Title: The Jolt Written by: Alex Woolf Published by: AW Publishing Alex Woolf’s The Jolt is a fast-paced and compelling read with few distractions from the central mystery of how they lost their memory. Although the story begins along familiar lines where two strangers meet with conflicting personalities, it quickly takes an intriguing turn, which adds depth and emotional impact. On a train journey, our two protagonists, Susie and Ryan, begin a casual conversation. Moments later, a mysterious jolt shakes the carriage and both of them lose consciousness. When they wake, they are still on the same train, but twelve months have somehow passed. When Susie returns home, she finds evidence of a man sharing her flat and her bed. Ryan, equally confused, arrives at her door to discover he is now her live-in partner. The novel’s central idea, a time slip, which leaves the protagonists with no memory of a year of their lives, forms the heart of the story. Alex handles this concept with great skill, using Susie and Ryan’s shared confusion to draw readers into their disorientation and vulnerability. Friends and family treat their relationship as completely normal, yet neither of them remembers falling in love. As Susie and Ryan grow closer, they are forced to confront the unsettling truth of what happened on the train, the mystery of where they have been for the past year, and the possibility the jolt, which brought them together, might yet tear them apart. Each recovered memory feels immediate and powerful, allowing the reader to experience Susie’s and Ryan’s emotional turmoil in a deeply personal way. The tension builds steadily throughout, leading to a dramatic and satisfying climax by the river. The subtle use of the paranormal, centred on the mysterious green crystal, adds an intriguing dimension without overwhelming the human drama. The time-slip element and the suggestion the crystal’s effects echo experiences faced by women across history, provides a thoughtful and unexpected layer of meaning. The characterisation is particularly strong. The ‘will they, won’t they’ dynamic between Susie and Ryan feels authentic and their contrasting personalities, such as his untidiness and her tendency to speak without thinking, make them both believable and relatable. Their relationship demonstrates how opposites can attract and in doing so, help each other to grow. Alex portrays love not as a simple or idealised emotion but as a complex, evolving bond shaped by personal struggles and self-discovery. The attention to detail in the descriptions of setting and atmosphere makes each scene easy to visualise and adds to the novel’s immersive quality. If you enjoy time-slip contemporary romance infused with paranormal elements, The Jolt is an excellent choice. It offers an emotional journey where attraction and suspicion constantly compete, leaving Susie and Ryan uncertain of their feelings and of the truth about their shared past. I have also reviewed this book on Amazon, Goodreads and BookSirens.

If you’re ready to take your picture book ideas to the next level, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring Natascha’s Cook Up a Picture Book course. Her insight, encouragement and editorial expertise …

Today I’m shining a spotlight on editor Natascha Biebow and her inspiring Blue Elephant Storyshaping editorial services. With over 30 years of publishing experience, Natascha has nurtured debut creators and guided bestselling authors and illustrators to bring out the very best in their stories. She truly understands the creator’s journey as both an editor and a published author. Through Blue Elephant Storyshaping, Natascha offers a range of creative services for children’s book authors, illustrators, agents and publishers. Her one-to-one mentoring provides weekly personalised editorial support that motivates you to explore, experiment and dig deep to find the heart of your story in an inspiring and sometimes gently challenging way. Together you set meaningful goals and deadlines to help you shape and polish your book. Natascha also runs picture book coaching courses designed to help you uncover the gems in your ‘bottom drawer’ ideas and take your craft to the next level. I can personally recommend her Cook Up a Picture Book course. The combination of structure, encouragement and expert feedback inspired me to create some child-centred picture books I’m truly