Hello everybody! Today, I’m finally getting round to doing the Secret Life of a Book Blogger Tag, which I was tagged for by Charlotte ages ago and have been looking forward to doing ever since, thank you for tagging me Charlotte! Onto the post!
Tag: Bookish
The Christmas Stocking Book Tag
Hello everybody! Today, I’m taking part in the Christmas Stocking Book Tag, which was created by Kate.
The Bookish Naughty or Nice Tag
Hello everybody! Today, I’m kicking off December with a Christmassy tag- the Bookish Naughty or Nice tag, which I was tagged for by its creator Jenn last year and have been saving since then. Onto the post!
The Easter Book Tag
Hello everybody!
Today, since now it’s Easter weekend, I thought it’d be fun to do the Easter Book Tag, despite not being tagged (or celebrating Easter as a religious holiday) . Onto the post!
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Rabbits – A book that you wish would multiply – So a book you want a sequel to (that doesn’t have one)-
This is VERY hard, as my favourite standalone works so perfectly I don’t think it needs one. I think I’ll go for the Eye of the North, as unlike the other book I was considering (Brightstorm) I don’t believe one is in the works. I’d love to see Emmeline and Thing on another adventure!
Egg – A book that surprised you
At time of writing, I’m halfway through the Buried Crown by Ally Sherrick, which I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it, so this was a very pleasant surprise. I was absolutely blown away by Under Rose Tainted Skies a few months ago too, as I had no expectations going in and it was incredible.
Hunt – A book that was hard for you to get your hands on
This one’s a bit harder, so I’ll go for the Disappearances, which I was sent last summer. The reason it was hard to get my hands on was that it went missing in the post, and Pushkin very kindly sent me another!
Lambs – A children’s book that you still enjoy-
I still enjoy LOADS of children’s books, as you’ll can tell by other answers/my other posts!
Spring – A book with a cover that makes you think of spring
The two colours I most associate with spring are yellow and light green, so I’ll go for Battle of the Beetles, which fits the latter. It’s an absolutely brilliant ending to a phenomenal trilogy, which I highly recommend to fellow fans of MG.
Rising from the dead – A book from a deceased author
One of my favourite authors who is no longer with us is Enid Blyton, as I adored her school stories (especially Malory Towers) and the Five Find-Outers are brilliant.
Baskets – A book that is in your amazon cart or wish list right now
Ooh. There are many, many things on my bookish wishlist, both upcoming and backlist! I’m more likely to buy backlist from Amazon (so I’ll go for Boys Don’t Knit, which I’ve meant to pick up for years and have just never got to.
Thank you so much for reading! What are your favourite types of Easter eggs? Are you a fan of the books I’ve mentioned? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl, and have a lovely Easter!
Amy xxx
The Eye of the North Blog Tour: Author Interview with Sinéad O’ Hart
Hello everybody!
Today, I’m taking part in the blog tour for the Eye of the North, a fabulous new middle grade which is released this Thursday (you can read my review here) by interviewing it’s lovely author Sinéad. Onto the questions!
1. Can you please describe the Eye of the North in 5 words?
Exciting, friendship, secrets, scary creatures!
2. What inspired the book?
I got the ‘seed’ idea for The Eye of the North when I was about 21 (a.k.a a very long time ago), and I was working in an office job I really did not enjoy. I came up with a story about a girl named Emma Marvell working in an office job she really did not enjoy – that bit didn’t take much imagining – but her job involved the recording and cataloguing of artefacts relating to mysterious, mythical creatures which were sent in from all over the world by a team of roving explorers. (My job wasn’t half so interesting.) In the proto-story, when an explorer sends in a sample with a dodgy covering letter, Emma gets curious as to what he’s hiding and goes on the hunt to find out the truth. The published version is very different, but the core elements – mythical creatures, the North, a plucky girl and a stowaway boy – were there from the beginning. I have always loved mythical creatures and I’ve been fascinated with the polar regions all my life, so this story has been a long time brewing.
3. I saw lots of similarities between Emmeline and I. Which book characters would you say you`re most like?
I think I see bits of me in Arianwyn Gribble from James Nicol’s Apprentice Witch series, mostly in her serious and slightly worried/responsible approach to things, and in Hermione Granger (I am a bit of a swot), though the Potter character I’m most like, I think, is Ron – food-focused, loyal and a bit afraid of most things. I’m clumsy like Mildred Hubble, stubborn like Lyra Silvertongue, and I’m a hobbit all the way down to my toes (though luckily, they’re not as hairy!)
