The love of reading and collecting Children's Books.
About the Blog
Reading, rumbling and reviewing and collecting all children's books . . . from J.K Rowling to Philip Pullman, as well as up and coming authors. This is for like-minded enthusiasts, who are as passionate about modern-day children's authors as we are. So enjoy, communicate and share the love of books with us.
bookboy@hotmail.co.uk
Good morning and what a wonderful start to the Monday morning we have. Today, on Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books, we get to show off the brilliant book cover artwork for Nicola Penfold's second book Between Sea and Sky. It's always such a special and privileged opportunity to get to present the unveiling of such wonderful artwork and design. This is a brilliantly bold cover that is both eye-catching and in keeping with the author's first book (Where the World Turns Wild). The book cover has been designed by Pip Johnson (Senior Designer at Little Tiger Group) whilst the illustrator of the cover artwork is Kate Forrester. I think both have done an amazing job in making me want to pick up the book and find out more.
I can tell you this book is a middle-grade standalone novel full of thought-provoking ecological themes. It is due to be published by Stripes Publishing on the 8th July 2021. Below is a brief synopsis for you to consider and, hopefully, this will encourage you to support these wonderful people and pre-order a copy.
In a near-future where a series of environmental disasters has left much of the country underwater, Pearl lives on a floating oyster farm with her father and younger sister, Clover. Following her mum’s death several years earlier, Pearl refuses to set foot on land, believing her illness was caused by the poisons in the ground. Meanwhile, Clover dreams of school, friends and a normal life.
Then Nat comes to spend the summer at the sea farm while his scientist mum conducts some experiments. Leaving behind the mainland, with its strict rules and regulations, he brings with him a secret. But when the sisters promise to keep his secret safe, little do they realize that they may be risking everything...
Hannah Foley - The Spellbinding Secret of Avery Buckle - Published byFloris Books (18 Mar. 2021)
Part-girl, part-cat, Avery Buckle has always known she's a little different (after all, her tail is a bit of a giveaway). What Avery doesn't know is that she is the only one who can uncover a forgotten magical secret and bring back a great lost wizard. Teaming up with shape-shifting best friend Low, and with help from her witch guardians, Avery is plunged into a haphazard world of shadowy monsters, bewitched libraries and flying bicycles. Grab your enchanted tandem bike and hold on tight! Wildly inventive and packed with fantastical thrills, The Spellbinding Secret of Avery Buckle is a warm and quirky whirlwind of an adventure, full of magical heart.
Gemma Fowler - City of Rust - Published by Chicken House (4 Mar. 2021)
An out-of-this-world sci-fi adventure for a new generation!
Railey dreams of winning the drone races with her bio-robotic gecko friend, Atti. But when a bounty hunter crashes their biggest race yet, the pair are forced to flee to the feared Junker clans who mine the rubbish orbiting the Earth.
Rescued by a couple of Junker kids, they discover a danger bigger than anything they'd imagined - but can three kids, a gecko and an ancient computer save the world against the huge trash bomb (and its power-crazed creator) threatening to destroy the world?
The fun, original and thrilling middle-grade debut from Gemma Fowler.
Rachel Delahaye (Author), George Ermos (Illustrator) - Mort the Meek and the Ravens' Revenge - Published by Stripes Publishing (4 Mar. 2021) The first in a wickedly funny new series about an aspiring pacifist in a brutal kingdom!
On Brutalia violence is a way of life. Ravenous ravens circle overhead, monstrous grot bears cause chaos and the streets are bulging with brawls. But Mort isn’t like the other islanders – he’s determined to live peacefully. His struggle is made even tougher when the cruel queen appoints Mort as Royal Executioner. No one has challenged the royals and lived to tell the tale. Can Mort keep his head and outwit the queen?
Perfect for fans of the HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON series, FROSTHEART and THE NOTHING TO SEE HERE HOTEL.
Laura Wood (Author), Ellie Snowdon (Illustrator) - The Animals of Madame Malone's Music Hall - Published by Barrington Stoke (4 Mar. 2021)
Summer by the seaside with Gran isn't exactly what Callie expected. Instead of sunshine and ice cream, she's stuck helping Gran's drama group save their local theatre. Worst of all, they've asked her to star in their play. But when she goes exploring backstage, Callie stumbles into an altogether different world - another theatre, run by a wise fox and her troupe of talking animals. And the strangest part of all? Callie's set to play the lead in their show too. Forced to face her fears will Callie be up to the challenge of saving Madame Malone's Music Hall? A cast of creative creatures take centre stage in this theatrical Barrington Stoke debut from Blue Peter Book Award shortlisted author Laura Wood. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Struan Murray - Shipwreck Island - Published by Puffin (4th March 2021)
Ellie and Seth's breathtaking magical adventure continues in the sequel to the much-loved Orphans of the Tide.
