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May 24, 2013

"Remember the Oompa Loompas singing to Charlie and Grandpa Joe on Willy Wonka’s tour of his Chocolate Factory?

"So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
go throw your TV set away,
and in its place you can install
a lovely bookcase on the wall."

Just like the Oompa Loompas, Roald Dahl didn’t want to see a nation of Mike Teavees. He wanted a world of Matildas, Dannys, Georges and Sophies – children who read, devise new inventions and crafty tricks, and use their imaginations to fight a world of bossy adults and evil villains. He wanted a world of creativity!

At the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, we have to agree. We know young people have a natural instinct to be creative, and our mission is to bring that creativity out. Every day, we see children reading, writing, acting, drawing - and best of all, coming up with crackling ideas that would impress Roald Dahl himself.

That’s why we have a Residency programme every year – to keep Roald Dahl’s legacy alive. This year Josh Lacey is our writer in residence. So it's down to him to inspire our visitors to create new stories. No pressure. 

Josh Lacey is the author of the eight-book series A Dog Called Grk and more recently The Dragonsitter, which was shortlisted for The Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2012. It’s all about the crazy things that happen when a boy named Eddie has to look after his uncle’s pet while his uncle goes on holiday. The problem is that the pet is a dragon!

Josh has been working in schools in Buckinghamshire, including Beechview School, Millbrook Combined School and Highworth Combined School in High Wycombe, to help them create their own swishwhiffling stories. Who could be better to fire up children’s imaginations but the creator of a book about dragons?!

Working with Josh, the students are free to write stories without the fear of tests or grades. There is just one rule: write what you want! There is a story about a plane made of candy canes and marshmallow seats that fires Rolo bullets, a story of the mysterious disappearance of an old man, and a story of a lottery winner who realises money can’t buy him love – all by children from Year 2 to Year 6!

How did they get to this point? Of course a few starting points are always useful, and Josh has given the students lots of ways to kickstart stories. For example, in one session every student was given a white bean to look at. What could it be? A magic bean that turns into a beanstalk? No – that’s been done. Here are some answers from the students. Which one is your favourite?

-    a piece of chewing gum that takes you to another world when you chew it

-    a miniature space ship with tiny windows

-    a shell with a magical baby inside which is a fairy

-    a small planet but when you’re about to step on it you are on the planet and it turns big

-    a piece of the moon that gives you magical powers

-    a tooth from a T-Rex fossil

-    part of a magical zip

-    if you grind it down, you can make stardust

The great thing about the Residency is its unique form. Usually, a writer will come into a school for one visit, and never see the students’ work. Josh just keeps coming back to school – so the students benefit from his input through sessions spread over several months. Creativity can be a funny thing – one day your imagination is working, the next day, it’s not. You need to persist with it. It’s like an animal that has to be trained - and needs a Dragonsitter to look after it! Josh has been helping students through the highs and lows of the creative process, and that’s what has made the writing so successful.

Josh has also run some events at the Museum in the school holidays with his illustrator Garry Parsons. Audience members have created a new dragon together, giving it scales, teeth, and a funny name (including ‘Scalectric,’ ‘Fireless’ and ‘Burno Bob’).  Children, families and adults alike have been inspired to invent their own tale of a child looking after a wayward pet:

‘I really don’t mind having your tarantula to stay, but I was not prepared for the webs!’

‘Help! Your fox’s tail has got so bushy that it’s got stuck!’

‘Your ostrich Oscar has got his neck stuck up the chimney! He can’t move his head because of all the soot!’

On Saturday 30 June all the Buckinghamshire students involved in the Residency will come to the Museum for a special event. They will perform the work they have created alongside Josh, and Josh will also read some work he has created through inspiration from the Residency. This will be an exciting showcase of all our new young writers.

Read the next blog to find out about their splendiferous stories . . . "

 

If you're wondering what to do with the chiddlers this Half-Term then the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre could be just the golden ticket.

There's Splendiferous African Animal making, Matilda's Mind-Muggling Tricks and Buzzwangling Bug Jars planned. And of course, there's Roald Dahl's writing hut and the phizz-whizzing Boy and Going Solo galleries. Follow @roalddahlmuseum on twitter for more!

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Posted at 04:38 PM in Out and about, Roald Dahl | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 20, 2013

  . . . if you enjoyed Laura's first reading of her book STARS (which she wrote with her dad Luke), then here's another extract just for you. And here's another review from one of our Puffling Review panel. 

"The book is about four friends who are at Stage School together.  One of them has just arrived at stage school and is having a trial term. They go through lots of ups and downs before the performance of a Midsummer Night’s Dream.

My favourite character is Spike, because she has a positive attitude and works really hard and even though she’s deaf she still manages to work hard for her dream, even though people sometimes make fun of her.

My favourite part of the book was when Jess was  . . . SPOILER ALERT . . .This book didn’t really remind me of any other books although it is a school story, with a bit of a difference

I thought that it was an interesting book but it didn’t make me laugh or cry but it did make me want to read on.  I think that people from about 10 -12 would like this book, mostly girls. I don’t think the boys would like the section all about the costumes the girls wore! The main characters are all girls.  I don’t think it’s a book grown ups would like so much because it’s not quite as detailed as an adult book, but it’s really good for children.

The book in three words:  Intriguing Dramatic and Readable!!!! Star Rating: 4 ****" Tabitha, Aged 11

If you'd like to read the first chapter, then you can  Download Stars extract by clicking those blue letters.

