Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's/Teen Book Picks UK Published - August 2016 - Post Two

Lari Don - The Beginner's Guide to Curses: Spellchasers 1 - Published by Kelpies (18 Aug. 2016)  - Book Review Here
Molly Drummond is cursed: whenever a dog barks, she turns into a hare -- which can make life quite dangerous...So she does the sensible thing and attends a curse-lifting workshop, run by a local witch. She tumbles into a world of magical beings, all desperate to reverse their curses. But will the power that feeds on the curses prevent them from returning to their normal lives? By the author of the bestselling Fabled Beasts Chronicles series, this is the dramatic first installment in the brand new, long-awaited Spellchasers trilogy. Lari Don has once again created a world of brilliant magic, dark danger and extraordinary friendship which will enchant children of upper primary age. 

Matt Ralphs - Fire Witch (Fire Girl 2) - Published by Macmillan Children's Books (25 Aug. 2016)

Hazel Hooper is no ordinary girl. She is a Fire Witch, and she is furious. Ever since her mother, Hecate, sacrificed herself to the demon world in order to stop a demonic invasion, Hazel has been determined to get her back, regardless of the cost.

Hazel's only chance to find Hecate is to seek advice from Nicolas Murrell, the Order of Witch Hunters most-prized prisoner, and the very same man responsible for Hecate's loss. With only Bramley, her grumpy dormouse familiar for company, Hazel must disguise herself as a boy and infiltrate the black heart of the Order of Witch Hunters to gain an audience with Murrell. But can he be trusted? 

Or will Murrell reveal to his captors that their newest apprentice is actually . . . a witch?

Fire Witch is the fantastic sequel to Fire Girl by Matt Ralphs - perfect for young readers with a taste for the extraordinary!

Sharon Creech - Moo - Published by HarperCollins (30 Aug. 2016) 

Fans of Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech s Love That Dog and Hate That Cat will love her newest tween novel, Moo. This uplifting tale reminds us that if we re open to new experiences, life is full of surprises. Following one family s momentous move from the city to rural Maine, an unexpected bond develops between twelve-year-old Reena and one very ornery cow.

When Reena, her little brother, Luke, and their parents first move to Maine, Reena doesn t know what to expect. She s ready for beaches, blueberries, and all the lobster she can eat. Instead, her parents volunteer Reena and Luke to work for an eccentric neighbor named Mrs. Falala, who has a pig named Paulie, a cat named China, a snake named Edna and that stubborn cow, Zora.

This heartwarming story, told in a blend of poetry and prose, reveals the bonds that emerge when we let others into our lives."

S. E. Grove - Golden Specific, The (Mapmakers Trilogy) - Published by Puffin Books (13 Aug. 2016)

The events of The Glass Sentence transformed the world, as well as the life of fourteen year old Sophia Tims. Since then she's continued searching for clues to her parents' disappearance, combing Boston's archives and libraries. Across the country, her friend Theo is searching, too. When Sophia learns that her mother's diary and the story of her parents" fate is in a distant archive, she makes a split second decision and sets off with an almost complete stranger on a sea voyage to a place where she knows no one. Weeks later, Theo returns to Boston and immediately sets off on a new voyage of his own. This book is written in alternating voices, studded with extracts from Minna Time's diary, and filled with all manner of wonders, including startlingly new kinds of maps.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Interview with Karen McCombie - The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall (Scholastic Press)

I'm really pleased to be sharing with you the following interview with Karen McCombie. Her latest novel, The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall, was published by Scholastic in June 2016. It's a magical story with an up lifting feeling and a real sense of hope. I hope that this interview piques your interest and encourages you to purchase a copy to read.

