Author visit: Sarah Coyle

Last month, two of our member schools had a real treat when author, Sarah Coyle, visited them for a ‘Pick-a-Story’ session. Pick a Story: a Pirate, Alien, Jungle Adventure is the first book in this interactive ‘pick your own adventure’ series and Pick a Story: A Dinosaur, Unicorn, Robot Adventure, the second. The books are perfect for immersing children in a story where they can make decisions about what happens every step of the way.

The events were a huge success with staff enthusing and saying how much the children enjoyed themselves. They said the children were completely transfixed, fully engaged for the whole session and loved the books. Lots of children from both schools bought copies and were delighted when Sarah signed them. Many have been spotted reading them since Sarah’s visit, a sure sign that they loved the event and it made a real impression on them!

When asked, the children said they had really enjoyed sharing the story, with some choosing the unicorn part as their favourite and others the dinosaur section! They also enjoyed making the cake, the soundscapes and hearing about how Sarah gets her inspiration for writing. A number mentioned they didn’t realise how long it took for a book to be written and published.

Alistair from Books on the Hill in Clevedon did a marvelous job of selling books- and as acting as chauffeur for Sarah. We are, as ever, very grateful for his support. Many thanks to Sarah for making so many of our children happy- and thanks to Antonia and Farshore for offering us this opportunity.

Pick a Story: A Pirate Alien Jungle Adventure

Sarah Coyle, illustrated by Adam Walker-Parker

Farshore ISBN: 978-1405299046

Pick a Story: A Dinosaur Unicorn Robot Adventure

Sarah Coyle, illustrated by Adam Walker-Parker

Farshore ISBN: 978-1405299053

Our new logo!

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups is a national, voluntary, self-funded organisation whose aim is to promote enjoyment and interest in children’s books and reading and to encourage the availability of books for children of all ages, from first picture books to young adult. The Somerset Group is launching at the end of January and is committed to helping teachers, parents, schools, libraries, booksellers…anyone involved in sharing books with children to promote a lifelong love of reading and books. We are particularly keen to support author events to engage as many children as possible with those who write for them.

We are delighted to be able to share our new logo, designed for us by the incredibly talented (and very kind!) Steve Antony. Bev, the group secretary, loves giraffes which formed the initial idea and Steve worked his magic with the rest! We are delighted with it as it captures the energy and enjoyment of books which each committee member feels and are so grateful to Steve for his kindness.

Steve is the author/ illustrator of some of our favourite picture books and has illustrated many others. He offers excellent school events, much loved by adults and children alike, which we highly recommend to anyone looking for an engaging, enthusiastic author/illustrator. He also makes an excellent judge of pumpkins-as-book-characters competitions! You can find out more about Steve and his work on his website.

We look forward to sharing more book group news soon!