After defeating the Enemy and escaping the Inquisition, Ellie and Seth have fled the City and crossed the endless ocean in search of peace and the truth about Seth's lost memories.
Arriving on the shores of a colourful tropical island ruled by a mysterious queen, it seems their hardships may be behind them. But there is trouble brewing in paradise, and soon Ellie and Seth find themselves caught up in a dangerous struggle for power - and forced to confront terrible truths from the past . . .
Danny Wallace & Gemma Correll - The Day the Screens Went Blank - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (18 Mar. 2021)
A hilarious middle-grade road-trip adventure from bestselling author, comedian, and presenter Danny Wallace, with illustrations throughout from Gemma Correll. Perfect for fans of Liz Pichon and David Baddiel!
Imagine if all the technology in the world just . . . STOPPED.
When ten-year-old Stella wakes up to discover a world full of BLANK screens, her family, town, and in fact, the whole world seems to have been thrown into chaos. And what about poor Grandma who is stranded at the other end of the country?
Cue a rollicking madcap road trip, full of driving disasters and family fallouts, as they set off on a rescue mission. And along the way Stella and her family discover that being away from screens might not be the Worst Thing Ever, and even though they might not be able to rely on technology anymore, they can rely on each other instead.
John Kelly - The Monster Doctor: Slime Crime - Published by Macmillan Children's Books(4 Mar. 2021)
Are you looking for the best monster medicine EVER?
Then look no further! FIXITALL will heal tentacle pain, fix leaky noses and stop your limbs falling off – in fact, it will heal practically any common monster illness. (It must be true, because it says so right there on the packet.)
When an annoying saleswoman called Ms Diagnosis arrives at the monster doctor surgery, she swears that her new wonder medicine can cure any monster malady. Ozzy and the monster doctor aren't so sure, and their suspicions are raised when the patients try the unusually slimy samples and strange things start happening . . .
Laughter is the best medicine, so give yourself a healthy dose of fun and silliness with Monster Doctor: Slime Crime. The third in a spectacularly slimy series of monster adventures written and illustrated by John Kelly that will have you roaring with laughter
Tamsin Mori - The Weather Weaver - Published by UCLan Publishing (4 Mar. 2021)
What if you could befriend a cloud?
What weather would you choose?
What if the weather matched itself to your mood, whether you wanted it to, or not?
11-year-old Stella has returned home to Shetland to spend the summer with her Grandpa, but it's nothing like she remembers. Grandpa is lost in his grief for Gran, the island is bleak and Stella feels trapped, until she encounters an old woman, Tamar, who can spin rainbows and call hurricanes. With the help of Nimbus, a feisty young storm cloud, Stella begins to learn the craft of weather weaving. But when her cloud brain-fogs Grandpa and The Haken (a sea witch) starts to close in, she realises that magic comes with big responsibilities. It will take all her heart and courage to face the coming storm...
After playing a forbidden spell-song to save a village from rats, 12-year-old piper Patch Brightwater is thrown in jail. But there he meets Wren – a noble girl under a rat-shaped curse – and together they befriend Barver, a fearsome dracogriff, and set off on a grand adventure filled with sorcerers, dragons, bandits…and one very deadly enemy.