proud of. Now, over to Natascha, who shares more about her Cook Up a Picture Book course and her approach to helping creators thrive: ******** In Natascha’s words: I’m a writer, I get it – you show up and write your picture book and then try to navigate the publishing world only to find it’s utterly befuddling. What ARE those editors doing all day and why does it take soooo long for agents to respond? What does it mean when rejection emails say your work is ‘not quite right for our list’ or ‘too familiar’? How can you try to avoid getting rejected in the first place? And how do you know when your book is ready to submit and which of the many stories in your bottom drawer you should choose?! Often being a creator is lonely, dispiriting work. What if you could have an experienced editor on tap, in your corner, who could take your hand and help you to build a commercial body of work, navigate and understand the marketplace, and pitch your books so they really grab editors and agents? When I started Blue Elephant Storyshaping, I wanted to spend my time doing what I love most – editing and empowering authors and illustrators (who want to write) to tell the stories they love. Every day I have so much fun doing just that – chatting about ‘what if’ story possibilities, choosing mentor texts to help people with their ‘a-ha!’ moments, and keeping them current with the fast-changing marketplace. Because I come from an editorial background and I have some distance from their work, I can often quickly see what is niggling.  Here are three biggest mistakes I see again and again that stop authors from selling their picture book: Submitting too soon – often, authors are so excited when they’ve completed a draft, they want to send it out right away. But unfortunately, all too often, your book is OK, but not shiny – yet! Not hooky enough – the best picture books are those you want to read again and again. Why? Because they speak to the reader, they have layers, they have something hooky to make them memorable and unique. An in-depth knowledge of the market and how children think is key to figuring out how to make your book stand out. But it’s often because your book isn’t yet solid that you can’t figure out how to fix it . . . Characters and plots that have the reader (and agent!) muttering ‘so what?’ and grabbing a biscuit instead – a story must have characters and some kind of problem to keep readers turning the pages. This seems obvious, but it’s how you do it that makes it hooky enough (see above). Because I know how tough it can be to navigate through the noise, to stop second-guessing yourself, and to be accountable. Because I see how important it is to have solid craft skills and a hooky pitch that sells your work, I created a comprehensive signature Cook Up a Picture Book Course that will help you to: find your voice hone your craft expertly pitch your books It’s a deep dive based on my bespoke method honed over many years of storyshaping. Imagine you have an editor on tap (yes with live, ask-me-anything Q & As) and someone cheering you on to show up and create your book in just six sessions – with all-important breaks to actually implement each tool and actually (no excuses!) write your book. Through my 30+ years of coaching, mentoring and editing picture books, I have seen all the mistakes and I can help you to create that commercial picture book. So, if you want some help, we can do it together in just three steps: 1. Join the course and a supportive community (it’s fun, I promise!) 2. Ask ALL the questions 3. Write your book. And dream BIG! ******** If you’re ready to take your picture book ideas to the next level, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring Natascha’s Cook Up a Picture Book course. Her insight, encouragement and editorial expertise make the creative process both inspiring and rewarding. The  Cook Up a Picture Book Course starts on 6 November and runs until Jan 2026, with breaks for writing. Email Natascha at hello@blueelephantstoryshaping.com to get your exclusive discount code (valid until 31 Oct 2025). Natascha Biebow, MBE, lots of ideas, many hats: mum, author (The Crayon Man:The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons), experienced picture book editor, founder of Blue Elephant Storyshaping, Editorial Director (Five Quills), creative writing tutor at Write for Kids, All Stories and Jericho Prize.

