A Riddle for a King

Philo (rhymes with high-low) has always longed for adventure, but when he follows a strange creature called Mr Spronkel through the oak door of the grandfather clock, he finds himself in a very strange place indeed. To find his way home, he must somehow pass through the Penguin Gate to the Flying Castle to ask the King for help, somehow avoiding drop-bears, answering the Bridge-Riddler’s puzzle and not being turned into a teapot by the Midnight Witch along the way!

Completely surreal and utterly entertaining, ‘A Riddle for a King’ is a quirky adventure, full of friendship and fun. As I read it, the crazy characters, weird and wonderful places and constant riddling reminded me of Alice’s Adventures, yet this is a tale all of its own!

It’s also very hard to review! It is a quite delightfully bonkers adventure which is full of humour and riddles, keeping the reader entertained to the very end! Reading the author’s ‘Afterthought’ offers plenty to think about and plenty to investigate should interest have been piqued, but the plot tumbles along at a pleasing pace so many may just enjoy it in the moment. After all, what’s not to love about chapter titles like ‘wronger than a conga’?!

Often bemused by his new surroundings, Philo’s friendship with Verity, a girl he meets on his quest to get back home, helps him to find confidence and start to see things differently. Her strong sense of right and wrong, her loyalty and quick wits are essential to his success, but this is a very real friendship with some misunderstandings and bickerings along the way which mean nothing when the chips are down and they need each other!

Perfect for those children who are looking for something a little different, ‘A Riddle for a King’ is great fun!

A Riddle for a King

Mark Forsyth, illustrated by Matthew Land

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788453165

Let Sleeping Gods Lie

‘Let Sleeping Gods Lie’ is the second story about Trixie dos Santos. When her grandma's magical cauldron goes missing, Trixie is thrust into the underworld and has to call on her old - but very hard to control- friends for help!

Like the first book, this is an excellent adventure, full of humour and heart, offering a fascinating introduction to myths from cultures across the world. These stories are perfect for broadening children’s knowledge of the amazing characters from mythology beyond those so often met in school and I am delighted that today, author Thiago de Moraes, joins me on the Bookshelf to share his thoughts about the myths all around us.

Myths All Around Us

There’s no magic in our world, right?

Proper magic. Card tricks and disappearing tigers with mirrors don’t count. By proper magic I mean chimaeras breathing fire, people being turned into pigs, talking foxes, that kind of thing. And that just doesn’t exist in real life.

Well, I think that’s wrong or, at least, not exactly right. That’s why I wrote Old Gods, New Tricks and its sequel Let Sleeping Gods Lie. In both books, a young girl called Trixie dos Santos goes on adventures with a band of unruly trickster gods: Exú, Loki, Monkey King and many others. She lives in a world just like ours, but she encounters magic and legend everywhere she goes.

Growing up, I was obsessed with myths and legends from all over the world. I read book after book on the subject from my local library, and believed that the gods and creatures I was learning about were all around us. I’m much older now, and sadly I haven’t met a selkie or a griffin yet (I’d probably not be around to write this if that last one had happened) but I still see myth and magic everywhere I go.

Over the past twenty years or so, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to travel to ancient, sacred places: Chichén Itza, the Great Pyramid, Stonehenge, Delos and many others, all heavy with the presence of thousands of years of belief and ritual. These are extraordinary places, but it’s in the small things, those closer to home, that I feel the grip of legend is closer to us.

Magic is there. In all the little beliefs and superstitions some of us still hold: knocking on wood, placing horseshoes over the door, and saucers of cream in the kitchen. The memories of old gods who haven’t left us: green men and oak leaves on churches; our days named after the Sun, Moon, Woden and Saturn.

All those tiny moments, images and actions are echoes of beliefs that have been part of humanity’s lives for thousands of years. We’re in an age of technology and knowledge, and that’s all for the better, but there’s still a little bit of space in all of us for the unknown, the magical, the absurd.

That’s the world I wanted to create in Let Sleeping Gods Lie. A world where all the magic (and a lot of the mayhem) left the places where it had been sleeping and spilled into our daily lives.

What would the school run be like with gnomes and sphinxes about? And travelling by plane in a sky full of dragons and harpies? What about coming across trolls under bridges and kumiho in the woods?  Quite scary, is probably the answer, but also full of fun and adventure.

I hope readers join me on a journey through this world of myth and magic, and that it helps them find a little bit of both in theirs.

Many thanks to Thiago for joining me today and to Fraser from David Fickling for arranging it.

‘Let Sleeping Gods Lie’ is a brilliant read with additional information about some of the gods and goddesses met in the story at the end- the perfect starting point for further investigation!

Let Sleeping Gods Lie

Thiago de Moraes

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788453202

You can read my review of ‘Old Gods New Tricks’ here.

Ettie and the Midnight Pool

When Ettie meets Cora, she discovers she wants more than just the rural solitary life she has previously lived. And when Cora leads her to a hidden quarry pool- deep, beautiful and dangerously inviting- Ettie is ready to jump straight in. But the quarry itself has secrets…

(taken from book cover)

A book from Julia Green is always something special and ‘Ettie and the Midnight Pool’ is a lyrical, hauntingly beautiful story, one which leaves the reader reflecting on life’s stories and how the past mingles with the present.

No one could possibly read this without being struck by the rich, evocative writing which effortlessly summons the sights, scents and sounds of Ettie’s world. It is a love-letter to nature, reflected in the wisdom of Ettie’s Grandma, her knowledge of plants and flowers and the timeless patterns of nature. Mingled with this are references to ancient tales- the enduring nature of story and how we are made up of our own stories and those of others.

