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
A lovely multi-lingual picture book about a young girl meeting her Japanese Grandpa for the first time since she was a baby. Despite the fact they do not speak each other’s language they play happily together for hours every day during his visit.
Grandpa Kuma is portrayed as a bear throughout the book as Kuma is Japanese for bear and he looked cuddly in his photo. I particularly like how Grandpa Kuma’s words are written in both Japanese and also has the Japanese pronunciation. There is also an English translation at the back of the book to satisfy curious minds.
By the end of the story the little girl has learnt how to say ‘bird in Japanese and was able to use the word in conversation, even teaching it to her friend. There is also scope for readers to learn to speak a few Japanese words using the text, illustrations and translation glossary at the back of the picture book, which is a fantastic educational device for learning a new language in a fun way.
A very satisfying story with a lovely premise. I would like to see more bilingual picture books like this.
Today I will shine a spotlight on the middle grade novel, The Nine Night Mystery by Sharna Jackson, which was published by Puffin Books on the 6th June 2024.
Blurb
A page-turning, fast-paced, twisty murder mystery packed with epic reveals, red herrings and sharp, real, funny teen dialogue, perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and the Lizzie and Belle Mysteries, from the award winning author of High-Rise Mystery and The Good Turn.
Last night Wesley and his friends Josephine and Margot threw their neighbour Rachel a surprise birthday party.
This morning, Rachel is dead. And Wesley is the one who finds her body.
Rachel’s friends throw a traditional Caribbean Nine Night celebration to help guide her soul to the next world. But Wesley, Margot and Josephine don’t have time to mourn Rachel. They are determined to find out who did this – and find out what secrets Rachel was keeping…
About the Author
Sharna Jackson is an award-winning author and curator who specialises in developing socially-engaged initiatives for children across culture, publishing and entertainment. She was recently the Artistic Director at Site Gallery in Sheffield, and was formerly the editor of the Tate Kids website.
Sharna’s debut novel High-Rise Mystery received numerous awards and accolades including the Waterstones Book Prize for the Best Book for Younger Readers. Sharna lives on a ship in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
It is my pleasure to be taking part in the blog tour for Justin Somper’s incredible new pirate series, Pirate Academy.
About the Author
Justin Somper is a creative talent in children’s book publishing. Beginning his career as a writer/editor for Usborne, he joined Puffin Books as a publicist in 1992 and moved to Random House as Children’s Publicity Director in 1996. In 1998, Justin became one of the UK’s first specialist children’s book publicists. He has since worked with Anthony Horowitz, Louise Rennison, the Roald Dahl literary estate and the Narnia literary estate amongst others.
Justin made the transition from leading book publicist to bestselling author, with a roaring success with Vampirates. He has recently released the second book in his new Pirate Academy series, Missing at Sea.
My stop on the tour takes the form of an author interview about the writing of Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea.
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Ahoy Justin. Ye be welcome to me blog.
JS: Thank ye!
When I was invited on the tour I was excited, as I loved your first book in the Pirate Academy series, New Kid on Deck. I am currently reading the second book Missing at Sea and finding it just as good as the first.
JS: Thank ye again! (Just to be clear, I never talk like this!)
Tell us about yourself and the inspiration for the Pirate Academy series.
I’m a British author (mostly middle-grade) currently living in Perth, Western Australia with my Aussie husband. I’m probably best known for my Vampirates books, which have been published in 35 countries to date and are currently being developed for TV.
Pirate Academy has its beginnings in my other MG series, Vampirates. The Pirate Academy (Coral Sea Province) first appeared in Vampirates 2: Tide of Terror, as did several key characters, including Headcaptain Commodore John Kuo, Jacoby Blunt and Jasmine Peacock.
I know there’s a lot of affection for Pirate Academy from longstanding Vampirates readers. Also, during visits to schools over the years, I’ve been asked for pirate stories for younger readers that still retain my typical edge as a writer. For these reasons, I’ve been keen to return to the idea of Pirate Academy for a while and break it out into its own series. When UCLan Publishing released their fab new editions of Vampirates in 2020 and 2021 and I started going back into schools after the pandemic, the strong response I received to my stories from new readers encouraged me to get moving with Pirate Academy. Pleasingly, it came together quite quickly.