The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall is your latest book, what is it about?
Ellis's mum Sadie is a hair & make-up artist, whose jobs normally consist of powdering the sweaty foreheads of actors in ads for car insurance and toilet rolls! Then one day Sadie works on a music video, and after a whirlwind romance with the singer in the band, thirteen-year-old Ellis finds herself with a rock star for a step-dad and a deserted, dilapidated mansion in the Highlands of Scotland for a home. Already struggling with bouts of anxiety, the Whole New Life thing leaves Ellis reeling, till one day she hears whispers in the walls... and finds herself slipping back in time to the busy, bustling 1912 heyday of Wilderwood Hall. Thanks to the one person who can see Ellis - Flora the fourteen-year-old housemaid - life takes a turn for the better. But will the past be the sanctuary Ellis hopes for, or is danger lurking in its warm, gas-lit corners?

You have written over 70 books what are the major themes of your work?
I've just done a head-count and 'The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall' is actually my 84th published book! (I'm writing no. 87 at the moment...) As for themes, family and friendship is at the heart of everything, whether I'm writing with my funny hat on, or leaning more towards history and mystery. 

Have you ever used contemporary events or stories “ripped from the headlines” in your work?

There's very much a story "ripped from the headlines' in 'The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall',  though it concerns a historical event that made big news. It weaves itself into the twist at the end, so I can't tell you what it is, even if you threaten me with a Chinese burn...

Do you use your own experiences?

All the time. Or I nick 'em from my friends and family. I recycle everyone's experiences and stories - ha! The profession of Ellis's mum Sadie is a straight steal from my friend and neighbour Emily, though last time I looked, she was still living four doors up, and hadn't married anyone famous and moved to the Highlands! As for Wilderwood Hall, it's based on an old, deserted mansion house I stumbled upon years and years ago with a film student friend who was scouting for locations. The house we snuck into was derelict and vandalised, but eerily beautiful. It's always stayed with me, and it's mutated into Wilderwood...

While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

For the time I'm writing a novel I'm ALWAYS the main character, seeing the world through their eyes, feeling all the angst, embarrassment, nervousness and joy that they do. If I make myself cry at some point in the story, I know I'm doing it right.

If you were running the 100 yard dash with a new writer. What writing, publishing wisdom would you bestow upon him/her before you reached the 100 yards?

I'm a rubbish runner, but you will regularly find me stomping over the parklands of Alexandra Palace in North London, which is practically my back garden! So I'd invite a new writer for a meander in the greenery, with its great views over London, and I'd tell that every writer would give them different advice! Mine would be to plan, plan, plan out your story, so you don't get lost and lose heart half-way through. Though other authors would say the opposite, telling you to just write, and see where a story and character takes you. (NB The idea of doing that gives me the heebie-jeebies. *Eek!*) 

What are your current projects?

Deep breath... I've just finished writing something young and funny and school-related for Stripes, something historical and VERY close to my heart for Nosy Crow, and am in the middle of a dual-aspect novel for Scholastic. After that, I'll have a bit of a break. Er, no I won't! I've got the follow-ups to the Stripes and Nosy Crow books to write, plus a quick-read book for inclusive publishers Barrington Stoke.   

How important are stories to you? What do you like to read?

Stories are everything to me, whether that's in a book, a film or a conversation with a friend. Stories are all around, they make you think, understand and share. Stories make us better at being human. As for what I like to read...? I'm not so keen on fantasy and crime; I find the extraordinary stories of ordinary people much more fascinating.

If you found a time travel machine where would you go and what would you do?

Can I be whisked to The Great Exhibition, please? I'd like to marvel at the glinting Crystal Palace and all the wonders of the world and science inside it. Though I've heard they didn't built enough WCs for the visiting throngs of Victorian visitors, so that could be a problem. In other words, I'd better not have too many drinks in the tea-room.

Last question, what five things would you take on a desert Island and why? 

Five boxes; one full of my TBR pile of books (obvz), one with squashy cushions to recline on (mmm...), one full of packets of crisps (nom), and one full of kittens (#allthecute). Oh, and the last one could contain my daughter Milly, as she's excellent company.   

