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
How to Make a Picture Book is the perfect gift for children who want to write and make their own books. It is full of bold illustrations drawn and narrated by the author-illustrator, Dr Elys Dolan, who speaks directly to the reader, anthropomorphised by a bookworm and helped by her trusty assistant Bert.
Elys and Bert talk the reader through where they can get their ideas from, to developing characters through interviews and character sketches. What setting is and how the setting can tell you more about the characters.
This fantastic book then goes on to help children decide what will happen in their story by providing story sentence starters and then illustrates how they can make their own books for the story to go in, showing them how to put the pages together and how the pictures can be used to add more meaning to the story and show the action. It even talks about page turners and the use of colour in your illustrations.
How to Make a Picture Book really is the ultimate step-by-step guide for making a picture book. This unique picture books is packed with brilliant activities, top tips and funny jokes to keep the children entertained. They will love finding out how Bert develops his story idea about the Pizza Delivery Dinosaur. The instructions are easy to follow and will inspire even the most reluctant writer to have a go.
Ideal for use in the classroom and at home. Children can spend days creating their own stories and picture books and sharing them with their friends. A fun project which the whole family can join in. Great for project work.
How to Make a Picture Book is released by Walker Books next week on Thursday 3rd November. Just in time to write your action-packed firework stories or reminisce on the spooky Halloween stories they have read and heard.
I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson for sending me a review copy of this book.
If you would like more ideas on writing picture books you can see my post on Planning a picture book here:
Today I am going to share my book review of Phyllo Cane and the Magical Menagerie by Sharn W. Hutton.
The first in the series, Phyllo Cane and the Circus of Wonder, was hailed by the judging panel of The Booklife Prize to be ‘dizzyingly bewitching, articulate and intoxicating.’ The sequel, Phyllo Cane and the Magical Menagerie, was released on July 31st 2022.
However, before I begin the actual review, I would like to tell you all about the amazing book package I received of the review copies. This must be one of my favourite and most theatrical themed review book packages that I have ever received and I am in awe of Sharn for the organisation that must of gone in to doing this.
When I first received the parcel I did not know what it was – it really was a mystery package. When I opened it there was a Big Top shaped box that fit the circus theme perfectly. However, there was a piece of card covering the window at the front, which I had to remove before all was revealed. So cool! Just like magic.
Just the box was impressive enough, but when I removed the contents of the box I was overwhelmed to discover what I assume is a wind-up paper dragon (and not a butterfly), a bag of pop corn ideal for eating at the circus, or while you read the books, and a copy of not only the book I was asked to review but also the first book in the series: Phyllo Cane and the Circus of Wonder.
Sharn had also kindly signed both books, which was lovely.
It was so exciting! Thank you Sharn.
All I have to do now is get on with the review.
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Title: Phyllo Cane and the Magical Menangerie
Written by: Sharn W Hutton
Published by: Star City Press
Phyllo Cane and the Magical Menagerie by Sharn W. Hutton
I can say with hand on heart, the second book is even better than the first, as we follow Phyllo on another action-packed adventure. Twelve-year-old Phyllo Cane use to work with his family – brother, sister and father – in the Circus of Wonders. His dad runs the magical confectionery business where the enticing sweets are made of beautiful memories that will fill the person eating them with joy as they watch the show.
However, mishap and mayhem seem to follow Phyllo and threaten the circus wherever he goes from accidently burning down the big top to getting his twin brother hurt by confronting the jester. It is not surprising the exasperated Ringmaster orders Phyllis to start again elsewhere in the circus in a bid to discover his real talent and place in this incredible world of magic. The second book opens straight away from where the last book left off with Phyllo worried if he does not find his place he will be asked to leave the safety of the Circus and his family will follow him into the In-between.
In Circus of Wonder, Phyllo was apprenticed as a Trapeze Artist with an unfortunate fear of heights. In Magical Menagerie, we Join Phyllo for his next apprenticeship, which this time happens to be with Tamer Venor, who cares for all the mystical creatures in the Menagerie. This is such a great concept and will open the series up to Phyllo to draw on this incredible skill on more apprenticeship adventures in the future.
