Members' News September Special Edition

 Hot on the heels of the last September round-up, come two more pieces of celebratory book news. Do check them out.

SOMETHING IN THE DARKNESS by John Doherty, illustrated by Matt Schu, is a spine-tingling treat for 3-5 year-olds. Packed with suspense, this unputdownable story will keep young readers on the edge of their seats, eventually revealing that some things are more frightening in the darkness than they are in the light.  

Published 17th September from Post Wave Children's Books.

SPOOKY STREET by Jonathan Emmet with illustrations by Ingela P Arrhenius is a spooktacular, rhyming lift-the-flap alphabet book that is also a play scene and a Halloween frieze to decorate your room! 

Published by Nosy Crow on September 10th.

Congratulations, both!

Members' News September

The long, hot summer is finally over and we can look forward to huddling under blankets to write, and the Scattered Authors winter retreat in January - there are still places available so get in touch if you're interested.

This month we're celebrating the publication of three books and a special edition. Please do take a look at them and give them a shout-out on your social media. If you have anything you'd like included in October's round-up, send the details to Claire Fayers.

Congratulations, Michelle Lovric, whose new adult novel comes out on October 8th, from Salt Publishing. 

Michelle is the much-loved author of The Book of Human Skin and a former Women’s Prize nominee. Known for her lyrical prose, dark wit and impeccable historical detail, she now turns her gaze to Venice in 1817 – a city of intrigue, revolution and romance.

In The Puffin, a disfigured traitor, a revolutionary milliner, a sadistic assassin – and, yes, a puffin – become entangled in a plot to ransom a Habsburg princess. The result is a heady mix of radical lovers, poets, smugglers and spies. By turns thrilling, tender and gloriously eccentric, it is historical fiction at its most seductive.

Full details here

Sue Purkiss's first novel for adults has just been released by Writers' Review Publishing. An Ordinary War, is loosely based on her father's experiences as a prisoner of war, after being captured on the way to Dunkirk. Our hero Harry Pilgrim encounters cruelty, near starvation and betrayal - but also lasting friendship and even love. 

Publisher link

Next, a book for younger readers. Yvonne Banham's third book for young adults, Delores Mackenzie and the Dead of Winter, will be published by Firefly Press on October 8th.

The third in the Delores MacKenzie series sees Delores facing her greatest challenge yet, chasing beyond the Arctic Circle in search of a mysterious book, a legend and a killer.

Publisher link

Cover: Nathan Collins

Finally, my own Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins from Firefly Press is getting a special limited edition for Christmas. The larger format hardback has a bonus Christmas goblins story, ribbon bookmark, and every story has a new illustration by Becka Moor. 

Publisher link

Cover: Becka Moor

Congratulations to everyone celebrating this month.

Claire

Members' News August

 August is a month for holidays and heatwaves and new books. 

First off, two new books from Jonathan Emmett

Thursday 6 August: GREAT DINOSAUR MISTAKES, a factual picture book co-written by palaeontologist Adam Smith, illustrated by Stieven Van der Poorten and published by Fox & Ink Books, explores some of the most extraordinary errors early palaeontologists made, and brings past and present versions of each prehistoric creature face to face in a fantastical time-travelling adventure full of fascinating facts.

More information and to buy

Also from Jonathan, coming Thursday 13 August: ONE DOG, TWO DOGS is a count to 20 book full of flaps to lift and pop-up surprises, illustrated by Rob Hodgson and published by Nosy Crow.

 

More information and to buy

Pippa Goodhart's You Choose series of pictures books has sold over two and a half million copies over almost two and a half decades. The sixth in the series, YOU CHOOSE, PARTY TIME, illustrated by Nick Sharratt, published by Puffin, will be released on August 20th. It has lots of choosing to do. Which party theme and invitation? Which games, music, entertainments? Which face paint pattern? Who will be your guests? Which delicious cake to choose? It’s all up to you. There is much to talk about, spot, ponder, and laugh about.

More information and to buy

Next, a non-fiction book for older children. REVOLUTION, by Joan Lennon, illustrated by Teo Georgiev, is published by Templar Books, due out on 27th August.

What does it take to change the world? Sometimes it’s toppling unfair systems and finding new ways to govern that give people a better chance. Sometimes it’s challenging long-held beliefs and finding the courage to think differently.

Sometimes it’s coming up with masterful inventions that transform our everyday lives.