If you were a pirate, what would your pirate name be and where would you hide your treasure?
I’d be Captain Swashbuckle Somper, I guess. Keep it simple, right? I’d hide my treasure in a complex underwater safe, protected by various mechanisms and a good deal of seawater above it.
Asking for a mate – Can ye send a map?
I’m afraid not. But maybe a coded clue?
How did you develop your characters and their voices so children can identify with them?
I do try to give the characters distinctive voices and points of view and work hard not to “duplicate” characters. Depicting the fifteen members of Barracuda Class has been a next-level challenge in this regard. I hope that I’m getting it right most of the time and that Jasmine, Neo, Jacoby, Leif, Shay and co all have distinct voices. There were points in the second book where I worried that Ocean was sounding too like Jasmine and Cosmo too much like Jacoby, so I went back and thought further about the nuances of their different mindsets. I’m writing Book 3 at the moment and I’ve done a chapter where all fifteen Barracudas have a line of speech. This was very fun and satisfying to do. I enjoy writing dialogue and I like listening to how people talk to each other in real-life, so I can carry some of that onto the page.
What was your favourite children’s book and why?
My favourite book series as a child was Helen Cresswell’s The Bagthorpe Saga, so it would be one of those books – maybe Absolute Zero. I think I really identified with the big, noisy family life it depicted. (I am one of four kids.) I was lucky enough to meet Helen Cresswell and tell her how much those books mean to me.
As a teen, I adored The Outsiders and Catcher in the Rye.
Talk us through your world building for Pirate Academy.
How much time do you have?! There are so many different aspects to world-building for these books – and again, I’m enjoying the challenge. I’m on a schools tour in the UK at the moment and one aspect of world-building I am talking to young audiences about is the lessons at Pirate Academy. I think it is central to the success of this series that the lessons need to be believable but also fun and also full of jeopardy. My starting point was borrowing my nephew Matt’s school timetable and swapping out his weekly lessons for more piratical ones. Once I’ve devised the lessons themselves, then I like to take things to the next level once we are “in” the class. So in Knots Class, we see Captain Quivers getting as excited as her students with “attack knots”. And in Swords Class, we find that the floor tilts to mirror conditions on the deck of a ship.
Another key aspect of world-building is thinking about the kids’ pirate families and their ships. I’ll build up extra back-story in my head to deploy when the time is right. For instance, from the beginning, I’ve had the thought that the Lermentov and Corsini families are deadly rivals and wouldn’t tolerate Ocean and Cosmo being friends. And, of course, Cosmo and Ocean ARE great friends, but it’s only in Book 3 that we will become aware of the pressure from their families. It’s good to have these reserves of extra story to plug into as and when.
Tell us about your Pirate Academy school tour and upcoming events planned for this summer.
Ha! I’m about halfway through the schools side of it and I’m having a wonderful time. In just over a week, I’ve visited 14 schools, several of which have invited other schools to join the sessions. I’ve been working with students across KS2 and I’m excited that Pirate Academy seems to be hitting the mark for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 – which is broader than I anticipated. I have more visits scheduled for the next week and my final one is really special because it’s the school in East London that my two great-nephews go to!
After that, I’ve got two days of public events on The Golden Hinde (August 3rd) and the Cutty Sark (August 9th). Tickets are (I think) still available for both of these via their websites.
What writing advice would you give to people aspiring to be a children’s book writer?
Read often and widely
Write often but in realistic chunks – say 90 mins or two hours at a time
Don’t give up!
If you’re an adult, don’t talk down to your audience
Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about your books and writing for children?
I think we’ve covered a lot, thank you! Oh you could check out my lesser-known “duology” for young teens, Allies & Assassins and its sequel A Conspiracy of Princes.
What are your social media links where can people find out more about you and your books?
