What a wonderful start to the New Year- so many exciting new books coming out.
Emma Carroll's 'Sky Chasers' was the first one to find a place on our book shelves at the shop - and what a gorgeous cover by David Litchfield. Emma's book is based on the true story of the first hot air balloon flight over Paris in the eighteenth century and the book is the realisation of Neal Jackson's story idea entitled- The First Aeronauts - winner of The Big Idea competition (Chicken House) . Sky Chasers is a wonderful adventure with a feisty female character whose spirit is infectious and drives the story.
Our patience will be paid off on the 1st Feb when Chicken House will bring us the third book 'Battle of the Beetles' in MG Leonard's brilliant Beetle trilogy ('Beetle Boy' , 'Beetle Queen') .Only MG Leonard could persuade me to try eating bugs with her passion and entomological knowledge! And when we heard her speaking at Latitude Ottie and I tucked into a few rather surprisingly tasty mouthfuls.
Pushkin Press who published one of my favourite books of last year 'The Murderer's Ape'very kindly sent me a proof copy of 'Boy 87'. An incredible story told with such immediacy and honesty through the innocent voice of a child- a young school boy who is forced to leave home to avoid conscription into the army it's a heart breaking book. It will be on our shelves in April.
'Skysong' by Abi Elphinstone published by Simon and Schuster is now out and our Book Clubs are currently reading it -they're really excited as Abi is coming to chat to them next month - we can't wait because every time Abi has visited she's been inspirational. She is a true adventurer and hearing about her research trips is always awesome. "Abi has created a world which I felt must exist, and i couldn't wait to get back to it every time I picked up the book' says Ottie, and I would second that
We have just popped a window display in to celebrate 'The Light Jar', Lisa Thompson's latest book published by Scholastic. Ottie and I both really enjoyed this book and we are thrilled that Lisa will be visiting two local schools with us in the next couple of weeks and we can't wait to meet her.
And on my to read book table is Ross Welford's new book 'The 1000 Year Old Boy' published by Harper Collins. It's Ross's third book- he secured a firm following when he visited after his first book was published- Time Travelling with a Hamster so I am looking forward to starting his latest adventure. Christopher Edge also has a new book coming out 'The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day' due to be published by Nosy Crow at the start of April. Christopher's two previous books have proved very popular with our book clubs.
It's only 14th Jan - i have a good feeling about what's in store this year. I'll make sure I make some headway through my pile of proofs to ensure we keep you posted about the books that are about to be published over the next few months.
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