The world we know today has been shaped by exceptional events, ideas and inventions. These are the stories of ordinary people who made the extraordinary happen.

‘Perfect for 8-12-year-olds, this outstanding hardback encourages interested KS2 readers to look beyond dates and leaders and consider why revolutions begin, how they spread, and what they leave behind. Highly recommended.’ (School Reading List)

REVOLUTION is a School reading list title for August. Check out the link.

Finally, not a book, but a fun writing project which was organised with advice from the Scattered Authors. If you find yourself in Cardiff in the last two weeks of August, pop into St David's Centre for the story trail written by myself, Claire Fayers. Details haven't yet been released but the story is based on a Welsh legend of the quest for the oldest creature, and I'll be running some free workshops to go with it, situated in the shopping centre, which will be an interesting experience!

Congratulations to everyone with a book out this month. As always, please give these a shout-out on your social media channels and please send me your news items for the September round-up. 

Members' News July

Congratulations to all Scattered Authors with books out this month. There's lots for younger children here, nicely timed for summer reading.

Animagicals: Noah's Bear, by Paula Harrison, illustrated by Erwin Madrid

Book two in Paula's magical series published by Nosy Crow, follows the adventures of children who can turn into animals.

Noah loves changing into a bear! He’s sure it’s the animal he’s destined to be. So why do his friends at Wild Haven School say he should choose something else? A mysterious magic brings a terrible storm to the land of Animagia, putting every animal in danger. Noah is determined to help. Can he stay true to himself and prove how great he can be as a bear?

Details here

Tales of the Wild: Animal Families by Alice Harman, illustrated by Becca Hall

Published by Post Wave Children's books, 9th July.

A comic book with five short stories for 5 - 7 year-olds.

In the suburbs, a red fox encourages his cubs to take their first steps towards independence. In Botswana, an elephant matriarch must trust the youngest member of the herd to find water.

This charming collection of five beautifully illustrated stories celebrates the incredible bonds between animal families as they navigate the challenges of survival in the wild. With themes of conservation, climate change and rewilding woven throughout, and non-fiction pages after every story, each tale is as educational as it is heartwarming.

Alice Harman's warm storytelling pairs perfectly with Becca Hall's adorable illustrations, making this mix of a comic book and picture book a delight for young readers.

Details here

How to Build a Human by Moria Butterfield, illustrated by Clare Elsom

Another in the Builderbot series, published by Ladybird, 2nd July.

Meet the Builderbots – the best building crew in the universe! They can build just about anything.... but can they build a human?

Take a fascinating tour through the incredible body, and discover all the things that make a human – from the weird to the wonderful!

Packed with facts about the human body – from what the tiniest bone in our body is to why we have nostril hairs – this is the perfect book for budding scientists.

Details here.

Leaving the House by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Ellie Snowdon

The first in a new series, published by Andersen Press, 16th July.

Little bunny brothers Jackson and Harley love to create chaos and fun in the mornings, from superhero playtimes and breakfast mishaps, to wardrobe dilemmas and toothpaste trouble... and not a lot of listening to Mum and Dad. No wonder they are always late to leave the house! Will today be any different?

Details here.

Congratulations all!

If you have any news you'd like to share in the August round-up, please send the details to Claire Fayers

Members' News June

Welcome to the June round-up of Scattered Authors news. The weather has already swung from scorching to torrential and the school summer holidays are looming. We have a lovely batch of informative and fun books for young readers this month - clearly the month of non-fiction. Do take a look at them and help celebrate.

BODIE AND THE GHOST SHOWDOWN, Ffion Jones. Illustrated by Kara McHale

Ffion Jones is well-known for writing books supporting kids' mental health. Her latest book from Jessica Kingsley Publishers will be published on June 18th. 

Bodie has a secret fear: being sick. She is haunted by a ghost who whispers warnings and worries, convincing her to avoid buses, sleepovers, and even her favourite basketball games. She misses out on all this fun to keep her "safe" from the scariest thing she can imagine - throwing up!

At first, Bodie listens. The more she obeys, the stronger the ghost becomes. But with the support of her best friend Mina, Bodie learns to challenge his tricks, find her courage, and take back control of her life.