Against the traditions and certainties of this idyllic life in nature, Cora makes a stark contrast. She offers the excitement, the uncertainties, the adventure which Ettie craves, breaking the cocoon of safety and childhood her grandmother has woven around her. Ettie’s mother- a wild one- never settled to that life and in her new friendship with Cora, Ettie is starting to feel she might be more like her adventurous mother than her settled Grandmother as everyone previously thought. Ettie has to navigate her friendship, the secrets she uncovers and the truth about her family to truly find herself and realise who she is.

This would make the perfect read for those children who are thinkers, who want something different or special to read. Every class has them and it’s always a joy to have a gem like this to offer when they are ready for their next book! It is a wonderful, layered story, full of love, longing and life.

Ettie and the Midnight Pool

Julia Green

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452090

Published 6th June

Adventuremice: Mice on the Moon

When Millie’s Uncle Bernie, inventor Professor Quartermouse, sends a message asking the Adventuremice to visit him on Scrabble Island, Pedro, Bosun and the other mice leave the Mousebase to rush to his aid. However, they arrive to find there is no emergency, just Uncle Bernie wanting to share his latest invention with them- a spaceship! Suddenly, Pedro, Millie and Fledermaus find themselves stuck in the capsule, heading into space. But will they be the first mice on the moon?

These stories just go from strength to strength! Imaginative adventures, endearing characters, plenty of humour and wonderful illustrations combine perfectly to make books full of appeal and charm.

In this story, the Adventuremice are not saving others, but saving themselves! Having been trapped in the rocket, Pedro, Millie and Fledermaus find themselves not on the moon, but on the minimoon, which circles the moon in the same way as the moon circles the Earth. Here, they meet Pontiki, another mouse who invented a spaceship, who is now stranded and surviving with the help of the starmice. These very sensible mice are welcoming, but quite different to the Adventuremice who come up with an ingenious plan which allows them to return to Earth, taking Pontiki with them.

Delightful illustrations accompany the text at every stage, really bringing the adventures of the mice to life. I love the cross section of Uncle Bernie’s rocket and, of course, the map of their journey through space. There are so many details to notice and enjoy in these pictures and as usual in this series, there is a step-by-step ‘how to draw’ at the end of the book, sure to encourage young readers to have a go - and perhaps create their own adventures.

Although I love these books as books and think there is nothing more important than a good book, I do think that they would make an excellent cartoon series and should have a wonderful range of toys to accompany it as they would inspire so much play, full of fun, imagination and learning. Let’s hope..!

Adventure Mice: Mice on the Moon

Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452700

Published on the 7th March

You can read my review of Otter Chaos! here and Mice on the Ice here

Max and Chaffy: Search for the Ice Chaffy

It’s a snowy day on Animal Island and Max and Chaffy have lots to do. A new visitor, Jacob arrives on the island in search of one of the rarest chaffies in the world to impress the Chaffy Finding Club- the Ice Chaffy! Max and Chaffy are keen to help- and so can readers!

Bright, cheerful and bursting with fun, the ‘Max and Chaffy’ books are perfect for younger children. Instantly appealing, short sections of text- mainly in speech bubbles- are easily accessible and written in a clear font, making the words easier to decode and allowing early readers to tackle the stories independently.

The illustrations are full of humour and encourage readers to interact fully with the story as they are regularly invited to help find Chaffy and to help Deputy Constable Chaffy round up the islands birds so they don’t get too chilly in the snow. Children are sure to enjoy drawing Chaffy for themselves, perhaps creating their own varieties!

Hugely appealing, this is the third book in this brilliant series! I hope there are many more to come!

Max and Chaffy: Search for the Ice Chaffy

Jamie Smart

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452632

Published 2nd November!

You can read my review of Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island! here.

Monster in the Woods

Frith and her family live in a village on the edge of the woods- woods which people claim are home to a monster. With cows disappearing and crops being destroyed, this is what the villagers believe. Frith isn’t convinced, but her little brother, Spuggy, is worried about his imaginary friend, Edward, who also lives in the woods and might be in danger. When Frith goes on a delivery journey with her father through the Barren Wasteland and on to the city where the king lives, little does she know it will start her on an exciting adventure in which she discovers monsters are not always what they seem.

‘Monster in the Wood’ is another fabulous read from Dave Shelton. The ‘Emily Lime’ stories have always been very popular with children I’ve taught and this is every bit as enjoyable. From start to finish, the story is completely engaging and full of humour- swearing good as mum might say!

Frith is a wonderful character whose curiosity and spirit lead her into - and get her out of- many a scrape. Impulsive as she may be, but she has a kind heart and plenty of courage when the need arises. Her relationship with her family is delightful- they might have very little, but they have each other and their wonderful dog, Cabbage. Mum’s tendency to use colourful language is depicted by the use of the word ‘swear’- swearing swear…burned my swearing hand- which adds to the humour when reading aloud in particular!

Although the story is bursting with humour and is a pacey, light-hearted read, there is plenty to discuss and think about here, not least what a monster really is. It is so easy to judge people on first appearances and be fooled into believing things based on this lack of knowledge. Friendship can be found in the least likely places and it is always worth taking time to get to know others.

A wonderful cast of characters, including Spuggy, Edward and the special Big Wise Head, a brilliantly witty and wise plot and the fabulous illustrations found throughout the book, make this a story not to be missed! Highly, highly recommended!

Monster in the Woods Dave Shelton

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452212

You can read my review of Emily Lime: The Book Case here and Emily Lime: The Pencil Case here.

