I know you're all desperate to know what I am reading at the moment...
wait...
where are you all?
Well I'm going to tell you anyway as it is quite rare that such a book makes its way out into the world.
This beautiful book, Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay was only released yesterday and you need to buy it and read it and pass it on because I have a feeling it will be BIG.
It is set in the Philippines and follows the story of Samkad, a ten-year-old boy of the Bontok tribe. He is desperate to become a warrior, like his dad and we are drawn into his world which is about to change because of the American Invasion.
It is a part of history that has been buried for centuries and Candy brings it to life beautifully and with amazing sensitivity. 
Because we learn about Samkad's life we are not horrified by the way he and his tribe look, or the fact they sacrifice animals to predict the future, or that they worship a tree decorated with bones. This is his normal, every day, way of life. We respect his ancestors because Samkad does. We accept the ancients are carried on the backs of others because this is the way it is done. His world seems magical and beautiful, not primitive and savage.
I was honoured to be able to attend the book launch of Bone Talk as I know Candy (and many other wonderful Children's Authors and Illustrators) through being a member and volunteer with SCBWI - BI  
​The launch was held at SOAS in the University of London last night and felt like such an important, almost historical event. I was so moved by what I heard and was reminded of what an excellent speaker Candy is.

At the launch I learned all kinds of things about the history of the Philippines and how the tribal people were invaded by both the Spanish and the Americans.
How wonderful that the rich, fascinating heritage of the Philippines is being brought to life in this gripping tale by Candy Gourlay. 
Treat yourself - go get this beautiful hardback book and dive in.  This is a story that is  important for us all to hear and will ring true for so many cultures, particularly those with histories of colonialism.
Don't let the historical stuff put you off, it still is essentially a 'ripping yarn'. I'm treasuring my copy as I know this book will be big. 
There has to be a film at the very least as I can see this story and setting capturing the imagination of so many people.
​I'm riding on Candy's coat tails and what a fun ride it will be!

As much as I go into schools and hopefully help children in their own writing, I am also learning all the time myself.
This weekend I was lucky enough to attend the Writer's Workshop run by the wonderful Sarah Odedina who is the Children's Editor of Pushkin Press, a small, literary based Children's Publisher. 
Sarah has been in the business a long time and had amazing support for the Workshop from all her contacts. The idea behind it was to reach out to people who are trying to find their 'voice' and may be under-represented in the children's book market. 
We listened to talks from some amazing speakers including the previous Children's Laureate, Malorie Blackman and award winning YA author Patrice Lawrence.