Fallen Star Stories

Big thanks to Judi Curtin (author of the now world-famous Alice and Megan series) for popping in to see me after her gig during Galway's Cuirt Literature Festival. The feedback I've had all says she was fabulous (which is no surprise, as she's always fabulous.) Judi's new series 'Forever Friends' has two books out at the moment, and the first one , 'The Time Spell' t akes our new heroine aboard the Titanic. But this is no historical drama... it's about a young girl who finds herself time-travelling. A wonderful story that I can whole-heartedly recommend. In fact, I recommend them both! And don't forget her other new books, Eva's Journey and Eva's Holiday , published by O'Brien Press. Eva is a girl fully enjoying all the prosperity that the Celtic Tiger could afford... but then her family falls on hard times and things take a dramatic turn for her. Timely and great stuff! The third 'Eva' story will be out later this summ...

On Monday, 23rd April, Dubray Books' Galway branch played host to the launch of a new series of chapter books as gaeilge by those wonderful publishers Futa Fata (located in Spiddal!) The first two in the series Mise Maire Treasa Mi-Abha have been translated from French; written by Gerard Moncomble, illustrated by Frederic Pillot and translated by Patricia Mac Eoin. The launch of Sin Bronntanas Seafóideach! and Cé a Ghoid mo Chuid Bia was shared with the third class students from Gaelscoil Dara, Renmore.  And as the pictures below show you, it was a fantastic morning... with readings, discussions on translation (numerous of the books in Futa Fatas catalogue have been translated into other languages incuding Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Scots Gaelic) and a bit of a quiz culminating with several lucky children winning books from the entire range offered by Futa Fata. http://www.futafata.ie/index.php  

Just a quick entry to say welcome to all the poets and authors, and all who have come to Galway for the week that's in it.  Have a great Cuirt Festival! http://www.cuirt.ie/

Futa Fata has put together a great opportunity. With support from Ealaín na Gaeltachta,they are organising a workshop on writing, developing , hopefully, publishing children's chapter books with Patricia Forde (author of a variety of wonderful children's books such as Frogs Do Not Like Dragons , and as gaeilge picture book Citi Cearc and many others. (As you all know, I am a HUGE fan of Patricia and her books!) Here's a quote directly from Futa Fata all about the upcoming workshop: "This workshop will focus on writing short chapter books for 7-9 year olds.   In the past, Futa Fata has had great success with similar workshops.   In all, the company has published 6 picture books as a direct result of these workshops, with a number of others to follow later this year.   The books have not only done well on the home market but they have also been successful abroad, having been translated and published in China, Korea, Scotland and later this year, South Africa. T...

Here's a beautiful video for one of the CBI Book of the Year nominees. O Chrann Go Crann is wonderfully narrated by Mairead Ni Mhoanaigh from Altan... as gaeilge, of course. For some reason... the blog won't let me upload this from YouTube... so here's the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H4B3hfRxls&feature=share

Due to be launched this Sunday (22nd April) and out in your favourite bookshops NOW; a great new cookery book for young children by author Dolores Keaveney ( If I Were a Bee and Jenny, the Little Brown Hen ) from Mullingar. I was privileged to receive a preview copy and have an early look at Beelicious Recipes With Honey . It's simply delightful in every way, and very useful both to help develop an active interest in healthy eating (and cooking!) in children and in teaching children of all ages about that wonderful, productive and incredibly necessary insect friend; the honeybee. I thoroughly recommend this lovely new cookery book for children... every household should have one! Here's my review: "There’s no doubt about it. Children love to cook. This beautiful new cookery book is just the thing to introduce cooking into their lives. Colourful and joyful illustrations take the whole family on a journey through the kitchen with simple, clear recipes for scones, pan...

You have just a few days left to get in your nominations for this years' 'Queen of Teen' awards. The nominations end on Friday, 20th April. " Queen of Teen has to be the most glitzy and glamorous award in the world of books, rewarding the nation's favourite authors of teen fiction. The award was founded in 2008 to celebrate the fantastic teen and tween authors who bring so much enjoyment to their readers, dealing with real-life issues in a way that is honest, entertaining and fun!" (from the website: 'About the Award')  There's a message from the glorious Cathy Cassidy about her time spent as 'Queen of Teen 2010' and all the fun she's had and what the award has meant to her. Remember, this award is all about what you think... you amazing girl readers! Be sure to click on the link below and get in your nomination for 2012's Queen of Teen. (And can I just put in a little plug for our own Irish 'Queen of Teen',...

Playing a bit if catch-up with myself here, but I wanted to keep you updated on the UK's most prestigious awards in  childrens' literature; the CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals shortlists for 2012. There are exceptional books in both lists (as you might well imagine). The shortlist for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2012 includes: David Almond MY NAME IS MINA Hodder (9+) ISBN: 9780340997253 Lissa Evans SMALL CHANGE FOR STUART > Doubleday (8+) ISBN: 9780385618007 Sonya Hartnett THE MIDNIGHT ZOO Walker (9+) ISBN: 9781406331493 Ali Lewis EVERYBODY JAM Andersen (12+) ISBN: 9781849392488 Andy Mulligan TRASH David Fickling (12+) ISBN: 9780385619011 Patrick Ness A MONSTER CALLS Walker (9+) ISBN: 9781406311525 Annabel Pitcher MY SISTER LIVES ON THE MANTELPIECE Orion (10+) ISBN: 9781444001839 Ruta Sepetys BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY Puffin (12+) ISBN: 9780141335889 And for the Kate...

My review of The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne Valente is up now on The Bookbag (thanks, folks!). Seriously, if you only read one book this summer, this has got to be the one! Truly wondrous! There is also an abbreviated version of this review on the page 'What Are You Reading' on this blog. http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=The_Girl_Who_Circumnavigated_Fairyland_in_a_Ship_of_Her_Own_Making_by_Catherynne_Valente

Hope you are not yet tired of all the Titanic books around, yet; because I wanted to share with you my Titanic Wall (at Dubray Books Galway branch). Just a few of my favourite books for all the kids about the Titanic story... fact and fiction:

In two days time, the first ever Galway Food Festival begins... four days of food, glorious food and there's even some wonderful events for the kids. I know it's Easter weekend, but that shouldn't stop anyone from joining in the fun. Here are just some of the events for children: Saturday, April 5 at 12pm in Tom Sheridan's, Knocknacarra features a Master Class in Pizza Making for the Kids Sunday, April 6 (also known as Easter Sunday) at 11am it Kids Time in Cava Restaurant with Spanish Food for Children with PJ McMahon and at 1pm join the Kiddies Cupcake Event in the Dail Bar on Cross Street Then run down to the House Hotel for the Kiddies Kitchen. For more information of wonderful food events for the whole family, here's the Galway Food Festival link. You can download the schedule and check it all out for yourself: http://www.galwayfoodfestival.com/about