Reeve and McIntyre

A real highlight of Saturday’s programme at this year’s FCBG Conference will be seeing Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre in action. This dynamic duo are not only responsible for excellent books (both individually and as a dream team!), but put on an amazing, highly entertaining, audience engaging performance. So much so that I find (to my horror!) that although I have seen them in action many times, I have very few photos of their events- I was enjoying watching too much to take any!

Together, Philip and Sarah are much loved for treasures like ‘Oliver and the Seawigs’, ‘Jinks and O’Hare Funfair Repair’ and the ‘Kevin’ books. These stories are endlessly popular in the library, with children often asking whether there are any more, and can be used very successfully as guided reading texts. Bursting with gentle humour and engaging characters, each book is also lavishly illustrated, offering much to notice and giggle over.

However, both Sarah and Philip have treated us to books which they have written independently. Philip’s amazing ‘Mortal Engines’ series remain amongst my favourite reads and his latest book, ‘Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep’, was truly amazing. I was delighted to hear at the David Fickling Showcase that a new Utterly book is on the way soon- can’t wait for that one!

Sarah has given us some wonderfully illustrated picture books including the ‘Grumpycorn’ books and, my favourite, ‘The New Neighbours’. Excellent for using with children to discuss prejudice and suspicion of anyone different, I regularly use this to inspire Year 6 children to write their own stories. The children really get involved in the communities they create, using speech to ‘convey character and advance action’ before sharing these with younger children. Great fun!

I can’t wait to see what this brilliant pair will get up to at the weekend!