Old Gods New Tricks

Beatrix dos Santos- known as Trixie- has a love of playing pranks which frequently gets her into trouble. She also has a great love for myths and legends from around the world so when the world suddenly loses all its electricity, she quickly realises that the ancient gods, angered by the fact that they are no longer worshiped as they once were, are behind everything. Leaping into action, she enlists the help of the trickster gods- Uxé, Loki, Mauī, Huehuecóyotl and Sun Wukong, The Monkey King. Having convinced- or tricked- them into helping, Trixie must now get them to work together to locate the electricity, appease the gods and save mankind!

What an absolutely brilliant read! ‘Old Gods New Tricks’ is bursting with humour and action, a pacy, engaging story which introduces its readers to trickster gods from different cultures. It’s fabulous!

Trixie- so well named!- is a spirited, lively girl whose love of pranks and mischief frequently gets her into trouble at school. Even her choice of pet, a ferret named Iorgi (short for Jormungandr) is quirky! Her love of mythology and archaeology is inherited from her parents and grandparents and the story is rich in details of ancient cultures and beliefs. Trixie’s determination, adventurous spirit and her lively intelligence make her very appealing to readers.

Each chapter is prefaced by a section from the ‘Wolff-Rammer World Mythology Collection’ and a synopsis about each of the tricksters is included at the end of the book, which is obviously written by someone with a real love and knowledge of the subject. This is sure to lead readers to discover more about ancient gods and broaden their knowledge of these beyond those frequently read at school.

Brilliantly written, ‘Old Gods New Tricks’ is an excellent read with so much to recommend it! Perfect as a guided reading text, it would also make a wonderful class story, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy!

Old Gods New Tricks Thiagi de Moraes

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452953

You can read my review of ‘History Atlas’ here.

Wild Song

Things are changing in Luki’s village; the ways and beliefs of the occupying Americans are creeping into everyday life. One thing which has not changed, however, is the ancients’ expectations for a young woman. Caught hunting once too often, Luki is told she should marry her friend, Samkad. Determined to be free, Luki decides to take an offer to go to America to be part of the World Fair in St Louis. However, it soon becomes obvious that this wonderful adventure is not all it promised to be and she finds herself living in little more than a human zoo where the ‘Igorot’ are seen as savages, exhibits to be gawped at. Will she ever be able to find her way home?

Returning to the characters of Candy’s previous novel, ‘Bone Talk’, ‘Wild Song’ is an incredible book. Although not a sequel as such, it continues the stories of Samkad and Luki, highlighting how the lives of the Bontok people were affected by the Philippine-American War.

Once again, Candy Gourlay skilfully weaves historical figures and events into her narrative, creating a powerful story which depicts the shameful event which was the St Louis’ World Fair. The contemptuous treatment of human beings, the lack of respect for, and understanding of, cultural differences and callous exploitation is both shocking and uncomfortable to read- particularly when it is remembered that these attitudes and behaviours are hallmarks of any country guilty of colonisation.

Vividly told, the action is seen through the eyes of Luki, recalled as if she is speaking to her deceased mother, offering a very personal, immediate feel to the story. The reader shares her frustration with the ancients and the expectations placed upon her because she is a woman, and watches as the realisation dawns on her that Truman Hunt is manipulative and has little care for those he has persuaded to travel to America for the Fair. As she experiences loss, humiliation, fear and prejudice, her belief in herself and the ways of her people, their traditions and customs emerges stronger than ever.

‘Wild Song’ is a powerful, poignant and moving story which, like its characters, is unforgettable. Essential reading!

Wild Song Candy Gourlay

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452076

You can read my review of ‘Bone Talk’ here.

Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island

Max Boggle has just moved to Animal Island with her family. Here, she meets lots of new friends and sets about helping everyone find things, something which she really loves to do. When she meets pilot, Orlando, Max learns about a curious creature Orlando has spotted in the woods and she soon finds Chaffy, but can she find where Chaffy really belongs..?

Although I have never been lucky enough to meet him, I have a particular fondness for Jamie Smart. A few years ago, I was struggling to find books which sparked and held the interest of one of the children in my Y6 class. And then I handed him one of the ‘Bunny vs Monkey’ books- and we had lift off! Not only was he willingly and regularly reading, becoming more confident and fluent on an almost daily basis, but he started to write about his love of the books and their characters with great enthusiasm. The right book for the right child at the right time- magic!

This child presented me with a letter for Jamie, saying how much he enjoyed the books, and Jamie emailed a message back. The excitement and joy which followed was very special to witness- and I have been a huge Jamie Smart fan ever since!

So- you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Jamie has a new series planned, aimed at younger readers, called ‘Max and Chaffy’. He spoke about this (and his other books) at the recent David Fickling Showcase, generating lots of eager excitement from the audience!

And the first book, ‘Welcome to Animal Island’ is everything I’d hoped for. Combining adorable illustrations with lots of gentle humour, the story is not only engaging from the very first page, but offers interactive elements where the reader is asked to help Max find Chaffy. There is also an additional challenge to find mis-placed objects from each of these spreads (can you find the binoculars in the picture above, for example?) The answers are included- just in case they are needed.

The story is warm with friendship, showing Max to be kind, caring and helpful and the sweet illustrations are sure to encourage everyone to have a go at drawing Chaffy wherever they go! This series to sure to engage and inspire young readers and is not to be missed!

Jamie Smart’s Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452618

Published on the 4th May 2023

Blog Tour: Moon Flight

I remember first hearing Gill Lewis speak at Hay Festival in June 2011. Her passion for wildlife and nature was infectious and when she signed my book, she noticed my ‘Monkey World’ fleece and we chatted about sponsoring animals- a chimpanzee for me and an osprey for her. Since then, I have seen her many times and have enjoyed reading- and recommending- all of her books so I am particularly delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for her latest, ‘Moonflight’, a captivating adventure story about a timid rat called Tilbury and his sister, Nimble-Quick. It is the quest of a lifetime, full of peril and challenges, and one which allows Tilbury to discover what really matters in life.

