Fallen Star Stories

Dubray Books, Galway is hosting an event featuring The Speks ! That's right, those bespeckled and musical gentlemen from Glasses Island are coming to Galway on Saturday May the 14th at 3:00 pm for half an hour of musical mayhem and joy... and we couldn't be more delighted. This is a can't miss event, so please mark it down in your diaries now. Of course, I'll 'remind' you with all the details a few times before the event, so please forgive my excitement! Just remember to be there! http://www.thespeks.com/

Australian author-illustrator Shaun Tan has won the prestigious Astrid Lindgren prize - the richest children's literature prize in the world! This master story-teller has written/illustrated over 20 books, creating intricate and amazing worlds within his books. Most recently, his book 'Tales from Outer Suburbia' was hailed by the Guardian as quite possibly "the most beautiful book you'll see all year". Also, at this year's Academy Awards, Tan won the Oscar for best animated short for his film based on his picture book 'The Lost Thing.' The Astrid Lindgren Prize was set up by the Swedish Government in 2002 to honour the work of authors, illustrators and story-tellers who work in 'the spirit of Lindgren' (author of Pippi Longstocking, The Brothers Lionheart', 'Ronia the Robber's Daughter' and many other marvellous children's books.) Previous winners include Maurice sendak and Philip Pullman. Shaun Tan's lyrical illust...

Here's a trailer for the soon to be published Emerald Atlas by John Stephens. I was sent a proof copy, and I have to say it's one of the best books I've read this year. It certainly is already generating a lot of excitement, with good reason. Enjoy.....

This is the official obituary from the Guardian, Sunday 27th March for Diana Wynne Jones. It's content is comprehensive and it's such a beautiful tribute to one of my favourite authors. She had such a huge impact on children's literature, I simply had to include it. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/mar/27/diana-wynne-jones-obituary?CMP=EMCGT_280311&

It has just been reported that the brilliant author, Diana Wynne Jones, has lost her two year long battle with lung cancer. Last summer, she had stopped her chemo-therapy, saying it made her too ill to continue working. Wynne Jones is the author of many wonderful fantasy adventures for children, including the completely wonderful 'Howl's Moving Castle'. Her books were an inspiration to many contemporary writers, and a drive compelling readers, young and old. While reports are sketchy at the moment, Wynne Jones is said to have passed away early Saturday morning (26 March 2011) at the age of 76. She will be truly missed, but leaves an incredible legacy. http://celebs.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979164807 27/03/2011 Just to post an edit here.... this from Diana Wynne Jones' official website. The reports are all sadly true, Diana Wynne Jones has passed away on 26th March 2011. In addition to her already prolific and wonderful writings, two more books w...

I just love Michael Rosen! And now he's out to start a Reading Revolution ! And this site is an absolutely marvellous beginning. Included are Michael's top tips... a twenty point plan to help you get started, the latest book reviews, related links and a video of Michael himself. It's Michael's mission to make every school a 'book lovin' school, a place where books are prioritised and enjoyed.' Follow the link and discover how you... parents, students and the schools themselves can participate in  the Reading Revolution! http://www.readingrevolution.co.uk/index.html

For all the fans of Eragon, Christopher Paolini's final book in the Inheritance cycle will be published this autumn. The fourth book, to be called Inheritance, will be published by Random House Children's Books on 8th November 2011 worldwide. Paolini has promised, without giving away any of the plot, that all will be revealed. The  first three books are due to be reissued in paperback on 7th July with new cover designs. http://www.thebookseller.com/news/paolinis-inheritance-cycle-be-completed-autumn.html