Tamer Venor is worried about her favourite dragon and needs to get it back on its feet before the ringmaster decides it is worth more money to use it for meat. The sand dragon is lonely and wants a mate, but finding a male sand dragon will be difficult as they are very rare. Tamar knows she will never be able to catch one on her own. So Phyllo becomes her apprentice to help her but the problem is Tamar already has an apprentice who she found on the streets and Panya seems to have taken an instant dislike to Phyllo. To catch the sand dragon Phyllo must first embark on a quest to discover his animal totem, a magical baton, a mystical portable altar and the exact words of command to control it.
This magical upper middle-grade, fantasy adventure is well written with some excellent world building. Sharn’s exceptional descriptions bring vivid pictures to the mind of the circus, the atmosphere, and the magnificent beasts in the menagerie. The reader is transported into the world of big tops, popcorn, breath-taking countryside and some brilliantly flamboyant characters.
The plot is full of unexpected twists and Phyllo, true to character, still makes slightly dodgy decisions with sometimes hilarious results. The book also touches on themes of depression and addiction.
I really enjoyed the story and can’t wait to read the next instalment. I would recommend this book to fluent readers in Year Six upwards.
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The Adventures of Phyllo Cane are available as e-book for Kindle and are included in Kindle Unlimited. Paperbacks are available for order from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Waterstones. Most book stores will be able to order it in. If you visit the Amazon pages you will be able to see full descriptions and the possibility of downloading a free sample for kindle. The international book link to the series is: mybook.to/PhylloCane
My interview today is a blast from the past from Writers’ Forum issue #237 Oct 2021, when I interviewed structural engineer, Roma Agrawal, about her children’s non-fiction that provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of the world’s most amazing landmarks.
Roma has worked on many of the skyscrapers and bridges in the UK, including The Shard, the tallest tower in Western Europe. Her technical job is to ensure the structures are safe and stable. Her children’s book How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures was inspired by an adult book she wrote looking at how construction has evolved from the mud huts of our ancestors to skyscrapers of steel that reach hundreds of metres into the sky.
How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures is a concise look at how engineers build all sorts of structures and the ingenious methods engineers have come up with to enable us to build underground, underwater, on ice and even in space. Her illustrator was Katie Hickey who has brought a beautiful sense of wonder and playfulness to this book with her illustrations showing fascinating cross-sections, skylines and close-ups of engineering techniques in action, provide unique and illuminating perspectives of these awe-inspiring constructions.
How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures by Roma Agrawal
Roma told me her aim was to showcase a mix of well-known structures and also less familiar ones that would be accessible for young readers. She explained it was hard to narrow it down and started with a long list, in a spreadsheet, with structures from each continent from the categories – bridge, building, dam, tunnel, etc. After this she jotted down what fascinated her about each structure and what was the most compelling story behind it. In some cases, she said it was a story about a material, in others, its history.
“Some of the content between my book for adults and the adaptation for children overlaps but I wanted to ensure I covered structures from all seven continents and also in space, so I researched loads more stories. I thought about which structures and engineers might capture a young person’s imagination and create stunning visuals. It was a tough task trying to cut down the extensive list I first came up with.”
Roma Agrawal
Roma told me her favourite spread is the How to Build in Outer Space. It feels like science fiction, but it’s real research that scientists are doing right now.
She said she chose the particular engineers as they are all really inspiring and she wanted to feature people from different eras and from different places to show children that engineers are from all sorts of diverse backgrounds. So in the book she has included the more known names from the Industrial Revolution like Henry Bessemer, but also Emily Roebling, who ran the Brooklyn Bridge construction as a woman in the 19th century.
Roma revealed that when adapting her adult non-fiction book, Built, into a STEM non-fiction aimed at children the major change was restructuring the narrative to answer the sort of questions a young reader might have such as, How do you build tall? How do you build a long bridge? Or how do you build a watertight dam?