Best-selling author Karen McCombie has had more than 80 books published, and her latest novel is 'The Whispers Of Wilderwood Hall' (out June 2016, Scholastic).
The quirky humour and endearing characters in her novels have been inspired by her previous career as a journalist on teenage girls' magazines, her collection of childhood diaries AND a bad habit of listening in to conversations on buses when school is coming out...
Her hobbies include scribbling random observations in notebooks, brushing cat hair from the keyboard of her laptop and posting nonsense on Instagram.

Author Website: http://www.karenmccombie.com
Twitter: @KarenMcCombie 
Instagram:  http://Instagram.com/karenmccombie 

Sarah Baker - Through the Mirror Door Book Cover - Concept Designed by Will Steele and Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

This is one of my favourite book covers this year. It is from "Through the Mirror Door" which has been illustrated by the talented Jessica Courtney-Tickle. I recently read this book and really loved it; (review here) it got me thinking about having the right book cover image that reflects the story inside. The overall book cover is very important as it needs to attract potential buyers and make them pick up the book. It needs to appeal to as many readers as possible. This one encapsulates the story really well, in my opinion, and gives an air of mystery about the plot; gently tickling the brain into thinking about what is behind the cover. 

The above image and the two below are progress shots which were produced by the illustrator. 

This is the second progress illustration which shows a close up of the house from the first illustration. This is similar perspective to the final book cover.

This is a stripped back version of the above illustration. It is missing the character and a lot of the foreground detail. This allows the illustrator and Will Steele to begin to think about the positioning of the title and the layout of the final cover.

The above image shows a different colour palette in order to investigate which colours will work best for the final cover.

In the image above you will see the perspective has somewhat changed and the colour palette has transformed yet again fantastically. The tweaks and changes that have been applied might possibly be due to the partnership of Will Steele and the illustrator playing around with the concept of the image. It works really well for me as it is crisper, clearer and more focused and the colour palette works really well on this. 

This image shows a swirling calligraphic font which was probably disregarded as this was not used in the final selection.

This is the final version of the book cover. I hope that you agree with me that this is a fantastic final production. A lot of thought has obviously gone into the process of such an amazing cover and, in my opinion, it has definitely been worth it. 

If you love the illustrations as much as I do please check out other work by Jessica on her website here: http://jessica-tickle.squarespace.com

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Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's/Teen Book Picks UK Published - August 2016 - Post One

Michelle Paver - Warrior Bronze (Gods and Warriors Book 5) - Published by Puffin (4 Aug. 2016) 

Michelle Paver's superb Bronze Age epic reaches its dramatic, spine-tingling conclusion.
Hylas and Pirra return to Akea for their final confrontation with their arch-enemies, the Crows. They must recover the dagger of Koronos if they are to end the warriors' brutal rule. Only if old and new friends join forces can they hope to triumph - but the price of victory may be higher than either Hylas or Pirra has dreamed . . .

Nicole Burstein - Wonderboy - Published by Andersen Press (4 Aug. 2016) 

A funny and frank superhero story set in the world of Othergirl. 
Joseph ‘Wilco’ Wilkes is one of life’s losers – he’s picked on, pushed around, and bullied by the rugby boys at the posh private school he attends on a scholarship. But his life is about to change: Wilco learns he can move things with his mind. Will this be his chance to play the hero, get the girl and finally stand up for himself? Or are things just going to come crashing down around his head? Becoming a proper hero will be quite the leap of faith...

Jo Cotterill (Author) Cathy Brett (Illustrator) - Electrigirl and the Deadly Swarm - Published by OUP Oxford (4 Aug. 2016)

Fully charged and ready for action.
The second title in an explosive new series, with a unique mix of stunning comic book style visuals, and action-packed prose. 
Holly Sparkes was just your average 12-year-old, that was, until a bolt of lightning crashed into her. Now Holly Sparkes is ELECTRIGIRL!  
After honing her superpowers, rescuing her best friend, and defeating the evil Professor Macavity - a holiday is just what Holly needs.  
But there's much more than sun, sea, and sand on offer in the sleepy town of Polcarrow - and when a mysterious and deadly swarm attack there's only one person that can save the day . . . ELECTRIGIRL!  

