Fallen Star Stories

The story of the 15 year old boy who plunged to his death while working on the Titanic is a touching one. So much so, that Nicola Pierce modelled her lead character in ' Spirit of the Titanic ' after him. Re-imagining his life (and death) and subsequent haunting of the most famous ship in the world on it's maiden and final voyage, Pierce wrote a Titanic novel with a unique twist making it a fascinating and compelling read. Now, just in from the BBC News, it seems that the real life Samuel Stone, who has been buried in an unmarked grave all these years since plunging to his death in 1910, is finally going to be honoured with a headstone. The headstone will be unveiled in Belfast Cemetery on Saturday as part of the Feile an Phobail festival. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14334383 ( If you like, you can find my thoughts on 'Spirit of the Titanic' on the 'What ARE You Reading' page. I wonderful read!)

Today's Irish Times has a brilliant review article filled with suggested summer reads for children. Anna Carey (journalist and author of the highly entertaining 'The Real Rebecca '... a great read for young adults in and of itself) covers some of the newest offerings in picturebooks. These include such beauties as: The Wheels on the Bus, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup through to a more traditionally illustrated No One But You (illustrated the master PJ Lynch) by Douglas Wood. And one of my favourites is Ladder To The Moon by Maya Soetoro-Ng. It has been called a bit twee by some, but I think the storyline and the illustrations are simply beautiful. Then again, I am a grandmother. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2011/0723/1224301169307.html Then Mary Shine Thompson takes us on a quick spin through Hell and back through other fantasy realms with her suggestions for 10-12 year olds (and I might add, for some of us a good bit older.) Beginning with John Con...

From the Guardian, here are a few reviews of new picturebooks, just perfect for bedtime reading. Included are: The World Champion of Staying Awake by Sean Taylor/Jimmy Liao, Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters by Jane Yolen/Kelly Murphy (brilliant!), Dear Fairy Godmother by Michael Rosen/Nick Sharatt..... all worthy contenders for best bedtime story of the summer. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jul/21/childrens-picture-books-review-kellaway?INTCMP=SRCH

Children's Books Ireland has announced the illustrator for this year's Book Festival poster and catalogue. And it is..... (drum roll inserted here).... the wonderful Niamh Sharkey!!!! During the month of October, the entire country will be snacking on all kinds of tidbits from children's literature. There's a brilliant catalogue full of reviews and recommendations of children's books for all ages. Libraries, bookshops and schools... and other venues across Ireland will be loaded with events to bring the joy of books to children. Check out the link below for more sneaky bits of information. http://www.childrensbooksireland.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=328&Itemid=191 (p.s. In Galway, October is also time for the Baboro Children's Festival! Great excitement! Here's the link to watch for upcoming information.) http://www.baboro.ie/

From those good people at Art and Hobby in the Corbett Court Shopping Centre, Williamsgate Street, Galway... a great summer competition for the kids ( anyone age up to 12/13 yrs.)... A KITE MAKING COMPETITION!!!! From their Facebook page: "Design Your Own Kite Competition!   We have an exciting new competition starting today in store - design you own Kite! It doesn't have to be able to fly and can be any size and shape. Check out our window display to see Jenny and Michaela's creation! The more creative the better and entries will be displayed in store!" The closing date for the Create A Kite competition is the 28th of August. Entries will be displayed in the shop. The kites can be made from anything... any material or combination of materials, just a design of your own creation. They needn't be able to fly. As I said earlier, the competition is open to anyone up to age 12 or 13 years (which is really sad for me, as I am a huge fan of kites, but am much o...

Anyone out and about today and tomorrow in Galway... whether you're visiting for the Arts Festival or are working/shopping/enjoying the day.... keep your eyes open! There are dinosaurs! Especially around 1pm and 4pm in town along Shop Street from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch, or out at the Galway Shopping Centre (4pm) on the Headford Road...... http://www.galwayartsfestival.ie/programme.php?c=11&ct=street&id=11&t=dinosaur-petting-zoo-

In this marvelous interview from Keith Gray in Inis Magazine, the obvious is pointed out.... books are for life, not just for homework. Something we need to consider now in mid-summer, as we are preparing our children for going back to school. A very important consideration, especially when we are getting so much negative information on the state of support for our libraries, our bookshops and with the ever-growing push towards digital media for children's books. Kids need books.. you know, paper and print. And, again, I ask everyone to give some thoughts towards an incentive here to give every school age child a public library card. This would be a fantastic gift towards literacy, imagination and education. Any thoughts? http://www.inismagazine.ie/features/entry/books-are-for-life-not-just-for-homework-Keith-Gray-Interview

This is from today's Bookseller. Citing the UK's Summer Reading Challenge as critical for children's literacy development, Miranda McKearney director of the Reading Agency said: "Public libraries' ability to make reading fun isn't just a luxury we can no longer afford, it is critical work. The Summer Reading Challenge has now become so widespread that it can act as a pivot for schools and libraries to develop joint strategies to promote literacy. We are calling for every head teacher to weave it into the school improvement plan and to ensure every primary school is a member of their local library." Michael Rosen, who is a patron of the Summer Reading Challenge, wants to see every child attending school to be issued with a library card. What a brilliant idea! I would like to see that happen here in Ireland, as well. What about you? Any ideas how we could get this started? http://www.thebookseller.com/news/summer-reading-scheme-critical-childrens-li...