I asked Gill some questions…

1)      You are well known for writing superb books which reflect your passion for wildlife, the importance of our relationship with nature and empathy for others.  ‘Moonflight’ is a fantastic story- but a very different style. If it’s not too much of a cliched question, can you tell me what inspired you to write this heart-warming quest?

Many of my other stories are directly about conservation of species and show human protagonists where the animal is not anthropomorphized at all. For Moonflight I wanted to use rats to portray humans and explore aspects of our humanity; those of greed, jealousy and quest for power. Essentially the rats are so anthropomorphised that they are humans thinly veiled as rats.

We humans are a strange species, putting value on rocks and minerals from the ground, eg gold, diamonds etc. We tell stories about these precious metals and gemstones that give us status and power to have them in our possession. I think Moonflight was sparked by one story in particular, one of the cursed Koh-i-Noor diamond, a gemstone with many legends and a history of bloodshed, lies and deceit. This diamond was ‘acquired’ by Queen Victoria from a eleven-year-old maharaja, Duleep Singh. It is said it was gained by deception, though I wonder if Queen Victoria convinced herself with her own story that it was legally gained. It has a curse such that no male heir to the throne will ever wear it. I wonder if surely the curse is just another story, but one where the true narrative of bloodshed cannot be hidden but is a warning for all those who seek the diamond’s power. In Moonflight I wanted Tilbury to go in search of the truth that runs beneath so many stories, and he must find the true owners of the legendary Cursed Night, a black diamond that holds the fate of all the Dockland Rats.

2)      Tilbury and his little sister, Nimble-Quick, are very different personalities. Which would you say you are most like- and why?

They are indeed very different. Tilbury is timid, risk averse and anxious. Nimble-Quick is fierce, loyal and determined. She knows her own mind and is not afraid to speak out. Tilbury fears the unknown, whereas Nimble-Quick yearns for adventure.

I would like to think I am more like Nimble-Quick. I am not afraid to speak out about issues that concern me. But perhaps in reality I’m a little more like Tilbury, a little anxious and a planner for all disaster eventualities. And as I get older, I’m finding myself quite content in my own company, happy to spend my time walking with my dogs and swimming in the cold Atlantic Sea and turning my mind inwards to the infinite adventures and journeys of the realms of the imagination.

3)      Although I always prefer a book, there is no denying that ‘Moonflight’ would make an incredible film. Would you be happy if this were to happen – and would you prefer an animated version or one with actors?

I would LOVE for Moonflight to be made into an animated film. The rat-based films Ratatouille and Flushed Away both come to mind. If I could go back in time, I think I would have loved to have studied animation. I think the story would work well to be made into a film for Virtual Reality to place the viewer directly into the world of Tilbury.

4)      Are you planning to write more adventures set in this world? (Please say yes!)

Not yet, but writing the story freed me up to write in a much more organic way. Usually, I have some idea of the plot for a story, based on months of research, but for Moonflight I just started writing and let Tilbury lead the way. I also love world-building a different reality and hope to explore this in coming writing adventures.

5)      When reading for pleasure yourself do you prefer poetry, prose or non-fiction?

I read a lot of non-fiction and narrative non-fiction, often for research, or because they cover topics that I’m interested in. I have enjoyed Wyl Menmuir’s Draw of the Sea. I do read poetry but find some poetry difficult to access. My favourite recent poets are Rebecca Elson with her anthology Responsibility to Awe and AF Harrold’s poems and lyrical writing. I love Harrold’s book A Song from Somewhere Else illustrated by Levi Pinfold. I find fiction hard to read when I am writing the first draft of a story because another person’s protagonist starts filling my head. I also find I have so little time to read, and really enjoy audiobooks so that I can listen to a story while driving, cleaning the house or dog walking. Anne Booth’s Small Miracles is a fabulous story.

6)      If you could only recommend ONE book to young readers, which book would it be -and why?

Shaun Tan’s Tales from the Inner City. The book has glorious surreal art and wonderful fable-like stories that we can all relate to. The art is so rich that a reader could become lost in their own stories about the artwork too. The stories are varied, short enough for a quick read to dip into, or long enough to curl up with a hot drink and cake, to savour the richness of the tales. One of my favourite stories is a bittersweet one about an Orca in the sky. To me it’s a reflection of the disconnect we have from the natural world, and the cruelty of keeping captive marine mammals. 

7)      And lastly- and most importantly according to my niece- what is your favourite cake?

A most important question. My safe bet is always a coffee and walnut cake - I love the intense coffee flavour and the earthy walnuts. However, I do like a good carrot cake with juicy raisins and plenty of cream cheese frosting. But if I push the boat out, I always go for a hummingbird cake with the tropical flavours of pineapple and banana.

Thank you so much to Gill for joining me today and to David Fickling Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. I must investigate hummingbird cake!

‘Moonflight’ could make an excellent class read- or Guided Reading text- perfect for capturing imagination and offering plenty to discuss and enjoy.

Moonflight Gill Lewis

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452571

You can read my review of Gorilla Dawn here, A Wisp of Wisdom here, A Story Like the Wind here, Willow Wildthing here and Swan Song here.

Adventure Mice: Otter Chaos!