A new and exciting take on the classic superhero story - told from the original perspective of a 12-year-old girl. Part comic, part text, perfect for fiction and comic book fans alike. This accessible, fast-paced read is truly electrifying!

Louis de Bernières - Blue Dog - Published by Harvill Secker (4 Aug. 2016)
From the author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, the spellbinding story of a young boy and his dog adventuring through the outback.

When a family tragedy means Mick is sent to the outback to live with his Granpa, it looks as if he has a lonely life ahead of him. The cattle station is a tough place for a child, where nature is brutal and the men must work hard in the heat and dust. However, after a cyclone hits, things change for Mick. Exploring the floodwaters, he finds a lost puppy covered in mud and half-drowned. Mick and his dog immediately become inseparable as they take on the adventures offered by their unusual home, and the business of growing up, together. 

In this charming prequel to the much-loved Red Dog, Louis de Bernières tells the moving story of a young boy and his Granpa, and the charismatic and entertaining dog who so many readers hold close to their hearts.

With illustrations by Alan Baker

Michelle Harrison - The Other Alice - Blog Tour (Five Characters I'd Wish Into Real Life . . . and Five Villains I Wouldn't)

It's a great pleasure to be kicking off the blog tour for Michelle Harrison's latest book, The Other Alice. It was recently published by Simon & Schuster on the 28th July. This is a fantastically magical book which is very spooky and absolutely thrilling to read. To find out more please check out my book review HERE.  

This blog tour will stop by some of the best book bloggers, so please check the list above and pop along to each of these. I would like to thank Michelle for this brilliant post about Characters and Villains. I wonder . . . . what would yours be? 

Finally, please check my book give away on twitter @Enchantedbooks which is starting today. All you have to do is RT and Follow. I'm afraid that this competition is open to the UK only. 

Five Characters I'd Wish Into Real Life 
. . . and Five Villains I Wouldn't  By Michelle Harrison 

My latest novel, The Other Alice, is about a writer whose characters come to life if she is unable to finish their stories. I've often wished I could bring some of my own characters into the real world, and I've definitely created a few that I'd never want to meet. Here are my top five in each category, from my own books and those by other authors. 

1. The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen 
In the original version this 'poor unfortunate soul' ends up as sea foam after she fails to win the prince's love. If she came to life, I'd use her three days as a human to show her a good time. On day one I'd deck her out with some party feet for her painful tootsies, then take her out for a girly night of cocktails. Day two, we'd recover with a fry up and watch DVDs in our PJs (probably Bridget Jones rather than Splash). Day three we'd go through all my folklore and spell books and find a way to outwit the sea witch. Girl power! 

2. Turpin – One Wish by Michelle Harrison 
Of all the fairies I've created, Turpin is probably my favourite. She's artful, cheeky and a kleptomaniac, but also fiercely loyal and brave. Life would be a lot of fun with her around, provided you don't mind handling stolen goods. 

3. Gobbolino the Witch's Cat – Ursula Moray Williams 
As a child I was enchanted by stories of the little black cat, Gobbolino and his wicked sister, Sootica. Born with one white paw (and so not deemed a 'proper' witch's cat) Gobbolino is cast out by the witch and goes in search of his forever home. As a mad cat lady with a penchant for black cats, there'd always be a place by my fire and a bowl of GoCat for him (and probably Sootica, too) although they'd have to get past my top cat, Pepper, first . . . 

4. Sara Crewe – A little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett 
One of my all time book heroines. Going from riches to rags she manages to stay positive and enrich the lives of all around her with the power of her imagination and love of stories. Not only that but she'd never interrupt you when you're reading, because it's one of her pet hates. Top girl. 

5. Jon Snow – A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin 
No, really. I wouldn't choose the bad guys like Jaime Lannister, or Mr Willoughby. Or James Bond. Nope, no dashing literary ratbags for me. Honestly. WHAT? 


