Books of Wonder

The weather turned wet on Saturday, and the tops of the skyscrapers were hidden by mist and cloud. I made my soggy way to the great Books of Wonder store, an Aladdin’s Cave of lovely things, where modern kids lit nestles side by side with rare classic editions and original artwork by many of the finest illustrators hangs on the walls.

I was taking part in a Middle Grade panel event, alongside some terrific authors. Carter Roy (www.carterroybooks.com) introduced The Blood Guard, featuring ancient societies, sinister conspiracies and swashbuckling action. Kate Rundell talked about Rooftoppers, which follows a group of children living on the roofs of Paris. Neal Shusterman (www.storyman.com) and Eric Elfman read from their new book, Tesla’s Attic, in which two children discover some wondrous and dangerous inventions left behind by Nikolai Tesla. It was an inspiring mix of styles and subjects, and a memorable event. After the signing we all raised our umbrellas and merrily dispersed into the rain.