From the depths of the Tiviscan dungeons to the highest peak of Gemspar Mountain, this stunning book reminds us of the soaring joy of adventure, the captivating danger of magic, and of the delight of finding friends in unexpected places. Since the middle ages, the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin has been passed down from generation to generation. The story originated from the days of the plague and has possibly changed in many ways since then. S. A. Patrick has based his story on the world of the Pied Piper and weaved a magical inventive story that incorporates the basic essence of that original idea. He has made it into a new modern-day fairy tale that will be loved by many for years to come. A Darkness of Dragons will be Seth's first book for children. It is set to be published on the 6th September 2018 by Usborne Publishing. The book is around 400 pages and is a substantial read. However, the very start of the plot has the power to place the reader in an adventure that will leave them gripped and hooked incredibly quickly. "The screams of the children brought the villagers running" and the readers too. The first character to love is Patch; the story really starts with this character. Without spoiling anything too much, he joins up with two more major characters. There is Wren, a girl cursed to live as a rat, and big bold Barver, a fire-breathing Dracogriff. All three characters in the book have personal journeys that they undertake but they all, inadvertently, link together. As a result, the three accidental heroes take us on an epic journey captivating our fantasy hearts as they go up against one epic villain. The story is deeply immersive and has all the magical ingredients that I look for in a great book. A fantastic fantasy plot that pops and pings full of action as well as humour and heart, especially from the characters. It has a very pacey storyline full of creative imagination including spell-slinging, shape-shifting and fire-breathing battles. The split narratives will keep the readers on their toes. It has a lovely dark edge to it that slowly creeps into your soul - often slapping you in the face with horror like moments that will thrill and excite the reader in more ways than one. This is set to be a great new series for readers age 9 and upwards. With the next installment eagerly expected around mid-2019. So why not take up the quest by picking up the book and reading it. You will not be disappointed as it is full of twists and turns with a cracking climatic and up-lifting ending that will make you want more.
D. Jango Wexler - The Fall of the Readers - Published by Kathy Dawson Books (5 Dec. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0399539206
In this thrilling conclusion to Alice's adventures in The Forbidden Library she must lead her band of friends, magical beings, and creatures against the collected might of the Old Readers--perfect for fans of Story Thieves, Inkheart, Coraline, and Harry Potter.
When Alice defeated her uncle Geryon and declared war on the totalitarian ways of the Old Readers, she knew she would have a hard fight ahead. What she didn't anticipate was the ruthlessness of the Old Reader--who can control magic and enter worlds through books. All the creatures she promised to liberate and protect are being threatened, and slowly all of Alice's defenses are being worn away. So when Ending (the giant cat-like creature who guards the magical labyrinth in Geryon's library) hints at a dangerous final solution, Alice jumps at the chance, no matter the cost to her life. She and her friends--a fire sprite, Ashes the cat, and the other apprentice Readers she met during her previous adventures--go on a quest to free the one creature possibly strong enough to overturn the Old Readers once and for all.
But before it's all over, Alice will be betrayed, her true identity will be revealed, and she'll have to be willing to give up the person she loves the most.
Kari Maaren - Weave a Circle Round - Published by Tor Books (13 Dec. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0765386281
When the unexpected moves in next door, anything can happen in Weave a Circle Round, Kari Maaren's debut in this YA-friendly fantasy adventure.
Freddy doesn't want people to think she's weird. Her family makes that difficult, though: her deaf stepbrother Roland's a major geek, and her genius little sister Mel's training to be the next Sherlock Holmes. All Freddy wants is to survive high school.
Then two extremely odd neighbors move in next door.
Cuerva Lachance and Josiah definitely aren't normal. Neither is their house, which defies the laws of physics. Neither is Freddy's situation, when she suddenly finds herself stuck thousands of years in the past with her very, very weird neighbors. And that's only the beginning.
"I adored this brilliant book from start to finish. It left me reeling with delight and I can't wait for the rest of the world to get as lost in its pages as I was." --Charles de Lint
"I'd have loved this book when I was twelve, and I love it now." --Nebula, Hugo, and World Fantasy-Award winning author Jo Walton
Janette Rallison - The Wrong Side of Magic - Published by Square Fish (5 Dec. 2017)
"Whimsical, exciting, funny, adventurous--all the things I loved about books growing up."--James Dashner, New York Times-bestselling author of the Maze Runner series
Hudson Brown stopped believing in magic long ago. That is, until the day he is whisked away to the magical land of Logos by a curious compass given to him by his off-beat neighbor, Charlotte.
Hudson discovers that Logos is a land ruled by words, thoughts, and memories. A fairy might ferry you across the river for the price of one memory. But be sure to look out for snarky unicorns, as they will see through those who are not pure of heart.
Not understanding the many rules of Logos, Hudson is quickly saddled with a troll curse. Charlotte, who, along with her father, was banished from Logos, can help get rid of the curse--but only if he agrees to find the lost Princess of Logos in return.
