Cover Reveal & Book Giveaway: Fire Girl, Forest Boy – Chloe Daykin (Illustrated by David Litchfield) – Published 4th July 2019

I’m so excited to be able to exclusively reveal the cover of Chloe Daykin‘s third children’s novel, Fire Girl, Forest Boy (which has been brilliantly illustrated by David Litchfield) which will be published on 4th July 2019 by Faber Children’s.

I’m also super happy because the very lovely people at Faber have given me five proof copies of Fire Girl, Forest Boy to give away so you can be one of its very first readers!

Find out more below!

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Fire Girl, Forest Boy – Chloe Daykin
(Illustrated by David Litchfield)

A book about light, about magic and belief, and about unlocking your own potential, from the critically acclaimed author of Fish Boy and The Boy Who Hit Play.

Maya has to escape. She’s on the run in a country she doesn’t know and has no idea who to trust. Raul is escaping too – travelling back to his home where a terrible tragedy happened, ready to stir up trouble. When their paths collide in the middle of the jungle, the sparks begin to fly. As modern world corruption meets the magic and legends of ancient times, can Maya draw on her hidden light to find the way through to the truth?

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Chloe Daykin

Photo credit: https://felicitybryan.com/fba-author/chloe-daykin/

 

Chloe won a ARHC studentship to study the MA in Creative Writing at Newcastle University where she graduated with distinction, winning the universities taught masters prize and Northern Writers Award to write her debut novel Fish Boy. Fish Boy was published by Faber & Faber in 2017 to critical acclaim and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal, long listed for the UKLA and is currently shortlisted for the Branford Boase children’s debut of the year award.

Chloe won the wonderful inaugural Julia Darling Fellowship to research her second novel The Boy Who Hit Play, travelling around the wild icy land of Norway and its many beautiful islands, published in 2018.

In December Chloe journeyed across the otherworldy land of Peru thanks to the fantastic support of the Arts Council England. Her third novel, Fire Girl, Forest Boy, is due to be released in July 2019.

Chloe Daykin lives in Northumberland with her family including one husband, two boys and three cats. She loves an unusual adventure and is a fan of all things fun, poetic and surprising.

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David Litchfield

Photo credit: https://www.davidlitchfieldillustration.com/about/

 

David Litchfield is a multi-award winning illustrator and author represented by the Bright Agency.

David first started to draw when he was very young, creating Star Wars and Indiana Jones ‘mash up’ comics for his older brother and sister. Since then David’s work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, books and on T-shirts. He has also exhibited his illustrations in both solo and group shows in the U.K, Europe and America.

David’s  author/illustrator picture books ‘The Bear & The Piano’  ‘Grandad’s Secret Giant’ and ‘The Bear, The Piano, The Dog & The Fiddle’ are out now.

He has also illustrated a number of picture books for authors such as Ross Montgomery, Andy Stanton and Sally Lloyd-Jones as well as book covers for David Almond, Kate Dicamillo, Neil Patrick Harris and many more.

David lives with his family in Bedford, England.

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Pre-order: Fire Girl, Forest Boy is available to pre-order now online at Amazon, Waterstones or from any good independent bookshop.

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Biggest thanks to Sarah and all at Faber for giving me the wonderful opportunity to reveal this gorgeously colourful cover and for providing proof copies for the giveaway!

I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

Mr E

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Giveaway!

The very lovely people at Faber have kindly given me five proof copies of Fire Girl, Forest Boy to give away!

If you’d like to be in with a chance of being one of the first readers to read Fire Girl, Forest Boy, simply retweet (RT) this tweet!

Proof copies will be sent to winners when available from Faber, as soon as possible.

Cover Reveal & Book Giveaway: The Secret Starling – Judith Eagle (Illustrated by Kim Geyer) – Out 2nd May 2019!

Today, I’m absolutely delighted to exclusively reveal the cover of Judith Eagle’s eagerly-awaited debut children’s novel, The Secret Starling which will be published on 2nd May 2019 by Faber.

I’m also super happy because the very lovely people at Faber have given me five copies of The Secret Starling to give away! Find out more below!

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Clara has lived a life of solitude, home schooled under her mean uncle’s strict regime . . . Until now!