And now for the baddies . . . 

1. Kevin Katchadourian – We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver 
One seriously messed up little creep who is the perpetrator of a high school massacre. In addition he steals a dead person's glass eye, and wears nappies until the age of six just to make his mother's life difficult. A horribly compelling character in one of the best but most disturbing books I've read. But being a monster isn't the only reason I'd never want Kevin to be real. He knows he's unwanted by his mother, and he's so joyless I'd just never wish a human like him into existence. 

2. Jennet Humfrye – The Woman in Black by Susan Hill 
One of the most malevolent and threatening characters I've ever encountered, the ghost of Jennet Humfrye with her wasted face haunts the town of Crythin Gifford. Having pined away after the death of her son, sightings of her result in the inevitable death of a child. The book, stage play and film have each played on my mind when the lights are out. *Shudder* 

3. Asinastra – Poison by Chris Wooding 
If you're not a fan of spiders, you really won't like Asinastra, the Lady of Cobwebs. A pregnant half-woman, half-spider, she peers up through her tangle of hair and speaks to your mind telepathically. I've never hoovered up a spider but I'd make an exception for this one if there was a Dyson big enough. 

4. Cruella de Vil – The Hundred and One Dalmations by Dodie Smith 
'If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will . . .' Not much else to say about this would-be puppy killer except that I'd love to have thought her up myself. If I was ever unlucky enough to meet her I like to think I'd be brave enough to chuck a box of Nice 'n' Easy her way before scarpering. 

5. Annie Wilkes – Misery by Stephen King 
Every writer's nightmare: 'Your number one fan!' A deranged devotee of Stephen King's author Paul Sheldon, Annie is enraged that he killed off her favourite character, Misery Chastain. Not content with imprisoning and torturing him, she forces him to write a new book bringing Misery back from the dead. I can't help but grimace whenever I get an email from someone claiming to be my 'number one fan' . . .

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: The Phoenix Presents - Summer Comic Madness Picks 2016

These are some of the best graphical picks for the summer; they are all from the talented bunch at The Phoenix. Here are my personal favourites. I devoured the amazing comic juices of them in a flash. They all featured in the weekly 32 page comic anthology which is suitable for girls and boys alike.

The larger instalments within the weekly comic are both great and entertaining. They are brilliantly illustrated images containing a fantastic story inside that all ages will absolutely love. This summer each will provide great entertainment and a fantastic visual escapism, so check them all out. 

Neill Cameron - Mega Robo Bros (The Phoenix Presents) Paperback – 2 Jun 2016 

London! The Future! Alex and Freddy are just like any other brothers. They squabble. They drive their parents crazy. There's only one difference...they're the most powerful robots on earth! But Alex and Freddy will soon discover that they're not the only super-powered robots around. An evil robotic mind is making sinister plans. And their lives won't stay peaceful for much longer...

Jamie Smart - Bunny vs Monkey: Book 3 (The Phoenix Presents) Paperback – 7 Jul 2016

It’s quiet in the woods today. Isn’t it lovely? Really quiet. Really very –

WHAMMM! KER-THWUMP!

What’s that?! It’s Bunny and Monkey fighting with all sorts of crazyinventions…

The Helliphant!

The Stench!

A Carrot!

But wait! Something else has just arrived in the woods – something new!

Something called “hew-mans”…

It’s Bunny vs Monkey: Book 3!

Adam Murphy - Lost Tales (The Phoenix Presents) - Paperback – 4 Aug 2016

In the land of the Mi'kmaq, there lived an invisible warrior who longed to be seen. In the Punjab, there lived a poor hermit who renounced riches. In Brazil, there lived a lonely princess who yearned for a playmate. Uncover these tales of wonder from around the world. From Adam Murphy, creator of CORPSE TALK, comes a collection of the most magical myths and legends you've never heard before...