Bodie and the Ghost Showdown is a heartwarming story that gives children 7+ the tools to understand and overcome emetophobia. Blending humour and hope, with relatable characters, it's an empowering read for any child facing anxiety. The book also includes a guide for parents, carers, and professionals offering step-by-step suggestions for supporting kids with emetophobia. With practical tips and discussion prompts, it equips adults to assist children in applying the lessons of the story to real life.

Buy here

Ffion has set up a youth mental health and wellbeing story-based coaching Community Interest Company called Mind Chapters. It has just released its first two titles, THE GREAT GLIMMER HUNT: A STORY ABOUT NOTICING GLIMMERS and RABBIT AND THE WHISPERING WIND: A STORY ABOUT THOUGHTS AND WORRIES. Do take a look!

LOOK WHAT I FOUND AT THE PARK, Moria Butterfield, illustrated by Jesus Verona

Discover a world of wonder on a walk in the park with this beautiful picture book. Set off on a trip to the park to find natural treasure, from a big green leaf to sweet smelling rose petals, then learn more about the found object with irresistibly illustrated and informative nature notes.

Packed full of fascinating facts alongside a gentle rhyming narrative and encouraging children to get outside and explore their surroundings, this is a nature treasure hunt for the whole family!

Fun fact from Moira - the artist broke his hand so the book is a year late.

Buy here

THE ANIMAL DETECTIVES by Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Merle Goll

Another book from Moira this month.

What's the truth behind those strange mysteries we come across when we're out and about in nature? A pile of feathers... a broken egg... a hole in a shell... Time to investigate.

This engaging educational reference book encourages young readers to think like a detective in order to discover the secrets of the animal kingdom. Featuring crime-scene photos, suspect line-ups, witness interviews, evidence collections, surveillance footage and much more.

Buy here

YOUR WILD AND WONDERFUL BRAIN, Alice Harman, Illustrated by Buse Kaçer

Learn to harness, celebrate and love your wonderfully wild ADHD brain! This is the book that its author, Alice Harman, WISHES she’d had, growing up with ADHD. It helps children and young people explore their ADHD brains’ unique strengths and struggles, and learn to work with them rather than fight against them – in a fun, totally non-judgemental, ADHD-friendly way! 

Twelve different ADHD traits are each represented by a wild animal – from an all-seeing chameleon and a forgetful squirrel to a charmingly chatty parrot and a busy, busy bee. The book is full of practical tips, charming illustrations (from the brilliant Buse Kaçar), fun facts about brain science and animals, mini games and puzzles, creative activities and more. This is a must-have book for anyone interested in understanding more about our wonderful, wild and one-of-a-kind brains! Available as a paperback, ebook and audiobook, all out on 4 June 2026.

Buy here

ANIMATION RIGHTS FOR AMY WILD

Diana Kimpton's AMY WILD - ANIMAL TALKER series has been optioned for animation. The series is about a little girl who can talk to animals and who works with her animal friends to put wrong things right. The books have sold more than 350,000 copies in Japan where the series is called Animal Detective Mia.

This sample video is in Japanese and is based on the Japanese illustrations. It's being used to launch book 15 in the series but Diana also hopes it will catch the attention of the companies who can help turn the taster into a fully-funded project. Please share the link, it'd be fantastic if lots of people can see it. And look out for the English version coming in July.

That's all for this month. If you have any new books or good news you'd like to share in July, please send the details to Claire Fayers.

Members' News May

 Welcome to the May round-up of members' news. 

Congratulations to Paula Harrison on the publication of her latest Kitty book: KITTY AND THE MOONFLOWER MYSTERY, from OUP.

 The purrrfect series for newly confident readers, beautifully illustrated by Waterstones Children's Book Prize winner, Jenny Løvlie, and written by bestselling author, Paula Harrison. Kitty is a superhero-in-training with feline superpowers. She dreams of being just like her superhero mum one day, but she's still got a lot to learn.

Join her for a series of enchanting adventures by the light of the moon. It's night-time at the Botanical Gardens. Kitty and her cat crew are there to catch a glimpse of the new rare flowers exhibition.

But someone has stolen the prize exhibit: the exotic moonflower, with its beautiful glowing petals that shine like the moon! If it isn't found soon it might not survive, so Kitty must use her cat-like powers to find the thief and save the moonflower just in the nick of time. Kitty and the Moonflower Mystery is the seventeenth book in the Kitty series, featuring a charming main character, cat-packed exploits, and striking two-colour art on every page. 

https://global.oup.com/education/content/children/series/kitty/

 

Congratulations also to Barbara Henderson for ENTER EDDIE SHAKESPEARE, a thrilling historical adventure published by Luarth Press.

