I heard today, that Radio 2’s Dermot O’Leary wants to hear from children about their favourite books, but not just books by celebrity authors or well publicised books. He wants to hear about the books by lesser known authors.
If you have read one of the Akea books, particularly if it’s been read to or by a child, please email him at Dermot@bbc.co.uk and give me a shout out. Thank you so much for your help.
What was your bedtime routine as a child? Did it involve being read to? Do you have fond memories of those early illustrated books you went on to read to yourself? Through this lovely blog article, author Ramona Morrow shares 18 new illustrated children’s books just waiting for their turn to be loved by younger children.
http://ramonamorrowbooks.com/beautifully-illustrated-childrens-books.php
Having been told I was to have a class named after me, I thought it would be good to follow Oldfield Park Junior School (@OPJS) on social media and get to know them a little bit. I am so glad I did because now I have seen the proof…
Aside from the classic books by AA Milne and Dr Seuss, I wondered why the other authors had been chosen. A little research revealed that one author is dyslexic (definitely a challenge for a writer) and several were former Children’s Laureate, so these have likely been chosen as inspirational authors for the children.
I still find it hard to imagine myself as an inspiration to others, but I believe this photo may help it to sink in. Either way, I look forward to seeing what they make of their books, bookmarks and word searches in September.
It was exciting enough to see the digital version of the latest Somerset Life magazine, but to actually hold my first glossy magazine article in my hand is even better. Seems hard to believe it’s me, but I’m sure it will sink in eventually.
It’s funny how you can go from having nothing to say, to not knowing where to start. Something amazing happened yesterday, but I’m going to save that till last. Just for fun, let’s put this in the form of a list of things to celebrate that just gets better and better. Here goes…
Feel free to read that last one again if you need to. I think I’ve read the email about that a dozen times and it still won’t sink in. In fact, I’m not sure if that should come under #celebrate or just #pinchme.
Apparently, each school year they choose new class names based on a specific theme. For the new school year, they will be naming classes after authors and I have been chosen to have a class named after me as they thought I would be an inspirational figure, particularly for those who struggle slightly more than others in school. They also want to use my books to encourage a discussion on what makes them different and how they can celebrate their difference.
Lockdown had been hard on many people, often financially or on their mental health. For me, it’s definitely been the latter. While others have used the extra time to write, I have had the opposite problem, no muse. So, I’ve been keeping myself distracted in other ways.
I’ve moved my gecko into bigger accommodation, and pushed myself until I can feed and handle him without the need for gloves. What do you think of his new vivarium?
I’m also working towards getting my first baby corn snake. I know snakes don’t appeal to everyone, but as small fluffies present significant allergy issues in my house, and snakes are also easier to keep clean, I thought I would give it a go. It’s certainly giving me plenty to do and the focus is helping me to keep calmer.
So, what are you doing to help yourselves through this strange period? Do let me know.
This is a difficult time for many charities, but one that is dear to my heart is Share Rescue, If many hands make light work, then many small donations could soon add up and help save a valued husky rescue. But I’ll allow them to explain in more detail.
“We are about to pay our £900 kennel bill. As of now, we categorically cannot afford next month’s £900 bill, our accounts will be empty. With accounts empty, our doors will be shut, we will have to sign our kennel babies over to other rescues and we cannot help the beautiful dogs that need us.
At this time, we don’t want to ask for help as so many people all over the world are struggling but we now have no choice but to beg. Every penny helps, every single one.
If you can’t donate, please share our plea, that is equally valuable and appreciated by us.
Without you, we are nothing. We have no funding, no paid staff, no help at all from anyone but our supporters. We need you now more than ever.
Please… if you can, help us…
Our PayPal address is sharerescue@yahoo.co.uk PLEASE make sure Family and Friends is checked or we get charged a fee xx… Or if a bank transfer is easier, please contact us for the details. Thank you!”
Well, the competition has ended. There were 22 entries which isn’t bad for my first time, and the three winners have received their eBooks. I hope they enjoy reading it.
I nearly forgot to tell everyone about my competition. Not very sensible of me was it…?
Anyway, if you would like a chance to win an electronic copy of my second children’s book, Akea – His Mother’s Son, then pop along here and take a look:
For those of you who, like myself, struggle with your mental health, the current situation is extra stressful. I can’t use either of the ‘C’ words or even the ‘P’ word that’s used in the news – not that I watch that either – and I am sure I’m not the only one. So, if you are among this not so merry band, why don’t you share with me what you are doing to try and keep your spirits up or keep yourself distracted.
I’m currently drumming up enthusiasm for my veggie patch. I have planted some seeds in pots and the first glimmer of pea plants have appeared. I had bought myself a soothing water feature, but it’s already had a bit of an accident, so is temporarily out of commission.
I have been asked to provide some new photos of myself for a magazine article I may have hinted at previously. This is one of my favourites:
I think Kizzy was mid yawn there, although she can stick her tongue out on demand which is fun. Hopefully, I will soon be able to share this exciting article with you. I may not be able to do live readings like many authors are using to reach people at the moment, and the events my PA was going to on my behalf have been cancelled, but approaching magazines is a good alternative right now. And, of course, if you could share my blog with your friends, you would be helping me too.
Take care now, and stay safe.
Elizabeth Jade 