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J. K . Rowling - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - New Comic-Con Trailer [HD] - November 2016

More magic and more monsters! A brand new Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them trailer debuted at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 23, sending Muggles everywhere into a frenzy. 

http://www.fantasticbeasts.co.uk

After Potterheads were instructed to point their wands at the screen onstage, the Fantastic Beasts trailer began to play. The trailer starts with Colin Farrell, who plays Author Percival Graces, investigating the sudden arrival of several dangerous creatures in New York in the mid-1920s.
As fans know, and as is later revealed in the trailer, the so-called “fantastic beasts” escaped from a magical briefcase owned by none other than Newt (Redmayne). Although several promos for the upcoming movie have previously been released, the Comic-Con video gives viewers a first look at the beasts themselves.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 

will take moviegoers back to the Wizarding World – a place they haven’t visited in five years, since Harry Potter and the Death Hallows – Part 2 hit theaters in 2011. The film takes place several decades before Harry Potter’s story (in 1920s New York, to be exact), but won’t serve as a prequel to the grand saga of The Boy Who Lived. Rather, Fantastic Beasts will follow the adventures of Newt Scamander (Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne), the magizoologist who devoted his life to studying the magical creatures of the world and eventually wrote the eponymous wizard encyclopaedia, based on his findings.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Sarah Baker - Through the Mirror Door - Book Review

Since the accident, Angela has been alone. When she is invited on holiday with her cousins, it is her chance to be part of a family again if she promises to behave herself. But secrets lie in the walls of the crumbling French holiday home and the forbidden rooms draw Angela in. Soon night-time footsteps, flickering candlelight and shadows in windows lead her to a boy who needs her help. To save him Angela must discover the truth about what happened in the house all those years ago . . . and face the terrible secret of her own past.

Sarah Baker has worked extensively in film, as a story editor, with roles at Aardman Features. She has now turned her creative hand from fashion blogging to the catwalk of writing books for children. Through the Mirror Door is a very good middle grade read that is incredibly immersive and well accomplished for a debut book. It will certainly attract readers of all ages, in my opinion. The eye catching cover is designed by Will Steele and illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle; it's very in-keeping with the story as it pulls out the mystery and leaves you wanting to find out more inside the cover. 

You get a really good feel about the plot from the very first page. The plight of the main central character is Angela. She is perhaps not the most well formed character and might need just a little more work around her to fully develop her personality. She is a troubled twelve-year old suffering from the death of her family when she suddenly finds herself embroiled into a mystery story that sucks her into the crevices of the French manor house, Maison de Noyer. 

EVERY HOUSE HOLDS A SECRET. 

As you arrive at the foreboding tall dark house, it looms over you in a crumbling state of dilapidated character and rural charm. Three floors, twenty-four shuttered windows, all in total darkness lead you into a world that will intrigue and spook you to the very core as you cross over the threshold. The question is: do you dare? 

Every door that you open, the more secrets you will find as you follow Angela on a twisty and turning adventure that will have you rooting for her. The climatic adventure turns into a pulse gripping race against time to save Julien, a boy, from 1898 France. You will be transported back in time to a time slip period adventure that vibrates into a tale of deceit and survival. It will work up the imagination and lead you down the path of a gripping fantasy novel. It will certainly flex the brain and entertain the sole as you follow the night-time footsteps, the flickering candlelight and a whole host of ghostly visitations. 

This book is essentially a huge atmospheric ghost story, which is layered full of mystery and dark intentions that I really did connect with. The narrative is one of my personal favourites.  You will soon be sucked into a cavernous story; a haunting and enchanted world that has a timeless classic feel. It is historically rooted which leads to pure escapism, but also has a dollop of romance and a big splash of friendship in a tale of hope and fear. 