“I wanted to answer these questions with surprising examples from all around the world, and very importantly, include some of the pioneering engineers who made them possible. I also needed to figure out how to fit in all the information needed to understand a structure – this ranges from how particular materials are made, or how the ancient Romans built to how columns and beams work and how to design against forces like earthquakes.”
Roma Agrawal
She explained the trick was to find stories behind the complicated science or engineering and centre the information around them as this was important to humanise STEM. The book includes some incredible stories of people from all sorts of backgrounds that have made the world the way it is today, and proves to young people they too can change the world and make a contribution to something exciting.
Her advice to Writers’ Forum readers aspiring to write for children is to tell the stories. Even if you think there aren’t any, dig deep and find them. It’s never too late to learn to write. She told me she disliked even writing technical reports that were a part of my job, let alone creative writing. But she challenged herself and learned this invaluable new skill in my 30s.
Roma has another children’s non-fiction engineering book out in 2023 called, Nuts and Bolts: Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World (in a Big Way).
To read the complete feature you can purchase a copy of #237 Oct 2021 Writers’ Forum by ordering online from Select Magazines.
Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows by Jenny Moore
Maverick publishing is launching on Friday 28th October a top-notch new fantasy series with a fantastic premise. Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows by Jenny Moore is the first in this series about a girl who has hatched out of a dragon’s egg. She looks perfectly normal except for the scales on her arms and legs.
Emba has remained hidden from the majority of the world until an evil sorcerer, Necromalcolm, discovers her whereabouts. He lures Emba and Odolf Bravebuckle to Gravethorn Castle as he needs her dragon blood for his dastardly spell. Our two heroes have to save their friend and guardian Fred, the Wise Hermit of Witchingford Woods.
This fast-paced adventure has a small cast of characters who are all have very different personalities. Emba is loyal and courageous in direct contrast to Odolf who believes his bravery is determined by his stolen belt buckle. The fantasy world Jenny Moore has created is highly believable from the cave where the Tome of Terrible /Tomorrows is kept, to the Pool of Perilous Perception to the Grave Tower of Gravestone, with its impossible spiral staircases. The names are pure genius.
The most prominent thing for me that made this book stand out from many other middle-grade fantasy adventures is the authors distinctive voice. From the very start we are in the mind of Emba and daren’t leave her side right up to the ‘calamitous climax’. Even the often hilarious chapter headings are firmly in the style of Emba’s thoughts and opinions of what is happening.
Our heroes learn bravery comes from within and not from shiny artefacts and you are still part of a family even though you look different. With themes of courage, friendship and family, Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows would be ideal for children who loved reading Sophie Anderson’s books.
There is a brilliant hook at the end leading us to another exciting adventure. This is a great addition to any bookshelf at home or at school. I look forward to reading the second in the series, Emba Oak and the Beckoning Bones.
I would like to thank Abi Reeves from Maverick Publishing for sending me a review copy this book. Thank you.
You can buy copies of Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows by Jenny Moore direct from Maverick Publishing, or from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org, an organisation with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops.
Today on my blog I am talking about an interview I did with Paola Totaro for my Research Secrets slot In this month’s issue of Writers’ Forum #248 26 Oct 2022. She explained how losing her sense of smell during Covid inspired her and her husband to co-write their non-fiction book, On the Scent.
On the afternoon of March 27, 2020, Paolo told me she went to the bathroom and after washing her hands and using her usual scented hand cream, she realised she had completely lost her sense of smell.
“I will never forget the moment because it was so sudden, so inexplicable and so utterly frightening. I’m driven by smell. I walk the park with the dog smelling flowers, the air, rain and being unable to smell anything was an existential shock. I felt as if I’d been put in a bubble and was missing a vital connection with the outside world.”