The latest Twinkl Originals middle grade (Key Stage 2) novel, Wildcat Summer, was published on 23rd September 2025. Here, we catch up with the author, editors, illustrator and designer to find out more about the book and Twinkl’s publishing process. Author – Victoria Williamson The way Twinkl stories begin is with our Educational Content Lead – Pete Lambden – researching what topics and themes are being searched for by teachers and parents on the Twinkl website. He identified that ‘environmental issues’ was a popular choice, and he drew up a brief for the team to work on a book related to rewilding. The writer starts with the brief and produces a range of different short synopses for the team to choose from. Once we’ve met to discuss our favourite ideas, the writing begins! I really enjoyed working on this story – it has a Famous Five feel, much like the stories I enjoyed reading when I was in primary school. For this book, I got the opportunity to draw on my experience of teaching classes with additional support needs, as well as my own experiences of Scottish nature. We aim to create diverse books at Twinkl, and we included a main character with hearing loss in this story so that children using hearing aids could have a chance to see themselves represented in a team adventure. Having grown up in Scotland, I was very happy to have a chance to write a story set in Kingussie in the Highlands, featuring not just the spectacular scenery and the wildcat rewilding programme run by the Highland Wildlife Park, but also some Scottish Gaelic phrases! Editors – Rachel Poole-Fenwick and Sally Baines As editors, we have input into the story at every stage of its development. At the beginning, we meet with the writer and Educational Content Lead to look at possible story synopses and, once one has been chosen, a breakdown of how the chapters might progress. After the writer has written the first draft, we meet again to discuss the story – we focus on whether the story has a clear plot structure and help to refine the characters so they’re relatable and age-appropriate. We also make sure the language and tone match the intended age group. Usually, the story goes through a couple more drafts and we give our feedback on these. Then, it comes to the editors for us to check the spelling, punctuation and grammar is in line with Twinkl’s style. We make sure any names, places and timelines are consistent throughout the story and check any factual information – in this case, the facts about the wildcats. As editors, we’re really lucky to work on so many great stories – and this one was no exception! We loved following the journey that the main character goes on and the beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. We got to learn a lot about wildcats and rewilding initiatives too. The editors also write and check all the additional teaching resources that are available alongside the story. For Wildcat Summer, we created a Scottish Mythical Creatures reading comprehension, some mindfulness colouring sheets featuring Scottish Gaelic greetings and a glossary containing key phrases linked to rewilding. Illustrator – Alex Illustrating books with Victoria is always a pleasure as our interests tend to cross over quite a lot. I am drawn to the fantastical and natural worlds as much as she is. The timing on this one worked out perfectly as I had just returned from a camping trip in the Highlands and felt inspired by the remarkable landscape. Illustrating each book is often a similar process each time. I’ll read the text and after discussing illustration ideas with the team, I’ll present rough drawings to them. When approved, I’ll develop the rough into a more finished piece and then I’ll check with the team again before finalising the picture. It’s a many-step process with lots of checks and development along the way, making it much more collaborative than one might think, but it’s always a pleasure. Designer – Tony Anderson My role in designing the book is to bring everything together. By the time I start, each book has already been in production for some time. The story has been written and edited, and the text is ready to place in the book. Work has already begun on concept illustration – often, rough and final illustrations have been started and can be slotted into the book. My role in making the books is both technical and creative. There are lots of elements that go into a book: chapter starts, contents page, fonts and illustration placement. I also need to make sure that our books keep to the Twinkl brand ‘style’. The cover is an aspect of the book we like to have ironed out early in the process – we might use the same cover fonts inside the book on things like chapter starts. A lot of team discussion goes into deciding on a final cover design. I also