Camilla Chester - Children's Author
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Welcome to my blog, a place where you can keep up to date with everything I'm up to!

Words and Pictures

31/3/2018

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My article all about a recent SCBWI school visit workshop was published in Words and Pictures today. This is the brilliant (and free) online magazine resource for all SCBWI members. You don't have to be a member to enjoy it though and if you'd like to take a look, click on the link below to read my article: 

​Words and Pictures
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Review of Jarred Dreams

29/3/2018

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Check out this email I have just received via Molly's Grandma, Sue. I know Sue and she kindly bought a copy of Jarred Dreams for her granddaughter, Molly. I just opened my emails to read this lovely message:
Hello Cam! 
It’s Molly who finished your book yesterday and I’d like to let you know how incredible your book was😆. After reading Jarred Dreams, it must be one of my favourite books ,if not, my favourite! I honestly, truly and utterly enjoyed it! It wasn’t just the page turning story that you gave both perspectives from, but the amazing and beautiful illustrations (I also really loved the whiteness of the pages.) The urm surprise (I’ve given it to grandma to read so I don’t want to ruin the shock when she reads this email) that you told us at the end really made me gasp! I actually don’t have any major faults except for the fact that you repeated the same words a few times that I believe 🤔 have other good synonyms. But I couldn’t write a book as well as you (obviously😊). Well, I think it would be boring if I kept on saying how brilliant, fantastic, magnificent, interesting and wonderfully intriguing Jarred Dreams was so I’ll go. Thank you ever so much for giving me this book. 

This is my reply:
Hi Molly,
Thank you so much for letting me know how much you enjoyed reading Jarred Dreams and well done for not giving the game away to your Grandma! I understand you read lots of books so it makes it extra special that you liked Jarred Dreams so much. I definitely repeat words so thanks for reminding me not to be lazy!
It is really nice to hear from readers like you. To prove it I have put your email up onto my blog, exactly as you've sent it to me - even with the emojis! If you'd like to take a look, go to my website and click on the blog page. If you scroll back you can also see the other books I have been reading.
As you liked Jarred Dreams, you might like to read my second book EATS, but be warned it is much sillier and very different to my first book - more like a Roald Dahl story. I have also got a third book coming out, all about another world - a place with unicorns and dragons! If you would like to come to the launch of that you only have until 1 April to enter the competition. Take a look at my competitions page on my website to find out more.
Thanks again for taking the time to write to me - it was lovely to hear from you.
Best Wishes
Camilla

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Her Name Is Boudicca

28/3/2018

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Just seen a great school production written by the talented Deborah Heath.

Funny, clever, witty, concise, accurate, fun and packed with catchy songs, Her Name Is Boudicca was performed very professionally by Y3 of Cunninghamhill Junior School, St Albans. I was very impressed.

If any schools out there are looking for a fun and inspiring way to teach the story of this legendary warrior then look no further than this play. 
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An Interview With Letterpress

27/3/2018

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My interview with The Letterpress Project is now online. 

If you would like to view it click on this link: http://www.letterpressproject.co.uk/inspiring-young-readers/2018-03-27/an-interview-with-camilla-chester

Not as fun as being interviewed by my daughter, Sasha, this morning as a special assembly in her school to tell the children about my new book and how to win tickets to the launch. To find out more go to my competitions page.
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What Am I Reading?

26/3/2018

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Everyone seems to be talking about Abi Elphinestone's books at the moment - and Sky Song is getting lots of attention.

I've just got it out of the library.

Thought I should see what all the fuss is about!

What are you reading at the moment? Is it something you would recommend? Is it a book you bought? Did you borrow it from a friend? Or is it from the school library?

Have you ever read anything that I have mentioned on my blog?

I love hearing about the books you are reading so feel free to get in touch, but make sure you have parents/carers permission, or just leave a comment on the blog.
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Letterpress Review of EATS

24/3/2018

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I've just received notification of a lovely review of my second book, EATS.

Be warned it does contain a few spoilers! You can read it by clicking on this link:
Review of EATS by Letterpress

The Letterpress is a new, non-profit initiative that believes in the power of children reading real books.

"We think that books are a gateway to ideas and adventures that expand our understanding of the world and ourselves. All reading can do that but nothing does it better than the collation of paper and ink bound between two covers that, when you open it, transforms into a relationship between you and the author."

​You can find out more about Letterpress by clicking on the link below:
The Letterpress Project


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What Am I Reading?

22/3/2018

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There's lots to say about this writer.

First is that she was one of the judges in The National Literacy Trust New Author Award in 2015 when Jarred Dreams got down to the final six. At the award ceremony in the Bloomsbury offices, Katherine was there, busy on her phone. I was too shy to introduce myself, which I regret.

Part of the runners up prize was a proof copy of Katherine's latest book which was Wolf Wilder - loved it. I should've got it signed - stupid. I've read Rooftoppers too which is also fabulous. 

Katherine Rundell books are always beautifully written, full of wonderful dialogue and imagery. This Explorer is no exception. Even the book itself is a thing of beauty. Each new chapter has it's own picture layout, gorgeous borders and some of the pages are even printed on black with white font. Take a look at the second picture to see what I mean. 

The story is of four children of very different personalities all stuck trying to survive in the Amazon around a hundred years ago. Loving it - at the moment they are eating spiders! No word feels spared, it's completely action packed.

If you like good, exciting, adventure stories set in extreme locations but also like to know about how the characters are feeling then Katherine Rundell's books would be a good choice for you.

Not sure what has happened to my blog - I said I wouldn't review books here, but looks like I am breaking my own rules!

Don't forget to get your wishes in for my competition. Not much time left! 

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Time Change To Book Launch Event

21/3/2018

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Please note that the event will now start at 6.30pm instead of 6pm. It is still due to finish at 7.30pm. This is due to set up time, as the library will still be open to the public until 6pm.
I've updated the competition page with this information.
The competition is still open until 1 April, and I've been having some excellent wishes. Don't miss out on your chance to come along for free. All you have to do is tell me what you would wish for:
FIND OUT MORE HERE
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Book Signings

19/3/2018

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Can you spot my books in this picture?

It's brilliant to see them displayed alongside so many great titles.

For this week only EATS and Jarred Dreams will be on sale at Roundwood Primary School Book Fair.

I was there today to chat to the kids and sign books. I  will be back on Thursday and Friday but the sale runs all week between 2.45-3.45pm.

Hope to see you there!

NB: If you're a local school and would like me to come to your book fair for FREE, please  contact me.


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School Visits

16/3/2018

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Big Shout Out to the following fantastic schools that I have visited recently:
Manland Primary:
Where I got asked if I was a billionaire (I wish) and I was seriously worried that I might get snowed in!
Beech Hyde Primary:
Where I was recognised immediately as being dressed up as Sade from Jarred Dreams by a Y6 boy who'd read the book. He has promised to make Jarred Dreams into a film - once he gets hold of Steven Spielberg. 
St Peters School:
Where a Y6 girl said I had inspired her to become a Children's Author and I did a book signing that made me feel like a celebrity. 
NB: If anyone is reading this that has a photo or a quote/feedback from any of these visits please get in touch as I would love to post them on the website - thanks.

Love, love, love visiting schools. If you'd like me to visit your school get in touch!

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  • Home
  • About Camilla
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  • Aspiring Authors