Anita Loughrey's blog. This is my journal about my experiences and thoughts on writing. As well as news about me and my books, it includes writing tips, book reviews, author interviews and blog tours.
For more information about me and my books see my website: www.anitaloughrey.com. Follow me on Twitter @amloughrey, Facebook @anitaloughrey.author and on Instagram @anitaloughrey
Today as part of Ruth Estevez’s blog tour, I am pleased to be shining a spotlight on the third book in the Jiddy Vardy series, Jiddy Vardy Full Sail, which is due for release tomorrow the 2nd December 2023.
This historical fiction for young adults is a thrilling tale of one girl’s search for identity and love, set against a backdrop of wild seas, smuggling and violence.
1796
When the sea can’t be put on trial for murder, who must pay the price?
A smuggler with a conscience, the defiant and contradictory Jiddy Vardy sets out to find choices and freedom for local girls worn thin by poverty.
Caught in the net that is Robin Hood’s Bay, Jiddy looks to majestic York, little realising that even loved ones can cage you when they think they are offering the chance of a lifetime.
Head inland to the promise of work, out to sea to the unknown, or stay in a close-knit community of smugglers and familiar faces?
What’s it to be for our endlessly curious, yet ultimately open-hearted Jiddy Vardy?
Blurb for Jiddy Vardy Full Sail by Ruth Estevez
Yorkshire author Ruth Estevez previously worked as a scriptwriter for major BBC young people’s programming. She was born in Yorkshire and often uses the much loved landscape is a third character in her novels. Her career in theatre, TV and a subscription library have influenced her work.
Script writing for Bob the Builder morphed into novel writing. Very much a Northern writer with Latin touches, Ruth is interested in social differences, the outsider and finding our place in the world.
For those not familiar with Ruth’s Jiddy Vardy series here is the blurb for the first book.
1779
On tumultuous waters a girl is born as pirates board the ship . . . Jiddy Vardy is a survivor.
Rescued at birth, she grows up in Robin Hood’s Bay, a community which harbours a dangerous secret that could get you killed.
Always the outsider, with her dark skin and hair, at sixteen Jiddy is clever, brave and headstrong, soon risking her life and freedom to play her part in the Bay’s clandestine activities.
Then, just as romance blossoms and Jiddy finally feels like she belongs, figures from the past threaten to tear her world apart, and she has to decide where her loyalties truly lie.
A thrilling tale of one girl’s search for identity and love, set against a backdrop of wild seas, smuggling and violence.
From New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho comes a powerful new picture book released in the UK by Harper Collins on the 12th October 2023. It is about the beauty, meaning, and history behind the names of six different children – exploring their cultures and ethnicities, and emphasizing the importance of identity and saying names correctly.
My name is full of tones and rhythms,
melodies and harmonies, chords and cadences.
Each syllable, each sound, is a building block in architecture
constructed over oceans and across generations.
SAY MY NAME.
Say My Name by Joanna Ho and Khoa Le
In Say My Name, with illustrations from Khoa Le, six children from different backgrounds introduce themselves and convey the rich histories of their names. These captivating kids of Chinese, Tongan, Iranian, Navajo, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent also honour their ancestors and cultural histories.
Readers are taught the importance of saying a person’s name correctly, a key issue, particularly in communities that have often had their names shortened because they are viewed as too hard or complex to say. This lyrical story explains how saying a person’s name is the only way we can truly know one another.
Joanna Ho, who is of Chinese and Taiwanese heritage and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, is passionate about equity in books and education. She has been an English teacher, a dean, a vice principal, and a professional development mastermind. Homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids make Joanna’s eyes crinkle into crescent moons.
She is the New York Times bestselling author of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, Eyes that Speak to the Stars, Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma, The Silence that Binds Us, and One Day.
The illustrator Khoa Le is the award-winning author and illustrator of numerous picture books, based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Her work can be described as whimsical, dreamy and with a bit of fantasy.
She is the winner of the Grand Prize Samsung KidsTime Authors Award 2015 (Singapore) and the second runner up the The Scholastic Picture Book Award 2017 (Singapore).
This book is very much a celebration of differences.
A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Bloomsbury to a spectacular pirate themed book launch to celebrate the release of the proofs for an exciting new adventure novel, Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle.