Well... it all ends here, so they say. But just to extend your Harry Potter excitement, how about origami golden snitches. I was put on to this site (activity village) yesterday by a wonderful colleague (thanks, Oisin!) who promptly made me a golden snitch. Really easy once you get the hang of it, and who doesn't want to catch a golden snitch? Just follow the link for the download directions! http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/origami_golden_snitch.htm

If you happen to be venturing to Dublin this weekend, you will definitely want to attend the Picturebook Picnic, part of the Made in Temple Bar Festival and sponsored by The (wonderful, wonderful) Gutter Bookshop. The evnt is free, but ticketed, so pick up your tickets at the Gutter Bookshop. Saturday the 16th of July, from 1.00pm-2.30pm; join in the fun at the Wood Quay Venue for this brilliant family event, celebrating the magic of children's picturebooks. There will be authors, illustrators and, I'm assured, some brilliant surprises along the way. This event is part of the ‘Made in Temple Bar’ Festival celebrating 20 years of Temple Bar and it’s creativity, for more information and full programme please see www.templebar.ie

With the premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2', the film adaption of the boy wizard's story reaches it conclusion... with much excitement and more than a few tears. On the link below, the BBC has has dipped into their archives and presented a few film clips that shows how the young stars have grown up on screen. Amazing to see them as very young actors and realise how much they've grown. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-14049090 And, just for all of you and running the risk of repeating myself, here's a YouTube video of the trailer for the latest film. Got your tickets, yet?

Out Of Shadows by Jason Wallace , published by Andersen Press was given the Branford Boase Award 2011 last night. The Branford Boase Award is given annually to  the most outstanding work of fiction for children created by a first time novelist. The Branford Boase award also honours the editor pf the winning title, in this case  Charlie Sheppard, and highlights the important work done by editors in nurturing and bringing to light new authors. " Out of Shadows is set in Zimbabwe in the 1980s. The war is over, independence has been won and Robert Mugabe has come to power offering hope, land and freedom to black Africans. It is the end of the old way and the start of a promising new era. For Robert Jacklin, it’s all new: new continent, new country, new school. But, very quickly he learns that for some of his classmates, the sound of guns is still loud, and their battles rage on." (see link) Previous winners have included such critically acclaimed authors as Marcus Sedgw...

The Branford Boase Award, given annually to the author of an outstanding debut novel, will be announced tonight in London. So I've just enough time to pass on the shortlist, and it is a varied and fascinating shortlist. The books on the shortlist are: I Am the Blade by J P Buxton, edited by Beverley Birch (Hachette) When I Was Joe by Keren David, edited by Maurice Lyon (Frances Lincoln) Tall Story by Candy Gourlay, edited by Bella Pearson (David Fickling) Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes, edited by Roisin Heycock (Quercus) Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace, edited by Charlie Sheppard (Andersen Press) The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh, edited by Imogen Cooper (Chicken House) My personal favourite on the list is 'The Crowfield Curse' by Pat Walsh. An excellent work of historical fiction that reads like 'A Company of Liars' for ages 10 years+. (My thoughts on 'Crowfield Curse' should be on the 'Older Reviews' page). Fingers crossed!

If you find yourself in Belfast, those wonderful people of Young At Art have a great set of programmes for the young people throughout July. Well organised, enthusiastic and just plain brilliant! Here's the link: http://youngatart.cmail5.com/t/ViewEmail/r/1279A3574AF05BBB/38847609EE608FE7C9C291422E3DE149

The second July thing I want to share is that 'Reckless' by my very favourite young persons' author, Cornelia Funke is now out in paperback. The begins a new trilogy by the author of the Inkheart series. For slightly older readers, it is brilliant! My review of Reckless is back up on the Teen Reads page, so have a look. If you've ever had any interest in fairytales, this is an absolute must summer read... for everyone. (Note of caution: don't expect these fairytales to be quite how you remembered them as a child!) I can't say enough wonderful things about this book.... just read the review, please. Also, here's the Cornelia Funke fan website, for all things Reckless and Funke! http://www.corneliafunkefans.com/en

Yes, welcome to July! I know I'm a few days late saying it, but I'm actually on a bit of a holiday. So, I'm fairly inactive right now. So, you probably won't hear to much from me... or maybe you might hear more as I'm not doing a whole lot of anything else. I'll begin right now, however, by sharing a photo of a most excellent sandcastle built on Ballyloughane Beach by my grandson, Reese. Enjoy....