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Author David Almond has written over twenty books for children and young adults, with many receiving critical acclaim. He is perhaps best known for his 1998 novel Skelling, which has since been adapted into a play, an opera, and a film. His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike.
January 3, 2017
0 CommentsBen Aaronovitch is sci-fi and fantasy author. He's best known for his Rivers of London series, which follows a young police officer recruited by a special branch of the Metropolitan Police dealing with magic and the supernatural. Holly Newson spoke to Ben about writing for Doctor Who, the importance of libraries, and whether he’s honest when giving his opinion on his friend’s books...
December 21, 2016
0 CommentsIt’s an all too rare occurrence that I find myself sacrificing sleep to keep the characters in my ears. The Goldfinch was such a book and, despite what I considered an all-too-soap-box-y ending, I thought it was wonderful. Two things happen when I enjoy a book to that extent. One, I insist everyone around me get a copy. (If too much resistance is shown, copies are procured as gifts). Two, I’m ravenous to pursue the author’s other works. To devour their back catalogue, to feel all shaken and entranced once again.
November 28, 2016
0 CommentsIt's Hug a Bear Day! If you've read the blog before, you might have caught that I'm a huge Winnie-the-Pooh fan. Well, I'll confess to you now, that whilst Winnie-the-Pooh might be my favourite literary bear, I love a lot of bears. By which I mean fictional bears, and cuddly bears, and fictional bears that you'd really like to cuddle.
November 7, 2016
0 CommentsWhat do ghosts do for fun? They listen to audio-BOO-ks! Okay, so we’re not going to win any prizes for our jokes. What we can do, though, is recommend some fang-tastic books for you to get your teeth into this Halloween! (Sorry, I really will stop with the puns now). Whether you’re looking for scary fiction, frighteningly real crime, or just something to make you laugh, this selection will have a book for you!
October 31, 2016
0 CommentsIt is estimated that around one in ten people have dyslexia – a common learning difficulty which can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling. But dyslexia can cause more than just spelling difficulties, because it effects a person’s self-esteem and self-worth. Many dyslexics feel that they are “stupid” or “dumb”, but this is simply not the case. And in fact, most dyslexic students are no different to their non-dyslexic peers in their understanding of their academic subject.
October 24, 2016
0 CommentsWorld Sight Day draws attention to our vision and our eyes. These are far too often neglected, whether that be through lack of available care or lack of knowledge about the importance of looking after our vision. The problem is understandably worse in developing countries, where resources are limited. But it's vital, too, that those of us who, for example, stare at screens on a daily basis are looking after our eyes as well.
October 12, 2016
0 Comments'Top Ten Tuesday' is a feature created by the blog The Broke and the Bookish to encourage book bloggers to join in with some fun and interesting themed lists... because everyone loves a good 'top ten'!
October 4, 2016
0 CommentsThis week marks a year since we began Listening Books Blog! We've loved every minute of it, and hope you have too! We've written about topics ranging from the history of audiobooks to the joys of volunteering. We've had interviews with Eragon author Christopher Paolini, and travel author Bill Bryson to name but two. And we've put together lots of recommendations for audiobooks of all sorts.
September 28, 2016
0 CommentsArrrrr! Ahoy me-hearties! Ye scallywags 'av plundered ye'selves some crackin' booty 'ere, eh?! .... Phew! Talking like a pirate is hard work! But yes, Talk Like a Pirate Day really is a thing. So it looks like I need to get in training!
September 19, 2016
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