Kate Davies - The Crims - Published by HarperCollins (December 5, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0062494092
The Addams Family meets Despicable Me in the first book of this new trilogy, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Pseudonymous Bosch!The Crim family is full of notorious criminals. Notoriously inept, that is. Uncle Knuckles once tried to steal a carnival. Great-Uncle Bernard held himself hostage by accident. Aunt Drusilla died slipping on a banana peel. But Imogen is different. She was born with a skill for scandal. A knack for the nefarious. A mastery of misdemeanors.Despite her natural talent for all things unlawful, Imogen got out of the family business years ago. But when the rest of the Crims are accused of pulling off a major heist-which seems doubtful, to say the least-Imogen is forced to step in to clear their names. Because only a truly skilled criminal can prove the bumbling family's innocence....
Sarah Porter - Tentacle and Wing - Published by HMH Books for Young Readers (13 Nov. 2017) - HMH Books for Young Readers (13 Nov. 2017)
Twelve-year-old Ada is a Chimera, born with human and animal DNA thanks to a genetic experiment gone wrong. Because being a “kime” is believed to be contagious, she has kept her condition—complete with infrared vision—hidden. But a surprise test outs her, and Ada is shipped off to a quarantined school for kimes.
There Ada meets kids of many different shapes, stripes, and appendages, such as a girl with dragonfly wings and a seal-boy. As she adjusts to her new life, Ada senses that the facility is keeping a secret that could upend everything the world knows about Chimeras. But will someone put a stop to her efforts to uncover the truth?
Patrick Carman - Mr. Gedrick and Me - Published by Katherine Tegen Books (7 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0062421609
New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman delivers a modern reimagining of the classic Mary Poppins talein this story about family, grief, and healing--with a dash of magic!
Stanley Darrow isn't sure what to expect when the mysterious Mr. Gedrick appears on his doorstep. He is certain, however, that his family could use Mr. Gedrick's help: Their lives--and their house--have been a mess since Stanley's dad died.
The strange new nanny quickly helps them transform their cluttered home into a sparkling and spotless version of its former self, but it's going to take more than a clean house to help the Darrow family learn to live and love again.
Can Mr. Gedrick help Stanley, his brother, Fergus, his sister, Amelia, and his mom find their way back to each other? And what secrets of his own is Mr. Gedrick hiding behind his crooked grin?
J. W. Ocker - Death and Douglas - Published by Sky Pony Press (16 Nov. 2017) - SBN-13: 978-1510724570
Douglas has grown up around the business of death. Generations of his family have run the Mortimer Family Funeral Home. The mortician and gravediggers are all his buddies. And the display room of caskets is an awesome place for hide and seek. It’s business as usual in Douglas’s small New England town. Until one day an incredibly out of the ordinary murder victim is brought to the funeral home. And more startling: others follow.
On the cusp of Halloween, a serial killer has arrived. And unsatisfied with the small-town investigation, Douglas enlists his friends to help him solve the mystery. With sumptuous descriptions of a bucolic town and it’s quirky people, fascinating yet middle grade–appropriate insider information about the funeral process, and a crackling mystery with a heart-pounding conclusion―Death and Douglas has something for readers young and old.
Matthew Swanson - The Real McCoys Published by Imprint (7 Nov. 2017)
ISBN-13: 978-1250098528
Her name's Moxie. Moxie McCoy.
Bold, opinionated, and haplessly self-confident, the world's greatest fourth-grade detective faces her biggest challenge! When someone kidnaps beloved school mascot Eddie the Owl, Moxie is on the case--but she's forced to fly solo now that her best friend (and crime-solving partner) has moved away.
Moxie must interview her classmates--both as potential new best friends and as possible suspects. She finds clues and points fingers but can't save the owl on her own. Enter Moxie's little brother, Milton. Quiet, cautious, and boring as a butter knife, he's a good listener.
Hannah Moderow - Lily's Mountain - Published by Houghton Mifflin (14 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0544978003
Lily refuses to believe what everyone else accepts to be true: that her father has died while climbing Denali, the highest mountain in North America. Lily has grown up hiking in the Alaskan wilderness with her dad. He's an expert climber. There's no way he would let something like this happen. So instead of grieving, Lily decides to rescue him. Her plan takes her to Denali and on a journey that tests her physically and emotionally.
In this powerful debut, Hannah Moderow has written an authentic Alaskan adventure that crosses terrain both beautiful and haunting--and ultimately shows the bond of family and the wonder of wild.