Catherine’s fiction for children includes the award-winning Storm Keeper trilogy, which is set on the magical island of Arranmore, where her grandparents grew up, The Miracle on Ebenezer Street, a modern reimagining of A Christmas Carol, The Lost Girl King, a magical adventure inspired by Irish mythology and her bestselling YA trilogy, which includes Twin Crowns and Cursed Crowns, co-authored with Katherine Webber.
The final book in the Crowns trilogy, Burning Crowns, will be released in April 2024. She also has another YA novel, an epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy, The Dagger & the Flame, coming out in September 2024.
Here is the blurb for Pirates of Darksea, which is released on 14th March 2024.
“Deep in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, where the full moon rests on the horizon, lies a secret kingdom called Darksea. Ruled by the Pirate King, Captain O’Malley, Darksea’s tranquil waters have, of late, been haunted by an invisible and deadly monster – a monster that is eating the once-beautiful islands in gigantic bites.
On the other side of the horizon, at his home in Galway, Max Reid and his family are battling a different monster. His big brother Christopher is in hospital and getting sicker – and his parents have begun to talk of miracles.
Then one night a loud, bright red parrot taps on Max’s bedroom window, carrying an invitation from the pirate king. Captain O’Malley needs a new crew member for a dangerous quest; and the reward is everything Max has been hoping for.
But in Darksea, not everyone is as they seem. When Captain O’Malley’s secret threatens to upend their mission and destroy Max’s chance to help his family, Max realises he’s going to have to navigate much more than he bargained for…”
Blurb for Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle
I arrived at the Old Thames Inn wearing my pirate costume where I met the other people who had been invited and Catherine Doyle. We drank prosecco and then ventured to the escape room on The Golden Hind, designed by Secret Rooms.
This was the first escape room I had ever done and was not quite sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. On board we were split into two teams, The Stolen Sunrise and The Pirates of Darksea, and set a quest to find the ring and save the ship from sinking. We also had to find all the bottles of Darksea Stardust.
Then we were ushered into a room by the talented actors and locked in so we had to navigate our way through the puzzles and around the ship to find the missing ring. Here I am retrieving the next clue from the chest.
On the whole, the escape room on the Golden Hindproved to be a highly entertaining and fun test of our puzzle solving skills. I would highly recommend you giving it a go yourself. My team managed to escape with three minutes to spare.
After we had completed the quest and played a few pirate games then went for a late buffet-style lunch at The Anchor where we received our fabulous treasure: a copy of the proof Pirates of Darksea. Here is a photo of me getting my copy signed by Catherine Doyle.
The second of my posts today extends the range in children’s books inspired by Norse mythology and the Vikings into young adult books. Again I have only included fiction titles and they are not in any particular order.
I have included some classics and some new releases out this month.
I hope you enjoy looking at my selection and please do add any more young adult fiction you can think of that have links to Norse mythology in the comments.
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Postcards from Valhalla by Danny Weston (aka Philip Caveney), published by UClan Books
Postcards from Valhalla by Danny Weston was released on November 3rd, 2023. It’s a contemporary YA story, set in Shetland, inspired by Norse mythology.
Viggo is fifteen years old, living in Edinburgh with his mum. He has no plans for the future other than to watch the new Thor movie at his local multiplex. But one morning, he wakes to the news that his older brother, Magnus, has gone missing on Shetland. Mum has already booked tickets to go and search for him. There’s good reason to be worried. Five years ago, Viggo’s dad, Jonathan, went ‘off grid’ in the same location and disappeared. He is now ‘missing presumed dead.’ Viggo has no option but to go to Shetland with Mum – but from the moment they set off, he’s troubled by strange visions: images of armed warriors, mythical creatures and Viking longships. And then they encounter Leon, a mysterious wandering musician who attaches himself to them and proves impossible to shake off. Once on Shetland, the search for Magnus begins in earnest and Viggo’s troubling visions start to intensify. Soon he is finding it difficult to separate fact from fantasy… and who knows what terrors lie in wait for him deep beneath the ground?
Blurb from Postcards from Valhalla by Danny Weston
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The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books
Part ghost story, part Nordic mystery. The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge is a creepy and chilling tale steeped in Norse myth.
Martha can tell things about a person just by touching their clothes, as if their emotions and memories have been absorbed into the material.
Determined to understand her strange ability, Martha sets off to visit her grandmother – only to discover she is dead and a terrifying creature is on the loose.
Then the spinning wheel starts creaking . . .