I’m easily found as I’m @JustinSomper on Insta, X and Facebook. I’m most active these days on Insta. I dabble with TikTok but I suspect I’m not going to become a BookTokker.
Where is the best place for people to buy your book?
You can find multiple links in my linktree on my socials. But why not just pop into your local bookshop – be it an indie or a chain bookstore – and ask for it. Even if they don’t have it right there, they can speedily order it in for you. As I’m based in Australia for the forseeable, I am exploring a relationship with one or two indie booksellers through whom we can always offer signed and personalised copies of my books. Check my insta for more news on this as it develops!
You can purchase copies of both books in the Pirate Academy series by Justin Somper from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.
I would like to thank Graeme Williams for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.
To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule:
Another gripping holiday read with a superb cast of diverse, well-rounded characters each with their own flaws and quirks. Priya is given a bangle by her grandmother before she dies. The bangle is a family heirloom but the catch is broken so it won’t unlock.
Things are not going well for Priya. It is the year anniversary of grandmother’s death and Priya misses her. On top of this, her parents keep arguing and Priya feels they are harder on her than her ADHD sister, she is being bullied at school and she is stressed about her gymnastics and qualifying for the Olympics. Her and her friends are also racially persecuted by adults on their way home from school. As she doesn’t want to disappoint anyone, she pretends to her friends and family everything is perfect but really she feels totally alone.
One night whilst her parents are yelling at each other she cries clutching the bangle. To her surprise it opens so she slips it on. From this moment on she discovers she is unable to continue telling her little white lies to keep everyone happy. The harder she tries not to blurt out the truth, the harder it becomes.
I liked the way The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie emphasises how all families no matter what race have their own secrets. This book also highlights how beliefs can be passed on through generations. I also liked the subtle message on racism showing even if parents are bigoted it doesn’t mean their children have to be. People no matter their age, can make up their own minds and opinions, breaking this detrimental cycle.
A great middle grade book suitable for 9+ readers. A fun and hilarious read. I can imagine this book as a series on the television.
You can buy copies of The Girl Who Couldn’t Lieby Radhika Sanghani from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.
My spotlight post for today is for Bryony Pearce’s debut middle grade novel, Hannah Messenger and the Gods of Hockwold, which was released on 6th June 2024 by UCLan Publishing.
Blurb
From award-winning YA and adult author Bryony Peace comes a debut middle grade novel – a funny, contemporary fantasy story about learning that real power is in the friendships you make.
The Gods of Olympus have finally retired – not to a Greek island but to a sleepy English village, Hockwold cum Wilton, complete with a parish council, a cricket pitch and a local pub.
But the Gods of Olympus and their descendants have lost their memories. They think they are ordinary humans. Only Hannah Messenger, the great-granddaughter of Zeus, and her friends know who they really are. And that means, when the God’s objects of power start to go missing, only Hannah and her friends can stop the thief.
About the Author
Bryony Pearce is a multi-award-winning novelist working in both the YA and Adult markets. In the YA genre she has produced a mixture of dark thrillers, paranormal adventures, dystopia and horror. Hannah Messenger is her middle grade debut.
Bryony teaches the course Writing for Children at City University, regularly visits schools to speak about reading and writing and conducts creative writing workshops, as well as delivering entertaining and inspirational talks. She has performed at the Edinburgh Literary Festival, The Wychwood Festival, Comicon, YALC, the Sci Fi Weekender, The Just So Festival and a number of other festivals and events.
For my spotlight today I am shining a light on Billie’s Buzz by author / illustrator Alison Brown. This beautiful picture book is released today, Thursday 4th July 2024, by Farshore Books.
Blurb
Six Legs. Four wings. No limits!
Billie’s Buzz is a delightfully funny celebration of bees, unique friendships – and the importance of bee-ing your true self by Alison Brown.
Billie is a bee with BIG ambition… When the Festival of Talents comes to town, Billie is determined to show off her skills. She’s intelligent! She’s cute! She’s agile!
But Billie’s human friend has a bit of advice: don’t use your wings. Some people can be funny about bees… Can Billie share her talents without revealing her true identity?
