It’s always difficult going on holiday when you have to leave an important family member behind, and the only way that my family can stand it is by knowing that our dog is going to stay with the dog walker. She goes off and has a great holiday of her own, romping around 24/7 with all … Continue reading
With summer upon us, I’m wondering if I have enough books for both staying at home and going away. As well as adult books, I read a lot of 8 -12 and 12+ novels because there are so many great stories around for young readers. Sometimes I like to get in a summery mood … Continue reading
Poor Dave Gatward’s computer has gone on strike, so I’m posting this up for him this morning! – Jo If someone says that you can’t do something, what’s your immediate reaction? Accept it? Agree without asking questions? No. Of course it isn’t. I’m guessing it’s probably to ask ‘Why?’ Now, there are numerous things – … Continue reading
Extra note from Jo at 2.48pm: Since posting this article I have heard from two friends who were concerned that I wasn’t being quite even-handed enough about the complicated situation. I have made a few alterations at their suggestion. I’m covering a blog post for someone else today. I had one all written and scheduled, … Continue reading
The winners of Simon Packham’s Trust Games competition are Kulsuma Begum, Nadia D and Emily Brown. WELL DONE! Books will be posted out soon. Continue reading
You find me in the midst of tense negotiations with my nine year old son. You see, I used a line of his in book number two. And now he’s demanding a 10% cut in sales. It involved a butterfly with wings like torn paper – my first mistake: admitting to it. He’s cottoned onto … Continue reading
Do you have a few favourite things in your bedroom? A special book or photo? A poster? At around 8 or so, I remember having one on a cupboard door of Bodie (at least the actor who played him in the late 70s TV show The Professionals) which a friend kissed and made all wrinkly! … Continue reading
I recently did a Mindfulness course. One day our teacher taught us ‘mindful walking’. This involves walking incredibly slowly, paying close attention as each part of the foot touches the floor, gradually putting your weight on that foot before lifting the other foot, and repeating. We all walked very, very slowly around the village hall. … Continue reading
A holiday wouldn’t be a holiday without a good book to read. Is there anything as wonderfully indulgent and satisfying as curling up in the garden with a great novel and letting the hours slip past? I think not! So in part 2 of my summer reading post, here are some more titles that you might … Continue reading
Where do you start a story? You might think the answer is obvious – at the beginning, of course! But it’s not quite that simple. Have you ever had to listen to someone who rambles on and on? There might be a fascinating tale at the heart of what they’re saying but they go so … Continue reading
GirlsHeartBooks 