Fallen Star Stories

Earlier today (22nd June) the announcements were made for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway award medals at the British Library. It is quite unusual and interesting that both medals were awarded to an author and an illustrator who both have taken non-fiction, historical themes for their work. Winner of the Carnegie Medal for 2015 is Tanya Landman for her book, Buffalo Soldier . This outstanding novel  was inspired by the story of Cathy Williams, a freed slave after the American Civil War who disguised herself as a man and joined the US Army during the Indian Wars as  William Cathay. Taking this one extraordinary move by a bold woman, Landman crafted the tale of Charlie O'Hara; a young woman who comes across the body of a dead soldier and in a bid for freedom and autonomy assumes his identity....an incredible story that sings with a true strong voice. A most deserving winner of this prestigious award. http://www.tanyalandman.com/page6.htm The years Kate Green...

The secondary schools are already out for the summer here. The exams are over for another year. And, in one week, the primary school children will be out for the summer. It's been a busy year. As you know, I am a childrens bookseller. This is a job I absolutely love for a lot of reasons. I get to constantly update my knowledge and expertise of one of my most favourite things in the entire world; childrens literature. My personal library of kids books is constantly growing with new and exciting authors and books. And, I am afforded the opportunity to invite school classes in to the bookshop to share in the joy of reading. This is so extremely important; more important than I could ever actually express. It's all about getting the right book into the hands of the right child and watching magic happen. Sometimes, this is easy. I'll be told by the parent or teacher, "(S)He is a natural reader." (No such thing, incidentally, but more on that at a later date.) Sometime...

Very quickly, a big congratulations to Chris Riddell who, it was just announced, has been named the UK's new Childrens Laureate. Chris, who follows Malorie Blackman, will serve a two year term in the position. He will focus on creativity and visual literacy in childrens books; also extolling the pleasures of drawing everyday.  “Do you have hands? Excellent. That’s a good start. Can you hold a pencil? Great. If you have a sketchbook, open it and start by making a line, a mark, wherever. Doodle. Take a line for a walk, as Paul Klee said. Lose your inhibitions about drawing and just do it.” So, a hearty congratulations... I look forward to hearing more of Chris' exploits as Laureate over the next two years! http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/09/illustrator-chris-riddell-named-uk-childrens-laureate  

So it's the beginning of June and nearly half of the year is gone. With awards coming thick and fast and all of our hearts turning hopefully to summer, I thought it might be a good moment to share some of my favourite childrens books so far this year. Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell This wonderful novel has been sitting strong in my number slot of best-sellers since last year. And it is beautiful! An eloquent story of following your heart taaakes you on an unbelievable journey across the rooftops of Paris to find Sophie's lost mother. If you haven't read it yet, now is the time! 10+ The Wordsmith by Patricia Forde Hands-down the BEST dystopian novel I have read in a long time, and generally speaking in my top 5 of 'best childrens novels'. This is dystopia with a difference; thoughtful, thought-provoking, eerie and dream-like with incredible characters...and suitable for ages 10+...yes, even adults will love it! Abracazebra by Helen Docherty and Tom Dochert...