Hello there! Apologies for my absence. Half-term appeared and then whizzed by myself and my 3 tinkers like a whirling dervish! Now that we are back to some sort of normality and routine at home, I can crack on with all things ‘Whimsy Wood’ and book-related!
So, what’s been happening in the world of children’s books this week? Well, most importantly it’s National Bookstart Week. This is the BookTrust’s annual event, which aims to celebrate the joys and benefits of sharing books and stories every day. Each year, a theme is chosen to excite families and this year’s theme is ‘under the sea’!
The message behind National Bookstart Week is the importance and value of reading every day. Getting into the habit of sharing stories, books and rhymes with young children daily (even for just 10 minutes) shows them that reading is fun, while helping them bond with their family, understand their world and get ready for school and beyond. For more information about National Bookstart Week then please click on this link:- http://www.bookstart.org.uk/events/national-bookstart-week/
Moving onto news from the enchanting world of ‘Whimsy Wood’….well, I’m delighted to say that the formatting process for book 9, ‘Fearne Fairy And The Chocolate Caterpillar’, is now complete and it’s off on an adventure as it trundles through the proofing run. All very exciting! The release date for this 9th chocolatey instalment is July the 2nd (date for your diaries there!) and I can’t wait! 😃
The fabulous front cover of book 9, ‘Fearne Fairy And The Chocolate Caterpillar’!
Not only has book 9 been receiving its finishing touches, but we had a wonderful ‘Whimsy Wood’ event on Saturday the 28th of May, at Hope Nature Centre in Southwick Country Park, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. My Whimsy Wood Series and I were invited to run a treasure hunt in their ‘Fairy Forest’ and whimsical craft activities. These ranged from ‘dressing up Dr Tustle the Tawny Owl in exotic feathers’, to creating ‘Skittle Spider from fir cones’ and many more activities in between!
The Whimsy Wood craft table ready to go at Hope Nature Centre’s 10th birthday celebrations!
I was also asked to read the latest book, ‘Fearne Fairy And The Dandelion Clocks’, to all the children, parents and grandparents that came along to Hope Nature Centre’s ‘Family Fun Day’, as part of their 10th birthday celebrations on May the 28th.
Everyone seemed to really enjoy the story and there was some great audience participation during the repeated tongue-twister in this 8th Whimsy Wood children’s book! Thank you to Hope Nature Centre for inviting me and to all the children, parents and grandparents that came along. It was wonderful to meet you all! If you would like to book me for a Whimsy Wood event at your school, library or similar suitable venue, then please visit the official Whimsy Wood website :- www.whimsywood.co.uk
Well, that’s all from me for this week. I shall attempt to go and be creative elsewhere and wish you a wonderfully whimsical weekend. 😊📚✨
Sarah Hill, children’s author and creator of The Whimsy Wood Series.
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