Claire Fayers's Blog, page 4
March 23, 2020
March 20, 2020
Videos, Postcards and Things to Do Indoors
I should be an expert at being indoors. At least half my working hours are spent sitting by myself trying to make stuff up out of my head.
This week has been weird. The coronavirus crisis means my husband is also working from home, as are various friends who’ve never done it before. As a result, I’ve been keeping in touch with people far more than usual. It’s been strangely social.
I know lots of you will be at home looking after children now that schools have closed and I’ve been thinking of ways I can help.
From next week, I will have a go at posting weekly videos (warning – I’ve never done this before so I don’t know what they’ll be like.)
I have lots of activities in the extras section on this website. You’re free to print them off and use them.
And, if you’d like a personalised email “postcard” with a story prompt for your child, I’ll be glad to send one. You can have a choice of pirates, magic mirrors or animal stories. Drop me a message with your child’s name and the postcard you’d like.
March 2, 2020
Taking libraries by Storm(hound)
I am very, very excited to announced that Storm Hound has been shortlisted for the East Sussex libraries children’s book award (You can vote for Storm Hound by following the link)
And also the Hull Libraries children’s book award.
I will be visiting schools in both areas – listen out for the sound of the Wild Hunt galloping overhead.
Storm Hound has also been selected for this year’s library Summer Reading Challenge – more about that later!
If you’re looking for something to do over Easter, the Abergavenny Writing Festival is on, and Storm will be making a guest appearance for a special event at the library on Saturday, April 4th. Tickets are £3 per child, free for adults. You can find out more about the festival and book tickets here.
December 20, 2019
A Reading Round-Up
I can’t believe we’re nearly at the end of 2019 already. It’s been a year of great ups and downs personally, but as always I’ve found escape, strength, friendship and adventure in books.
Here are some of the middle grade books I’ve enjoyed this year. This is by no means an exhaustive list of my favourites, but if you’re looking for something to curl up with over Christmas and the New Year, I thoroughly recommend all of these.
Eternal Seas / Wild Sky, by Lexi Rees.
I like unusual settings and this series is set in an alternate future combining elements of dystopia and fantasy. The books are fast-paced and remind me very much of the classic kids’ adventure stories I used to read when I was young.
Ant Clancy, Games Detective and The Comet and the Thief, by Ruth Morgan
I’ve been shouting loudly about these two books and I make no apology for shouting again. Ant Clancy is perfect for kids who’d prefer to be on their games consoles than stuck in a book, and The Comet and the Thief is utterly different – an historical mystery with an unique twist. It’s just been named as one of the books of the year in the Welsh Review, which proves how good it is.
Grace-Ella: Witch Camp, by Sharon Marie Jones
The second Grace-Ella book from the lovely Sharon Marie Jones, is just as warm-hearted as the first. It’s a lovely book for younger middle-grade readers, full of friendship, magic and cats!
Max the Detective Cat, by Sarah Todd Taylor
If you love cats, there are literally hundreds in this book and they are all adorable. Fast-paced, funny and packed with the most gorgeous illustrations (there are lots of pictures of cats – I love cats!)
Ra the Mighty Cat Detective by Amy Butler
You might be detecting a theme here. Ra is the Pharaoh’s cat in ancient Egypt. I think he and Max would get on together very well. In his first adventure, a priceless jewel goes missing and a cat-loving servant girl is blamed, which is, of course, unthinkable. You can’t have cat lovers getting blamed for things. Ra takes time out of his busy schedule of meals and naps to help.
The Train to Impossible Places: The Great Brain Robbery, by PG Bell
No cats in this series but I’ll let it off because there are trolls, ghosts, treachery, magic and all sorts of wonderful magical worlds. The first book took us to the bottom of the sea and across desert wastelands. The Great Brain Robbery takes us up into the clouds as Suzy and friends race to save Trollville from a new and deadly threat. There are an embarrassing number of laugh-out-loud moments – do not read this book in public if you’re prone to the giggles.
The Princess Who Flew With Dragons by Stephanie Burgis
Another magical book from a wonderful author. I love the way this series follows a different character in each book. It’s the turn of youngest and unappreciated princess, Sofia, who’s sent off on a diplomatic mission. It’s not long before it all goes horribly wrong. (There is also a cat.)
December 13, 2019
Weekend Comfort Reads
This has been a very difficult day for the UK and I think a lot of us are in need of comfort right now after the election result. Com-fort. From ‘com’ (intensive strength) + fort (to strengthen.)
Books are not just an escape, they are a force to strengthen us. Books can still change the world – despite everything. Right now, though, I need books that will tell me there is light and humour on the path ahead. I want to wrap myself up in words until I feel warm again. Here’s my list for this weekend.
Journey to the River Sea, Eva Ibbotson
I always feel better after reading an Eva Ibbotson novel and this is one of my favourites. Telling the story of orphan Maia who is sent to live with relatives on the Amazon. While the awful relatives try to turn their plantation into Little England, Maia discovers the reality of the extraordinary world.
The Summer Book, Tove Jansson
Each chapter serves as a standalone story so you can read this in small pieces whenever you need a pick-me-up. A grandmother and her granddaughter on a island near Finland. It’s built of small incidents, warm humour and wise observations about family, friendship and life in general.
Three Men in a Boat, Jerome K Jerome
Always makes me laugh, and laughter is a good thing.
The Chronicles of St Mary’s, Jodi Taylor
This is my ultimate, guilty reading treat. Time-travelling historians cause chaos, sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic and often reading like the author is writing herself from one corner to another. I keep feeling I shouldn’t like these books and yet there’s an energy to the writing that sweeps me along.
What are your favourite reads for dark days? Please give me your recommendations.