Blurb for The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge
Set in the remote snows of contemporary Norway, this YA novel is a ghost story that twists and turns – and never takes you quite where you’d expect. Features Yggdrasil, the Norns, Hel and Odin.
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The Crooked Mask by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books
Part ghost story, part murder mystery The Crooked Mask by Rachel Burge is a creepy and magical tale for young adults steeped in Norse myth.
Welcome to the Circus of Myth & Mayhem – where performers re-enact tales of the Norse gods wearing masks which mysteriously change expression, the creepy jester isn’t quite human, and the big top is full of the dead.
Martha arrives at the circus, deep in the forests of Northern Norway, determined to learn how Nina died. Did she fall from the trapeze as Stig said, or was there more to her ‘accident?’
Drawn into a dangerous game of the gods, Martha must look behind the mask and see the truth . . . before it’s too late.
Blurb for The Crooked Mask by Rachel Burge
Following the events of The Twisted Tree, The Crooked Mask continues the story of Martha and Stig as she comes to terms with her magical inheritance. The stories of the Norse gods are brought to life in the circus ring and features Loki.
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Warrior King by Sue Purkiss, published by Walker Books
Warrior King by Sue Purkiss is the story of King Alfred and his daughter, Aethelflaed and features the Guthrum, leader of the Vikings, as a significant character in this YA adventure.
The year is 878 AD. The English kingdoms of Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia and Kent have fallen to the Vikings. Only Wessex is left, and its king, Alfred, has been driven into hiding on Athelney, the ancient Island of Princes. How can he, along with his daughter, Fleda, and his closest followers, defeat the dreaded Vikings?
Blurb for the Warrior King by Sue Purkiss
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West of the Moon by Katherine Langrish, published by Harper Collins Children’s Books
West of the Moon by Katherine Langrish is an epic and action-packed YA fantasy adventure that weaves together Norse legends, shadowy creatures and an unforgettable hero.
When Peer is orphaned he is taken by his wicked uncles to live at their foreboding mill in the shadow of Troll Fell. Here he meets beautiful and spirited Hilde and after a terrifying encounter with the sinister creatures who live below the fell the pair form an inseparable bond. They are thirsty for adventure, so when a Viking longship docks at their village, they decide to set sail for Vinland – a mysterious place across the perilous sea. But are the ship’s captain and his sword wielding son really honest sailors? What creatures lurk in the shadows and forests of the new land? And will Peer and Hilde ever return?
Blurb for West of the Moon by Katherine Langrish
It is part of The Troll Trilogy and spans years and continents. Filled with brilliantly imagined characters and creatures, this is gripping, atmospheric fantasy at its best.
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Daughter of Fire by Marie-Louise Jensen, published by OUP Oxford
Daughter of Fire by Marie-Louise Jensen is a rich, atmospheric Viking journey into Iceland.
Following an attack on her family, fifteen-year-old Thora is enslaved by a brutish Viking chieftain, Bjorn Svanson. A healer and a midwife, Thora is valuable. She also has visions of the future . . . and in one she foresees Svanson’s death. When her prediction becomes reality, Thora recognizes that another of Svanson’s slaves is a man she has seen before-a man from recurrent visions who is destined to be part of her future.
Assuming Svanson’s identity, the slave and Thora use the dead man’s ships to escape. Their destination is Iceland, the then uncharted ‘land of fire and ice’. To succeed they must first win over Svanson’s crew, and their journey is fraught with hardship and danger.
But their troubles are only just beginning. Soon, newcomers are among them and someone is stealing from Thora’s medicines to cause terrible harm. Under suspicion herself, can Thora unmask the real culprit and clear her name?
And can Thora and the man now known as Bjorn ever really hope that their pasts won’t catch up with them?
Blurb for Daughter of Fire by Marie-Louise Jensen
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Viking Girl by Pauline Chandler, published by OUP Oxford
Viking Girl by Pauline Chandleris a YA thriller set during the era of the Vikings.
Beren, a Viking princess, is forced to flee her home after her father is killed and her people defeated in battle. Guided by her uncle, she and the remains of her tribe come to England seeking sanctuary. But Vikings have been there before and laid waste to the land, and Beren’s small group is met with scorching hatred from the locals. When Beren’s uncle takes her men south to fight the king, Beren is left struggling to protect the rest of her followers.