A perfect book for those who are nervous of bees or learning about their unique importance to the world, little ones will also discover all sorts of facts about bees.
About the Author
Alison Brown studied Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University and Goldsmiths College, London, and worked as a designer in an advertising agency before becoming a full-time writer and illustrator.
She learned to draw by copying cartoon strips from her comics and her father’s newspapers, particularly the Peanuts cartoons by Charles M. Schulz. Alison is the creator of Amazing Mum and Amazing Dad (2023), and Amazing Sister and Amazing Brother (2024), published by Farshore.
I love this trilogy. It is not very often I decide to review a whole trilogy in one go but it is been a long time since a trilogy has impressed me this much and what I had to say about the series is relevant to all three books.
The Legend of the Sky trilogy comprise of three distinct and dynamic, rip-roaring fast-paced adventures that will keep you on the edge of your seats and have you turning the pages to the very last word and leave you wanting another new episode – a fourth book.
Think of this series as Game of Thrones for younger readers with a real emphasis on the dragons. It puts other middle grade dragon adventures in the shade. The descriptions and the characters really pull you into the story.
I was enthralled on how the history and folklore of the dragons and the different islands was cleverly weaved into the story as it progressed so at no time did you feel like it was a massive info-dump.
The covers of all three books, by award-winning Joe Todd-Stanton, are dramatic and eye-catching that will entice readers to pick up the book to see what they are about.
Now I will spend a little time on each of these brilliant books.
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Title: Dragon Daughter (Legends of the Sky #1)
The first in the Legends of the Sky middle grade fantasy adventure series.
On the island of Arcosi, dragons and their riders used to rule the skies. But now they are only legends, found in bedtime stories, on beautiful murals and ancient jewellery. Then servant girl Milla witnesses a murder and finds herself caring for the last four dragon eggs. Forced to keep them secret amidst the growing tensions in the city, she begins to fear that the island’s ruler, Duke Olvar, isn’t all that he seems.
But how can Milla and her friends keep the eggs safe when it means endangering everything she’s ever loved? Fiery friendships, forgotten family and the struggle for power collide as Milla’s fight to save the dragons leads her to discover her own hidden past.
Milla is a shy, hard-working servant in the Thornsen household, who is unable to tell people ‘no’ even though she is exhausted. she has no self-esteem and tries so hard to please everyone she is running herself ragged. When she witnesses a murder and discovers a bag containing four oval objects, which she later realises are dragon’s eggs, she must learn to overcome her shyness and be more assertive. In this way Dragon Daughter has a brilliant and satisfying character arc that has the reader routing for her from the start.
This is a fantastic story and the dynamics between the different characters are believable as is the politics of the different islands and their struggle for power. I enjoyed reading about the contrasting relationships of the twins, Isak and Tarya, with their father and the conflicting feelings of Taya and Vigo.
An exciting fast-paced adventure with well-described charismatic dragons worth risking your life for.
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Title: Rise of the Shadow Dragons (Legends of the Sky #2)
The second in the Legends of the Sky middle grade fantasy adventure series.
Jowan wants only one thing – to bond with a dragon of his own. Then disaster strikes and his world suddenly turns into a darker and more dangerous place. But a new friend and an astonishing discovery could lead him to what he has always wanted….if he is just willing to take a leap of faith and brave the impossible.
Set on the Island of Arcosi ten years later. Vigo and Tarya are now the Duke and Duchess, Isak is chief dragonguard and runs the Dragon School and Milla is an important dragonrider and protector of Arcosi. I loved how we were introduced to some incredible new dragons in the form of the shadow dragons, Ren and Fidell, and the intriguing mystery that surrounds them. These dragons are born out of all four elements, fire, air, water and earth, so unlike other dragons they have to ability to swim underwater.
There are also some dynamic new characters who are the main protagonists of the story. Joe Thornsen, who we met briefly at the end of Dragon Daughter, is about to attend the Hatching Ceremony to see if he is lucky enough to be chosen as a dragon rider by one of the new hatchlings. When things go horribly wrong he befriends Winter, whose dragon died in the Great Loss when a terrible sickness killed over half the dragons. Together they must overcome them doubts and their overwhelming emotions.