4. I also adored her sidekicks Thing and Meadowmane. Do you have any favourite literary sidekicks?
Siddy from Abi Elphinstone’s Dreamsnatcher trilogy always made me grin. I love all the kids in Katherine Rundell’s The Explorer, though I don’t think any can really be classed as a sidekick! Of course, the brilliant Malkin in Peter Bunzl’s Cogheart books is a sidekick we all need. The best hero/sidekick team in literature , though, is Pidge and Brigit from The Hounds of The Morrigan. I wish I had a Brigit to this day.
5. The adventure in the book is incredible. If you could choose any adventure, real or fictional, to take part in, what would it be?
Because I trained as a medievalist in another life, I feel I must say I wish I could have been a pilgrim on Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. I think I would have enjoyed an ale or two with the raucous, brilliant Wife of Bath! I would have loved to take part in a polar expedition, too – perhaps Scott’s, except without the tragedy. And of course I would have loved to see the battle between Iorek Byrnison and Ragnar Sturlusson alongside Lyra and Pan.
6. The book also reads like it would make a fabulous film. If it was ever optioned, do you have a dream cast?
What a brilliant question! I think Ruth Negga would make a fab Sasha, and Oscar Isaac would be my choice for Edgar. I would love Dominic Monaghan for Mr Widget and Sophie Okonedo for Mrs Widget. As for the children – I think finding some new, undiscovered talent would be great!
7. This is your debut novel. What has been the standout moment of your journey to publication, and what are you most excited about after the book comes out?
The standout moment, for sure, was the day my agent phoned to tell me she had sold the book to my UK publisher, Stripes. We had been waiting so long for a UK/Irish deal that I had given up hope of ever getting one, and so that was a true joy. It has been a very long path, and there have been many highlights, but that’s my favourite one. As for what I’m most excited by – I can’t wait to meet readers, interact with people who have read the book, and talk about it with children. It’s such a privilege to write for young readers; they are the best readers. I’m hugely looking forward to learning from them and finding out how I can keep improving as a writer.
8. Finally, before our quickfire questions, can you divulge any secrets about what your second book might be?
The second book I have sold is the story of Tess, who has grown up with no knowledge of her parentage until the day a stranger comes to claim her from the loving home she has always known. She has to uncover who this man is, what he knows about her and her past, and how to get out of his clutches, all before he can use her unique abilities to bring destruction to her world, and many others… (Also, she has a pet tarantula called Violet, who is the real star of the show.)
QUICKFIRE
1. Hogwarts house? Ravenpuff? I am mostly Ravenclaw, a bit Hufflepuff!
2. Favourite chocolate bar? Plain and simple, Cadbury Dairy Milk
3. Favourite colour? Purple.
4. Top 3 books of 2017? The Huntress: Sky; The Explorer; A Skinful Of Shadows.
5. 3 random facts about you? I can read Middle English (and Old English, with a bit of practise); I used to work as a trainee butcher and could pick up a pound of mince, almost to the ounce, simply by eye; I have a fear of balloons
Thank you so much for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the interview down in the comments or or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl!
Amy xxx
Top Ten Tuesday- My 5 Bookish Resolutions for 2018
Hello everybody! Today I’m taking part in Top Ten Tuesday, which is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Given the title, this may be slightly confusing, but for today’s list I’ve decided I only wanted to have 5 I actually intend to attempt rather than 10 I’m writing just for the sake of it . Onto my resolutions!
1) Read 100 books– I know I’ve said I’m not making myself a goal for how many books I want to read, but I’ve decided to have this very loose and unofficial one. I think I’m just going to write down the name of a book each time I finish it, and then count them all at the end of the year
2) Reread more– I’ve always been a big rereader, but I did it very little after my blog began. At the end of 2017, I did a few rereads and it was such a joy. Three I’m especially determined to achieve (as they’re lengthier) are the My Sister the Vampire series, the Adventure Island series and the Pony Club Secrets books.
3) Feel even less guilt over DNFing– I’m admittedly pretty good at this one already, so next year I’d like to just wipe the guilt altogether. I hate the feeling of not enjoying something lots of people did, and feel so guilty about not finishing them/what people will think of that decision, but next year I’m going to attempt to stop worrying about it quite so much.
