In the Sea is the true account of Enaiatollah Akbari’s escape from Afghanistan to Italy. Enaiat was only around ten years old when his mother took him to the Pakistani border and then disappeared in the night, leaving him alone. In doing so, his mother had made an impossible decision. Either Enaiat could stay with the family, where as a young boy he would live in constant danger of being attacked, indoctrinated or made to work as a slave (this had happened to his father, who was eventually killed), or she could give him the opportunity to escape and make his own way to a better life. In the Sea follows Enaiat’s treacherous journey through Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Greece, and documents the memorable acts of human cruelty and human kindness that he experienced along the way. Thankfully for Enaiat, he eventually found safety in Italy. Many other boys were not so fortunate.

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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….