The only help comes from the local abbey. The monks there want everybody to live in peace. But when Beren befriends a trainee monk, the factions are further divided, and the hatred simmering under the surface begins to boil over. And then a new threat – from Beren’s own uncle – raises its head. Now the people must decide: fight amongst themselves and be annihilated by a greater power, or unite under Beren’s command, and fight for their freedom.
Blurb for Viking Girl by Pauline Chandler
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Odin Trilogy Volume 1 – Odin’s Voice by Susan Price , published by Simon & Schuster Children’s
Odin’s Voice by Susan Price is aimed at the YA market.
This first adventure follows the story of a bonder, Kylie, and a pampered teen, Affroditey – both thrown together as their prescribed roles in society change. Kylie becomes the mouthpiece of the god, Odin, and gains political advantage and freedom as a result. Affroditey finds herself reduced to penury after her father’s suicide, and sold off as a bonder by her uncaring stepmother. Brought together by Kylie’s young son, who has been ‘adopted’ by Affroditey’s employers, the two girls decide to escape as pioneers to Mars, where they will help to set up a new society.
Blurb for Odin’s Voice by Susan Price
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Odin Trilogy Volume 2 – Odin’s Queen by Susan Price, published by Simon & Schuster Children’s
Odin’s Queen by Susan Price is aimed at the YA market.
In this thrilling adventure, bonder Affie has escaped to Mars with Odinstoy, and her young son, Apollo. Odinstoy has been employed by the Martian Temple of Odin as their God-speaker and Affie goes undercover as her ‘wife’. Affie hopes their new life will enable her to claw back the status and respect she had before she became a bonder – and is frustrated by Odinstoy’s disdain for the fame her new role brings. Affie’s craving for attention leads her to fall under the spell of a follower of the rival temple of Zeus, and before she knows it she is revealing more of her past to him than she ever intended. And in doing so, she finds herself betrays Odinstoy; putting all their lives at risk…
Blurb for Odin’s Queen by Susan Price
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Odin Trilogy Volume 3 – Odin’s Son by Susan Price, published bySimon & Schuster Children’s
Odin’s Son by Susan Price is aimed at the YA market.
Since his mother, Odinstoy’s, death, Gift has become obsessed with the idea of tracking down his real father. In secret, he employs a private detective to make investigations on Earth so that he can uncover his past. But when a Newsblog reveals evidence to suggest that Odinstoy wasn’t his real mother, Gift doesn’t know where to turn. He flees to the poisonous surface of Mars in the hope that the great god Odin can give him some answers…Meanwhile the mysterious Sherri, whose resemblance to Gift is undeniable, is making her way to Mars with some important news. Will she find him before it’s too late?
Blurb for Odin’s Son by Susan Price
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I hope you like my selection. Please don’t forget to add any of your own examples in the comments.
I would like to thank Alex for inviting me to join the Norsevember celebrations for all things Viking. I was asked to post a feature during Week Four with a theme of Norse Memories – How did the Norse view their part in the world and what is their lasting legacy?
What could be more of a lasting legacy than literature? For this Norse Memories themed week, I will be spotlighting 10 early readers and middle grade books that have been inspired by Norse myths and legends and the Vikings this morning and another ten young adult books this afternoon. These stories are shaping the minds of the future.
I have only included fiction titles. Apart from arranging them by age they are not in any particular order of preference. I have included some classics and some new releases .
I hope you enjoy looking at my selection and please do add any more children’s fiction books that you can think of that have links to Norse mythology in the comments.
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The Magic Helmet: a Viking Adventure by Cath Jones, Published by Maverick
The Magic Helmet: a Viking Adventure by Cath Jones and illustrated by Dean Gray is a Level 10 white level banded reader. Recommended reading age 6 – 7 years.
Suddenly, there was a loud bang like a clap of thunder. The helmet slid down over his eyes and – WHOOSH! Harry finds himself aboard a Viking ship. Can he find a way home?
Blurb for The Magic Helmet: a Viking Adventure by Cath Jones and Dean Gray
There are lots of historical facts about the Vikings incorporated within the story.
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How To Be a Viking by Cressida Cowell, Published by Hodder Children’s Books
This particular edition of How To Be a Viking by Cressida Cowell is from a rejacketed version of the classic picture book that was the inspiration for Cressida Cowell’s bestselling How To Train Your Dragon fiction series, now a Dreamworks feature film.
