Members' News

 Congratulations to  Susan Quinn on the publication of MY MUM from Quarto Books on February 27th. 

The story celebrates the bond between mother and child and follows them as they take on life's big and small adventures - together. From sailing a ship around the garden and exploring forests, streams and meadows, to telling stories in a cosy den and cuddling before bedtime, a child reveals all the simple yet amazing things she loves to do with her wondrously adventurous mum.

https://www.quarto.com/books/9780711296688/my-mum

The Welsh language edition of Miriam Halahmy's YA novel, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS is coming from Graffeg this February. The novel was originally published by Holiday House Books in America and Firefly Press in the UK. It won the Manchester Metropolitan University great student giveaway in 2018, "the clear and popular choice."

https://graffeg.com/products/pan-fydd-drysau-n-cau

Congratulations to Karen McCombie for WORLD OF WANDA, from Uclan Books, publishing on 6th February

Karen McCombie’s latest MG novel – ‘World of Wanda’ – was one of The Observer’s Children’s Books of the Month for January. The story was partly-inspired by her son’s ADHD diagnosis, which coincided with her developing the dual-voice story of Wanda and Margot. ADHD very quickly and naturally became part of Wanda’s character. 

Twelve-year-old Wanda doesn’t go to school, because she and her mum are too busy back-packing around the world. The trouble is, Wanda is homesick for a home that doesn’t exist. When she finds out a secret her mum has been keeping from her, Wanda decides it’s time to have an adventure of her very own. Meanwhile, back in the UK, 14-year-old Margot isn’t prepared for the shock that’s about to land on her doorstep…

https://uclanpublishing.com/book/world-of-wanda/

Gathering the Glimmers, written and illustrated by Ffion Jones was published on January 30th, from Tiny Tree Press.

Glimmers are brief everyday moments that spark a sense of joy by reminding us of the beauty in simple things.

A little girl called Wren is on her way home through a dark forest when she gets lost. In the forest there are many triggers, which evoke her fear and anxiety. Yet through the darkness, Wren is able to notice glimmers all around her; in the leaves, the sunlight, and ultimately within herself.

 https://www.ffijones.com/

https://tinytreebooks.com/gathering-the-glimmers/

 Julie Pike's Flamechasers has been shortlisted for the Portsmouth School Libraries' Book Award in the Year 5 category. Congratulations, Julie.

https://fireflypress.co.uk/authors/julie-pike/

Barbara Henderson is celebrating the launch of I DON'T DO MOUNTAINS this month. Despite the official publication date of 17th March, readers at the Fort William Mountain Festival will be the first to get their hands on this adventure story set in the Scottish hills. It is Scottish Mountaineering Press's first children's book, following their 2023 win of Small Press of the Year, Scotland, at the Nibbies.

https://www.barbarahenderson.co.uk/

Congratulations to all, and to everyone else who has a book out this month. The next news shout-out will be on March 7th. Get your good news items to Claire Fayers by the end of February to be included.