Paola Totaro
This inspired her to read more anecdotal reports of this mysterious, sudden smell loss to find out what was happening to her and what quickly also struck millions of others around the world. She found herself researching the cultural history of smell and how human perception and response to smells has changed over the centuries, from theories of miasma in which smell was said to be harbinger of disease to the use of changes in smell as diagnostic tools.
She told me she must have read hundreds of research papers that were being pre-published during Covid and also interviewed scientists from all over the world -neuroscientists in the US – to specialist ENT physicians in Germany and Switzerland – to philosophers in the UK and Spain.
“I reached out straight away to Professor Barry Smith, Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the School of Advanced Study, University of London who happened to have said something on Twitter about smell that day and he, bless him, sent me an incredibly kind email acknowledging just how awful the loss can be. Later, he would also help me onto the path to find the top global chemosensory specialists who might explain what was going on.”
Paolo Totaro
Paola revealed she even created a google alert on the word anosmia, which was enormously helpful as science and medicine were advancing at leaps and bounds in this area. She also spent a week immersed with young doctors and scientists who planned to specialise in otorhinolaryngology or olfaction research, at a summer school at the University of Dresden in 2021 run by Professor Thomas Hummel, known in this world of smell as the ‘grandfather of olfaction’.
On the Scent by Paolo Totaro and Robert Wainwright
The resulting book, On the Scent – Unlocking the mysteries of smell – and how its loss can change your world, is a mix of Paolo’s personal memoir of her journey into dealing with her loss of smell integrated with all the scientific research she uncovered. Much of the book was written in lockdown so many of her interviews were conducted over Zoom. She also interviewed people who had been born without a sense of smell, others who lost the sense to virus or brain injury. Reading the bibliographies and footnotes of other published writers/authors on the topic of olfaction was also hugely helpful and Paolo reached out to some authors who were also helpful and generous.
Paolo explained her husband, Robert Wainwright who specialises in writing the biographies of interesting and important people lost in history wrote about people throughout history who had no sense of smell, such as the great nature poet, Wordsworth who was anosmic. He also contributed the story of INXS frontman, Michael Hutchence, who plunged into depression when he lost his sense of smell. She elaborated Robert was her slash and burn guy as were the editors at Elliott and Thompson.
“Throughout the writing process, I would read aloud to Robert each evening and if his eyes glazed over in the science bits, I’d wind them back. He did the same for me with his people chapters – but he’s much less long winded than me.”
In the October issue of Writers’ Forum #248 Oct 22, I have interviewed Sophie Anderson for my Writing for Children double-page spread, about how Slavic folklore and fairy tales have influenced her novels.
Sophie told me her writing is massively influenced by folk and fairy tales, especially the Slavic ones her Prussian grandmother told her when she was young.
“They shaped my childhood and my life in many ways, and took root in my imagination.”
Sophie Anderson
Sophie’s first published book was The House with Chicken Legs, which involved a reimagining of Baba Yaga – a fascinating and multi-layered character from Russian and Slavic folklore. She revealed she did so much research into folktales for this book, that much of what she didn’t use ended up inspiring her second book, The Girl who Speaks Bear, which contains several folktale-retellings woven into an overarching narrative.
Her third and fourth books, The Castle of Tangled Magic and The Thief who Sang Storms, were also inspired by Slavic folklore, as well as Russian poetry and folk poems.
“I think it is wonderful how so many modern writers are keeping old stories alive; retelling, reimagining and reworking ancient imagination and wisdom to appeal to audiences today. I tend to reimagine tales rather than retell them (although on occasion, like in The Girl Who Speaks Bear, I have retold stories). I aim to balance inspiration from the old with inspiration from the new.”
Sophie Anderson
Sophie explained she takes inspiration from all the people, places and real-life stories around her. The House with Chicken Legs was inspired by Baba Yaga, the main character, Marinka, was inspired by her children, specifically their desire to ‘climb over fences’, be more independent, and carve their own futures.
