Here is the Mass Book Launch video which was played on the night. Look out for lion!
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After a long three years the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators (SCBWI) British Isles Conference was finally back, but this time in a brand new venue - Manchester Metropolitan University. 

It was absolutely fantastic to be back with old friends and meet new members. I had a new role this year as the 1-1 Coordinator which left me with more time to be able to attend various talks and workshops. I listened to Alex Wheatle deliver the most powerful Key Note Speech I think I've ever heard, I led my own talk with agents Katie Blagden from The Bright Agency and Becky Bagnell of Lindsay Literary and I attended a brilliant workshops on Writing in Verse with Lousia Reed. 

I've been really busy writing and touring bookshops and helping organise the SCBWI Conference, but I just heard about this amazing shortlisting for my little book with a big heart and had to come here to let you all know about it. I'm absolutely thrilled. 

October is Selective Mutism Awareness Month. Call Me Lion is one of the recommended reads of Selective Mutism Information and Research Association (SMiRA) and Selective Mutism Clinical Excellence Network (SMCEN) organisations. 
"A great resource for SLTs, parents and staff!" SMCEN Oct 22.
You can view the book on the resources section of the SMiRA website here: SMiRA Recommended Reading. 
I continue to be hugely proud of this little book with a big heart. I know it will continue to help raise understanding, awareness and compassion about this little known social anxiety condition. It has a huge future ahead. Thank you for being on the journey with me.  

These two wonderful reviews of Call Me Lion come from Primary 5/6 class at Liff Primary School in Angus, Dundee.

Nobody feels upbeat and positive all the time and I was a bit flat, but then Lion picked me up again, like he always does when I received this wonderful message from their teacher: 
I've just finished your book 'Call Me Lion' with my class. It has been such a wonderful journey. We have explored friendships, relationships, hidden disabilities, prejudice and so much more... It should be on every schools must read list.

I'm so grateful that Ms Ancell took the time to reach out to me and send me these messages. Liff Primary School is on holiday now for a couple of weeks (Scottish timetable works differently to England) but there's a thank you postcard on its way regardless. 

Do contact authors if you've enjoyed their books, we love it and it makes out job feel really appreciated. 

You don't need to be quiet any more. I'm still writing but I want you to come to me with reviews, news and requests for school visits. I'm all ears!

I've got my head down at the moment redrafting the book I've been working on for some time so if you don't hear from me don't worry. Things are bubbling away.

I had a fantastic surprise this weekend as Call Me Lion was reviewed in The Guardian by Imogen Russell Williams. This is a really BIG DEAL. Very few newspapers now feature book reviews and even less children's book reviews which means a large national paper like this can make a real difference in terms of a book's notoriety.

I'm thrilled that Call Me Lion was not only mentioned but received such high praise. In The Guardian's August list of 'Best New Children's Books' Call Me Lion was featured alongside a very prgistidegous list of authors, including fellow SCBWI members, Patrice Lawrence and Joe Coelho (who, if you don't know, is the current Children's Laureate). 

It's thrilling news and could mean a real difference in both sales and reach to readers. As you already know Call Me Lion is all about creating positive ripples. It's a book that can only do good things in this world we all share.

My grin could not be wider.

I'm off to Cornwall on a 'learn to surf holiday' with my family so won't be around for a while BUT following the success of the Summer of Fun library visits in South Wales I am planning on returning for 3 dates in October (10,11,12) for school visits. If you're a primary school in the Caephilly region and would like me to visit then check out my author page for more information and get in touch as I'd love to hear from you.

I will be back dog walking, writing and organising local afternoon school visits from 1st September, in the meantime, look out for Call Me Lion in a bookshop near you and if you've read it and would like to share your review please do so on Goodreads and/or Amazon. Remember you can always send your  book reviews to me via my contact me page too.

Thanks always for your support!

Blaenavon Library was nestled in the very impressive Heritage Centre and the views from the cafe were beautiful. The room was laid out beautifully, but due to staffing issues I ended up moving the talk to the play scheme across the road! Huge thanks to Bettina and my helper sisters, Nancy and Grace!

I loved my visit to South Wales so much that I am planning a return. The week commencing 3 October I will be be touring schools in the Caerphilly region. If you would like me to visit your school then please contact me. You can find more information and download a pack about the Welsh visits by visiting my author page.
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Thank you to The Reading Agency for organising the Summer of Fun library visits and watch out South Wales because I'll be back!