Enter Eddie Shakespeare invites young readers into the bustling world of Elizabethan theatre through the eyes of 11-year-old Eddie. Dreaming of stardom, he runs away to London, eager to revive his family’s honour under the guidance of his older brother, the promising playwright Will. However, when Eddie discovers a sinister plot to sabotage Will’s big break, he finds himself facing a villain worthy of the stage! Will Eddie’s story end in tragedy, or can he turn the tide?

https://luath.co.uk/products/enter-eddie-shakespeare

If you're a member of the Scattered Authors and have any news you'd like to share - books, awards, events etc, send the details to Claire Fayers

Members' News April

Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates. Spring is finally here! March was a whirlwind month of school events for many people. I think (I hope!) we all survived. And thousands more children are now reading books thanks to in-person visits, which is definitely worth celebrating.

On to April and a few belated congratulations.

Kelly McKain's Unbridled, was published in February.

Bethany Wheeler's How Not to Kiss a Prince was published last November. (Welcome to the Sassies, Bethany).

And last, but not least. Congratulation, Savita Kalhan, whose latest book deal was announced in the Bookseller.

Let me have your news for the next round-up. 

Claire

www.clairefayers.com

Members' News March

 No news to report for March. Wishing safe and happy travels to everyone doing school visits or going to the London Book Fair. If you have any news you'd like publicised in April, please send it to Claire Fayers.

Members' News February

First in our news round-up today, I've been catching up with Helen Larder, whose YA thriller HIDDEN TOXINS was published last October.

Hidden Toxins features six very different teenagers. How did you manage a large cast of characters? And which character was your favourite to write? 

I'm incredibly lucky because the characters I create 'talk' to me in my head and 'perform' their own scenes. Like films streaming in my mind. Once I've decided on the details of the plot, it feels like the characters take off on their own! It helps that in real life, I'm constantly listening to passing conversations, to help me write authentic sounding dialogue. I think the character who was the most engaging to write was Cedar because he's a risk taker, driving the action. I can only wish to be half as as brave as the young people in this novel. 

This is your third novel. How do you keep the ideas coming? Where did the idea for Hidden Toxins come from? 

I started writing stories when I was five and I've never stopped. Ideas constantly interrupt what I'm doing and I have trouble keeping up with them. The starting point for this young adult thriller came from two real life incidents. The first was related to news I read about a corrupt group of men in politics, who were charged with fraud. The second was from my own experience, working in a toxic environment where individuals at the top of the hierarchy were abusing their power. I made a conscious decision to write a diverse thriller for young adults. I'm part of the LGBTQ+ community and everything I write includes a diverse cast of characters. 

What's your writing process like? Do you have a favourite time and place to write? Any special rituals? 

I'm definitely old school. Pen and notebook for my first drafts. I can write much faster than I can type. I only transfer chunks of writing to my laptop when I'm mostly happy with it. Then I edit, edit, edit, over and over again and feel huge gratitude for editing tools like find and replace. I have most energy in the morning, so that's when I try to cram in as much writing as possible. 

I love the video trailer. Tell us a bit about how that was made. 

My lovely nephew is a brilliant filmmaker. I asked him if he'd be interested in making a book trailer and I was very grateful when he took it on, alongside all his other film work for his own company, https://www.reframe.studio We talked through the plot and characters and some of the dramatic scenes and he worked his magic. 

What are you working on now? 

I have a whole cupboard full of notebooks and writing which I have to do something with. A novel for adults which needs editing, short stories that I'd like to find a home for and a screenplay that I'm just finishing. That will keep me busy, unless I'm chased and caught by a new idea. 

Next, some lovely news from Miriam Halahmy. It's so wonderful to see children's books changing lives.

My new book, Pomegranates For Peace, has started the National Year of Reading 2026 really well, with school visits to Portsmouth Charter Academy, Y8 and Y9. and to the Manchester Library Service, where I spoke to Y5 - Y8 in two sessions. The students really enjoyed my PowerPoint which has photos of Peace organisations in Israel with Jews and Muslims as well as Peace activities in Gaza.

I read an extract which describes a peace club in Israel for Jewish and Muslim kids and the things they do together such as chess. This was very well received. The feedback was inspirational and I feel that my message of Peace is reaching around the country.