November 26, 2019
Patron of Reading
I am thrilled to be the Patron of Reading for Bridstow Church of England Primary School this year.
I paid my first visit to the school in November and I had a lovely time meeting all the children, talking about our favourite books and making up stories. I received such a warm welcome from everyone and I’m looking forward to sharing more adventures.
Here’s a game that I played with the Otter class. I call it ‘The Wrong Answer.’
School is usually about learning the right answers to things, but stories often begin with an answer that is funny, silly or downright wrong. For this game you need to invent the most outrageously wrong answers you can to ordinary questions.
For example:
How old are you? I am minus a hundred years old because I haven’t been born yet. I come from the future and I built a time machine out of saucepans and tomatoes.
What’s your favourite book? My favourite book is the brontosaurus. Dinosaurs make very good books.
Get the idea? Have a go at some questions and answers and see what story ideas you can create. Or ask me a question and I will give you the wrongest answer I can think of.
That’s all for now! More soon!
October 31, 2019
Wacky Woden’s Day
Hello humans, this is Storm of Odin wishing you a happy 31st October.
As you no doubt know, many of the days of your week are named after my friends.
Sunday comes from the sun. I didn’t know much about the sun until I came to your world. Cats like to lie in it, for some reason.
Monday is moon day. You should be especially careful when there’s a full moon because there are many strange creatures about.
Tuesday is Tyr’s Day. Tyr is the god of war so don’t annoy him.
Wednesday is Woden’s Day. Woden or Odin is the King of the gods and one of the leaders of the Wild Hunt.
Thursday is of course Thor’s Day and Thor is the god of thunder. He’s known for being rather stupid and having a big hammer. Sheep are big fans of Thor. Ask them who their favourite Norse god is and they’ll all say ‘Baaaaaa’ which is sheep for Thor.
Friday is Freyja’s Day. Freyja is Woden’s wife and queen of the gods. She’s supposed to be very beautiful but she doesn’t have floppy ears or a waggy tail like mine.
And, finally, Saturday is Saturn’s day, and he is the Roman god of feasting and having a good time.
My scribe reminds me that the reason I’m here today is to tell you about my latest adventures in Wales. It’s called Wacky Woden’s Day and it really happened. Ask the sheep if you don’t believe me. Here it is…
Note from the scribe
I hope you like Storm’s adventure – do let me know! If you’re out late at night, keep an eye on the sky. You might see the Wild Hunt passing overhead.
If you’ve read Storm Hound, we’d love it if you’d leave Storm a review online. We especially like Amazon reviews! If you haven’t read it yet, you can find out all about it and read the first chapter here.
Claire
August 13, 2019
Summer Library Visits
Cardiff Library visits this summer.
If you’re looking for something free to take the kids to this August. I’ll be telling stories and doing craft for children in some of the wonderful library hubs around Cardiff.
Thursday 15th August 2pm, Llandaff North & Gabalfa Hub
Monday 19th August, 4pm Canon Hub
Click on the link for details.
Friday 23rd August 10am, Llanedeyrn Powerhouse Hub.
August 1, 2019
August Events
Following a whirlwind tour of Kent – thanks to everyone who came along to see me – I’ve got some smashing events lined up for August.
Library tour
Our libraries do a fantastic job under increasingly difficult circumstances. They’re one of the few places left in our world where you can go, spend time, browse books, sit and work, study, read or daydream completely free and without obligation. I’ve been a member of Cardiff libraries for over 20 years and I’m thrilled to be able to give something back to them this summer.
Events are free and best for children age 7-12, though everyone is welcome. There will be stories, games, craft and lots of fun. Do pop in if you can. And if you can’t, borrow a book from your library this summer.
8th August 2pm, Fairwater Library
15th August 2pm, Llandaff North Library
19th August 4pm, Canton Library
23rd August 10am, Llanedeyrn Library
Robin Steven Tour
This is very exciting. Robin Stevens is coming to Cardiff and I’m on the welcome committee. Not just me, but PG Bell, author of the Train to Impossible Places. You’ll know that I’m a huge fan of his books, and of Robin’s too.
We’ll all be in Waterstones, Cardiff, at 2.30pm, Saturday August 10th. Entry is free, but places are limited so it’ll be best to contact the store to book a spot.
July 8, 2019
July Events
I am off to Kent next week – very exciting! I went to university in Canterbury a very long time ago and I’m looking forward to seeing how the place has changed. And I am really, really looking forward to doing some events in the area. Do come along if you can. I will be telling stories, playing silly games and creating lots of story ideas.
Events are all free and there’s no need to book – just drop in.
Monday 15th, 10.30-11.30am
Waterstones Folkstone
16 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 1DP
Find out about the inspiration behind my latest book, Storm Hound (“Hilariaous and filled with puppies!”) Learn my (almost) foolproof method for creating stories. Discover magic and sea monsters. Delve into my mysterious bag of props, and learn how to make a stormhound of your own.
Saturday 20th July. 11am-12.30pm
Waterstone Maidstone
Unit 24, Fremlin Walk, Maidstone, ME14 1QP
Have you ever wanted to talk like a pirate? Would you like to visit the world in your mirror, or hunt lightning with stormhounds? Do you wonder what sheep are thinking about all day? Discover new worlds of magic in a morning of storytelling adventures with Claire Fayers, author of the Accidental Pirates series, Mirror Magic, and her latest Storm Hound.
Drop in any time from 11am-12.30pm to ask a question, hear a story and get a book signed.
Details are here.
Saturday 27th July. 2pm-3pm
WH Smith, Cardiff
Queen Street, Cardiff
Book signing with P.G. Bell, author of The Train to Impossible Places.
Get two authors for the price of one! P.G. Bell and I will be waiting in WH Smith to chat, answer your questions and sign your books.
More events coming in August! Hope to see you soon.