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Posted at 05:02 PM in Stars | Permalink | Comments (0)

8.         What really annoys him?

Not being looked after

9.         What does he dream of? 

Being pampered for the rest of his/her life

10.      Where would you go to hang out together?

A spa; Fweddewika is a sucker for a mud bath.

Thanks to Harry, a book loving twenty-something who loves parrots for his nomination!

Every week, for 52 weeks, we'll feature one nomination right here on the blog! If you'd like to share your favourite character from a  Puffin book, them send us your answers - and don't forget to draw a picture! 

Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. If you consider any content on this site to be inappropriate, please report it to Penguin Books by emailing reportabuse@penguin.co.uk

Posted at 04:31 PM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 17, 2013

This month we started the Puffling Review Panel!Boys and girls up and down the country were sent copies of our newest books and asked to write us a review.

First up was STARS, by father and daughter writing team Luke and Laura Jennings. See what our new Puffling's thought below . . .

 

"Stars is about a girl called Jess who starts going to a boarding school called Arcadia where you learn to dance, sing and act as well as do normal lessons.  She makes new friends including Foxy, Ash and Spike but Jess is my favourite character because she tries new things and improves all the time.

 

I thought it was a very good book and reminded me of the Malory Towers books which are set in a boarding school as well but I had never heard of performing arts schools before so this was new and interesting. I would like to read more stories about Jess and her friends." Isabelle, aged 10

 

"Stars is about a normal 14 year old girl called Jessica Bailey, who has been taking dancing lessons since she was five. Her Mum leaves her Dad and they then face money trouble.Her Dad is offered a job which could turn their lives around, he needs to take it, but there’s just one small problem, the job is in Saudi Arabia and Jess will have to go to boarding school!Jess finds the Arcadia stage school is not what it seems and starts to doubt her talents.  When she and her new friends are offered the chance of a lifetime, they know they have to take it...

I really loved this wonderful book and I found I couldn’t put it down! When I found out that there was a sequel I was over the moon. Stars is the kind of thing I love to read! A 5 **** Must READ!" Alice

"This is a thrilling read that introduces you to Jess’s dorm-mates and best friends, Verity (Spike), Eleanor (Foxy), and Ashanti (Ash). The story also takes you through their adventures, and, most importantly, records their improvements. My  favourite part is when Jess meets her friends-to-be and settles in at Arcadia- now a proper stage school student. The book was inspiring and funny – recommended for girls 6-10." Carmen

 

"Stars is about a girl called Jess, who has just started at a performing arts boarding school, and her three new friends. The book is all about how she gets on and what she does. My favourite character is Spike because she is a really interesting character, an amazing dancer and just gets on with everything, despite the fact she is deaf. The best bit is where the girls miss school to . . .SPOILER . . . You’ll have to read it to find out! . . . .I enjoyed this bit as it was exciting and fun. I think this book would appeal to girls from 9 -16. In 3 words, I would say Stars is original, fun and exciting. Out of 5, I would give this book 4 stars!" Megan, aged 14

Here's the young co-author Laura Jennings herself to read you a little (Forgotten your ear-phones? Don't worry, here's the first chapter  Download Stars extract  

Fancy writing a review for us, then send us your name, age and a little about yourself to puffinblog@uk.penguingroup.com and we'll add you to our Puffling Panel List 

Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. If you consider any content on this site to be inappropriate, please report it to Penguin Books by emailing reportabuse@penguin.co.uk

Posted at 03:34 PM in Puffling Review Panel, Stars | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 10, 2013

8.         What really annoys him? Living in a cage 

9.         What does he dream of? Freedom from Mr.& Mrs. Twit so that he can return home to the African jungle with his family

10.      Where would you go to hang out together? In a park so we can climb trees

Thanks to Francie for this week's nomination. She's a publishing MA student at UCL; a lover of scotch eggs, London and Quentin Blake illustrations!

Every week, for 52 weeks, we'll feature one nomination right here on the blog! If you'd like to share your favourite character from a  Puffin book, them send us your answers - and don't forget to draw a picture! 

Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. If you consider any content on this site to be inappropriate, please report it to Penguin Books by emailing reportabuse@penguin.co.uk

Posted at 01:12 PM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 09, 2013

We're all feeling lovely and full after Jacqueline Wilson's Puffin Virtually Live Big Picnic - and there's nothing that aids digestion like a little food for thought. Avid picnicers pit your wits against our incrEDIBLE Book Quiz and let us know how you do . . . .

1. Boggis, Bunce and Bean in Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox are all farmers.  Which of the following foods ISN’T something they farm?

 a) Apples

 b) Cows

 c) Ducks

 

2. In Alice in Wonderland, Time has punished the Mad Hatter by making him live in ‘eternal tea-time’: what time of day is that?

 a) 5pm

 b) 5.30pm

 c) 6pm

 

3. In The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat by Julia Donaldson, what food do the title characters take with them in their beautiful blue balloon?

a) Some jam and a honey-roast ham?

 b) Marmalade, toast and a Sunday roast?

 c) Pink cupcakes and a couple of steaks?

 

4. In Eoin Colfer’s W.A.R.P., Charismo’s French chef is a pro at making which of these delightful delicacies?

 a) Croissants

 b) Macarons

 c) French fancies

 

5. In LM Montgomery’s novel, Anne of Green Gables accidentally gives her friend Diana currant wine to drink at their tea-party - eek!  What did she think she was giving her instead?

