In the ancient story of Beowulf, the hero kills a dreadful monster then discovers that the monster’s mother is a thousand times worse. I’ve often thought, if his mother was so terrible, what chance did the poor monster ever have to grow up normal and nice? My own story became one of a boy who manages to choose the right way to live.
This month we release Eric Veillé’s Encyclopedia of Grannies, a book that recognises that grannies come in all shapes and varieties and celebrates them all. Every page brings something unexpected: granny yoga positions, playing hide and seek at granny’s place, how to cheer up a sad granny, knitting ideas, hairdos, staying up late to view… Read more »
In a picture book, every word must earn its place, humming in tune with the pictures, setting up a much bigger hum, that has children and adults looking, returning, over and over.
It’s French Language Day, a good day to share the books Gecko Press has translated from French and to acknowledge our French translators, who work hard to make every word perfect. This is a particular challenge with books using word play or rhymes like the pun-filled My Pictures after the Storm by Eric Veille and… Read more »
The Book Discussion Scheme has thought about us and is organising a Book Night on Tuesday 22 May. The rules are simple: wherever you are and whatever you do, between 5pm and midnight, pick a book – a curiously good book is always a good choice – and treat yourself with at least 15 minutes of reading…. Read more »
Morris Gleitzman – just named Australian Children’s Laureate – shared his advice for parents of book-loathing little ones, who want to teach them the joy of reading… He talked to Mamamia about the books he fell in love with when he was a child… At the age of nine, the one that had you hiding under your… Read more »
Blexbolex creates books that compel us to keep coming back, and images—and thoughts—that remain with us long after the book is closed. The Holidays, has been awarded Pépite 2017—the French most prestigious children’s book award—at the Montreuil Children’s Book Fair. Blexbolex answered our questions about The Holidays: How would you describe what the book is about? Here… Read more »