Unlike his dad, Stoick the Vast, Hiccup is tiny, thoughtful and polite and scared of almost everything – especially of going to sea for the very first time. But go he must… So who will save the day when everything goes wrong aboard ship and all the big Vikings lose their cool? This wonderfully witty fable will delight all those who have ever faced up to their worst fears.
Blurb for How To Be a Viking by Cressida Cowell
This 2014 reissue includes a letter from Cressida Cowell to the reader. It is suitable for reader 6-11 years.
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Storm Hound by Claire Fayers, published by Macmillan Children’s Books
Storm Hound by Claire Fayers is a mash-up of Norse myth and Welsh legend, featuring Odin and the Wild Hunt.
Storm of Odin is the youngest stormhound of the Wild Hunt that haunts lightning-filled skies. He has longed for the time when he will be able to join his brothers and sisters but on his very first hunt he finds he can’t keep up and falls to earth, landing on the A40 just outside Abergavenny.
Enter twelve-year-old Jessica Price, who finds and adopts a cute puppy from an animal rescue centre. And suddenly, a number of strange people seem very interested in her and her new pet, Storm. People who seem to know a lot about magic . . . Jessica starts to see that there’s something different about her beloved dog and will need to work out which of her new friends she can trust.
Myth becomes reality in the unlikeliest of places in the fast-paced and funny adventure that won the Tir na n-Og award.
Blurb for Storm Hound by Claire Fayers
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The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Viking by Tim Collins, published by Book House
The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Viking by Tim Collins is illustrated by Isobel Lundie. It is part of a series of hilarious fictional diaries put us inside the heads of hapless figures from history in frazzling situations.
Halfdan is a 14-year-old boy living in Denmark in 1000 AD. His father wants him to stay at home and learn how to carve wooden tools, but Halfdan is determined to become a brave and strong Viking raider, pillaging villages in England. Unfortunately, the raid is a disaster, and Halfdan and his friend Astrid find themselves embarking on an unexpected and perilous trip with the famous Viking explorer Leif Erikson to a strange new land.
Blurb for The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Viking by Tim Collins and Isobel Lundie
The book incorporates ‘Get Real’ fact boxes throughout, providing historical context and further information, as well as a timeline, historical biographies and a glossary in the end matter ideal for middle grade.
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Viking Boy by Tony Bradman, published by Walker Books
Viking Boy by Tony Bradman is an action-packed blend of historical adventure and fantasy for junior readers; a blast of uncensored Viking adventure.
Gunnar is the son of a Viking chieftain, living peacefully on his family steading with his mother, father and their people – until they are raided by Skuli and his Wolf Men, who raze his home to the ground and take his father’s life. Gunnar swears an oath to avenge his father’s death and save his mother from Skuli – but first he must run to save himself. Murderous raiders, hand to hand battles to the death, mythical flying wolves and a relentless sea journey to the Land of Fire and Ice… Unknown to Gunnar, his life has been foretold, and he finds he has a destiny greater than his own story.
Blurb for Viking Boy by Tony Bradman
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The Night Raider: A Viking Tale by Marie-Louise Jensen, published by ReadZone Book
The Night Raider: A Viking Tale by Marie-Louise Jensen is Fiction Express book written with the input of middle grade children and written from a dual narrative.
Astrid and Finn battle against suspicion as their carefully tended livestock continue to disappear. Will they succeed in finding and stopping the secret night raider? And who or what will it turn out to be? A gripping adventure story set in Viking times, with historical facts woven into the fast moving plot.
Blurb for The Night Raider: A Viking Tale by Marie-Louise Jensen
A gripping adventure story set in Viking times, with historical facts woven into the fast moving plot.
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Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor and Loki by Kevin Crossley-Holland, published by Walker Books
Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor and Loki by Kevin Crossley-Holland is illustrated by Jeffrey Alan Love and aimed at the middle grade market.
These dramatic, enthralling and atmospheric tales are based on the Scandinavian myth cycle – one of the greatest and most culturally significant stories in the world – and tell of Odin with his one eye, Thor with his mighty hammer and Loki, the red-haired, shape-shifting trickster. In this stunning collection of myths, the strange world of ancient magic, giants, dwarfs and monsters is unforgettably imagined.
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Blood Feud by Rosemary Sutcliff, published by Red Fox Classics
Blood Feud by Rosemary Sutcliff is suitable for middle grade, ages 9-11.