 

a) Marilla’s apple juice

b) Marilla’s raspberry cordial

c) Marilla’s pink lemonade

6. In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie finds his golden ticket in which chocolate bar?

a) Wonka’s Double Treat-Tastic Swirliferous Bar

b) Wonka’s Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight

c) Wonka’s Ridiculously Yummy Orangey-Swoosher

7. In the famous book by Anne Fine, Class 4C have to do a slightly strange science project!  What foodie item do they have to take home and look after as if it were a baby?

a) A bag of sugar

b) A box of eggs

c) A bag of flour

 

8. In The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Hazel and Augustus eat at a posh restaurant in Amsterdam.  What does Gus say about the starter, Belgian white asparagus with a lavender infusion?

a) “If asparagus tasted like that all the time, I’d be a vegetarian.

b) “I wish I’d had a hamburger instead.”

c) “Lavender isn’t a food.”

 

9. Which of the following isn’t on The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s super-scrumptious Saturday menu?

a) Watermelon

b) Cherry pie

c) Spaghetti Bolognese

 

10. In Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, what is Jo’s snack-of-choice to munch on whilst curled up on the sofa with a book?

a) Apples

b) Cup-a-soup

c) Hot chocolate with marshmallows

 

If you got…

 

3 or less: You’re a Puffin Snacker!

OK, so you might not know EVERYTHING about foodie scenes in Puffin books, but you’ve definitely had a browse in the Tuckshop of Knowledge once or twice! 

 

4-7: You’re a Puffin Picnicker!

Someone’s been eating their brain food!  Roll out the picnic blanket, empty the hamper and get chomping on some smug cookies because you’re officially a book grub guru. 

 

8-10: You’re a Puffin Gastronome!

Wow, we bow down to your expertise!  You’re a first-rate feaster, menu-master and cuisine connoisseur - congratulations!  

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Posted at 04:17 PM in Games & competitions - are you feelin' lucky puffin? | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 08, 2013

"I've got two dogs, both golden retrievers, called Traffy and Bella. Traffy's a therapy dog and loves
people and coming into schools with me.We can't go for a walk without Traffy stopping every few minutes to greet people. Bella on the other hand quite likes meeting people but what she really loves is her ball. Even on the snowiest, rainiest day chasing a ball (especially if there's a river nearby to swim in) is her idea of Heaven.

I find both dogs endlessly entertaining and inspiring and they’re continually cropping up in my books.They were even the designer's muses for the front cover of 'The Victory Dogs'!

In 'The Victory Dogs' the way Heggarty climbs on the sofa and makes herself comfortable between Amy and Jack is exactly like something Traffy would do.

While in 'The Great Escape' Bella is just like Molly. Molly would rather chase her ball then round up sheep,and the way she pushes her head under Charlie's hand for a stroke (not very convenient when you’re trying to type – Bella!) is just like Molly too. She's also very good at a slow paw-handshake.

It's not just my own dogs I find inspiring. While researching ‘The Victory Dogs’ I met Harvey, a Labrador rescue dog, who lives with a retired train driver, and has been on more train trips than probably any other dog in the country.

I've met people who've taken on dogs that had to be rescued by the wonderful RSPCA from unhappy homes. It's amazing to see a dog blossom from a shy mistreated animal into a happy, playful trusting pup once again when it's placed in a loving home.

Currently our tiny house is overflowing with prizes for the ECGRC Fun Day where all the money raised will go to help golden retrievers that need rehoming. Traffy liked it very much because she got to meet lots of nice people.

Bella liked it even more because there was a large lake and she got to jump in and out of it all day long after her ball  . . . " Megan Rix

A huge thanks to Megan Rix for taking the time out of writing, touring and dog walking to share a little of her own story.

If you have pets, do you ever find them inspiring? Megan's book 'The Victory Dogs' is based during the blitz. It's often said that you should look at a situation through another's eyes -  now do that and imagine you've got four-legs, fur and a tail and suddenly you've got a whole new perspective, which is why we love reading animal stories. Which are your favourites?

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Posted at 02:39 PM in Writer's Corner - A word from our authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

 

 

Put the whoopie in your whoopie-pie with the May Puffin Prize Draw.You could win:

100 postcards from Puffin (with covers from before even your dad was a nipper!), the brand new Matilda colour picture book and Four Children and It -  signed by the one and only Jacqueline Wilson!

Simply click the pictures and take a seamless cyber voyage over to the entry form!

Well, what are you waiting for? Clickety-click-click-click-click now. Or just double-click, that will get you there just fine.

 

Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. If you consider any content on this site to be inappropriate, please report it to Penguin Books by emailing reportabuse@penguin.co.uk

Posted at 02:19 PM in !Sign up to our newsletter and win, Games & competitions - are you feelin' lucky puffin? | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 26, 2013

We asked Philip Reeve, author of the fourth Doctor Who anniversary eshort, to list his Top 10 Time Travellers and boy does he know what he's talking about. In fact we're even beginning to wonder if he is trying to share some greater, bigger, clock-watching, cog busting secret (see number 10* for more!)

*number 10 of this blog post, not the Prime Minister!