Pedro may be small, but he is a mouse longing for adventure. Leaving his home at Hilltop House behind, he sets off for the legendary Mouse Islands. Initially, things go wrong, but when he finds himself in trouble, Pedro is rescued by the Adventuremice, a brave, determined band of mice, each with an area of expertise, making them the perfect team. Perdro dreams of joining their ranks, seeking to prove himself against Mortlake, a mean, hungry otter looking for some lunch…

Every time I read a book by the dream team of Reeve and McIntyre, I realise how lucky children today are in the quality, range and style of books available to them. I have enjoyed everything from ‘Oliver and the Seawigs’ to the latest ‘Kevin’ adventure (I have a particular affection for Neville and Beyonce), but with the ‘Adventuremice’, I have found what would have been my favourite book as a child!

The perfect size for little hands, the cover illustration alone is enough to fire the imagination and excitement for what’s to come. The first page shows Pedro carefully lifting up the corner to show a hint of the spread which introduces the reader to the Adventuremice- and Pedro himself- and this is just a small indication of the attention to detail and holistic approach to storytelling adopted by this team.

In the story, little Perdo learns about courage and teamwork, listening to others and taking advice and learning from mistakes. He also demonstrates the importance of caring and the true bravery needed to do the right thing when it is difficult, empathising with others and truly being ‘good’. He is a delightful character, vividly brought to life by the endearing and whimsical illustrations. The Adventuremice team all have well developed personalities and children are sure to quickly find their favourite. The mice would translate brilliantly into toys, encouraging imaginative play and adventure…

With my teaching head on, the book would make an excellent Guided Reading text as there is much to love and explore. There are plenty of points which lend themselves to writing opportunities, role play, drama and debate as well as a rich use of vocabulary and description to investigate and enjoy. Reading as my inner child, this book would have absorbed me for hours. The cross section of the Mousebase alone would have had me drawing and creating little finger puppets of the characters to play out adventures of my own invention- and the map..! All my life, I have been fascinated by dolls’ houses and miniatures and this plays right into that love as I am sure it will with many children! Instructions for drawing Pedro are included at the end of the story; once mastered, these offer the perfect basis for creating your own mouse characters to join the team should you wish. Sarah and Philip are each depicted in their mouse alter egos which might encourage the reader to attempt the same!

I am not sure how many superlatives I can get away with here, but ‘Adventuremice: Otter Chaos’ deserves them all! Delightfully illustrated, beautifully written, full of adventure and heart, this is a series which is going to be much loved and much enjoyed!

Adventuremice: Otter Chaos!

Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-17884526790

Meet S F Said

I first heard S F Said talk about his writing at CLPE Power of Reading meeting some years ago. Since then, I have been lucky enough to hear him on a number of occasions and am always fascinated by what he has to say. His latest book, ‘Tyger’, illustrated by Dave McKean, was published in October, but I had been able to read this in advance, having been lucky enough to receive a proof copy. The story had a profound effect on me and will, I imagine win many awards.

In my review, I call ‘Tyger’ a ‘masterpiece’ and I stand by this completely. The more I read it, the more I come to appreciate it which makes me very nervous about asking any questions, but here we go…

1. Where did the very first spark of an idea for this story come from?

It all started many years ago when I was at school, and we read William Blake's poem The Tyger.  "Tyger Tyger burning bright" – I was mesmerised by those lines.  That spark eventually led to me writing my own Tyger, so the story was growing inside me for almost half a century!

2. Blake has obviously been a great influence on your writing of this story- tyger, the lamb, Urizen, etc. What elements of his work do you return to time and again?

While I was writing my last book, Phoenix, I started to think about writing a book called Tyger.  It was always called Tyger, with a y, and there was always a being called a tyger at the heart of it.  I could see this tyger; I could even hear its voice.  But what exactly was it? 

To try to understand my idea, I went back to Blake's poem.  I found all the magic and mystery not only intact, but heightened by everything else I could now bring to reading it.  The poem had the power of a myth for me – and I love mythology as much as I love tigers!

It was only at this point that I went on to read Blake's other work.  I discovered that he really did create his own mythology, and the more of his work I read, the more I felt that I might be able to do something like that, too.  More than anything, it's this sense of the mythic that keeps me coming back to Blake.  If I had to pick a label for the books I write, I'd pick 'mythic fiction'.

3. Set in an alternate England when the British Empire still exists and ‘foreigners’ live in the Soho Ghetto, there are many sections of the book which are painful to read, echoing events like Kristallnacht, showing ignorant attitudes towards those perceived as ‘different’, the brutality of hangings at Tyburn and the inhumanity of slavery. I feel you have managed to convey such horrors in a ‘responsible’ way, but how would you respond to those who might say these things have no place in children’s books?

The alternate world of Tyger evolved out of my historical research into Blake and his times.  Many of the things described in the book are things that really did happen in places like London, not all that long ago.  And the legacies of Empire and slavery are still very much with us today.

It's true that Tyger deals with some difficult things.  But they're all things that felt essential to the story.  And when I was a child, my favourite books were the ones that took me seriously as a reader; the books that were honest, and didn't try to soften or simplify the truth.  So that's the kind of book I always want to write myself.

I do also think that Tyger has a lot of hope in it.  It's a book that believes children have the power to make a better world, and it believes there are the adults who will help them – not least the heroic librarians, booksellers and teachers who help the children in the story to change their world!

4. ‘All human beings have sparks in their hearts,’ she [the Tyger] said.” What do you think is your spark and how do you ‘use it fearlessly’?

I'm not sure, but I do have a very deep belief in the power and importance of children's books.  That's why I've dedicated my life to writing them, even though I find it difficult.  Tyger took me 9 long, hard years to write, and there were times when it seemed it might never be finished.  But I'm glad I persevered; all the hard work feels more than worth it now.  Because children's books are too important to give it anything less than your very best, however hard that might be.  And I feel sure Tyger is my best book so far.