4) Read some Shakespeare– since we started doing exams, I no longer get the chance to read Shakespeare at school. Before, we read two (A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Merchant of Venice, the latter of which I fell in love with) and I thought they were fab. I want to read at least 2 or 3 this year, if I can hunt down good editions.
5) KEEP BLOGGING– is this bookish? My blog has the word books in the title, so I’m counting it, and I have lots of bookish content evem though I’ve branched out to a few other things too (and intend to do so even more in 2018). No matter what happens over the next year, I’d like to remain as a blogger. I honestly love doing it and I’ve met so many amazing people through it too.
Thank you so much for reading! Do you have any resolutions for 2018? I’d love to hear about them in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl!
Amy xxx
My 2017 YA Favourites List
Hello everybody!
Welcome to day 20 of blogmas! Today, I’m going to be speaking about my 10 favourite YAs in 2017. This was a tough choice, and I still love all of the books on my mid-year favourites list too! There’s one book on here that I didn’t give 5 stars as I can’t actually remember why not and I really enjoyed it, and I highly recommend everything I’ve rated that not on this list too. I’ll be doing a seperate list for MG books in a few days, and I’m leaving it till last as my 3 overall favourites of this year are all MG. Note- not all of these are from 2017. Some are books I’ve read this year that were either published before 2017 and others aren’t out till 2018
Onto the books!
The Summer of Telling Tales – this was beyond heartbreaking. It’s a tough but hopeful read, and reminded me of Jacqueline Wilson at her very best. I think this is massively underrated, so if you get a chance to read it (I stumbled on my copy at the library, for example) please, PLEASE do.
The Exact Opposite of Okay -I feel so lucky to have read this already, seeing that it isn’t out till next March. It has a wonderfully witty narrator who made me snort and cackle multiple times and I think a lot of people are going to fall in love with this when it’s released.
This Beats Perfect- A wonderful boyband YA, with a really nice romance and a prontagonist I loved, as well as a superb cast of secondary characters. I also just really liked the writing style, which felt unusual but I can’t explain how, and I’m looking forward to the sort of sequel that’s due out in February.
The Graces– this was so chilling and creepy it gave me goosebumps in places, and I couldn’t put it down to revise for my French exam (which I read it on the day of… oopsies). I passed though, so my love for this book remains very much in tact. Also, the last line is GLORIOUS; roll on the Curses right now please!
Radio Silence – This was another book from my last week of exams, which I also read in a day (the day of my Modern Studies exam). The thought of going back to this got me through a challenging paper, and it’s just phenomenal! Aled is one of my favourite characters ever.
Stargazing for Beginners– I read this after a bit of a reading slump, around the start of May I think, and it’s just wonderful. Meg is such an inspirational, yet flawed and realistic character, and watching her struggle with caring for her little sister after their mum jets off and abandons them is so sad in places. Her friends, such as Annie, are hilarious, and I also loved her romantic interest Ed.
The Empty Grave- this was pretty much the perfect finale to a pretty much perfect series. The trademark drama, humour and adventure combo was as slick as ever, and the characters continued to be exceptionally awesome in every way. And it made me cry at the end!
Wing Jones– I read this at the start of 2017 and it got me through the very difficult night before my MRI scan (which I find really difficult). Wing’s journey of finding her passion for running and falling in love is stunning from start to finish, and I adored the magical realism element.
Moxie– This is a fierce, feminist read that’s guaranteed to make you want to start your own revolution. It tells the story of Viv as she starts up her own zine and creates the Moxie movement to shake up her sexist school.
Noah Can’t Even– I genuinely have no idea why I didn’t give this 5 stars. It made me giggle loads and it was amazing fun, and Noah is so sweet and nerdy. DEFINETELY a favourite of this year in spite of the stupidity of past me’s star rating. (Which I have now went and swapped on Goodreads)
EDIT- I forgot a book! One of the most special things I’ve read this year is Forever Geek by Holly Smale, which was the final instalment of one of my favourite series (Geek Girl). I am MOST ashamed that I forgot it, but it’s definetely worth going over my 10 books.
What have your favourite YA books of 2017 been? Do we share any choices? I’d love to read your list if you have one! Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl!
Amy xxx
Top Ten Tuesday: Books I’m Hoping to Find Under my Tree
Hello everybody, and welcome to day 19 of blogmas!
Today, I’m taking part in the Top Ten Tuesday meme, hosted by the Broke and the Bookish, for which the theme today is books we’re hoping to get for Christmas.
