In the immortal words of Pink Floyd:
"Hey teacher, read them kids a poem!"
Or a book.

Monkey Magic has been read all over the world in classrooms to entertain children, and to shine a light on some of the challenges facing the planet. Some schools added The Curse of Mukada to their curriculum and one even put on a play based on the book.

Maybe it's one for your classroom?
​

​“Cleverly woven with delicious subplots, Monkey Magic is also strewn with environmental references and information that are played upon in a subtle but vital way. I’ve always loved an engaging story that also teaches – parents, teachers and librarians will be similarly enthralled, for this very reason – but I’m also happy to say that kids won’t become bogged down in a plot full of preaching. The messages are well done, the plot is well-crafted and the storyline is full of enough action, adventure, magic, baddies and goodies to make it a real page-turner.” 
TANIA McCARTNEY, Kids Book Review

 "Highly recommended as a story telling resource for primary aged children - one which takes them on an adventure to the jungles of Borneo to meet the orangutans and also one that inspires thought regarding the current conservation issues of illegal logging in Indonesia and protection of the jungles and the orangutans natural habitat."
JULIE NEWNHAM, Australian author and teacher 

This could be a first: a book with a farting tooth. This wonderful illustration by Lizzie Nelson for Uncle Bill's Missing Tooth is a blast.
But hold your breath: this bedtime read will not be
released until the summer!

The most important reviews for children's books are - surprise surprise - from kids.

Sounds obvious, but the need to get a book "noticed" means children's authors understandably obsess about what non-kids think.

That's why I included reader reviews on this website. (Send your review in and we'll add it!) Here's a sample that made us smile:

It's very cool to be keeping company with "Hop, Bunny!"
and "Sam the Speedy Sloth!" 

Are orangutans from Brighton and Hove
or from Sumatra and Borneo?
Test your knowledge in this quiz!

Yes, they are all in the same city. But they are also key locations in the latest Monkey Magic book: The Ghostly Thieves of New York. I took the top-left picture in snowy Manhattan while doing research for the book. 

More details on how to buy the book at Amazon here. 

The Ghostly Thieves of New York will be released in the U.S. and Europe on 1st May. A review by Siona Mitra for Expat Living magazine:

"This is the marvellous third book in the Monkey Magic series. It is a magical story. A series of unexpected twists and turns keeps the reader fully engaged. This book also brings a great environmental message about conservation. It is a special treat for all young animal lovers. I strongly recommend this book to students aged eight to 13." 

Pre-order a copy at Amazon here or scroll down
​for information about how to join the draw for a free signed copy.

If you have any questions, send them via the contacts page. Here's one from Lucy Goodman in Sydney, Australia: What was your best and worst book reading?

The worst was probably when I set a record (I believe) for the fewest books sold at a book reading. It was in Singapore and only a handful of people showed up and nobody bought a book.

The only person interested won the book I was giving away as a prize! So I ended up with sales of negative one books - a record perhaps?

Another time I was talking to a big group in a big book shop and somebody walked in front of me and asked me where the toilets were! 

My best experience was addressing many hundreds of kids at a brilliant book festival in New Delhi called Bookeroo. There were authors and children everywhere united by their love of books. 

Huge thanks to rugby legend Sir Bill Beaumont, who kindly tested out my forthcoming picture book, Uncle Bill's Missing Tooth, on his grandkids.

Grandad Bill's assessment: "A really good book that will keep the children entertained."

​Wonderfully illustrated by Lizzie Nelson (my friend from school days), the story is about two children - Tom and Lucy - guessing the secret of why their uncle has a big gap in his gums. Perhaps idiot poachers stole Uncle Bill's tooth? Maybe he sold it? Or was it the rugby?

Note: Sir Bill never lost a tooth while playing rugby because he wore a mouthguard - a lesson there!

The book will be released in the summer of 2021.