5. If you could have written any book, which would it be- and why?

My favourite book as a child was Watership Down by Richard Adams.  That was the book that made me want to be a writer.  I remember thinking that if I could ever write something that was even half as good as Watership Down, that would be an amazing thing to do with my life.

I've re-read it many times since then, and every time, it only gets better.  It's still my favourite book.  I can't imagine having written it myself – but I really do think it's the best book I've ever read, and none of my books would exist without it.

6. Are you working on another book at the moment and are we going to have to (somehow!) wait another nine years before we can read it?

Thank you!  And yes – although I was exhausted after the 9 years of writing Tyger, I had an idea I was excited about, and so I got to work on it not long after I finished Tyger.  I hope this one doesn't take 9 years, but it takes as long as it takes to make a book as good as you can possibly make it, and that's always my aim with every book. 

I know now that I will never write a lot of books.  But what I can do is to make each and every one the very best it can be, so that whoever you are, however old you are, whatever kinds of books you think you like – you will find something to enjoy in my books.

7. And lastly- and most importantly according to my niece- what is your favourite cake?

Oh, chocolate cake, definitely!  I would happily eat the cake Bruce Bogtrotter eats in Matilda!

Many thanks to S F for having taken the time to answer my questions- I know how busy you are at the moment. I can’t wait to read your next book, but know that I will return to ‘Tyger’ again and again. If you haven’t managed to get your hands on a copy of ‘Tyger’, make sure you do as it is one NOT to be missed!

You can read my review of ‘Tyger’ here.

Meet Martin Brown

It is a joy to welcome Martin Brown to the Bookshelf today! The ‘Horrible Histories’ books have been engaging, entertaining and informing children (and adults!) for many years now and the series owes much of its success to Martin’s illustrative genius. I first met Martin at a FCBG Conference and was delighted when his ‘Lesser Spotted Animals’ won the NSTBA 2017 Information Category.

Photo: Emily Beale Photography

1.       You are probably best known for illustrating the incredibly popular ‘Horrible Histories’ books, but have you illustrated many books for other writers as well as having written and illustrated books of your own?

I’ve only illustrated a few books with other authors. Before the Horrible Histories I was doing similar cartoony things with Peter Corey for the Coping With… series. And I was lucky enough to illustrate the re-issue of Philip Pullman’s The Adventures of the New Cut Gang. More recently I’ve illustrated a sort of fairy story all about chess for Mark Price and worked with John McLay on the Dragon’s Dentist series of early reader books.

2.       The ‘Lesser Spotted Animals’ books are hugely popular with children I have taught. How did you decide which animals to include? Are there any you haven’t written about which you would like to?

Growing up in Australia I knew about lots of animals that were unfamiliar here, so that was a start. But I’ve always had a love of wild creatures, and over the years I’ve heard about all sorts of wonderful beasties. That’s one of the reasons I wrote the book. I couldn’t understand how some of these beautiful and amazing animals could be so unknown. Then it was books and the internet to learn about even more. The trouble is, I’d like to write about them all – and just for mammals, that would be 237 more books!

3.       Tell me a little about the next adventure for Nell and Cave Bear.

Hmm, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to. OK then, just a bit… It starts just after the last book ends. Nell and Cave Bear are living with the Sea Clan – but it’s time to head back to the Cave and then on to the hunting grounds on the Great Plain. And Nell’s not sure if she wants to go. Meanwhile the bear-hunting Woodland Clan are plotting revenge. Once more Nell and her bear best friend are thrown into danger. However, this time, there’s help.

4.       Which artists/ illustrators inspire you and your work?

When I was starting out my heroes were cartoonists like Jeff MacNelly, Pat Oliphant and Johnny Hart. These days I am constantly inspired by just about every illustrator I have ever met or who’s work I have ever seen. We are so lucky to have approximately a gazillion wonderful artists working in the Children’s Book world at present. Chris Riddell, Sophy Henn, Shaun Tan, Helen Stephens, Sarah McIntyre, Oliver Jeffers, Adam Stower, Axel Scheffler, Helen Oxenbury, Ian Beck, Alex Latimer, Lauren Child, Jim Field… the list is endless.

5.       Which of your pictures/illustrations are you the most proud of?

As a lot of my work is really cartooning rather than illustration, to me, some of my best drawings are gags I’ve done for the Horrible Histories books – like for Angry Aztecs. It was considered good luck to attach a severed finger from a dead person to your shield before a battle. So how do you attach a severed finger to your shield? With a finger nail of course!

6.       It’s the 30th anniversary of Horrible Histories next year. Do you have plans to celebrate this?

Yes, wonderful plans are afoot. But no-one’s told me what they are yet. However, there will be a special new Horrible Histories book to go with the anniversary. And after that it’ll be back to writing the next adventure for Nell and the Cave Bear.

7.       And lastly - and most importantly according to my niece - what is your favourite cake?

Um… I haven’t got a particularly sweet tooth – coffee and walnut perhaps? But honestly, I think I’d rather a Portuguese custard tart.

Many thanks to Martin for sharing his answers with me. I am very excited about the new Nell- I believe the cover is being released today- and am looking forward to the special Horrible Histories 30th anniversary book.

You can read my review of Nell and the Cave Bear here and Lesser Spotted Animals here. You can also read about Martin’s exhibition at Weston Museum here.

My guided reading notes for Nell and the Cave Bear are here and I will be adding my notes for Lesser Spotted Animals soon.

Meet Emma Perry

Founder of ‘My Book Corner’, Emma Perry is also the author of four delightful picture books and her love of books is second to none. A fellow teacher, I believe the children she teaches are very lucky to have her as I am sure she fills their days with wonderful stories, nurturing their imaginations. I first met Emma at meetings of Picture Book South West events and was thrilled when she agreed to join me for a chat!