The Last Duchess by Laura Powell– I’ve heard this is similar to a few books I love (such as the Murder Most Unladylike Mysteries), and I’d really like to give it a go for that reason. I love historical mysteries and I also really like Upstairs, Downstairs sorts of things focusing on servants (such as Frost Hollow Hall by Emma Carroll) as it’s an area of history you don’t see that often.
Queens of Geeks by Jen Wilde– this one’s had very mixed reviews, so I’m interested to see what I’ll think of it. It sounds like a fun read though, and I’m willing to try it.
Gabriel’s Clock by Hilton Pashley– I’ve had this recommended to me by a few bloggers I really trust, and the concept is intriguing. I also loved Hilton Pashley’s guest posts during the blog tour for Michael’s Spear (the final book of this trilogy) so I want to see if I enjoy the first book.
Troublemakers by Catherine Barton– I’ve only seen good reviews of this, and I’m interested by it as it touches on political issues, which is something I don’t see directly in books often.
This Careless Life by Rachel McIntyre– I was a huge fan of Rachel McIntyre’s previous releases, and though I know this is quite different sounding in tone/subject matter I’d still very much like to unwrap it on Christmas day. I love a good mystery, and I’m hoping this might be similar to One of Us Is Lying.
Della Says OMG by Keris Stainton– even though this is a few years old now, I saw a hugely positive review of it recently and I’m very much hoping to recieve this. It sounds like the mix of serious and fun I always enjoy when done well too.
Jessie Hearts NYC by Keris Stainton- I read and liked One Italian Summer by this author earlier this year and thought the worldbuilding of the Italian settting was exceptional, so I’m looking forward to to seeing her take on New York (which I adore as a setting in general).
Frostblood by Elly Blake– I’m pretty fussy with YA fantasy (I vastly prefer the MG variety) but this sounds like something I’m likely to enjoy.
Here We Are Now by Jasmine Warga– I love stories with long lost family members reuiniting, I’ve heard brilliant things about this one and I’m adding it to my Christmas wishlist as I’ve had my eye on it since before it’s release.
Rubies and Runaways by Janine Beacham– I really enjoyed Janine Beacham’s debut Black Cats and Butlers earlier this year, and I really want to read Rose’s second adventure soon. It’s set at Christmas too, so it seems like the perfect book to read soon after if I get it. I think this is quite different to other MG mysteries out at the moment, mainly due to the AMAZING, super cool secret society of butlers.
What books are you hoping to recieve this Christmas? Have you read any of my list? What did you think of them? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl!
Amy xxx
My 5 Favourite Book Animals
Hello everybody, and welcome to day 16 of blogmas!
Today, since animals are my favourite part of of a lot of traditional Christmas stories and my dogs are some of my favourite company on the day itself (😉), I thought it would be fun to
*Note- there is a reason why there are no dogs/cats on this list, to be revealed at some point in 2018… 😉
Flit the bat from Vlad the World’s Worst Vampire– Flit was a cynical, hilarious sidekick for the little vampire and I adored him. He really made me laugh and he is absolutely adorable in Kathryn Durst’s fabulous illustrations throughout.
Eve and Bones the yaks from Running on the Roof of the World – these were both such lovely companions for main characters Tash and Sam, and there were several scenes involving them that made me sob. I’m so excited to meet the leopard in her 2nd book.
Bob the fish from Alex Sparrow and the Really Big Stink– this is the most hilarious fish you will EVER read about. His conversations with Alex’s friend Jess were more often than not a snort worthy level of funny, and I’m very much hoping he’ll pop up come the 2nd book in the series.
Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web– Wilbur is the sweetest animal I can ever remember reading in a book, and I adore him with all my heart. He’s so innocent about his fate (which I’m welling up just THINKING about) and is so friendly and caring towards his friends. He really is Some Pig, that one, and even though it may break me I need to reread this soon.
Malkin the fox from the Cogheart Adventures- Malkin is a mechanical fox, and he’s sardonic and witty and I love. He’s my favourite part of these books hands down and I can’t wait to see more of him in the 3rd book (which now isn’t releasing till October 2018, *sobs*)
Who are your favourite book animals? Do you love any on my list? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl 😘
Amy xxx
Guest Post: Christmas With Year 3 by Christina of Chrikaru
Hello everybody!
Today, I have a lovely guest post from my fabulous friend Christina, who blogs about books and modern languages (aka two of my favourite things in the world) all about books she reads with her class at Christmas.
Over to Christina and her lovely post now!
