She’d MUCH rather be outside, playing games and getting muddy, than stuck inside with a book. But when she’s dragged along to the library one day by her two best friends, she makes an incredible discovery – and soon it’s up to Kit and her friends to save the library … and the world.
Hidden within the words of this wonderful text is a social action and protest guide, espousing the power of working together to overthrow the short-sighted policies of those consumed by greed that know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.
Phew – that sounds pretty heavy for a children’s book!
But don’t worry!
The Dragon in the Library is a lot of things, it is a rousing tale of friendship and magical adventure, and it is a recognition of the power in collective action and the shared joy of reading as well as being a celebration of stories, the belief in magic, Libraries and all those that use them and work therein!
It is GLORIOUS! As a Librarian I felt seen and valued, Louie is an author that gets what Libraries are and how they make people feel, she understands what we do, and she has also written a fun tale that moves along at a cracking pace for readers of all ages.
The Dragon in the Library is written by Louie Stowell and illustrated by David Ortu. It is published by Nosy Crow and will be available from the 6th June 2019 in good bookshops everywhere!
Los Angelinos have a rare treat coming up this Saturday! They will have the opportunity to meet award-winning Filipino author Candy Gourlay at Philippine Expressions Bookshop in San Pedro.
It all started in Burnt Oak Library, in a building my sisters and I considered the height of ‘modern’ – a sort of concrete pagoda, with underfloor heating and enough books to keep us occupied for a life time. We’d go there every Saturday, after popping into the Co-op to inhale the smell of the lemony Bronnley soaps, and before visiting ABC bakers, for cream buns to be eaten on the way home. Libraries have always loomed large in my life, not surprising considering both parents were librarians: the hush; the endless shelves of books; the helpful staff; the borrowers from all walks of life. Stepping into a library always feels like coming home. The library in Burnt Oak was housed in an upstairs gallery, with books on one side and a wraparound balcony on the other – perfect for observing the adult library below. Here we would lounge on the floor, browse the shelves and – because we were regulars – sit behind the desk and file tickets for Daphne, the children’s librarian, who had lovely shoulder length bouncy hair. In the afternoon, back at home, I’d dive into Richmal Crompton, Alan Garner, anything by Frances Hodgson Burnett or E Nesbitt. Later, came Flambards, Watership Down, Fifteen by Beveley Cleary and The Outsiders by SE Hinton. When I’d exhausted the teenage section, it was onto the adult library: Agatha Christie, Jean Plaidy, Jilly Cooper and (sigh) the tumultuous Angelique by Sergeanne Golon, Libraries have shaped me. They’ve soothed me. They’ve gently nudged me in the right direction in, dare I say it, the most serendipitous of ways.
My first Saturday job was at a school outfitters, run by a dictator-type who sent me home for wearing trousers. My second Saturday job was in the library, where everyone was nice and no one batted an eyelid, whatever you wore. At 16, I was not considered University material. My mum wanted me to be a secretary at the BBC and work my way up, ‘like Mrs Jones’ daughter’; my heart was not in it. Then one day I found a box of prospectus’s tucked under the library desk, and bingo! In an elegantly bound book I found the perfect course: a degree in Fashion Communications at Saint Martins. The future took on a rosy glow. I was fashion mad. I went back to school, took an Art O level, got into Saint Martins and then several years later, won my dream job, as Fashion Assistant on Honey Magazine. For some years I worked happily in fashion and then for many more years wrote magazine articles on pregnancy and parenting. But one day, after filing a piece on why babies dribble, I decided I’d had enough. I needed a change.
Then, two things happened.
I read American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld, where the Laura Bush character just happens to be a children’s librarian.
I visited a new library in my neighbourhood and was particularly taken with the sense of peace that stole over me as I stepped inside. On a whim, I applied for an assistant’s position in a secondary school library. I got the job and quickly found out it wasn’t the oasis of peace I’d imagined. It was noisy, sometimes chaotic, packed with young people before, during and after school. But it didn’t matter! I was rediscovering the joys of children’s fiction; speaking to the students about what they loved to read; recommending books, and getting a buzz when they came back, asking for more. At the same time, I embarked on an MA in Children’s Literature. And I started to think about what makes a book tick.