At the heart of any good story there are universal themes we can relate to. The House with Chicken Legs explores death and grief along with making the most of life and taking control of your future. The Girl who Speaks Bear explores family, friendship, individuality and belonging. The Castle of Tangled Magic explores belief in magic, self-belief, and learning from mistakes. The Thief who Sang Storms, explores conflict, division, prejudice, propaganda, and the world-changing power of kindness and unity. The main underlying theme is one of unity.
“I think whilst it is wonderful to work with fantastic elements from old tales, such as houses with chicken legs, shapeshifting bears, house-spirits, and bird-people, stories will only appeal to readers if they can relate to the experiences, emotions and struggles of the characters themselves.”
Sophie Anderson
She uses folklore and legends as a way of exploring and expressing these themes.
Linnet from The Thief who Sang Storms Illustrated by Joanna Lisowiec
Sophie revealed her planning process is messy and very paper-based. She told me she fills up notebooks with ideas and stream-of-consciousness free writing and ring-binders with maps and plans, character studies, notes on settings, lists of key events and plot points, and thoughts about possible themes and messages. Once she starts writing the chapters she inevitably changes her plans so it is an organic process. .
Sophie said if a character feels vague and not fully-formed she will do some exercises, like write letters or a diary from that character’s point of view. Or might interview them, take them out for an imaginary coffee for a chat, or write a scene that doesn’t end up in the book, where they are having a day out with a friend.
Her writing tips to writers wanting to write a novel for children inspired by folklore and folktales is firstly, read lots!
“Reading is the most enjoyable way to learn how to craft a story. Read old dusty texts in antiquated language. Read modern retellings. Watch movies inspired by the old tales. Fill your imagination with these stories and fill your intellect with ideas for how to tell them.”
Sophie Anderson
Then practice, in lots of different ways.
“Try writing a legend you love in verse, or try writing a letter from a god to a hero. Experiment with short and longer stories, with different points of view, with different characters at the fore, and with different subversions. Play, and have fun with your writing.”
Written by: William Shakespeare; Simon Greaves (trans)
Illustrated by: Simon Greaves
Published by: The Shakespeare Comic Book Company
Comic Book Shakespeare – The Tempest
I was greatly impressed by this comic book version of The Tempest and believe this series of books would be an excellent introduction to Shakespeare. Part of a series of books these Shakespeare comic books include edited original text with a modern English translation. They are vividly illustrated throughout to bring the play to life. Each of the comic books is supported by a teacher book containing over 50 pupil worksheets which meet the requirements of the National Literacy Strategy for KS2 and KS3.
The Shakespeare comic book version of The Tempest is an edited version of the Shakespearean play, retaining approximately 50% of his original text. The comic book dual text approach allows younger students to explore Shakespeare whilst providing key quotations, essential plot lines and clarity of understanding for the older pupil. The pictures help to bring the drama to life and provide visual clues for the reader to the characters and their emotional state.
I would not recommend they replace the original version all together but, they would be ideal to encourage even the most reluctant reader to take an interest in the classics. The structure of the book made it very easy to read and follow the plot. The clever line drawings added essential information on the characters feelings and attitudes. Even being able to see the way the characters are dressed provides essential information for the pupils to visualise the cultural and historical setting of the play. The books would also be brilliant for stimulating the children’s own role play and Shakespearean productions.
For the September #247 21 Sep 2022 issue of Writers’ Forum I interviewed Donna Amey Bhatt about co-writing a children’s book with her husband, Vikesh. Donna was already a published author with her book, How To Spot a Mum.
Co-writing a book was something new for both of them and Donna was worried it might put a strain on their relationship but found in reality it bought them closer together. Although, the deadline for the book ended up being difficult, as their baby was due. It meant they needed to be much more organised.
Donna told me Vikesh came up with the idea for Lands of Belonging: A history of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Britain over lockdown, and together they fleshed it out and pitched it. Lands of Belonging is a thrilling exploration of the complicated history of South Asia and Britain, examining what it means to ‘belong’.