Her uncle’s house has been losing staff and furniture as his fortunes fail, and finally he disappears himself, leaving Clara all alone in the giant manor with nothing but a wedge of ‘guilt money’.

Luckily, streetwise Peter has been sent to stay . . . at least he has some experience of the real world and how to survive. And the children are far from unhappy with their newfound freedom: a life of sliding down bannisters, making dens in Uncle’s study, warming themselves by a fire of text books, playing sardines with the village children and living off nothing but boiled eggs and mashed potatoes has its appeal!

But then an interfering grown-up turns up with the unwelcome news that the house is to be sold.

Perhaps the mysterious ballet shoe that Stockwell the cat befriends has the answers to Clara’s unknown past… a past that might hold the key to a better future…

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Judith Eagle

Judith grew up in North West London, the daughter of librarians, surrounded by books.  Following in the family footsteps, her first job was as a Saturday assistant in the local library, with special responsibility for the ballet section, which she loved.   After studying Fashion at Saint Martins, she worked as a Fashion Editor and later, as a features writer, mainly writing articles on pregnancy and parenting.  More recently, she completed an MA in Children’s Literature at Birkbeck University and now works as a school librarian.  She lives in South East London. Her first novel, The Secret Starling, will be published by Faber in 2019.

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Kim Geyer

Kim lives in London with lots of pets and kids – her biggest inspiration. She loves ice cream and sherbet dib-dabs and being taken for walks by her puppy Dusty.

Represented by the marvellous and magnificent Claire Cartey at Holroyde Cartey.

Clients include Walker Books, Faber and Faber, Andersen Press, Scholastic US, Hachette Books and Clarks.

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Preorder: The Secret Starling is available to pre-order online from Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmith or from any good independent bookshop, go support yours!

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Huge thanks to Judith, Sarah and all at Faber for inviting me to host this beautifully vivid cover reveal, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

Mr E
📚

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Giveaway!

The very lovely people at Faber have kindly given me five finished copies of The Secret Starling to give away!

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning one of these copies of this superb book, simply retweet (RT) this tweet!

Copies to be sent to winners when available from Faber, just before, near or on publication on 2nd May 2019.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: When we were Warriors – Emma Carroll (Illustrated by Julian De Narvaez & designed by Margaret Hope): Out 7th February 2019!

Today, I’m absolutely unbelievably excited to exclusively reveal the cover of Emma Carroll’s eagerly-anticipated World War Two short story collection, When we were Warriors which will be published on 7th February 2019 by Faber Children’s.

I’m also super excited because the very lovely people at Faber Children’s have given me five copies of When we were Warriors to give away! Find out more below!

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When we were Warriors – Emma Carroll

A body washed up on the beach…
Evacuation to an old house with forbidden rooms and dark secrets…
An animal rescue service…

Set in World War Two, Emma Carroll explores the resilience, resourcefulness and inventiveness of children when their lives fall to pieces. Introducing some compelling new characters, as well as revisiting some familiar settings, these adventures are sure to win over new readers, as well as fans of old favourites such as Letters from the Lighthouse and Frost Hollow Hall.

Publisher: Faber & Faber
ISBN: 9780571350407
Number of pages: 256

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Emma Carroll

(Image credit: https://twitter.com/emmac2603)

Emma Carroll was a secondary school English teacher before leaving to write full time. She has also worked as a news reporter, an avocado picker and the person who punches holes into filofax paper. She graduated with distinction from Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing For Young People. When We Were Warriors is Emma’s ninth novel.
She lives in the Somerset hills with her husband and two terriers.

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Julian De Narvaez

(Image credit: https://folioart.co.uk/in-the-studio-julian-de-narvaez/)

Julian is an illustrator from Bogotá, Colombia, South America. Julian De Narvaez begins his drawings in pen and China ink, gradually assembling and colouring the images digitally. This process lends his illustrations a contemporary, eclectic feel, though with a surprisingly fine, traditional quality. This quirkiness is sought after for its engaging richness.

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Huge thanks to Emma, Sarah, Hannah and all at Faber Children’s for inviting me to host this stunning cover reveal, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

Mr E
📚

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Preorder: When we were Warriors is available to pre-order online from Amazon, Hive, Waterstones, WHSmith or from any good bookshop.

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Giveaway!

The very lovely people at Faber Children’s have kindly given me five copies of When we were Warriors to give away!