There are libraries aplenty in The Secret Starling. In Leeds, Clara visits a library for the first time and ‘it was as if she had been catapulted into a treasure trove.’ She and Peter explore ‘three whole shelves groaning with ballet-related books’ and on the way out, spot an exciting clue on the library noticeboard. In Colindale Newspaper Library where there is ‘a velvet hush, the kind of all-enveloping quiet where you can hear every creak and sniff,’ Clara and Peter make the biggest discovery of all, unearthing information that will change their lives forever.
Libraries changed my life too.
If I hadn’t had my Saturday job, I wouldn’t have found that prospectus; if I hadn’t read the Sittenfeld book, or visited that neighbourhood library, I doubt I would have found my way back into the library fold. But mostly, if I hadn’t read all those books from Burnt Oak Library, the ones that seeped stories deep into my bones, I’m pretty sure I could not written The Secret Starling.
So thank you libraries. I owe you big time.
The Secret Starling is out now, from Faber and Faber
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet, with illustrations by Nasaya Mafaridik
You might recognise Omar, he was originally published as The Muslims by small, independent publishing house Sweet Apple, and I wrote a post about how much I loved it (not long after it won the Little Rebels Prize). Now, with new illustrations, Hachette are taking him to the mainstream into his own series of books. I enjoyed reading the proof copy I was sent (thanks Hachette) and noticed that although the story has changed slightly, the humour and everyday touches that I loved remain, and I was very happy to be able to ask author Zanib Mian a few questions about it:
Hi Zanib, thank you for agreeing to undergo the Third Degree!
You’ve written a number of picture books but this is your first book for older readers, what prompted you to write a longer story?
My writing is often inspired by my own children, so when
they were younger, I wrote a lot of picture book stories. When I started
writing the book that is now Planet Omar, my son was nine years old. He was
growing up, which meant there were so many more dimensions to his often
hilarious personality. I was compelled to write a character like him! But I
wasn’t quite sure what kind of story I would write, until I began to notice how
much young children were suddenly politically aware – discussing Trump in the
playground and often overhearing adults discussing the news (usually involving
Muslims!). The NSPCC reported a surge in faith-based bullying in playgrounds.
Primary aged children were being called ‘terrorists.’ This was all very
upsetting and the inspiration behind the book. I thought it was time that the
world met a regular Muslim family, like Omar’s.
Why do you feel that
it was important to include so many details about the everyday actions of
practicing Muslims?
I feel that prejudice arises from a lack of awareness.
People may not understand our reasons for doing certain things – they are
completely alien to them. For those people who don’t have any Muslim friends
and are reluctant to ask questions, the book gives a nice insight into why we
do things like fast during Ramadan, or wear hijab. It also includes lots of
comical situations that go on in Muslim households that are related to our
practices.
I loved Science
Sundays! What made you decide that both his parents should be scientists?
That was easy! I am a Molecular Cell Biologist, who loves
all things Science. I thought it would be a great way to inspire children towards
the subject and show them how ‘cool’ and fun it can be. Making both Mum and Dad
Scientists meant that I could really trickle it through the pages, as with
Science Sundays, which I very much enjoyed doing!
‘Planet Omar’ was
first published as ‘The Muslims’ by Sweet Apple publishers. When you were
re-editing it for a larger publishing house did the process feel very
different?
Yes, it did. It was the first time I worked with a larger
publishing house, so it was very a very different, but hugely positive
experience to when I publish books under Sweet Apple. My editor, Kate Agar,
wanted to expand the book in areas where I had already felt needed more work,
so I was happy to jump on it. Her suggestions and prompts were very inspiring,
allowing me to imagine more scenes (just like Omar imagines!) and bringing out
the best in my writing.
How did you feel
about the illustrations being replaced? Were there any parts you weren’t happy
with and asked to be redone?
The illustrations were actually the hardest part of the
transition, at first. That’s because, as the book had had a life of its own, I
had images in my mind of the characters as they were in The Muslims. Especially
for Omar. Seeing him change completely was a bit of an adjustment! The creative
team at Hachette were wonderful about getting my input and thoughts. I really
have enjoyed working with the whole team there and was really touched by how
much they valued my opinion on the artwork and cover. I asked them to make
Omar’s face cheekier and the Mum a bit more quirky. They came back with more
drafts until I was happy and now I’m in love with the end result!