1.       What two things would you most like your readers to know about you- and what one secret would you like to keep (but aren’t going to because you’re sharing it here!)?

I don’t write every single day. I like to chip away at a story, bit by bit, then delve into it on full throttle once the story demands to be written.

I don’t always finish every single book that I read. That’s ok. Sometimes a book just isn’t right for you in that moment.

I CAN’T POSSIBLY TELL YOU THE THIRD ONE BECAUSE IT IS A VERY SECRET, SECRET!

2.       ‘Puddling’ is a fabulous picture book which perfectly captures the joys of a rainy day with little ones which I remember so fondly from when my son was tiny. Do you prefer splashing in puddles or relaxing in the sun? Why?!

Thank you so much, we had a LOT of fun creating that one.

I do love a bit of sunshine, but it’s been far TOO HOT recently and at the moment I am DREAMING of splashing in puddles. With big wellies on, there’s really nothing better than splish, splash, sploshing about with friends.

3.       Shhhhhhh! Don’t tell Alfonso about this question, but which story about bears is your favourite?

Yikes, poor Alfonso! Well then, let’s sneak in This Book Has Alpacas And Bears first of all 😉Now, you know I can’t pick just one fav book so here’s a couple (or maybe more!) of books with bears that I love. Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back is comedy gold,  Bear Has A Story To Tell by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead features a super lovely, kind and gentle bear, and then there’s The Very Cranky Bear from Nick Bland. Each bear is very different! {Oops, that’s FOUR! *runs and hides* }

4.       Does being a teacher help you with writing such lovely books? Do you try your ideas out on children you teach before submitting stories?

I think that being surrounded by little ones – seeing what makes them smile and giggle, being in tune with how they talk, think and act – is all great fodder for picture books, and makes for some great anecdotes too! They help me immensely, in all sorts of ways. I have tried out early versions of picture books on different classes, reading it out loud to a little audience is useful for highlighting where tweaks need to be made to the narrative to ensure the meaning is clear.

5.       Your latest book, ‘Know It Owl’, is about a well-meaning, but over enthusiastic owl who is very keen to tell everyone how to do it when building a den with friends. Mabel in ‘I Don’t Like Books. Never. Ever. The End.’ Is based on your daughter. Did you have anyone in mind when writing this story? [Psst… same name as my daughter, but that’s the only similarity]

My lovely, well-meaning Owl is probably a mishmash of lots of people – big and small – that I’ve met over the years. That keenness to help, but not really being able to step back and allow space, mental or physical, for others. It’s a real skill and takes a great deal of empathy to master. I reckon we’re all guilty of it from time to time!

6.       What can we expect from you next? Another picture book- or do you have something else tucked up your sleeve?

Well now, I have a couple of things on the go at the moment. A picture book that is super close to my heart and has taken awhile to get it to say… what I really, really want it to say.

I’m also working on a joyful yet very warm-hearted Young Fiction series. It’s written in a very different style, but it’s a style I’ve wanted to write in for a long, long time. Writing it has made me smile. So. Much. It feels very… me! Not out on submission… yet.

7. And lastly- and most importantly according to my niece- what is your favourite cake?

Cake?! Yes please! Anything Gluten Free makes me smile, as I have to stick to that. It’s so hard to get GOOOOOD GF cake to be fair. But I have lots of fun hunting it down – chocolate, coffee, walnut, lemon, carrot. It’s all good!

A huge thank you to Emma for joining me today! You can read my review of ‘Know It Owl’ here and have a go at making an Owl puppet!

Tyger

Adam Alhambra is a Muslim boy living in a dystopian London at a time of Empire when those who are ‘different’ are vilified and attacked. When chased and threatened by a hostile stranger, Adam finds himself in a ruined building where he is saved by a gigantic animal- the tyger- which comes to his rescue. The tyger is in danger, waiting for the arrival of the Guardians who will help her. With Zadie True, who lives in the same ghetto as him, Adam is determined to help the mysterious majestic beast and finds himself caught in an adventure which will change him forever.

I was thrilled to receive a proof copy of ‘Tyger’ back in June and immediately settled to read it. It was everything I had hoped for - and more- but left me reluctant to commit my thoughts about it to a review so this is more of a ramble really!

The word ‘masterpiece’ is often bandied around, but in this case, I feel it is truly justified. S F Said has created a hostile (and sadly, believable) alternate London with check-points and ghettos, harsh inequality and base cruelty as the backdrop to the story, making the wonder and magic of the tyger even more poignant and vulnerable.

Through the story, S F Said celebrates the power and wonder of stories of all cultures, of oral traditions, the weight of history and the beauty of the imagination. I found myself thinking of creation stories as Tyger shows the possibility for change and self discovery to Adam and Zadie, offering them hope and joy, even in the darkest moments.

This is a world where creativity is stifled. Adam is not able to be spared paper and is constantly told ‘people like him’ should not be drawing, his own family fearing where it might lead him. As they help the Tyger, both Adam and Zadie come to see the potential of the future, allowing their talents- Adam for art and Zadie for writing- to flourish.

I loved ‘Tyger’ and, for me, it is easily S F Said’s best book so far. I am very grateful for the proof copy, but will be buying this in hardback to fully appreciate Dave McKean’s wonderful illustrations. The print I have will be framed and go on my wall. This is a book I will return to again and again and share with everyone!