“This is a heartwarming novel that is filled with adventure and would be a solid addition to middle grade shelves, especially where survival tales circulate well.”
Linda Fairstein - Digging For Trouble (The Devlin Quick Mysteries) - Published by Dial Books (November 7, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0399186462
Twelve-year-old supersleuth Devlin Quick heads to Montana to dig out dinosaur bones, but instead, she uncovers a mystery in this second book in the thrilling series from New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein. After successfully apprehending a map thief at the beginning of summer, Dev is going to spend the second half of her summer vacation in Montana with her best friend, Katie, exploring the outdoors and NOT getting into trouble. But after participating in a dinosaur dig, Katie and Dev suspect that someone bad is in the Badlands when Katie's found fossils are switched out for old rocks. The good news? With Mom back in New York, no one can stop Devlin from investigating! But the fossil thief isn’t the only danger here, as snakes, scorpions, and bears abound, making Montana a treacherous place for finding answers.
And when the mystery takes Dev and Katie back to Manhattan—to the Museum of Natural History—the case gets even more complicated, even with Dev’s friend Booker there to help. Dev has to use her brains, brawn, and yes, okay, the lessons learned from her police commissioner mother if she wants to dig up the truth once and for all. This is the perfect read for fans of Nancy Drew and Theodore Boone.
Jonathan W. Stokes - Addison Cooke and the Tomb of the Khan - Published by Philomel Books (November 14, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0399173783
Indiana Jones and James Bond rolled into one, for the middle-grade readers. Addison Cooke's second laugh-out-loud adventure a journey through Asia in pursuit of the legendary tomb of Genghis Khan!
Fresh off of a victorious treasure hunt and rescue mission in South America, Addison Cooke just can't seem to steer clear of rogue bandits, pesky booby traps, and secret treasure troves. But it sure beats sitting around in school all day.
Addison's aunt and uncle, on the other hand, are none too happy about their habit of attracting kidnappers. When they become pawns in a dangerous gang's plan to steal the most prized possession of the notorious Mongolian leader Genghis Khan, Addison and his friends find themselves once again caught in the middle of a multi-million-dollar international heist. Armed with nothing but their wits and thirst for adventure, they travel across Asia in an attempt to rescue Addison's family and stop the treasure from falling into the wrong hands.
Brimming with round-the-clock action and tons of laughter, Addison Cooke and the Tomb of the Khan is perfect for fans of Indiana Jones, ancient history, and James Patterson’s Treasure Hunters series. About the Author
Jonathan Stokes has written screenplays on assignment for Fox, Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers, New Line, Sony, and Indian Paintbrush, and for actors such as Will Smith, Jeremy Renner, and Hugh Jackman. Jonathan’s last four spec screenplays were all recognized on The Black List, an annual survey of Hollywood executives’ favorite screenplays. He is also an author with a three-book deal at Philomel Books and a four-book deal at Viking Press, both published by Penguin Random House.
Jonathan has washboard abs, incredible taste in dishware, and 96% accuracy with high-fives. For updates on his current projects, visit the press page.
Amy Wilson - The Lost Frost Girl - Published by Katherine Tegen Books (November 7, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0062671486
A modern-day fairy tale full of frosty magic, Amy Wilson’s stunning debut about a girl who discovers that she is Jack Frost’s daughter will enchant fans of the Emily Windsnap series and Frozen.
“As magical as frost itself, The Lost Frost Girl is a truly special tale, told with gorgeous prose and filled with compelling characters. I absolutely loved it!” —Sarah Beth Durst, author of Journey Across the Hidden Islands
With a name like hers, Owl never expected her life to be normal, at home or at school. But when Owl finds out that she is Jack Frost’s daughter, her world shifts beyond what she could ever imagine.
Determined to meet him, Owl delves into Jack’s wonderful world of winter and magic—the kind of place she thought only existed in fairy tales. And as she notices frost patterns appearing on her skin and her tears turning to ice, Owl starts to wonder if being Jack Frost’s daughter means that she has powers of her very own.
At once breathtaking and brimming with heart, The Lost Frost Girl is a story of family, friendship, and the magic of embracing who you are meant to be.
Stel Pavlou - Daniel Coldstar #1: The Relic War - Published by HarperCollins (November 7, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0062126054
An epic and funny outer space adventure from acclaimed science fiction author and screenwriter Stel Pavlou!