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning one of these copies of this superb book, simply retweet (RT) this tweet!

Copies to be sent to winners when available from Faber Children’s, just before, near or on publication on 7th February 2019.

Guest Post: Picklewitch and Jack – Claire Barker (Illustrated by Teemu Juhani)

‘Absolutely whizz-carking… the kind of charming story that has the perfect mix of playfulness and peculiarity and will have you begging for its next!’

Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Title: Picklewitch and Jack
Author: Claire Barker (@clairebarker)
Illustrator: Teemu Juhani
Publisher: Faber (@FaberChildrens)
Page count: 240
Date of publication: 6th September 2018
Series status: First in the series
ISBN: 978-0571335183

Perfect for Year 3 and Year 4.

#3Words3Emojis:
1. Witch 🧙
2. Whizz-cracking 😄
3. Friendship 👫

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Picklewitch lives in a tree at the bottom of the garden. She has a nose for naughtiness, a mind for mischief and a weakness for cake. And unluckily for brainbox and all-round-good-two-shoes Jack (who’s just moved in) – she’s about to choose him as her new best friend…

Jack is in for a whole lot of trouble!

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I’m delighted to welcome Claire Barker, author of the fantastic Knitbone Pepper series and more recently, the Picklewitch series, to The Reader Teacher!

Claire is busy writing the next book in the Picklewitch and Jack series, due out next year. She has handed this blog over to her main characters, Jack and Picklewitch to talk about how the book might be used in the classroom. Enjoy!

Jack Door

Winner of most sensible boy three years running and massive fan of everything school and rule-related.

Dear teachers, I hear some of you are reading our story in class, which is very exciting. A longer chapter book full of illustrations, I am told it is ideal for year 3.  I hope you like my suggestions.*

1. Our story is about playground life, about celebrating difference, being open-minded and challenging gender stereotypes. Most of all though, it is about friendship. Personally, I believe in looking smart, sticking to the rules and being extraordinarily clever. One day I will probably be a Nobel prize winning scientist or possibly an astronaut. However it turns out that being a good friend is also important, but unlike quadratic equations, tricky. I searched for a non-fiction book on this subject in the library, but had no luck. Hopefully this book will help any other children who are forced to be friends with a rude, grubby little witch.
2. Language and Literacy. Personally I am a big believer in using only standard English. However, you could also use the book to look at Picklewitch’s ‘interesting’ vocabulary, her dialect and sentence structure. You could also look at character development, the tension between opposites, how dialogue and humour is used and the ups and downs of a story arc. Perhaps write some pretend spells and read them aloud! You could even get in touch with Claire Barker on her website (clairebarkerauthor.com) and she will skype your class about inspiration, drafting and editing. There are even some downloadable worksheets on there too.

*  Was in pie chart format but Picklewitch ate it.

PICKLEWITCH

Lives in a tree. Never wrong. Best Friend Ever.

My story is the kipper’s knickers and you should use it becuz:

1) READING IS FUN. My book is lovely and long, with lots of pictures of me (and a few of Jack) inside.

2) it teaches children about Nature WHICH IS MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL THE THINGS. Even owls know this and 50% of everything they say is ‘TWIT’.

3) Science: not nearly enough children know that the weather is caused by a bear wot does live on the moon. It is madness.

4) Maths: how many burds fit into a bin lid? Answer in back of book.

5) Literacy: not difficultatious (that’s a word I invented. I am very good with words).

6) This book will mean more laughing.

7 ) This book will mean more cake.

8) This book will mean more magic.

9) There is no 9.

10) Some pies taste better than others.

Cover Reveal: Matt Millz Stands Up! – Harry Hill & Giveaway!

Today, I’m delighted to exclusively reveal the cover of Matt Millz Stands Up!, the eagerly-awaited sequel to Harry Hill’s fantastically funny Matt Millz, which will be published on the 18th October 2018 by Faber Children’s.

As if I’m not super excited already, I’m even more excited because the very lovely people at Faber Children’s have given me three sets of both books (Matt Millz & Matt Millz Stands Up!) to give away!
Find out more below!