 

 

 

1. ‘The Time Traveller’ in The Time Machine by HG Wells 

The Time Machine was written in 1895 and is still one of the best time-travel stories ever. HG Wells’s traveler (whose name we never learn) uses his machine to travel into the distant future (the year 802,701 AD to be precise) where he discovers that human beings have split into two separate races - the pretty, child-like Eloi and the brutish cave-dwelling Morlocks. Later in the book he goes still further, to the very end of time, where the last living things grope about on a bleak beach beneath a darkling sky.  I first read this as a child, and I remember being struck by the brilliant description as the time machine starts its journey: as time speeds up around it, ‘night followed day like the flapping of a black wing.’  (The 1950s movie version, directed by George Pal, adds a nice touch of its own: as the traveller zooms through the 20th Century, he can see the fashions changing on the mannequins in the shop window across the street.)

 

2. Doctor Who

Of course! I wonder if the programme would have been so popular, or lasted so long, if the Doctor’s time machine looked like a time machine, or changed its appearance to fit in with whatever time or place it landed in (which was the original idea)?  I’m just old enough to remember those blue police telephone boxes - there was one at the top of the road where I grew up - and there was something strangely eerie and compelling about seeing such an everyday object standing on the surface of an alien world.  Of course, nowadays, police phone boxes aren’t everyday objects at all, so that jarring mixture of the ordinary and the strange is lost - maybe it would be better if the modern TARDIS looked like a PortaLoo!

 

3. Tom in Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce

This is a brilliant book! Tom is sent to stay with relatives who live in a flat at the top of a big old house, and have no garden. But each night when the clock in the hall strikes thirteen he finds that the new buildings behind the house have vanished and he can step out into the huge old garden which lay there many years before.  There he meets Hatty, the girl who lived in the house before it was divided up into flats. But he doesn’t always arrive in the same time; sometimes it is spring in the garden; sometimes winter; one night Hatty is his own age; the next she’s a young woman. It’s a brilliant, beautiful book, and the bittersweet ending still makes me cry. (Actually I’m getting a bit teary just thinking about it!)

 

4. Merlin from The Sword in the Stone by TH White

TH White’s Merlin doesn’t time-travel in the usual way; he is just ageing backwards, so that when the boy called Wart meets him in the Middle Ages he has memories of cars, steam engines and all sorts of other unlikely things. What would it be like to be born in the future and age in reverse? I kept trying to imagine it, but it made my brain go funny.

5. Catweazle by Richard Carpenter

Another time travelling wizards - I suspect Catweazle was partly inspired by TH White’s Merlin, but I may be wrong. His adventures started out as a TV series, but that was a bit before my time; I just remember reading Catweazle books in the school library. He wasn’t a very good wizard, but somehow or other he had managed to magic himself into the present day, where he was constantly amazed by our magic powers - things like TV and ‘electrickery’.

6. The Time Bandits

The young hero of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 film is woken up one night by an armored knight riding out of his wardrobe, shortly followed by the Time Bandits themselves - seven anarchic time-travelling dwarves. Having helped ‘the Supreme Being’ create the universe, they’ve made off with a map which shows where all the holes are, and they use this to leap from one period to another, stealing things. Among the people they try to rob are Robin Hood, Napoleon, and the brilliant David Warner as the incarnation of Evil.

7. The time tourists in Pawley’s Peepholes by John Wyndham

The British Science Fiction writer John Wyndham was best known for chilling visions of the future like
The Day of the Triffids and The Chrysalids. Pawley’s Peepholes is one of his more light-hearted stories, about a small English town which starts to be plagued by mysterious apparitions - oddly dressed people who suddenly walk through the wall to peer at you while you’re eating your breakfast or having a bath. Before long whole busloads of them are materialising. It turns out that they are tourists from the future, taking day-trips through time to see how their ancestors lived, and laugh at our funny clothes and hairstyles.

8.   The hunters in A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury

I quite like the idea that, if time machines existed, people would just use them for tourism and entertainment. In this brilliant Ray Bradbury short story a group of rich big-game hunters travel back in time hoping to kill a Tyrannosaurus Rex. And they
do - but time travel is a tricky business, and they end up altering the world in unexpected ways...

9.   Rosemary Sutcliffe

A well-written historical story is about the closest thing we have to a time machine. Rosemary Sutcliffe never actually travelled in time (so far as I know) but her imagination did, and came back with vivid tales of life in Bronze Age, Roman, Saxon, Viking and Norman Britain. Thanks to her, I spent a large chunk of my childhood in the past, and these long gone eras seemed very real to me.

10. You

And me. And everybody we know. We shouldn’t forget that we are all time travelers, hurtling into the future at the rate of one second per second.  I wonder what we’ll find when we get there?

A massive thank you to Philip Reeve for this incredible post. We've certainly learnt something. If you're planning an adventure into the future (which let's face it, we all are) then why not send a postcard? Simply enter our prize draw to win 100 Doctor Who Postcards, a signed copy of Eoin Colfer's new book W.A.R.P and all seven TimeRiders - one lucky winner is going to need to get a bigger timemachine! 

Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. If you consider any content on this site to be inappropriate, please report it to Penguin Books by emailing reportabuse@penguin.co.uk

Posted at 10:41 AM in Doctor Who, Writer's Corner - A word from our authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 24, 2013

8.         What really annoys him? 

Spoilt, ungrateful little kids

9.         What does he dream of? 

Copious amounts of sweets and chocolate.

10.      Where would you go to hang out together?

Probably a funfair. There is cotton candy, candy canes, rides and excitement, pretty much everything Wonka has in his factory... 