Jestyn the Englishman had once been Thormod the Viking’s slave, but after saving Thormod’s life he became his shoulder to shoulder man and sworn brother in the deadly blood feud to avenge Thormod’s murdered father, a feud that would take them all the way to Constantinople.
Blurb for Blood Feud by Rosemary Sutcliff
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The Viking Saga by Henry Treece, published by Puffin
The Viking Saga by Henry Treece contains all three books of this exciting middle grade trilogy: Viking’s Dawn, Road to Miklagard, Viking’s Sunset.
It is AD 780. Viking’s Dawn sees a young Norse boy, Harald Sigurdson, set sail for the Hebrides in the longship ‘Nameless’. The goal: to plunder the helpless coastal villages of Britain.
Just five years later, undeterred by his first desperate journey, the dauntless warrior puts to sea once again, in The Road to Miklagard – this time lured by the news of a fabulous hoard of treasure.
After a lifetime struggling with the bitter waves, Harald embarks on his last voyage in Viking’s Sunset, this time not for gain but to seek vengeance on a blood enemy.
Blurb for The Viking Saga by Henry Treece
Into this breath taking trilogy is woven the true spirit of the Vikings, whose great thirst for travelling the seas took them on incredible voyages in defiance of icy waters, terrible hardships and bloodthirsty resistance.
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Myths of the Norsemen by Roger Lancelyn Green, published by Puffin
Puffin Classics bring the very best children’s stories to a new generation with Roger Lancelyn Green’s time-honoured collection of Norse myths and legends. Myths of the Norsemen by Roger Lancelyn Green is introduced by bestselling author Michelle Paver, creator of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness collection and Gods and Warriors, her epic Greek Bronze Age series for Puffin.
The great Norse sagas are full of magic and heroic deeds. Odin’s wanderings, Thor’s hammer, the death of Bakkur, the vision of Ragnarok – tales which have been told since time immemorial – are given a fresh life in this version, written as one continuous exciting adventure story.
This Puffin Classic contains additional endnotes for children including an author profile, a guide to who’s who, activities and more. Suitable for readers 10 years an up.
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I hope you like my selection please don’t forget to add any of your own examples in the comments and keep an eye out for my post later today on young adult books inspired by Norse Mythology and the Vikings.
Thank you again to Alex for inviting me to take part. Thank you.
Today I am hosting a new regular feature on my blog. I will be spotlighting some awesome children’s books each week. To kick us off I am going to shine a spotlight on A Very Curious Christmas by Maddy Moate and Paul Boston. This hardback book was published by Puffin Books on the 12th October.
Join CBBC presenter and YouTuber Maddie Moate as she uncovers the secret science and history of Christmas, with enough festive facts and holiday activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Have you ever wondered where Christmas trees originated?
Or why Father Christmas wears red?
Why crackers go bang?
Where gingerbread first came from?
Or even why brussels sprouts make you fart?
Maddie Moate is here to answer these questions and many more, from how toys work to where gingerbread comes from. You’ll explore the science behind fairy lights, snowflakes, reindeer knees and holly leaves. And you’ll also discover how different people around the world and in space celebrate the Christmas period, and the curious history behind festive traditions. Prepare to be amazed at the wackiest Christmas facts – including floating Christmas trees, roller-skating worshippers and festive underwear.
Plus, at the back of the book you’ll find wintery activities and craft ideas, including how to make Snowy Owl Pinecones and a Folded Magazine Christmas Tree, to get you in the holiday spirit.
Maddie said:
Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, so I thought it would be fun to find out as much about it as I possibly could. I want to know why we celebrate Christmas and do some of the curious things we do, such as hang stockings, eat Brussels sprouts and pull crackers that go BANG!
Maddie Moat
Maddie Moate is a BAFTA winning presenter and YouTuber, passionate about curiosity and inspiring children with the wonders of the world. She is the host of the BAFTA nominated TV series “Maddie’s Do You Know?”, Sony Music’s podcast “Maddie’s Sound Explorers” and presented BBC Earth’s “Earth Unplugged”.
Maddie’s YouTube channel is full of fun, family-focused science videos that have taken her on curious adventures around the world. Her channel is also home to the wildly popular series “Let’s Go Live with Maddie and Greg”, a live family science show which has helped countless families with home schooling since lockdown began in 2020.
Keep an eye out for my review of A Very Curious Christmas by Maddy Moate and Paul Boston next week.
I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson and Puffin Books for organising me a review copy. Thank you,
Much To Do About Writing 