In the interview Donna explained one of the things that inspired the book was the fact Vikesh grew up without being told the full history as to why his family lived here. It’s a huge part of the UK’s story that is often overlooked in both schools and the media. They have also found through their work in marketing not many places truly embrace diversity. This is something Vikesh is passionate about changing, and educating the younger generation is where it really needs to start. It is especially topical this year, 2022 as it is the 75th anniversary of Partition.
Donna elaborated how the combined history is often glamourised, things like the Raj and ‘Britannia ruling the waves’ really don’t tell the story of them people from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who lived during those times. Their contributions to our country are so huge, and so brilliant they should be acknowledged and celebrated.
The book is split into two sections. The first looks at the past, and plots the beginning of Britain and India’s relationship, as well as looking at what India was like before it was colonised.
The second half is a look at modern Britain as shaped by Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi people. It was important to Donna and Vikesh to include a diverse variety of Indian culture within the book. She told me that as well as fact checking with friends and family, Nosy Crow were incredibly thorough and provided two academics and many fact checkers to ensure all the information was 100% accurate.
Key to them was the fact they had a brilliant illustrator, Salini Perera, who could show things so beautifully. So, things like talking about traditional dishes and costume didn’t need lengthy explanation. They trusted Salini’s skill and it paid off.
“One of our favourite pages explains a few types of yoga, and Salini has done a brilliant job of showing some of the positions.”
Donna Amey Bhatt
There are plenty of history books that solely tell you what happened in the past but there are not many that explain how these events effect our culture and the world today. Donna explained she believes looking at how the past has led to how we live today is often what draws readers (and potential publishers) in.
Her advice to other writers who want to write about the history of their culture is to try to think of how you can explain things interactively. Maybe there’s an activity you can include that makes your point, or you can use illustration to plot something instead of using too much text. The great thing about writing for children is there’s space to experiment, and many of the rules for writing can be thought more as suggestions.
They both hope Lands of Belonging serves as a helpful reference to people who don’t fully understand this part of history.
Donna’s latest book is How to Greet a Gran, published by Quarto. It’s a look at grans all over the world, tells you a little about granny customs in different countries, and vitally; what to call them.
How to greet a gran by Donna Amey Bhatt and Aura Lewis
You can buy copies of all Donna’s books from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org, an organisation with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops. It is also available at Waterstone and Amazon.
To read the complete feature you can purchase a copy of #247 21 Sep 2022 Writers’ Forum by ordering online from Select Magazines.
As part of the EWG social gathering on Friday 23rd September, we met at the new Society of Authors headquarters where we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch and I must say I was particularly enamoured with the couscous which was delicious. this was the first time I had been to the new building and I was impressed at how spacious it was. We had time to meet other members of the EWG some whom I had not seen since before the lockdowns and I met several new faces.
Society of Authors (c) Tim Gallinger
After lunch, we had a short walk to the British Library. At the library we were met by curator Helen Melody who gave us an introduction to the British Library’s Contemporary Literary and Theatrical archives with her colleague Rachel Foss.
The materials they presented included a volume of handwritten correspondence with John Masefield from the Society of Authors archive. John Masefield was Poet Laureate from 1930 and President of the society from 1937. One of the letters was asking about suitable wording in a contract to give permissions for his poems to be put to music in the US and also included in anthologies. There were also a Ted Hughes Birthday Letters notebook for us to look at. Of course, we had to ask for each page to be turned to read the handwritten letters but this added to how special it was.
I was also able to see the autographed manuscript of J. G. Ballard’s Empire of the Sun showing his alterations, two beautifully illustrated poetry notebooks by Lawrence Durrell, an autographed playscript by Victor James de Spiganovicz, an annotated typescript of To Sir With Love by E. R. Braithwaite, one of the largest scrapbook volumes from the P. G. Wodehouse archive and the autographed manuscript of In Praise of Love and Children by Beryl Gilroy .