Every week, for 52 weeks, we'll feature one nomination right here on the blog! If you'd like to share your favourite character from a  Puffin book, them send us your answers - and don't forget to draw a picture! 

Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. If you consider any content on this site to be inappropriate, please report it to Penguin Books by emailing reportabuse@penguin.co.uk

Posted at 11:53 AM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 22, 2013

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Posted at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 18, 2013

Lucky Puffin Adele has just returned from a dress rehearsal of Eoin Colfer's new tour -  she seems a little shaken . . . 

"Wow! I was genuinely entertained, scared and entranced by the actors and the magician in the show! It's full of fast paced, live action that I know will have the audience on the edge of their seats. With a professional magician doing incredible tricks, packed full of danger, suspense and sleight of hand, the show includes a live bullet catch, an ‘arm-chopper’ and an almost literally heart-stopping moment from the show’s illusionist. It is a brilliant piece of theatre aimed at kids aged 11+ and grown-ups with lots of action, jokes and clever magic tricks. I loved it - it literally brought the magic of Eoin's book to life!"

There are still a few magical tickets left for his Birmingham show this saturday.  Or  watch Puffin Virtually Live  which we filmed just yesterday (April 17th).  Eoin Colfer told a live audience, and schools up and down the country, all about his new book  - and then a man came on and tried to cut his arm off. Seriously, go see for yourself . . . 

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Posted at 10:32 AM in All aboard the tour bus | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

April 17, 2013

8.         What really annoys him? 

It takes a lot to annoy Derek Drew as he’s usually the one causing a ruckus. 

9.         What does he dream of? 

I think Derek is actually a frustrated genius who can’t wait to get out of the classroom and go see the world

10.      Where would you go to hang out together?

 Somewhere out of sight of Mrs Butler, like the end of the field where we could sneak through a broken fence and go to the sweet shop at break time

Continue reading "52 Puffins - # 14 Derek Drew (Please Mrs Butler) " »

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Posted at 10:25 AM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 16, 2013

The Curious World of Colfer is a brand new magic and illusion show from Eoin Colfer, which premiers in Birmingham this Saturday 20^th April. Here's what the man of the hour, author Eoin Colfer, had to say about it . . .

"My background is in theatre so I have always been interested in bringing a dramatic element to my readings, mainly because I am a rubbish reader with a voice like Mr Bean on helium. This show succeeds in putting what is inside my head on a stage in the most spectacular and engaging way. We have goodies, baddies and evil magicians. Eighty per cent of the magical tricks are totally safe and for the other twenty per cent we use members of the audience. If you come along there is a pretty good chance that you won't be sawn in half. No guarantees. Also I will be reading from the new book, W.A.R.P but I will be quick so we can all sit back and enjoy The Curious World of Eoin Colfer (which is me by the way)."

So if you are in the Birmingham area this Saturday 20^th  April and fancy diving into The Curious World of Colfer, visit the Birmingham Box website for more details Tickets are only £4!!!

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Posted at 01:46 PM in All aboard the tour bus, Behind the Scenes, Writer's Corner - A word from our authors | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

You will need: A paper square and colouring pencils/markers or crayons.

1. Fold your square diagonally, then fold in half twice.

2. Unfold your square and then bring three of the corners together and flatten (It should look like this from the side and like a square from above).

 

 

3. Fold the left and right corners inwards, turn over and repeat this on the other side.

4. Lift up the top layer of paper, pull it backwards and flatten to form a diamond shape. Then turn over and repeat on the other side.

5. Fold up the bottom flaps at a slight angle then unfold. Lift the right hand side of the diamond and fold the flap back on itself, along the same lines. Repeat on the left hand side.

6. Fold the large triangle flaps downwards so your paper looks like a wolf's face. Then take the top flap and fold it upwards.

7. Then fold the entire thing in half and turn it 180 degrees. It should now begin to resemble a bird. Pull the wing flap up and outward to separate it from the puffin's body and flatten.

8. Unfold the puffin, then fold the wing back on itself part way up. Further down the wing fold the flap downwards. Take the very bottom of the wing and fold it upwards. Then fold the feet in on themselves.

9. Take the head section of the puffin. Fold it in on itself. Then fold the beak to the right. Fold the point of the beak under and to the right (to make that distinctive stumpy puffin beak)

10. Lift the puffin up and fold the points of its feet under. Put it down, balancing it on its feet and tail. Your puffin is now complete! Colour it in using black, yellow and orange and give your puffin a name. We haven't chosen one for our new friend yet - what do you think he should be called?

Maria is our origami ninja and she followed these carefully inked instructions. Yes, we know you'll need your binoculars to read these but follow the link and you'll find yourself in a paper aviary of folded fowls! Origami birds

 Tweet your pictures to @puffinbooks 

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Posted at 09:47 AM in ABCs (Arts, Baking and Creating!) | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

April 15, 2013

7.         Tell us something we might not know Up until he met Ratty, Mole had never been in a boat before!

8.         What really annoys him? Mr Toad misbehaving

9.         What does he dream of? A quiet home and a simple life shared with good friends

10.      Where would you go to hang out together? We would simply mess about in a boat..

Atifa is the champion of Moley this week and (coincidentally) her favourite children’s books are The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and Five Run Away Together by Enid Blyton.

Every week, for 52 weeks, we'll feature one nomination right here on the blog! If you'd like to share your favourite character from a  Puffin book, them send us your answers - and don't forget to draw a picture! 