"A realistic, touching book about how hope can be found in what seems a hopeless situation." Sammy 13 yrs.

"Miriam is an outstanding communicator... and had her audience ( young teens) engaged, and keen to participate and contribute to the discussion." Librarian, Ark Charter Academy, Portsmouth.

"Miriam explained the situation in an age appropriate way... the students LOVE  the cover and can't wait to read the book. They had lots of questions about being a Peace Activist."
Teacher, Manchester High School.

 New book news: Congratulations, Elen Caldecott! WRITING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: CRITICAL READINGS AND DISCUSSIONS ON CRAFT is published by Bloomsbury Academic.

Sassies' Events

A fantastic time was had by all at the Folly Farm winter warmer retreat. We wrote picture books and poetry, tried our hand at painting, walked in the wet, wet woods and enjoyed great food and company. The next winter warmer will taken place in January 2027.

Finally, you should have received an email about the zoom spotlights, organised by Camilla Chester. The next one is on the 20th February and will tackle self-publishing. It's open to all Scattered Authors members. Check your in-boxes for the link.

Please send your news items for March to Claire Fayers.

Members' News January

 Welcome to the first round-up of Scattered Authors news of 2026 and congratulations to everyone with a book out this month. Wishing us all a happy and successful year. 

This month is the annual writing retreat at Folly Farm in Somerset where are group of scattered authors are looking forward to getting together to eat drink, write and be merry. The zoom spotlight sessions will also be running, quarterly this year. Look out for details.

New Books

A reminder from the December round-up that Jane Wickenden has seven stories in this intriguing and beautiful volume, Myths in Isolation, from Orkneyology Press, with the artwork of Katherine Soutar. The book is now available to buy. You can find full details and buy a copy here

Moira Butterfield has a new book out on January 8th. "It's called Star, Moon, Zoom. It's a playful look at space for 4-8 year olds, illustrated by Spanish artist Ro Ledesmo. The published - Happy Yak (Quarto) - let me do what I liked with the layouts so I had lots of fun with it."

https://www.quarto.com/books/9781836002130/star-moon-zoom

Paula Harrison has a book out on  the 15th January. It’s the first in a new series called Animagicals published by Nosy Crow. The first book is Mia’s Tiger and it’s illustrated by Erwin Madrid. 

https://nosycrow.com/product/animagicals-mias-tiger/

Animagicals are children born with the power to change into an animal. They can change into any animal and they need help controlling their ability until they find their true form – the animal they are destined to be. Will they fly like an eagle, leap like a leopard or skulk like a fox? Come and join them at Wildhaven, a magical school set up to protect and train animagicals in a magical forest hidden from the ordinary world.

If you have any news you'd like publicised - new book, an award, an event, send the details to Claire Fayers

News Round-Up of 2025

 A big thank you to everyone who sent their news in this year. It's great to see so many books published, schools visited, awards won.

Here's a run-down of the whole year. If you're looking for Christmas gifts, do take a look and support your fellow Sassies.

January - March

Dancing Dumplings by Eva Wong Nada, illustrated by Natelle Quek
My Mum, by Susan Quinn, illustrated Sarah Mathew
The Welsh language edition of Behind Closed Doors by Miriam Halahm
World of Wanda by Karen McCombie
Gathering the Glimmers written and illustrated by Ffion Jones
I Don't Do Mountains by Barbara Henderson
Paperback edition: Talking History: 150 Years of Speakers and Speeches, by Joan Haig and Joan Lennon, illustrated by Andre Ducci.

Plus hundreds of school visits, putting thousands of books into the hands of excited readers.

April - June

Food For All, and David, the Unauthorised Biography, both by Mary Hoffman

Project Pony by Camilla Chester

Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler

Land of the Last Wildcat by Lui Sit launched as Waterstones's Book of the Month

The Lucky House Detective Agency by Lui Sit, writing as Scarlett Li 

You Choose Bedtime by Pippa Goodheart, illustrated by Nick Sharratt

Naeli and the Secret Song by Jasbinder Bilan

Plus a shortlisting for Cobalt, by Sue Klauber 

July - September

The Secret Life of Clouds by Moira Butterfield, illustrated Vivian Mineker

Will Wolfheart by Teresa Heapy

My Sister is a Treasure by Tracy Darnton, illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail

One Cat, Two Cats by Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Rob Hodgson