Amy xxx
In my classroom we read everyday, several times day. Any time we have a spare minute we read. Read a story, poem or article together as a class, with a friend or alone, we’re always reading. I like to share my favourite stories with the children in my class and consider one of the most important parts of my job is that children leave my class having identified books as sources of joy, inspiration, comfort and information. Books as ‘ uniquely portable magic’ in the words of Stephen King.
I like to match books with what we’re learning about or link them to things that are happening in the real world. Books have started so many valuable, deep conversations with my class and I have seen the impact with children queuing to borrow their own copy, reading more on that subject or in the reports I hear from parents about their once reluctant reader who is now lost inside a book at every opportunity.
The lead-up to Christmas in school is exciting, yet tiring with lots of things going on. To give you an example, in the month leading up to Christmas we have parent-teacher conferences, Arts Week (where each class spends a whole week creating art, culminating in an installation in and around school), Open House (where children perform, then show their parents around school), flu sprays, Christmas pudding cooking, etc etc. I could keep going!
In amongst all these activities and excitement, it is important to have the sanctuary of reading as that quiet, calm place we all enjoy spending time in, even when the sculpture we’ve spent two hours building has collapsed in a crumpled mess.
So, what do we read?
Here are a few suggestions for any KS1 or KS2 class (ages 4 – 11).
Little Robin Red Vest by Jan Fearnle -Little Robin has given all his nice warm vests to seven chilly friends in need. On Christmas Eve, with no vest left for himself, he huddles on an icy roof… until someone very special comes to the rescue.
I first came across this when teaching Year 1 and it has been a firm favourite with every class I have shared it with. A really cute story about the importance of kindness and sharing!
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan and Janet Albert- The Jolly Postman brings a batch of wonderful letters for Christmas, including notes from the Big Bad Wolf and all the King’s men.
If you loved the original Jolly Postman book, you will also enjoy this holiday edition where the postman delivers letters to various fairytale characters.
The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg- A young boy is awakened from his Christmas Eve rest by a train that magically appears just outside his home.
And so, a magical adventure begins! Truly a classic for Christmas!
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs- Wordless picture book with beautiful soft illustrations – lovely to share with children as you can discuss what is happening on each page.
Yet another classic, The Snowman had charmed and enthralled every child to whom I have introduced him to!
The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer
Not traditionally Christmas stories, but the storytelling at home fits well with cuddling up with your family during colder weather and The Gruffalo’s Child is set in winter. Stick Man is also a fun read at this time of year, especially as Santa Claus makes an appearance!
Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
A cute look at what Santa does before and after Christmas – quirky humour and graphic-novel style illustrations make this a winner!
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
This needs no introduction – remember reading this on Christmas Eve with my parents when I was younger and I’m sure that many other families also have this tradition.
Norman, the slug who saved Christmas by Sue Hendra
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27686688-norman-the-slug-who-saved-christmas
This was recommended to me by a friend who is also a primary teacher – I was a bit sceptical at first but the kids loved it! When a big sack of presents lands by Norman the slug, at first he thinks he must have been a very good slug that year. Then he spots the name labels and realises that the presents must have fallen off Santa’s sleigh…
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
Not strictly a Christmas book, but a beautiful story to share with children at any time of the year!
The Stolen Sun by Amanda Hall
A Native Alaskan story about the changing of the seasons – lovely to share with children who may not be familiar with the original folklore.
The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson– This is a classic for a reason and one of my childhood favourites – like most popular fairy tales there have been several different re-imaginings of it, but I always enjoyed Gerda striking of into the snow to save her friend
The Twelve Days of Christmas- A fun way to count down the days with your children – it is just an illustration of the song, but it is fun to read as you sing and talk about what each gift might represent or what they might orefer instead!
The Nutcracker- Another Christmas classic, my family watches the ballet together every year. Did anyone else ever imagine themselves as Clara, dancing with the Sugar Plum fairy?
Walk with a wolf, The Emperor’s Egg and Ice Bear- Brilliant faction (fact but illustrated like fiction) books which have fascinated every class I have ever read them to!
How the Grinch stole Christmas by Dr Seuss- This one probably needs no introduction – the inimitable Dr Seuss takes on Christmas through the eyes of the Grinch who hates everything about it!
Okay, am going to stop here although the more I think about it, the more wonderful books I come up with!
Have you read any of the books above?
Will you add some to your seasonal reading list?
Let me know!
Christina
Golden Books Girl 