Continue reading "52 Puffins - #13 Moley (The Wind in the Willows)" »

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Posted at 10:11 AM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

April 12, 2013

  The lights go down, there is a moment's silence and then the auditorium erupts. Before you can take your first bow the stage is strewn with roses and in the wings you can see a man with a Hollywood smile waiting to whisk you off to LA. What can I say, it's Friday and the mind is wandering. 

If you've even had a similar dream then Stars if for you. My stomach was in knots as I read about dance classes, friendship and auditions at the Arcadia School of Performing Arts. It's written by a father and daughter duo, so without further ado, watch Laura tell you all about it. 

We think she has the makings of a star too. But don't take our word for it, no no no. Download the first few chapters and decide for yourself Download Stars extract

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Posted at 12:40 PM in ABCs (Arts, Baking and Creating!), Free First Chapters, Stars | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

April 10, 2013

Happy National Siblings Day! If you have brothers or sisters, this is the day to give them a big hug, even if you don’t much feel like hugging them any other day of the year. The sibling relationship is a strange one, combining love, rivalry, irritation, laughter, anger and joy, sometimes all at the same time.

This familiar relationship and the emotions it entails are often central to good stories, such as Peter Pan, Little Women or Hansel and Gretel. So to celebrate National Siblings Day we used our imaginations and asked the characters in Little Women how they feel about their siblings.

Which siblings would you put under the spotlight?

Meg (the shining example)

Q: What do you think of your sister Jo?

A: I love her but I wish she had better manners and didn’t use such awful slang.

Jo (the tomboy)

Q: Jo do you get along well with your younger sisters?

A: I’m very close to Beth. I’m not speaking to Amy because she burnt the book I was writing because I wouldn’t take her to the theatre. She’s spoilt because she’s the youngest.

 

Beth (the peacemaker)

Q: Beth, what is it like being the middle child?

A: I’m happy being in the middle. I get along well with all of my sisters, but I wish Amy and Jo bickered less.

 

Amy (the baby)

Q: How do you get along with Jo?

A: She’s talking to me again because she feels bad that I almost drowned. I know I shouldn’t have burnt her book but she’s always leaving me out.

 

 Laurie (the honorary brother)

Q: What is it like having so many ‘sisters’?

A: I suspect they’re a good influence on me but I still tease them a lot.

Today's post was written by Maria and there really couldn't have been a better person to step into the well-polished shoes of the March sisters . . . after all she's got two brothers and is one third of a triplet!

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April 09, 2013

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Posted at 04:28 PM in From page to stage and screen | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

6.         What wouldn’t he leave the house without? 

The Old Green Grasshopper is extremely sophisticated and he would not leave his house (or the peach for that matter), without his monocle.

7.         Tell us something we might not know. The Old Green Grasshopper is a short horned grasshopper and his ears are on each side of his tummy.

8.         What really annoys him? A lack of patience would almost certainly annoy him as well as those who aren’t intellectually gifted. This is probably why the Centipede annoys him so much! 

9.         What does he dream of? 

Playing the violin in a full orchestra to thousands of people. In fact, in the last chapter of the book he becomes a member of the New York Symphony Orchestra. 

10.      Where would you go to hang out together? 

Definitely inside the giant stone of the peach which was turned into a mansion in Central Park, New York!

Thanks to Sam for nominating this week's Puffin waiting in the wings. He is slowly writing a novel aimed at young adults whilst studying for a law degree. In his spare time (where he finds this we do not know) he likes to film short videos with his friends.

Every week, for 52 weeks, we'll feature one nomination right here on the blog! If you'd like to share your favourite character from a  Puffin book, them send us your answers - and don't forget to draw a picture! 

Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. If you consider any content on this site to be inappropriate, please report it to Penguin Books by emailing reportabuse@penguin.co.uk

Posted at 03:08 PM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

Dear Secrets Club reader,

I hope you enjoyed “Alice in the Spotlight”. I’ve really enjoyed meeting many of you during my visits to schools and libraries since it was published.

I’m so excited at the publication of “The Truth About Tash”, the second book in my Secrets Club series. Ali, Tash, Dani and Lissa are back where we left them at the end of the first book, “Alice in the Spotlight”, but now  it’s Tash’s story we are following.

Have you ever noticed that people aren’t always what they seem? Sometimes I meet people and take them at face value and then, when I get to know them better, I discover that they are very different from what I first thought they were. Often I find that there is far more to someone than meets the eye.

Tash is bright, bubbly and happy-go-lucky. That’s why she’s so popular. If I was in her class I would love to be friends with her. She seems as if she doesn’t have a care in the world.  

But Tash has a secret. Actually, it’s not hers; it’s someone else’s. Someone very close to her. And she’s promised that person she will never ever reveal it to a single soul.

These are the hardest secrets of all.

Poor Tash. All she wants is to have fun with her friends and do well at Riverside Academy and lead the netball team to victory. But it’s not that simple.

If you read “The Truth About Tash” you’ll find out what is really going on in Tash’s life and find out the secret she hides from everyone, even her best friends, Ali, Lissa and Dani.

Hope you like it!

Chris Higgins x

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Posted at 10:35 AM in Writer's Corner - A word from our authors | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

April 04, 2013

If like me you get butterflies in your stomach everytime you read (and re-read) Pauline Fossil's audition in Ballet Shoes (by Noel Streatfeild) then maybe, just maybe, we've found a book that'll have you dreaming of taking to the stage once again.