Do you enjoy visiting
schools to talk about Omar?
Oh yes, visiting schools around the publication of Planet
Omar. I love seeing the children giggle in complete relation to Omar and his
family antics. They seem to be very intrigued and inspired by Omar’s
imagination, which is fabulous! One of the schools I visited had already read
the book, so their line of questions at the end was very specific. I was
extremely warmed by their concern that I might have written the book because I
had myself been bullied or suffered a nasty neighbour. I reassured them that it
wasn’t the case!
What are you reading
at the moment and who would you recommend it to?
I am reading Charlie Changes into a Chicken by Sam Copeland,
because I want to read all the awesome books by my author friends. It’s
hilarious. I’d recommend it to any kid who wants to have a laugh and likes poo
jokes. For some adult reading, I’ve dug into Jonas Jonnason’s Hitman Anders and
the Meaning of It All – I love this author’s unique writing style. Makes me
smile all the way through.
What’s next for Omar,
and what’s next for you?!
Planet Omar is a series! Book 2 will be out in Febuary 2020,
where you can read about more of his shenanigans! I’ve loved writing for middle
grade and had a blast writing Planet Omar book 2.
Today marks the 13th Birthday of Teen Librarian Monthly, it
is at times hard to believe that it lasted as long as it has! The very
first issue of Teen Librarian Monthly was two pages in length; the last
one (in its current format) is five pages.
It has not really changed much over the years – the layout
has changed, I started using a new header although I have reverted to an
improved version of the original for the anniversary issue. I think my writing
has improved over the years.
The decision to call time on TLM was not an easy one, I am
hoping to resurrect it in a new format using one of the many online newsletter
services that have grown up over the years.
I will be testing them out over the upcoming months to see
how they work and decide which one (if any) meet my needs for a simple email
newsletter service.
If anyone has suggestions on what they would like to see in a
future TLM please do e-mail me or comment below.
These graphic novels are a brilliant introduction to the medium for young readers, written and drawn by Canadian Ben Clanton they are short and simple but wonderfully silly, about the adventures of best friends Narwhal and Jelly. The first two books are out in the UK now!
Narwhal and Jelly meet for the first time in the first story
I literally laughed out loud at the banter, the stories are just joyful and so much is said in very few words. I can’t imagine anyone of any age, from 5+, not loving this series (book 3 is due in September). They tackle friendship, embracing difference, and all sorts of emotions, and they’re totally adorable and really funny. For information lovers, there are pages of facts about creatures mentioned in the stories.
Yes, that is a narwhal and a jellyfish enjoying waffles on the other page!
When Egmont asked if I’d like review copies for the blog I jumped at them (thankyou for sending them to me), because the glimpse of the comic strip on the press release immediately brought to mind another underwater character that I love, who could really do with a Narwhal and Jelly in her life: Lucy the Octopus by Richy K. Chandler. He’s visited two of my schools to do comics workshops and all of the students have had a great time with him, I highly recommend getting him in. When he visited my current school a couple of years ago he gave us a couple of printed volumes of the webcomic (still available to buy), but there is now a hardback graphic novel you can buy for your library to bring cheer to the lives of all your anxious (& possibly bullied) faves (recommended to age 9+)
A fairly simple idea using origami fortune-tellers (also known as cootie catchers, chatterboxes or whirlybirds) as a passive activity for library patrons to choose books or authors that may be diffrent from their usual tastes.
I have included a craft element for patrons that wish to learn how to make their own fortune-tellers to take away.
The instructions on how to make and use fortune-tellers can be found below.
A fairly simple idea using origami fortune-tellers (also known as cootie catchers, chatterboxes or whirlybirds) as a passive activity for library patrons to choose books or authors that may be diffrent from their usual tastes.
I have included a craft element for patrons that wish to learn how to make their own fortune-tellers to take away.
The instructions on how to make and use fortune-tellers can be found below.