Title: Matt Millz Stands Up!
Author: Harry Hill (@HarryHill)
Illustrator: Steve May (@stevemaythe1st)
Publisher: Faber Children’s (@FaberChildrens)
Page count: 464
Date of publication: 18th October 2018
Series status: Second in the Matt Millz series
ISBN: 978-0571345687

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Matt did it! His performance at the T Factor has given him the fame he dreamed of. Kitty is getting more gigs booked in with a whole new stable of comedic acts. Unfortunately, Matt hasn’t had time to come up with new jokes so it isn’t long before he is greeted with the worst heckle for a comedian: ‘heard it before!’. But when Kitty suggests he takes a break to work on his routine, Matt can’t stand to go back to his normal life. So he signs up with the stylish Excalibur Agency, brushing his concerns (and Kitty) aside. A life of celebrity awaits! But it doesn’t take long for the shine to wear off and when they try and force him on to his first Live At the Apollo, without any prepara- tion and no new jokes, how can Matt save himself from the ultimate humiliation?

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Another comic caper that every 9-11 year old aspiring comedian will love, packed full of heart, humour and dos and don’ts!

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Harry Hill

(Photo credit: https://www.faber.co.uk/author/harry-hill/)

Harry Hill is a BAFTA winning comedian and world class swingball player. Born in Woking in 1964, he holds a med- ical degree from the University of London. His books include Flight from Deathrow and Tim the Tiny Horse. He has been a stand-up since the early 90s, and TV shows he’s created and starred in include Harry Hill’s TV Burp and Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule, while he’s also the voice of You’ve Been Framed.

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Steve May

(Photo credit: http://www.picassopictures.com/picasso-pictures/directors/steve-may)

Steve May is an animation director & freelance illustrator based in London (UK). He was born in sunny Hastings & studied painting & film-making at Trent Polytechnic (1988-91) and after several years working as an illustrator / animator, a roady for Nirvana (once) & aspiring (but unsuccessful ) pop star gained an MA in Animation at the Royal College of Art (1999-2001)

As an illustrator he has produced high quality illustration work for a variety of clients including Marks & Spencer, Harper Collins, The Guardian, The Economist, Puffin & Faber amongst many others.

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Huge thanks to Sarah and all at Faber Children’s for giving me the opportunity to host this fantastic cover reveal, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

Mr E
📚

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Pre-order and order links

Second in the series, Matt Millz Stands Up! is available to pre-order online from Amazon, Waterstones or from any good bookshop.

First in the series, Matt Millz is available to order online from Amazon, Waterstones or from any good bookshop.

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Giveaway!

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning one of three sets of both books, Matt Millz and Matt Millz Stands Up!, retweet (RT) this tweet!

Ends 23/8, UK only.

Copies to be sent to winners when available from Faber Children’s, close to publication in October.

 

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: The Five Realms: The Beasts of Grimheart – Kieran Larwood (Interior illustrations by David Wyatt & cover illustration by Fernando López Juárez): Out 6th September 2018!

Today, I’m absolutely delighted to exclusively reveal the cover of Kieran Larwood’s eagerly-anticipated next episode of the Legend of Podkin One-Ear, The Five Realms: The Beasts of Grimheart which will be published on 6th September 2018 by Faber Children’s.

I’m also super excited because the very lovely people at Faber Children’s have given me three copies of The Five Realms: The Beasts of Grimheart to give away!
Find out more below!

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The Five Realms: The Beasts of Grimheart – Kieran Larwood

The bard is captured by the bonedancers and taken to their temple where he has to retell the tale that earned him a contract on his life. The story of Podkin continues . . . The Gorm have started to attack the forest, trying to flush out the Darkhollow rabbits. Podkin and the others leave for Sparrowfast warren, on the other side of the forest, to ask his uncle for help and for the use of his magic bow (one of the 12 Gifts).

As they make their way through the forest, Vetch turns traitor and tries to seize the Gifts Podkin and Paz own for his masters, the Gorm. The young rabbits flee into the forest depths, where they discover a lost tribe of rabbits and a another of the sacred Gifts – a crown which lets the wearer speak to animals.

With their new allies, Podkin, Paz and Pook emerge, meeting up with the others at Silver Rock warren. His uncle and the Sparrowfast rabbits are already there, as the Gorm have marched round the forest edge and taken their warren. When the two sides meet in battle, who will win? And will the bonedancers let the bard live?