Tyger S F Said, illustrated by Dave McKean

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452830

Published 6th October 2022

The Friendly Mammoth

Mansi loves to visit her local museum, but she wishes she had a friend to go with. Noticing that her favourite exhibit, the Woolly Mammoth, is also alone, she decides to draw a friend for him. As she draws, she imagines snow and ice and suddenly realises that she and the mammoth have been taken back in time - to the Ice Age. Here, she meets a little cave girl who also loves to draw and the two quickly become friends. Together, they go on an adventure and meet lots of other creatures from the Ice Age. Mansi suddenly realises she is back in the museum and someone is telling her they like her drawings. No longer shy, Mansi tells this new friend, Benny, all about her adventures and the animals she met which are now extinct. Although they still enjoy a visit to the museum, they take action together to make sure this does not happen to any other creatures.

On the front cover, under the title, it says ‘Friends make EVERYTHING possible’ and this is a gorgeous story celebrating the importance of friendship. However, this is not the only thing to love about this delightful book.

Although shy, Mansi’s love of history, animals and drawing is shared by both the girl from the Ice Age and Benny, the little boy who notices her drawing in the museum, showing how common interests can offer a starting point for discussions and a way into forming friendships. Even though they cannot speak to one another, Mansi and the cave girl communicate through facial expressions and affectionate gestures, allowing them to share their passion for art and interest in animals. Mammoth first prompts Mansi in this direction, offering an excellent starting point for discussions with children who might need support with instigating interactions with others.

The story also raises questions about extinction and Mansi’s encounters with extinct creatures of the past make her reflect on those which are endangered in the present and fill her with the desire to take action to save them. Additional note about these animals, presented as pages of Mansi’s notebook, are included at the end of the story, perfect for initiating further research or sparking interest in this period of history, often studied by children in Year 3 at school. The placards held by those on the protest march attended by Mansi and Benny show many currently endangered creatures, once again offering much to discuss and explore.

With its beautiful depiction of Mansi running up the path to the Natural History Museum at its beginning, the book is also shows the joy and excitement which can be found in this ‘magical place for remembering the past’. I love a good museum and have spent many happy hours with children- both my own and other peoples- exploring the wonders and curiosities they contain.

The illustrations are wonderful with so much to notice and enjoy on every page. ‘The Friendly Mammoth’ would not only make a wonderful bedtime story, but also lends itself to being used in class or as the basis for a book event with lots of activities and fun!

The Friendly Mammoth Anna Terreros-Martin

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452311

The Boy who Sailed the World

Right from the start, the boy loved the sea and knew that when he grew up, he would build a boat of his own and sail the seven seas. He sets off on his adventure, following sea charts and bravely steering through shipping lanes, until he reaches a new island where he makes friends before sailing home.

This wonderful story about following your dreams was inspired by Julia’s own son who set off on an amazing adventure across the seas, living for nine months on a tiny remote island. Full of the joys of the natural world, its beauty and wonders, the story is both poignant and inspiring and is sure to capture the imagination of all who read it.

Beautiful illustrations, full of the blues and indigos of sea and sky, do much to tell of the little boy’s travels alongside the joyful text. The pictures show many of the creatures the little boy encounters on his travels, encouraging children to explore and discover more about them. The story closes by posing the questions-

What’s your dream?

Where will you go?

-encouraging discussion about what hopes for the future, near or far, children might have- or not have!

Having read the story, it would be fun to make paper boats and set them off on journeys across a local pond or river, perhaps with dreams written on them, before taking the boats home or to spend a day on the beach, playing and dreaming about the horizon. Children might also like to follow Jesse’s (Julia’s son) journey on a map of the world as she describe this in an author’s note at the end of the book.

A lovely story to share again and again!

The Boy who Sailed the World Julia Green, illustrated by Alex Latimer

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788452335

Wished

When Roo and her brother, Ed, find they are going to have to spend the half term holiday with their ancient neighbour, Miss Filey and her smelly cat, Attlee, they are less than impressed. However, the discovery of a box of birthday candles tucked into a drawer changes everything. When lit, each candle delivers a wish…

Lissa Evans is the author of books which I have frequently used in school. ‘Small Change for Stuart’ makes an excellent class read, with plenty to discuss and enjoy along with way and children then turn to ‘Big Change for Stuart’ as an independent read to find out more. ‘Wed Wabbit’ is brilliantly mad-cap and inventive, a firm favourite in the library. But in ‘Wished’, Lissa Evans has truly excelled herself and created something very special!

Humour- as ever- plays a huge role in the story telling and Attlee is without doubt one of my new favourite characters. This caustic, disgusting moggy captures a real sense of the feline-seemingly uncaring and self-centred, but with a golden heart! The children’s first impression of Miss Riley with her antiquated television and the idea that Why Fy is some kind of biscuit soon alters and a new friendship is formed, showing how important it is to get to know people and appreciate who they are. The ensuing wish adventures are wonderfully chaotic and full of imaginative details! Who hasn’t made a crazy wish when they’ve blown out a birthday candle?!

I love the way the relationship between siblings, Roo (or Lucy to give her her proper name) and Ed develops as the story progresses. They come to understand one another better through their adventures, finding new strengths. Their new neighbour, Willard, plays a role in this -’…you shouldn’t snap at your sister like that…’ whilst keeping up his act as the ‘class clown’.

The story is a fabulous celebration of seizing the day and acting on the moment. ‘…I never want to say, “ I wish I’d done that when I had the chance”.’ Everyone can relate to that feeling and Miss Riley learns a valuable lesson from her new young friends. It’s a brilliant read and one which I can’t wait to introduce children to!

For the teacher, ‘Wished’ would make an excellent Guided Reading text. There is so much to enjoy and discuss and plenty of places to pause and reflect on the characters’ feelings. Children would also really enjoy thinking about the wishes they might make and writing wish adventures of their own. They’ll never be able to look at a birthday candle in the same way again!

Wished Lissa Evans

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452021

Coming soon…