I am in awe of Liz Flanagan’s world-building that really does without a word of a lie, keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages. The new Game of Throne style power struggle is well-executed with highly believable motivations and disagreements, with the added peril of a volcanic disaster.
Another thrilling middle grade fantasy adventure that will fire up the imagination.
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Title: The Pirate’s Dragon (Legends of the Sky #3)
A thrilling conclusion to the award-winning Legends of the Sky middle grade fantasy series.
Serina and Raff live on separate islands, each believing the other’s people to be their sworn enemy. Forced together in dramatic circumstances, they become unlikely friends while caring for their young dragons. But when Serina’s home, family, and all the dragons of Arcosi are threatened, can Raff and Serina persuade their families to work together? It will take faith, forgiveness and courage to save the dragons!
Before I started reading The Pirate’s Dragon I thought, how can Liz Flanagan top the first two book in the Legends of the Sky series in her third and last book of this fantastic trilogy, but she certainly does. This final conclusion of the trilogy is as flawless and compelling as the other two. Again there is superb world-building and tremendous character arcs that had me enthralled to the end.
This time they are from the perspectives of another two new characters, Serina the daughter of Duke Vigo and Duchess Tarya and the Queen of the pirate’s step-son Raff Sparrowhawk. Their dragons are Alden and Pearl and each have their own characteristics and quirks in the same way as any of the humans.
Arcosi is under threat from their neighbouring nations again, as they want to own dragons of their own. The Norlanders are trying to return the city back to the way it used to be before there were dragons. Our heroes from all three books must join ranks to save the dragons and their homes.
An epic conclusion to this captivating middle grade series.
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All three books are cleverly plotted with highly motivated characters that will really capture your imagination and your hearts. With themes of determination, bravery and friendship, the Legends of the Sky series is a highly recommended middle grade read.
You can purchase copies of all three of the Legends of the Sky series from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.
I was lucky to be allocated two spots on the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award tour for the 5th place finalist, Sam Clarke, with her gripping fantasy novel, The Templar Sword.
My second post for this tour will take the form of an author interview with Sam Clarke.
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Tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration for your The Templar Sword
The inspiration came from a combination of my love for adventure stories (from “Treasure Island” to “Indiana Jones”) and my fascination with history and archaeology. I have always been intrigued by the mysteries of the past and the idea that there are still undiscovered secrets waiting to be found. The thought of uncovering a long-lost artefact or solving an ancient puzzle is incredibly exciting to me. I wanted to create a story that would transport readers to exotic locations, immerse them in thrilling adventures, and make them feel the same sense of wonder and excitement that I felt as a teen.
Why did you decide to write a book about the legacy of the Knights Templar for young adults?
The Knights Templar have always been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and their story is filled with adventure, bravery, and secrets. I wanted to bring them to life in a way that would resonate with young adults.
What does being a Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) finalist mean to you?
It means a lot because it shows that my story has resonated with readers. This recognition is not only validating but also motivating, as it encourages me to continue writing and sharing my stories.
Tell us a little about the first book in the series, The Twelfth Ring, and your plans for the series.
The Templar Sword can be read as a stand-alone, but if readers want to find out more about the start of Noah’s journey and how he came to reconnect with his father and join his treasure hunting crew, they should check The Twelfth Ring out. A third book is in the pipeline, but I’m currently promoting my first YA fantasy adventure novel (The Walls of Shimar) so it won’t be published this year.
How much research did you need to do for this series and what was your most unusual research?
A lot. Especially when it came to historical timelines and locations. I have been to Venice, but never to Seville or the Dominican Republic. I really wanted to bring those places to life so there was a lot of reading and google-map walking! My characters are really lucky—they travel more than I do! In terms of weird research, the prize goes to cave diving… I didn’t know much about it, and I had no idea how dangerous it was.
Is there a particular place you like to write?