design the resources that go with the books. Educational Content Lead – Pete Lambden At Twinkl Originals, while our commitment is always to create stories that are fun and exciting for our young readers, we also work to ensure that our books are based on educational and relatable topics that reflect the world children live in. My job is to guide the development of the book so that it has a place in the classroom as well as on children’s own bookshelves. I’m particularly proud of this book, as I think it provides lots of opportunities for discussion on how to be responsible stewards of the environment, and how children can take a positive, active role in their local areas of nature. We would love to hear how children and educators have used the book, so please do leave a review on our site if you’ve enjoyed reading it! Together, the KS2 Originals team combine their unique talents and backgrounds to produce captivating and educational books that resonate with children, parents and educators alike. Their commitment to quality, diversity and curriculum alignment ensures that each story not only entertains but also enriches the learning experience for young readers. Find out more about the Originals books here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/twinkl-originals The Twinkl Originals books can be downloaded by signing up to an account, which gives access to the library of 100+ eBooks plus nearly 1 million Twinkl resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/premium/choose

Online picture book course with an experienced expert editor, learn how to write a commercial children's book with personalized suppor- starting 6 November 2025

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Title: Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source Written by: Tamsin Mori Cover design and llustrations by: David Dean Published by: Uclan Publishing Tamsin Mori’s latest middle-grade fantasy adventure delivers everything young readers love: mystery, magic, friendship and a brave but relatable hero. This story is as meaningful as it is exciting. There are themes of honesty, courage, self-discovery and the importance of being true to yourself. The book follows 11-year-old Callen, who moves into a crumbling country mansion called Gargoyle’s Rest after his grandmother’s death. The estate is steeped in secrets, with sprawling grounds, a lake, battlements and mysterious gargoyles that have slept for decades. When Zariel, a lioness shaped gargoyle with wings, suddenly awakens, Callen finds himself drawn into an ancient magical legacy involving guardian protectors, magical creatures and a powerful source of magic in the basement which is under threat. Callen’s journey to become a Guardian is anything but straightforward. Zariel is sceptical of him, and Callen struggles with self-doubt, secrecy and the pressure to prove himself. His attempts to impress new friends with half-truths spiral into bigger problems, teaching him the hard way trust must be earned through honesty. The emotional growth he experiences, particularly in learning to be himself adds depth to the adventure. The mansion itself becomes a character in its own right, full of hidden tunnels, old diaries, and forgotten history. However, I found it frustrating the sister’s diary disappears and never reappears even when Callen proves he is up to the task. One highlight is the involvement of Callen’s parents, who play active roles in the plot rather than being sidelined. Their protective instincts and disbelief in Callen’s abilities feel authentic, echoing Zariel’s doubts and reinforcing Callen’s internal conflict. The way they step up and help to fight the evil felt instinctive. The world-building is rich and immersive. Magic is cleverly integrated into the real world with clearly defined rules, which prevents it from becoming a convenient fix. Instead, the characters rely on teamwork, quick thinking and bravery to solve problems and face rising dangers. I particularly appreciated the nuanced view of magic in that it was neither good nor evil but shaped by the intentions of those who wield it: “Magic is neither good, nor bad – it simply multiplies the dreams you feed it. Be careful what you wish for…” The pacing is fast and engaging, helped by short, punchy chapters that keep readers gripped. Vivid descriptions bring the setting and characters to life, while the story’s twists are both clever and satisfying. Overall, Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source is a captivating, action-packed read for ages 8+, with heart, humour and a meaningful message.

