uncle Charlie. He lives
the sort of life Joe dreams of. He turns up when no-one is expecting him, in
his battered old jeep with a kitbag full of sand and exciting treasures for
Joe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s another thing about
uncles. The gifts! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The magical amulet is amazing, but it isn’t without
problems. That’s why a parent would never give it to their child. It’s too
fraught with danger!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s magic. And
magic’s unpredictable stuff. Parents don’t do unpredictable. But Uncles? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Awww, hang the consequences! What the hec!
Here you go! Take it. Try it. It’ll probably work out okay in the end</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still haven’t forgotten the look on my kids’
faces last Christmas when a beloved uncle gave them a candyfloss machine. Utter
joy. Sugar on a stick! Hurrah! <span style="line-height: 150%;">Or the total enchantment when another favourite
uncle set up an amazing treasure hunt complete with video clues, walkie talkie
communications and a two mile hike across fields and streams to recover a chest
full of chocolate!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And if things go wrong, uncles don’t always need to
be there to fix it. When the magical amulet goes bananas and Joe wants Uncle
Charlie to sort it out, he’s already long-gone, off on another adventure. And
that’s a good thing. Uncles give kids the space to solve their own problems...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I actually based the character of Uncle Charlie on
another of my kids’ uncles - my older brother who has lived a dozen different
lives - travelling around the world, doing the mad, crazy, hair-raising stuff
that I can only imagine from the safety of my quiet desk in Wales. He’s
Charlie. I’m Joe. And there’s always an electrical storm of magic in the air
when he’s around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See. Kids with uncles are SO lucky. But they’re
even luckier if they’ve got an aunt, as well...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aunts. Now they’re <span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 150%;">100%</span> magic. Maybe even more
magical than uncles. But that’s another story...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FAMOUS
UNCLES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Uncle Fester - scary-looking sweet-natured uncle in
the Adams Family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Uncle Ben Parker - Spider Man’s kind-hearted uncle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Man from U.N.C.L.E - spy dudes from the
seventies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ziro the Hutt - Jabba’s uncle from Star Wars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scar - evil uncle from the Lion King<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Uncle Tom Cobbley (and all) - a bloke in a Devon
folksong about lots of people turning up at a party.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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