Stars is the brand new series by father/daughter writing team Luke and Laura Jennings, set at the Arcadia School of Performing Arts. There are four main characters, each with their own special talent. Jess, the new girl, who’s not very confident, and has to find her way in this strange new world. Ash, who’s a brilliant singer and a bit of a princess; Foxy, who just knows she’s going to be famous, though she’s not sure what for; and Spike, who’s a fantastic ballet dancer, and also deaf. 

 

Do YOU have a star talent? Author Luke Jennings has written a handy guide to some of the talents on show at the Arcadia School of Performing Arts, as well as more info about each talent!

STARS SKILLS FILE by Luke Jennings

ACTING

If you’ve never acted before, find out if your school has a drama department, or check online to see if there are any acting courses or workshops in your area. If there’s a theatre near you, find out what activities they offer. The National Youth Theatre in London, for example, accepts students from the age of 14.Youth Music Theatre UK, and the National Youth Music Theatre (who both specialise in musicals), take young actors, singers and dancers from age 11.

Continue reading "Do you dream of becoming a STAR?" »

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Posted at 09:28 AM in ABCs (Arts, Baking and Creating!), Books, books, books (and more books), Stars | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

It's not only the clocks that are going back this month - we are too. Expect lots of time-travelling tomfoolery.

To get you in a spin we're giving away a fantastic prize this month! You could WIN a signed hardback copy of Eoin Colfer’s incredible new book W.A.R.P, all 7 TimeRiders books and 100 Doctor Who postcards from Time and Space! Enter now before it’s too late… 

p.s you can also sign up to our rather marvellous monthly newsletter BeakSpeak!

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Posted at 09:01 AM in !Sign up to our newsletter and win, Games & competitions - are you feelin' lucky puffin? | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

April 02, 2013

6.         What wouldn’t he leave the house without? Literally, his top hat and umbrella.

7.         Tell us something we might not know. His middle name is Napoleon.

8.         What really annoys him? When people don’t do things, in his opinion, properly.

9.         What does he dream of? Meeting pirates!

10.      Where would you go to hang out together? Most likely a scientific exhibition.

This week’s 52 Puffin comes from Stephanie. She’s currently studying an MA in Creative Writing at the University of London, Birkbeck and has just finished work experience at Penguin Children’s. She plans to work in publishing one day and maybe even write novels of the science fiction and YA nature.

Every week, for 52 weeks, we'll feature one nomination right here on the blog! If you'd like to share your favourite character from a  Puffin book, them send us your answers - and don't forget to draw a picture! 

Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. If you consider any content on this site to be inappropriate, please report it to Penguin Books by emailing reportabuse@penguin.co.uk

Posted at 08:54 PM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 27, 2013

Percy and Dionysus

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Posted at 10:24 AM in Behind the Scenes, From page to stage and screen | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 26, 2013

To mark today’s special announcement Jeff Kinney has drawn a brand new cartoon, featuring Greg Heffley under an umbrella being bombarded by raining Magic 8 balls.

Jeff Kinney said: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that Greg Heffley’s stories would be enjoyed by this many kids around the world.”

So, what do you think might happen next for Greg? Join the www.wimpykidclub.co.uk for more . . . 

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Posted at 08:32 PM in The Wimpy Kid | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 25, 2013

 

It has to be believed to be seen - that's what they're saying! Well, here’s a first glimpse. We’re jumping up-and-down and jigging like Grandpa Joe right now. Previews are from May, so keep your eyes peeled for wayward Oompa-Loompas. Have you got your golden ticket yet? 

 

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Posted at 06:01 PM in From page to stage and screen, Roald Dahl | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 23, 2013

6.    Tell us something we might not know.

He’s far far brighter than people give him credit for.

7.    What does he dream of?

Comfort and happiness for his daughter.

8.   Where would you go to hang out together?

On the sofa, in front of the TV.

What is 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings? Well, although we love our main characters, in 2013 we think it's time to celebrate the supporting cast: the extras with the witty one-liners, the dastardly villains and the best friend every hero would be lost without. Who's your favourite?   Download 52 Puffins - Questions - Download me!and send your answers to puffinblog@uk.penguingroup.com (and don't forget to draw a picture!)

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Posted at 10:13 PM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 22, 2013

 

Imagine you’re a young Roman gladiator and you’ve just stepped into the arena for the first time! What would be the scariest thing that could be waiting for you? Wolves, a big hairy spider, or how about a giant T-Rex? Well, that’s exactly what Puffin and NGKids magazine asked readers to imagine in our February Gladiator competition.

We were impressed/terrified with your creative entries! It was a tough decision (we don’t know how those Caesars did it) but our WINNER is . . . .  

Billy, aged 12! His red-eyed, feathery reptilian beast is like nothing we’ve ever seen before – or hope to! Huge congratulations and we hope you enjoy your new Kindle Fire HD and library of Puffin books for your class.  And below are the runners up who’ll each be receiving a set of Gladiator books in the post!

Thanks to everyone for taking part – if you’d really like to get in on the action then help Marcus fight for freedom on the online Gladiator game!

Continue reading "Gladiator Puffinus Competitionus Winnercus" »

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Posted at 12:51 PM in Awards and glittering prizes | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 20, 2013

“In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf…”

Thus begins the story of the most famous, hungriest, caterpillar ever! Since 1969 he has munched his way into over 33 million homes (and counting) worldwide and even onto a big red London Bus - dip into our archive for photographic evidence!