Get ready for a deliciously fun food face-off in My Rice is Best by Selina Brown and Maxwell A Oginni. This joyful new picture book celebrates culture, friendship, and the meals that make us feel at home. It was published by Puffin last week, on Thursday 8 May 2025. Blurb A laugh-out-loud, heartwarming picture book that brings the joy of food, friendship, and cultural pride to life, written by Selina Brown, winner of the 2025 London Book Fair Trailblazer Award, and CEO of the internationally renowned Black British Book Festival. My Rice is Best explores the playful rivalry between two friends who both believe their rice dish is the ultimate favourite. Shane is convinced that nothing beats a big, delicious bowl of rice and peas—it’s the best rice in the world! But when he brings his favourite meal to school, he discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about her jollof rice. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt showdown to settle the age-old question: which rice reigns supreme? With vibrant illustrations from Maxwell A. Oginni’s which bring to life the humour and playfulness, the book offers an entertaining way-in to help children embrace new cuisines and celebrate cultural identity and diversity. With the rising demand for inclusive stories that celebrate different cultures, My Rice is Best is a timely and essential addition to any child’s bookshelf. Review When Shane brings his beloved rice and peas to school, he doesn’t expect a rice rivalry with his friend Yinka, who swears by her jollof rice. What follows is a funny and heartwarming showdown that explores identity through the universal love of food. Packed with humour and vibrant illustrations, My Rice is Best is the perfect picture book for sparking conversations about heritage and sharing stories around the table. This book is a mesme-ricing celebration of what brings us together. (Saw the pun on amazonn and it made me laugh!) About the Author Selina Brown is an Author, Marketing Consultant and Event Producer. At 16 she became the Youth MP for Nottingham, her love for words gained her two Degrees and a Masters at 21 years old. After living and working in New York, Jamaica, Kenya and Gambia Selina founded Little Miss Creative, an award-winning Female Development Agency that empowers girls in schools across the UK. During the pandemic she wrote the picture book series Nena that became popular in 2020. The same year Selina launched the internationally renowned Black British Book Festival, which aims to celebrate new and emerging Black British authors across all genres of literature. About the Illustrator Maxwell Afolabi Oginni is a Nigerian-born, London-based animator & illustrator. Classically trained in 2D character animation, he has worked in the mainstream industry for over 18 years as director, animator, illustrator & story artist for TV commercials, music videos, feature film & popular children’s entertainment productions such as, Sony Pictures Animation’s ‘Young Love’, Mr Bean: The Animated Series, JoJo & Gran Gran, Hey Duggee, School of Roars, plus various other titles. Having developed his own distinct style, Maxwell has also established himself as a skilled & ambitious creative with a fresh & dynamic approach. His unique artworks have been acknowledged by various institutions & highly respected industry professionals throughout his career.

With the third book in Ravena Guron’s brilliantly original fantasy series released just this week (8th May), there’s no better time to go back to where it all began. Today, I’m diving into The Thief of Farrowfell, the first instalment in Jude Ripon’s thrilling adventures. This is a story packed with edible magic, daring heists, and a heroine you won’t forget. The newly released sequel continues Jude’s journey, now living a more stable life with the Westons, until, of course, danger calls her back. With raw magic resurfacing, shady dealings in the Consortium, and a terrifying beast threatening Farrowfell, Jude, Moorley, and their unlikely allies must once again risk everything to protect their world. But before all that, let’s look at how it started… ******** Blurb Twelve-year-old Jude Ripon has never been taken seriously by her family of magic-stealing masterminds. To them, she’s just the youngest, only good for keeping watch while they carry out daring heists. Desperate to prove her worth, Jude decides to steal valuable magic from the fanciest house in town . . . But Jude’s stolen prize was protected by a curse which threatens to wreak havoc on the family business. While attempting to untangle the mess she’s made (and wondering why anyone would want to curse an honest thief trying to earn a living), Jude discovers just how far her family will go to stay at the top of the criminal world. Suddenly, her quest to become a true Ripon isn’t straightforward any more . . . see my review below: ******** Review Title: The Thief of Farrowfell Written by: Ravena Guron Illustrated by: Alessia Trunfio  Published by: Faber & Faber This fast-paced and imaginative fantasy introduces a standout concept of ‘edible magic’ in a richly built world filled with tension, heart, and originality. Jude, the youngest in a notorious family of thieves, is eager to prove herself, but when she steals a powerful, cursed spell, things spiral out of control. What follows is a gripping story of resilience, loyalty, and the cost of power. Though the beginning took time to hook me, the unique magic system and dynamic plot soon drew me in. Jude is a compelling protagonist who is resourceful, sharp, and brave, especially as she begins to challenge the toxic values she was raised with. Her relationship with her seemingly perfect sister Moorley evolves meaningfully, and the backdrop of familial neglect and emotional manipulation adds surprising depth to the narrative. While heavier than the cover or synopsis suggests, these themes are handled thoughtfully and with age-appropriate sensitivity. The Hall of Knowledge is a particular highlight which introduces an evolving, sentient library that feels both magical and plausible. The contrast between raw and tamed magic and their effects, gives the story a strong thematic spine. Twists and turns are well-timed, the pacing is sharp, and the ending strikes the right balance between closure and anticipation. ******** As you can see, The Thief of Farrowfell is a gripping and imaginative start to what’s shaping up to be an outstanding fantasy series. With its unique magic system, complex family dynamics, and high-stakes adventure, it’s no surprise that Jude Ripon’s world has captured so many readers. This series will especially resonate with young readers looking for something inventive and substantial. If you’ve already read the first book or if this review has convinced you to start, now is the perfect time to continue the journey as Book 3 is out now. Find out what happens next as Jude and Moorley take justice into their own hands and face a new threat to Farrowfell. Jude Ripon returns in her most dangerous mission yet. Out now from Ravena Guron. ******** Blurb for Book Three The Battle of Farrowfell Jude Ripon must fight to defend Farrowfell in its darkest hour. The thrilling finale to the epic fantasy series from bestselling and award-winning author, Ravena Guron. Will raw magic be their doom . . . or their saviour? Jude is living happily with Moorley, Uncle Runie and Spry. But then the Dark Rivers start failing and raw magic is everywhere. The Consortium jumps into action and assures everyone that the situation is under control, but the people they are arresting are never seen again. And anyway, Jude knows better than to trust those in power. Jude and Moorley must find a way to reverse the effects of the raw magic. All their usual leads are sending them to dead ends, until Jude meets a strange boy called Darcius who seems to know far more than he should . . . Can they resist the temptation of raw magic and save Farrowfell once and for all? ******** To read more reviews for The Theif of Fellowfell check out: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62018486-the-thief-of-farrowfell Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/05b998c4-6ac9-41a8-a423-f92f6ad48be6 Amazon: https://a.co/d/akN8Evl (Canada) https://a.co/d/cBViD8E (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/eyqvgyQ (UK) About the Author A born and bred Londoner, Ravena Guron writes MG and YA, usually featuring antiheroines or snarky narrators. She is a lawyer with a degree in biochemistry, and hopes to use the knowledge gained from her experiences to plot her books, whether that’s wild MG fantasy adventures, or twisty YA murder-mysteries. Ravena Guron is a British Indian biochemist turned lawyer turned MG author, a superb new voice who brings her own captivating brand of energy, wild adventure and joy to the genre. The Thief of Farrowfell was the first in the series following Jude Ripon, and was shortlisted for Penguin’s WriteNow scheme, as well as being highly commended in the FAB Prize. Ravena also writes YA, including the acclaimed This Book Kills, which has won regional awards and is shortlisted for the British Book Awards. Ravena is a Londoner through and through: born, raised and educated in London, she lives there still. About the Illustrator Alessia Trunfio was born in southern Italy in but grew up in Rome, where she still lives. Alessia has worked as background artist for some of the most important animation studios in Italy. Fundamentally passionate about cinema, anime, literature, indie music, and fried food, Alessia is an eclectic, energetic, and inexhaustible illustrator. To follow the rest of the tour please take a look at the scheule below: I would like to thank The Write Reads for inviting me to take part in this ultimate tour. Thank you.