My sofa. With a cup of coffee balanced on the armrest. I should really invest in a desk…
What writing advice would you give to people aspiring to write young adult books?
Go for it. Embrace the creative process, celebrate your progress, and take pride in the stories you create.
Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about your The Templar Sword?
Readers sometimes associate artefact hunting with “boring” historical facts, but The Templar Sword is really a lot of fun. A reader told me she’d been noting passages and sending them to friends because the lines were hilarious. She made my day.
What are your social media links where can people find out about you and your books?
To find out more about the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award and our the 5th place finalist, Sam Clarke, please see my first spotlight post for this BBNYA tour that went live yesterday. You can take a peek here: Blog Tour – The Templar Sword by Sam Clarke.
A Kindle edition of The Templar Sword is currently available with Kindle Unlimited.
I would like to thank Dave from The Write Reads and the BBNYA for inviting me to do a second post on this tour. Thank you.
I am pleased to announce I am on the blog tour for the 5th place finalist of the BBNYA, to shine a spotlight on young adult mystery thriller The Templar Sword by Sam Clarke.
BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.
If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.
Blurb
An ancient sword has been missing for centuries. Recovering it would prove Noah’s worth to his father and earn him a place at the Clearview Templar Academy.
When he stumbles across a Renaissance painting that holds a clue to the sword’s location, Noah’s dream seems within reach. As the death toll quickly mounts, it becomes apparent that others are hunting the sword – for far more evil ends. The future of the Templars, very much like Noah’s, is at stake.
Together with his friend Viggo and mischievously attractive Isabelle, Noah embarks on the deadliest quest of his life. The sword’s dangerous trail will take them from the canals of Venice, to the spires of Seville, to a gripping showdown in the underwater caves of the Caribbean.
A fresh, original adventure story. Can be read as a standalone novel or as the sequel to The Twelfth Ring.
Ideal for fans of Outerbanks, Indiana Jones, and Uncharted
Author Bio
Sam Clarke is addicted to rock music, coffee, and Japanese manga. Her gardening skills are abysmal and she is rumoured to have killed a potted cactus. She currently lives in London with two cats, two kids, and a husband. Her first book, The Twelfth Ring (a Page Turner Awards finalist and a BBNYA semi-finalist) reached #1 in the Amazon Young Adult Thrillers charts.
Her second book, The Templar Sword (a Page Turner Awards finalist and Ink and Insights Judges’ Favourite) was released on 7 June 2022 and hit the #1 New Release spot on Amazon US a week later.
To read some of the reviews about this 5 star book take a look at:
This is a lovely book with a highly original story that will keep young children engaged. There are themes of friendship, being true to yourself and obsession.
Senan spots a strange town on the hill that has winding streets and yellow roofs but it is not always there so he calls it Shy Town. When he tells Joshua who lives next door she persuades him to find it. So along with Senan’s resourceful grandmother in her ramshackle wheelchair they set off on an epic adventure to find the elusive Shy Town. Toni Galmés illustrations help to bring the characters and their wild adventure to life.
On the way, they meet new friends Paperboy made entirely of paper and a resident of Shy Town known as a Kruckle. This extraordinary group of unique and diverse characters have been well-crafted with their own quirks, flaws and endearing features such as Joshua’s ADHD and Senan being introverted. It also touches on children deciding what gender they are. Considering the book is advertised as the 6+ age range, I do have reservations about presenting this theme to such young children and for this reason I would suggest this book should be classified as Key Stage Two and not Key Stage One.
Senan and his friends eventually stumble upon Shy Town and discover the inhabitants call the town, Perfection, because it is absolutely perfect. But all is not well in Perfection: the Kruckles are constantly worrying about making it more and more perfect and since more perfect than perfect is an impossibility, they are constantly exhausted. I liked how the book explores perfection and how it can be impossible to achieve.
A great book for stimulating a discussion in the classroom on what the children see as their vision of perfect and whether this is realistically achievable.
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To read an article about Exploring Difficult Emotions in the Safety of a Story by Erika McGann take a look at: Blog Tour – Chasing the Shy Town.
Much To Do About Writing 