Bestselling author of Artemis Fowl Eoin Colfer says of Daniel Coldstar: The Relic War: "Sci-fi has never been so much fun. I loved it!"
Below the surface on a forgotten planet, Daniel Coldstar searches for relics from a lost civilization. Daniel has no memory of his past. All he knows is to do his job and fear the masters of the mines.
Until he unearths a relic more powerful than anything he has ever seen. A relic that might help him escape…
What follows is an epic outer space adventure filled with Truth Seekers, atoms, Leechers, and the evil Sinja who seek to control the universe.
All that stands in their way is a boy named Daniel Coldstar, whose journey will change the galaxy forever.
With Halloween fast approaching, this is a fantastic book to get the goose-bumps flowing. The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie was published in a gorgeous hardback in the US on the 10th October 2017. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the book and the author. I hope you enjoy the questions and that the answers make you want to pick up a copy of the book and read it, maybe in time for Halloween. Welcome, Lindsay Currie, to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books and thank you for taking the time to answer the questions.
Who would love reading THE PECULIAR INCIDENT ON SHADY STREET, and why?
Well, PECULIAR INCIDENT is a ghost story with some seriously creepy moments, so anyone who likes to be "spooked" will definitely enjoy it! That said, it's also a fun mystery and a story about friendship, family, bravery, and acceptance, so I hope everyone is able to take something away from Tessa's story!
When the rain starts. When the lights go out. That's when the trouble begins...
What trouble can we expect in this book?
Oooh, good question! PECULIAR INCIDENT is based on a real ghost legend who is buried here in Chicago. The legend is so fascinating (and creepy) that folks travel from all over the country to visit the gravesite! When I wrote the book, I attempted to incorporate the feeling you get when you look at the grave in as many scenes as possible. This means that PECULIAR INCIDENT has a pretty unsettling tone. There's storms, flickering lights, a spooky, antique ventriloquist doll, and all kinds of ghostly events!
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I have so many! I love to write with candles going, so that's definitely something a little unusual about me. I also write with things surrounding me that make me feel inspired, so my writing desk is a bit . . . eclectic. There's an old-fashioned hourglass, several Harry Potter Funko figurines, and a sculpture made from found-items that looks suspiciously like a cross between a Thanksgiving turkey, and a monster.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I generally have an idea of where my story is going, but I don't plot per-se. It makes me feel more comfortable to let the characters lead the way.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
I’ve been writing my entire life, so the decision to attempt a novel came on the heels of the revelation that writing isn't just a hobby for me. It's a lifestyle. Truthfully, the starting part is always the easiest; it's the finishing part that can be hard.
Can you pass on any tips regarding the writing process to other budding writers?
Sure! I think when I first started out in publishing, I suffered from wanting things to happen fast all the time. I wanted to finish books quickly, edit them quickly, and see them in agent/editor hands quickly. I've come to learn this is a pretty common rookie error. The publishing industry is not a fast one, and the work of a writer should not be either. You need to take your time to write a good, timely book. It's impossible to know your characters and their goals/dreams/what motivates them unless you slow down and figure out what makes them tick. Same goes for plot. And editing? The more time you can take shining up your work, the better. There's a lot of amazing books out there, so make yours stand out!
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying/reading process?
Yes. Although we've all heard the old adage "don't judge a book by its cover", I think cover art is immensely important. A striking cover stands out on shelves, and a thoughtfully designed cover speaks to the reader even while they are reading the book. I got very lucky with my cover for THE PECULIAR INCIDENT ON SHADY STREET because the designer - Jessica Handelman - has designed several other covers that I adore, so I knew I'd love whatever she came up with for Tessa's story. The colors in the background are not only a nod to the stormy weather that persists in the book, but also my main character's hobby - pastel drawing. It truly couldn't be more perfect.
What are your thoughts about how to encourage more children to read?Tough question. I really think this varies from child-to-child. For many children, it seems the key is finding what they enjoy. Finding books that don't feel like a chore to read - either from a content or reading level standpoint.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Spend time with my family. I have three children - ages 15, 14, and 11 that are my inspiration for everything. My favorite weekends are the ones where we hang out together, make dinner or rent a movie.
My husband travels for work so when he's here, we do our best to make the most of it.
What is your favourite book to read that scares you?