Title: Emba Oak and the Epic Ending Written by: Jenny Moore Illustrated by: David Dean Published by: Maverick Books Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! The fourth and final instalment in Jenny Moore’s Emba Oak series delivers exactly what the title promises, an epic ending, brimming with adventure, peril, humour, and heart. As Emba’s twelfth birthday approaches, the stakes have never been higher. The malevolent Necromalcom inches closer to achieving immortality, and both the human and dragon realms teeter on the brink of doom. With time running out, Emba embarks on her most dangerous mission yet, one that forces her to confront her evil father, make impossible choices, and wrestle with her evolving identity. Jenny Moore reunites us with all our favourite characters, each of whom is given a moment to shine in this fast-paced, emotionally rich finale. From ghost armies to dragon sacrifices, betrayal to heartwarming reunions, the story manages to be thrilling and deeply moving all at once. Emba’s inner struggles are explored with nuance, especially as she navigates themes of identity, loss, and love. The narrative remains true to the tone of previous adventures, complete with the signature alliterated chapter headings that fans have come to adore. And while the tone is often light and humorous, Jenny doesn’t shy away from darker, more bittersweet elements, making this a truly layered conclusion. What makes this finale so satisfying is how seamlessly it ties together the threads of the previous books. Long-standing mysteries, like the origin of the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows and the meaning of the Final Prophecy are finally resolved. Relationships between characters have matured and changed, and while the series comes to a natural close, Jenny leaves just enough intrigue to spark the imagination about what might lie beyond the final page. Perfect for young adventurers aged 9 and up, Emba Oak and the Epic Ending is a triumphant conclusion to a brilliantly immersive series. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what Jenny Moore writes next. ******** To read my reviews of the other books in the Emba Oak series take a look at: Book Review: Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows Book Review: Emba and the Beckoning Bones Book Review – Emba Oak and the Screaming Seas To read my interview with Jenny Moore about the writing of the Emba Oak series see: Special Guest Q & A with Jenny Moore. To find out more about Jenny Moore and her books take a look at her website: https://jennymoorechildrenswriter.weebly.com and her blog: https://jennifermoore.wordpress.com/. Or follow her on her various social media outlets: https://www.facebook.com/JennyMooreWriter https://www.instagram.com/jennymoorewrites https://www.threads.net/@jennymoorewrites https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-jennifer-moore-117785162/ https://bsky.app/profile/jennywritemoore.bsky.social You can buy copies of all of Jenny Moore’s books from your local bookshops, which are always top of the list – if they don’t have the Emba Oak books in stock they’ll be able to order them in for you. Or you can purchase direct from the publisher Maverick Publishing, otherwise Jenny recommends Hive books or any of the usual online retailers, such as uk.bookshop.org, an organisation with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops

My spotlight today is for Ava and the Acorn written by Lu Fraser and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly. This tender, stay-with-you-forever picture book about one little girl’s relationship with her grandad, and the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons and the circle of life is the perfect introduction to life, love and loss for little ones. It was published on 12th September 2024 by Hachette Children’s Books Blurb All the things that you’ve lost – that you’ve loved – are not gone, When they’re held in your heart, a small part still lives on… Together Grandad and Ava adventure along the twisting path and over the hill where, beneath the canopy of their friend the old Oak tree, they make wonderful memories to treasure and share – from summer picnics with jam-sticky fingers to carefree days kicking through russet leaves in autumn’s soft glow. But as the seasons change, so too does the old Oak tree and Grandad’s health… Ava and the Acorn is a tender, unforgettable story about one little girl’s relationship with her grandad, and the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons and the circle of life. A perfect introduction to life, love and growth for little ones, this beautifully lyrical rhyming story coupled with Paddy Donnelly’s perfect illustrations also explores the positive portrayal of intergenerational relationships and shared experiences. About the Author Lu Fraser is one of the most exciting new picture book voices. Her debut picture book, The Littlest Yak (illustrated by Kate Hindley) won the Oscars Book Prize, The Sainsbury’s Best Picture Book Award and The Sainsbury’s Children’s Book of the Year Award, whilst her second book, The Viking Who Liked Icing (illustrated by Mark McKinley) was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Award. Now she gets to write her own books in a shed in her garden. Lu lives in the south of England, in the middle of nowhere, with her husband and daughter and their pets. About the Illustrator Paddy Donnelly is an Irish illustrator now living in Belgium. He has over 15 years’ experience as an illustrator and designer, and especially loves working with a textured, painterly approach. His books include Dodos Are Not Extinct, Hom, Here Be Dragons and The Vanishing Lake. His work has achieved international acclaim as he was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2022 and shortlisted for The World Illustration Awards in 2018. Paddy’s first book as both author and illustrator, The Vanishing Lake, was awarded the gold medal in the picture book category of the IPPY Awards. I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson for sending me the PR information. Thank you.