How to Build a Planet (illustrated by Clare Elsom) and Snore, Sneeze, Burp (illustrated by Ro Ledesma) both by Moira Butterfield

True Friends by Sheena Wilkinson

Plus a long-listing for Look What I Found by the River by Moira Butterfield

October - November

The Stalker by Teri Terry - her first adult book

Hidden Toxins by Helen Larder

Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley

Landscape with Mines by Anna Bowles

Pomegranates for Peace, by Miriam Halahmy

Miss McVey Takes Charge by Sheena Wilkinson

And, finally for this year, some exciting extra news items:

Katherine Langrish wrote an essay called 'The Door in the Mound' for a book on writing fantasy published by Dead Ink, titled 'Writing the Magic' and available in paperback now. Her essay was the only one on writing fantasy for children, well worth getting hold of.

Jane Wickenden has seven stories in this intriguing collection, Myths in Isolation, coming January. 

I will continue news round-ups on the 7th of each month. You can send me your items at any time.

Thanks!

Claire

www.clairefayers.com

Members' news

 Happy back to school week! September is thriller month with news of two exciting new releases coming soon.

Congratulations to Teri Terry on her debut adult book, first of a four book deal with Boldwood Books.

Here's the publisher's blurb:

A twisty, tension-packed and heart-stopping psychological thriller from bestselling author Teri Terry.

IF I WERE YOU, I'D GO HOME NOW.

When an anonymous note sends Lou rushing home, she discovers a betrayal that shatters her carefully built life. Catching her husband in bed with another woman, Lou walks away heartbroken - only to find herself the target of a sinister campaign. Threatening notes continue to arrive. Her car is vandalised. It seems someone is watching her every move. Lou suspects Freja, the woman she found in bed with her husband. But as she digs into Freja’s past, disturbing truths about her own history begin to surface. And as the threats begin to escalate, putting Lou’s own family at risk, Lou finally realises the danger isn’t just coming from the outside. It’s been inside Lou’s story all along.

THE STALKER will be published on October 6th. The pre-order link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stalker-Teri-Terry-ebook/dp/B0FF987219

And a big shout-out to Helen Lander, whose YA thriller HIDDEN TOXINS is out on October 15th from Hawkwood Books.

An addictive, hard-hitting YA thriller filled with poisonous twists, ‘Hidden Toxins’ will keep you hooked. Six audacious teenagers. Far too many secrets. A corrupt politician. Stalking… Murder… One thing’s for sure – Cedar and Sorrel are in way too deep.

#youngadult #thriller #diverse #LGBT+ #gripping #gritty #girllovesgirl #boylovesboy #girllovesboy #boylovesgirl #hawkwoodbooks #booktok

The pre-order link is here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Toxins-H-J-Larder/dp/1068710349

There's also an absolutely stunning book trailer made by Helen's filmmaker nephew. Do check it out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=gbldui_RRRTMYMNs&v=gtWN4AqbFmI&feature=youtu.be

And for more information on the production studio, here's the website: https://www.reframe.studio/

Any news you'd like publicised? Book deal, events, prizes etc. Send the details Claire Fayers

Members' News

 Hello and welcome to the news round-up of Scattered Authors members. It's a picture book month this month, with some great new publications - and a birthday celebration.

Tracy Darnton has a new picture book MY SISTER IS A TREASURE, illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail, out with Simon & Schuster on 28th August. It's a humorous look at the effect of a new baby on a sibling. 

https://tracydarntonauthor.wordpress.com/

One Cat, Two Cats, a lift-the-flap pop-up counting book, written and paper-engineered by Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Rob Hodgson and published by Nosy Crow, is out Thursday 14 August. 

Where most counting books stop at ten, this one goes to twenty, with each number represented by a characterful cat. The book has already been shortlisted in the Best Preschool Book category of this year’s Junior Design Awards. 

https://jonathanemmett.com/

Moira Butterfield has two books out in August.

One is intended to make geography fun, with the help of Builderbot characters, illustrated by Clare Elsom. The other, illustrated by Ro Ledesma, was written to get Moria's 6/7 year old great-nephew interested in books!

https://moirabutterfield.co.uk

Finally, not book related, but please join me in wishing a very happy birthday to Anita Loughrey who hits one of the biggies this month.

Next news round-up will be September 7th. Send your items to me, Claire Fayers, by the end of August for inclusion.