This is a brilliant debut book and a highly recommended read. It is out now in all good book shops - published by Catnip Publishing.
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Press Release: THE JIM HENSON COMPANY PARTNERS WITH NARRATIVIA TO DEVELOP SIR TERRY PRATCHETT'S “WEE FREE MEN” AS FEATURE FILM

THE JIM HENSON COMPANY PARTNERS WITH NARRATIVIA TO DEVELOP “WEE FREE MEN” AS FEATURE FILM

Award winning screenwriter Rhianna Pratchett, daughter of Sir Terry Pratchett, will pen the adaptation

The Jim Henson Company announced today the development of a feature film based on the great literary legacy of the late Sir Terry Pratchett’s “THE WEE FREE MEN,” part of the wildly popular Discworld series.

The long-awaited film adaption will be written by his daughter Rhianna Pratchett, an award-winning scriptwriter for video-games  comics, film and TV. Her work includes the 2013 smash hit reboot of Tomb Raider, the BAFTA nominated Heavenly Sword and the Writers’ Guild winning Overlord and Rise of the Tomb Raider. Pratchett, co-director of independent production company Narrativia, has regularly been named one of the top 100 most influential women in the games industry and won the Women in Games Hall of Fame award in 2013.

“THE WEE FREE MEN,” is the first in a series of Discworld novels starring the young witch Tiffany Aching. A nightmarish danger threatens from the other side of reality. Armed with only a frying pan and her common sense, the young witch-to-be must defend her home against the monsters of Fairyland. Luckily she has some very unusual help: the local Nac Mac Feegles—aka the Wee Free Men—a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men. Together they must face headless horsemen, ferocious grimhounds, terrifying dreams come true, and ultimately the most powerful force of all - the Queen.

Brian Henson of The Jim Henson Company will serve as producer. Rhianna Pratchett, Rob Wilkins and Rod Brown of Narrativia and Vince Raisa of The Jim Henson Company, will serve as executive producers. WEE FREE MEN is a co-production with Narrativia. 

“I’ve loved the Jim Henson Company’s work all my life, so it’s a great honor to team up with them and bring Wee Free Men to the big screen.” said writer Rhianna Pratchett.

“As a family owned company, we fully understand the importance of legacy properties,” said Brian Henson, Chairman of The Jim Henson Company. “The Discworld series is a richly developed world with devoted fans, myself included, and there is no one better than Rhianna to bring Terry’s beloved project to life on the big screen.”

About The Jim Henson Company

The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for 60 years and is recognised worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include the Emmy®-nominated Sid the Science Kid, Dinosaur Train, and Pajanimals, as well as the CG-animated preschool series Doozers, the upcoming digital citizenship series for preschoolers Dot., and the Netflix series for young preschoolers Word Party. Top titles currently in production include the groundbreaking marine biology series Splash and Bubbles for PBS KIDS® and the Netflix Original preschool show Julie’s Greenroom, starring award-winning actress Julie Andrews. Features include Disney’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, as well as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and MirrorMask. Television productions include Fraggle Rock, the sci-fi cult series Farscape, Henson Alternative’s No, You Shut Up! and the TV film Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow.

With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and postproduction facilities. The Company is home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character- building and visual effects group with international film, television, theme park and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state-of- the-art and vintage equipment. The Company’s Henson Alternative brand is currently touring Puppet-Up! – Uncensored, a live puppet improvisational show.

www.henson.com
www.facebook.com/hensoncompany
www.twitter.com/hensoncompany

About Narrativia

Independent Production Company Narrativia was launched in 2012 by Sir Terry Pratchett. The company owns and controls the exclusive multimedia and merchandising rights to all of Sir Terry's works, including his Discworld characters and creations. With more than 85 million books sold worldwide, Pratchett's writing has created a literary phenomenon across the globe and Narrativia protects and unites the management and development of this brand.

The Executive Team, headed by Managing Director and BAFTA winning producer Rod Brown is based in London, where he works closely with co-directors, celebrated writer Rhianna Pratchett and Terry Pratchett's Business Manager, Rob Wilkins, who all jointly own and control Narrativia.

Narrativia is currently in development and pre-production, hand in hand with a number of high-profile production partners and broadcasters across the globe, on a slate of as yet undisclosed film and television projects, with commencement of filming for the first project due to start in 2016.

www.narrativia.com