Publisher: Faber & Faber 
ISBN: 9780571328444 
Number of pages: 320

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Kieran Larwood

(Image credit: http://www.kmlarwood.com)

Kieran Larwood has been passionate about stories and storytelling ever since he first read The Hobbit aged six. He graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English Literature and now works as a Reception teacher in a primary school. He lives on the Isle of Wight with his family, and between work, fatherhood and writing, doesn’t get nearly enough sleep. The Five Realms: The Legend of Podkin One-Ear is Kieran’s second book after Freaks, now better known as The Peculiars. Podkin One-Ear won the Blue Peter Book Award 2017. The Legend of Podkin One-Ear is the first in the The Five Realms series, followed by The Gift of Dark Hollow and on September 6th, The Beasts of Grimheart.

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David Wyatt

(Image credit: http://neverpedia.com/pan/David_Wyatt)

David Wyatt is an illustrator living in Devon. He has illustrated many novels and is also much admired for his concept and character work. He has illustrated tales by well-known authors such as Diana Wynne Jones, Terry Pratchett, Philip Pullman, and J. R. R. Tolkien.

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Fernando López Juárez

(Image credit: http://algente.com/fernando-lopez-juarez-un-gran-ilustrador-ilustrado/)

Fernando López Juárez is a Spanish Illustrator who creates realistic cartoon & comical characters for children’s books.

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Huge thanks to Kieran, Hannah and all at Faber Children’s for inviting me to host this stunning cover reveal and amazing giveaway, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

Mr E
📚

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The Five Realms: The Beasts of Grimheart is available to pre-order online from Amazon, Waterstones or from any good bookshop.

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Giveaway!

The very lovely people at Faber Children’s have kindly given me three copies of The Five Realms: The Beasts of Grimheart to give away!

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning one of these copies of this superb book, simply retweet (RT) this tweet!

Copies to be sent to winners when available from Faber Children’s, near or on publication on 6th September 2018.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Secrets of a Sun King – Emma Carroll (Illustrated by Julian De Narvaez & designed by Emma Eldridge): Out 2nd August 2018!

Today, I’m absolutely delighted to exclusively reveal the cover of Emma Carroll’s eagerly-anticipated Egyptian novel, Secrets of a Sun King which will be published on 2nd August 2018 by Faber Children’s.

I’m also super excited because the very lovely people at Faber Children’s have given me five copies of Secrets of a Sun King to give away! Find out more below!

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Secrets of a Sun King – Emma Carroll

It’s November, 1922. In a valley in Egypt the tomb of a long dead pharaoh is about to be discovered.

The world watches and waits for news with baited breath. Thirteen-year-old Lilian Kaye, who lives in a flat above a shop in London, is eagerly following the story. One morning the news takes a sinister turn: a man- a famous Egyptologist- disappears. All that remains of him are his feet. Then Lil’s grandfather is taken suddenly ill, and when a mysterious package turns up for him from the Egyptologist, Lil starts to believe there is truth to the rumours of a pharaoh’s curse.

Publisher: Faber & Faber
ISBN: 9780571328499
Number of pages: 320

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Emma Carroll

After years of teaching English to secondary school students, Emma now writes full time. She graduated with distinction from Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing For Young People. In another life Emma wishes she’d written ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne Du Maurier. She lives in the Somerset hills with her husband and three terriers.

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Julian De Narvaez

(Image credit: https://folioart.co.uk/in-the-studio-julian-de-narvaez/)

Julian is an illustrator from Bogotá, Colombia, South America. Julian De Narvaez begins his drawings in pen and China ink, gradually assembling and colouring the images digitally. This process lends his illustrations a contemporary, eclectic feel, though with a surprisingly fine, traditional quality. This quirkiness is sought after for its engaging richness.

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Huge thanks to Emma, Hannah, Sarah and all at Faber Children’s for inviting me to host this stunning cover reveal, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

Mr E
📚

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Secrets of a Sun King is available to pre-order online from Amazon, Hive, Waterstones or from any good bookshop.

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Giveaway!

The very lovely people at Faber Children’s have kindly given me five copies of Secrets of a Sun King to give away!

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning one of these copies of this superb book, simply retweet (RT) this tweet!

Copies to be sent to winners when available from Faber Children’s, near or on publication on 2nd August 2018.