Literary Festival

22-23 July
The Hawkes Bay Literary Festival idea was kicked off by the Altrusa Club in Napier - wanting to encourage kids books and reading. Set over two days, I was invited to be part of it. Although a small gathering, the tweens present were keen readers and listeners and had good questions for me afterwards. I think it's a great idea for this area as we don't have our own storylines festival in the Bay. With more support, I think this could grow into something awesome.

The amazing 'Elliot Allagash' - by Simon Rich

One of the many cool things about my new profession as a bookseller (after a loooooong time doing 'number' jobs) is the opportunity to read many books as part of the job. I'm supposed to read adult fiction as well as my favourite - children's fiction, but there is so much excellent children's and YA fiction coming in the doors of Beattie & Forbes, I don't really want to read anything else!
Just like journalists get copies of books to read before reviewing them (reader's copies), sometimes we are given reader's copies to try out the latest novels.
In our latest Tween Bookclub we discussed book covers, how they affect us etc, and when I put 'Elliot Allagash' on the shelves, the cover did nothing for me. But we mustn't judge a book by its cover - should we!
It was never a truer saying when I think about 'Elliot Allagash'. I located a reader's copy and although very US in its setting and much of its content, it is a clever story about an unpopular boy and his rise to popularity. Heard it before you say?
Aha, but this story is very different.
Seymour is unpopular, the butt of many people's jokes and the target of the school bully. Until... Elliot Allagash arrives. He is aloof, quietly scorning all those around him, and very very very rich. Quite by chance, Elliot chooses Seymour as his latest project and with his contacts shoots Seymour to near stardom within the school. A dream come true for Seymour? Maybe, but as it begins to unravel, Seymour wonders whether it was all worth it. I think this is a story for 15 years and up - Elliot's schemes and plans are devious, hilarious and clever. 8/10 from me.

July - Tween Bookclub

Wed 6 July
It was a dark and stormy night... (just kidding! For all new writers out there - never start a piece of writing with that!)

But.... it was pouring with rain, dark and cold, and it was fabulous to see so many of our members arrive for the Beattie & Forbes Tween Bookclub.

This month's theme was on 'BOOK COVERS'. I asked all our members (much to many parents and librarian's surprise), to do the opposite of what we've always been told and to choose a book by it's cover. Once chosen - read the story and tell us all if the cover gave a good portrayal of what was inside.
After a lively, fun discussion on book cover choice, our members talked about their covers and we were surprised by many but guessed some others.
The reasons for choosing the covers were as varied as our members are - making it a fantastic night.

Next month's theme is to choose the most boooring, naff, plain, ugly cover you can find - and you may be surprised at the treasure you find inside....
We are also going to have a cover design competition to work on over the school holidays.

See you Tuesday 2 August - right after the holidays!