There were  lovely reviews of 3 very different DFB titles in the papers this weekend - with Magic Beans and This Dark Endeavour featured in The Times’ best children’s books of 2011!  See more here.

‘One of the best value books for 6 plus is Magic Beans an entrancing collection of classic fairytales retold by leading storytellers such as Philip Pullman, Adele Geras and Malorie Blackman. Elegant line drawings by Ian Beck, Debi Gliori, Peter Bailey and others add to the magic.’

‘It’s a beautifully balanced novel with the darkness of the central crime never forgotten or over-sweetened by the love story….. readers wanting to discover if the relationship overcomes all the odds are sure to find themselves provoked, moved and rewarded in equal measure.’  Click here to read the full Guardian review of You Against Me by Jenny Downham. 

‘Kenneth Oppel’s This Dark Endeavour a captivating Gothic novel for 13 plus about the future Dr Frankenstein and his competitive love for his twin brother. Books this good are for life, not just Christmas.’

Here you go – just in case you didn’t catch John on Open Book, talking with Mariella and Eoin Colfer about writing for adults and children.  This was prompted by his new adult book, The Absolutist, but John did mention his DFB book NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY,  and Mariella referred to his first children’s book, THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS.  A very interesting discussion!

Have a listen, by clicking here.. The show’s only online until Friday, so catch up, now!

A few of our fantastic authors and illustrators will be appearing at this year’s festival – which runs from 8th to 17th October - so watch this space for news of who’ll be there and where to book tickets! For starters, just to get your mouths watering..

John Boyne will be talking about his magical new book NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on Saturday 9^th October. The event is for a family audience. John’s appearances at the Edinburgh Festival last month sold out very fast, so do reserve your tickets now at  http://cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature-2010/john-boyne/

photographed by Mark Watkin

And if you’re keen to read up on the festival, take a peek at the Cheltenham Literature Festival 2010 website!

More to follow, so watch this space..

Now that the summer holidays are  giddily rolling by, it seems that everyone is talking about various trips and travels.. And, luckily for me (but perhaps not for you), I’m fresh back from 2 weeks holiday myself! I managed to pack a lot of different activities, friends and locations in, so let me be the first to roll out the dreaded holiday pics…….. (sorry)

My first stop was 10 days in SW France, at the edge of a small town, in the middle of nowhere between Caracassonne and the Pyrenees. Here is a view from the converted attic where I slept – which, only 5 years ago had a family of Screech owls living in it!! Who still perch and hunt nearby..

I heard the owl at night, but didn’t catch a glimpse! Our other neighbours were a field of sunflowers, my favourite..

 I then came home to celebrate my birthday, for which I received many treats – including a tea submarine, a banana cake with pink icing and some beautiful ‘Moomin’ treats!

..I could go on forever, but don’t worry – I won’t! Cos I’m not the only person who’s been talking about their holidays – John Boyne was on BBC Radio Scotland on Monday morning on the MacAulay & Co. Show, talking about his new children’s book, and… holiday destinations! This is a special interview previewing his appearance at Edinburgh Book Festival, where he’ll be talking about his new fairytale, NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY. 

You can listen in here for John’s tips on lesser-known holiday towns, aswell as news and thoughts about his upcoming book !.. (His interview is 20mins in).

But beware, there are more where those holiday snaps came from….