British Library archives – manuscript of J. G. Ballard’s Empire of the Sun
But my personal favourite archive exhibit was the six Little Nippers Books written by Beryl Gilroy, which I spent way too long looking at wanting to read every page. The Little Nippers Book series are humorous early readers tackling issues of race designed by Leila Berg in reaction to the middle-class Ladybird Peter and Jane books. She worried too many young readers would see, ‘…no reflection of themselves, nothing that tells them they belong in this world.’
Beryl Gilroy was the first black headteacher in London. She is heralded as one of the most extensively published Caribbean writers of her time. Her Little Nippers Books were based on her experience with children she taught in Camden. They were published in the 1970’s and depict children of different ethnic origins. For more information on Beryl Gilroy see: The British Library – Beryl Gilroy. Other contributors to the Little Nippers Books include Jaqueline Wilson, Shirley Hughes and George Him.
When we had finished looking at the archives, which went way too quickly, we were given a tour of the library itself led by librarian and tour guide extraordinaire, James Hughes. He told us a bit about the history of the building and how it was built to amalgamate the arts and the sciences for the first time. I was particularly impressed that a large part of the building is eco-friendly using recycled materials, down to the white oak shipped from a US sustainable forest which was not available in the British Isles.
James told us some interesting facts about the eight levels of archives in the basement. I learnt how they have been especially designed to prevent damp and any excessive water is pumped into the River Fleet and the books are they kept at a constant temperature of 15C. Our next stop was the Alan Turin Centre where we saw the original Enigma machine and letters from Lady Lovelace to Babbage.
Enigma machine at the British Library
Then we were taken behind the scenes and allowed to sit in £400 seats especially deigned to support the majority of people sitting for long periods of time and we learnt the lighting in the reading rooms is designed to prevent flickering. After this we looked at the King George III archives, which includes the King’s Maritime collection of sea charts.
Next we went to my favourite room of all – The Treasures room. Here the lights are kept low to help preserve the books and documents. There were so many things to see in this room that at first I felt a bit overwhelmed at the sheer wonder of it, as it hosts many sacred texts from around the world.
As well as the Guttenberg Bible and the history that surrounds it, I particularly liked the desk Jane Austen wrote her novels given to her by her father in 1794, some of the original writings from Charles Dickens and Shakespeare’s First Folio compiled in 1623, seven years after his death and published by Isaac Iaggard and Edward Blount. I also liked Florence Nightingale’s original Diagram of the Causes of Mortality in the Army in the East that had convinced the authorities of the importance of hygiene in the army hospitals.
We ended the tour by taking a look at the Magna Carta. This peace treaty was first issued by King John in 1215.
On the whole this was one of the best events I have attended at the Society of Authors so far. I would highly recommend it.
I Love You with All My Heart is a lovely sentimental picture book about the unconditional love between a mother and her child. Little Bear breaks her Mum’s favourite flower whilst playing and is worried Mum will be angry. Mum explains that she loves her no matter what. There are several memorable lines that will reassure and help young children throughout the good times and the bad times. My favourite being:
“My love will always be with you, wherever you are.”
Mum’s reassuring words help Little bear when she loses the race and when her kite sails away and again when she slips in the muddy puddle. At the end there is a heart-melting twist when Mum is upset she has burnt the cake and baby bear says the iconic line:
“Even when things go wrong, I still love you.”
Little Bear has truly learnt the meaning of unconditional love.
Jane Chapman’s illustrations support her text and portray Little Bear’s emotions perfectly from the joy of playing drums with Mum’s pots and pans, to the look of concern when the sunflower stem snaps and the sheer determination when she manages to retrieve her kite from the tree. I particularly like the end pages which show Little Bear’s house in the woods and you can see the balcony and the sunflower. When you turn to the title page and first spread you can then see the balcony and pot garden close up. This was a great touch that I think children will enjoy exploring.
A beautiful book to read aloud at story and bedtimes, which young children will want to hear it again and again.
I Love You with All My Heart by Jane Chapman is available to buy through all bookshops, large or small, and all the usual outlets online.
Much To Do About Writing 