Let me be clear, Julia makes good books.

But an undeniable amount of these sales is also down to the way her books are literally given their own separate shelves and signage in EVERY high street bookstore in the country.

These kind of numbers are bound to happen in that kinda set up.

Gosh this is so sad. I absolutely adored Allan Ahlberg's work as both a kid, then as an adult working in a book shop and revisiting them with kids. Each, Peach, Pear, Plum remains the absolute best, and every word, every page, is emblazoned in my mind. Thank you Allan.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

The reviews are in. Well one is. Review one of book two. And it’s a belter. Book of the month from @lovereadinguk.bsky.social I’m ever so grateful to them.

Find their review here.

www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781916...

@bedgar.bsky.social Hi Ben. I realise this may be a long shot, but is there a PO Box or Address I can send two books that I've written to you. (They're not vanity self published media - They're in Waterstoens and WH Smiths and everything) I ask because, the second comes out in a few weeks - May 1st

Wendington’s first tale - The Missing Tree - came out two years ago.

To celebrate we’re starting a four week countdown to the release of her second book - The Lost Legacy - out May 1st

Find her in all the normal places or at your local indie - www.booksellers.org.uk/bookshopsear...

#LostLegacy

As the age old Yuletide battle draws to a close, I proudly announce that I am the last one still wearing their Christmas cracker hat in the household.

This makes me the year long monarch of Chrimblemas. I will serve as a benevolent ruler to those that respect the paper coronet.

Death to the rest

I can't explain how hard it is to switch genre and perspective when writing something new.

It's a fun challenge at times, but often in grand idea. In the nitty gritty sentence structure and word choice, it's a constant polka on a tightrope. And the fall is just your own ridiculous expectations.

There were only two shows I wanted to be one when I was a kid. One was Telly Addicts because... well a TV quiz show?

The other was Knightmare - which debuted 30 years ago on Monday just gone.

They say it's safer to shout your secrets into an empty room. So just before bluesky fills up, I'll shout into what is currently emptish.

I fear writing at times now. This is not to say I don't or can't. But I am now posessed with fear when I sit down, rather than joy or excitement.

Here we go gang. Brave new frontiers, dashing, mysterious and exciting characters and the ongoing quest for immortality.

And that's just social media.

So, I'll leave you with this.

This.