Yikes! Favorite scary book? That's a hard one. I'm going to answer with a book from my childhood called The Dollhouse Murders. That book terrified me as a kid, but was so deliciously wonderful that I couldn't stop reading. I reread it about two years ago and was delighted to discover that it still raises goosebumps on my arms today!
About the Author
Lindsay lives in Chicago, Illinois with one incredibly patient hubby, three amazing kids and THREE DOGS! She's fond of tea, Halloween, Disney World and things that go bump in the night!
An author of young adult and middle-grade fiction, Lindsay is represented by Kathleen Rushall, of Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Her middle-grade novels are published with Simon & Schuster/Aladdin. Her young adult novels are published with Flux/Llewellyn and Merit Press. For more details on Lindsay's upcoming books, please visit her website:https://www.lindsaycurrie.com
Karina Yan Glaser - The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street - Published by HMH Books for Young Readers (October 3, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0544876392
A modern classic in the making reminiscent of the Penderwicks series, The Vanderbeekersof 141st Street is about the connections we make and the unexpected turns life can take.
The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are. And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home.
Lisa McMann - Going Wild #2: Predator vs. Prey - Published by HarperCollins (October 3, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0062337177
The Avengers meets Animorphs in the second book of this epic series from Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of the Unwanteds and Unwanteds Quests. “Kids will go wild for Going Wild!” raved Newbery Medal–winning author Katherine Applegate.
The Going Wild series highlights the unbelievable (and completely true) abilities that animals possess, and it’s perfect for Marvel fans and middle grade readers who enjoy an exciting mix of action, humor, and heart. “Fans of Rick Riordan and Brandon Mull will not be disappointed,” proclaimed School Library Journal.
In Predator vs. Prey, Charlie Wilde’s dad has been abducted by masked figures who might not even be completely human. And it will take more than her incredible bracelet—which gives her powers from the animal kingdom—to rescue him.
Luckily, Charlie’s friends now have bracelets of their own with all-new abilities…they just have to work through a few issues first. Maria’s device has hair-raising side effects. Mac can’t wait to hack into his. And their frenemy, Kelly, swears hers is a dud. If Charlie is going to have any hope of saving her dad—and the world—from their beastly foes, she’ll have to help her friends master their powers and come together as a team.
Ridley Pearson - Lock and Key: The Downward Spiral - Published by HarperCollins; (October 10, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0062399045
Will leave you dying to know more.” —Rick Riordan, author of the #1 bestselling Percy Jackson series
The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatcher and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the second riveting tale in the Lock and Key trilogy.
This bravely reimagined origin story of the rivalry of literature’s most famous enemies—Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty—is told from the perspective of James’s observant little sister, Moira.
At the thrilling conclusion to book one, we left off with James and Moira’s father dying horribly and unexpectedly. Now the search is on to find out whatreallyhappened to their father. Did he fall or was he pushed? Sherlock, James, and Moira reluctantly partner up, trusting no one, not even each other, as they uncover a secret sect, a rare jewel, and a sordid history. Blood is spilled, trusts broken, and friendships lost in this story of how one simple mistake cost Father his life and James his heart, and sent the Moriartys spiraling ever downward.
It’s a highly original and satisfying take on the Sherlock Holmes series as only master of suspense Ridley Pearson could envision. As Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, says, “This tale will change the way you see Sherlock Holmes and leave you dying to know more.”
Zack Loran Clark & Nick Eliopulos - The Adventurers Guild - Published by Disney-Hyperion (October 3, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-1484788011
Few ever asked to join the Adventurers Guild. . . . Their members often died young.
In one of the last cities standing after the world fell to monsters, best friends Zed Kagari and Brock Dunderfel have high hopes for the future. Zed desperately wishes to join the ranks of the Mages Guild, where his status as Freestone's only half elf might finally be an asset. Brock, the roguishly handsome son of merchants, is confident he'll be welcomed into the ranks of the Merchants Guild.
But just as it seems the boys' dreams have come true, their lives take a startling turn . . . and they find themselves members of the perilous Adventurers Guild.
Led by the fearsome Alabasel Frond, the guild acts as the last line of defense against the Dangers-hungry, unnatural beasts from otherworldly planes. And when the boys uncover a conspiracy that threatens all of Freestone, Zed, Brock, and their new allies-Liza, a fierce noble, and Jett, a brave dwarf-must prove their worth once and for all.
This start of a thrilling new series is sure to be a hit with readers who like their fantasies clever and action-packed, with tons of humor and heart.