So what better day to celebrate than the 20^th of March? Because the very first day of Spring is also The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day!  With the bleak winter behind us and days of pale yellow springtime sunshine ahead, spring is officially on its way. It won’t be long before little green caterpillars emerge, munching their way through the new juicy green leaves!

In preparation for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day, we had a little too much fun trying out the special Activity Pack (download it here – go on, you know you want to!) It includes a range of activities such as colouring pages, connect the dots and a cut-out finger puppet to bring this timeless story to life. We were just as delighted as anyone to see our very own hungry caterpillar worm his way through the book!

Speaking of worms, did you know that he was originally going to be called A Week with Will Worm? Yup, hard to imagine now isn’t it? Especially when after all those apples, blueberries, swiss cheeses and chocolate cakes he becomes a beautiful butterfly!

If you’re feeling hungry then head over to Ella’s kitchen. We’ve teamed up to make some very yummy goodies – plus if you tweet them a picture #Ellasveryhungrycaterpillars you could win lots of prizes, including a Very Hungry Caterpillar Touch and Feel Playbook!

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Posted at 12:00 PM in The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Work Experience | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 05, 2013

6.     What wouldn’t he leave the house without?

A plate of sandwiches . . . 

7.    Tell us something we might not know.

Ecks are beleived to be almost extinct, but there are some out there; two reside in our house . . . 

8.    What really annoys him?

They are sensitive and easily upset, and get quite fretful if not fed large amounts at very regular intervals.

9.    What does he dream of?

Being loved (and not being eaten)

10.   Where would you go to hang out together?

The Eck would be a great companion to take to afternoon tea - he'd appreciate all those cakes!

(You can meet The Eck in There is no Dog, by Meg Rosoff)

 

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Posted at 02:56 PM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 01, 2013

During the recent schools tour to promote my new book from Puffin, the fantasy western adventure Dragon Frontier, I have been told several times that I and my co-creator, the comic book artist Andy Lanning, make quite a double act. In fact, a novelist and an artist working as a double act is pretty much how Dragon Frontier was brain-stormed in the first place.Here are my top ten literary (and not so literary) double acts:

1. Batman and Robin Where would the Caped Crusader be without his Boy Wonder... and vice versa?

2. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson Holmes might be the great detective, but without the reliable Watson to keep him grounded, how many cases would he solve?

3. Tintin and Snowy I sometimes wonder if the fearless and loyal Snowy is the real hero of the Tintin adventures...

4. Han Solo and Chewbacca The rogue space smuggler from Star Wars and his Wookiee co-pilot have stuck together through more than one “Imperial entanglement”.

5. Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser A huge barbarian and his diminutive thief sidekick: the heroic double act at the heart of Fritz Leiber’s classic sword and sorcery stories.

6. Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Pooh could always spend a happy morning being Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood, but he would be utterly lost without his dear friend Piglet.

7. Bertie Wooster and Reginald Jeeves Jeeves, the “gentleman’s personal gentleman” is PG Wodehouse’s greatest creation, loyally extricating his master Bertie from all manner of fixes.

 

8. The Lone Ranger and Tonto The driven and devoted Lone Ranger was never quite “lone” exactly, all the while he could count on his brave and faithful Native American friend.

9. Hal and Roger Hunt The heroes of Willard Price’s timeless “Adventure” series, these brothers - teenage zoologists - travel the world and experience all sorts of exotic dangers and wonders.

10. Calvin and Hobbes In Bill Watterson’s celebrated comic series, six-year old Calvin and his stuffed tiger Hobbes are the greatest of friends, and partners in flights of fantasy.

Dan Abnett,

Writer and author of Dragon Frontier

He's also created stories for Torchwood, Primeval and Doctor Who as well as the worl'd most famous superhero comics including: Iron Man, Thor and The Guardians of the Galaxy at Marvel, and Superman, Batman, The Legion of Superheroes, and Wonder Woman at DC Comics.

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Posted at 02:09 PM in Writer's Corner - A word from our authors | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

February 26, 2013

6.         What wouldn’t he leave the house without?

HIs red jersey and braces.

7.         Tell us something we might not know.

Zach loves tap dancing - and spends a long time trying to persuade Mrs Fletcher to introduce a routine into the Christmas play.

8.         What really annoys him?

Well he's pretty thick skinned and always sunny natured, but he doesn't like it when people tell him to shush, he's just got so much to say!

9.         What does he dream of?

Becoming a great novelist, or a pilot or an explorer or treading the boards of the theatre (he's quite ambitious)

10.      Where would you go to hang out together?

Hopefully he'd give me a backy on his red bicycle and we'd cycle all the way along the Thames, from the streets of London town to the seaside for fish 'n' chips.

Every week, for 52 weeks, we'll feature one nomination right here on the blog! If you'd like to share your favourite character from a  Puffin book, them simply print off the question form and send it back - and don't forget to draw a picture!  

 

Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. If you consider any content on this site to be inappropriate, please report it to Penguin Books by emailing reportabuse@penguin.co.uk

Posted at 09:31 PM in 52 Puffins - Waiting in the wings | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

February 21, 2013

‘If you like reading then this is the perfect job’

Halfway through my two week’s work experience at Penguin Children’s and I am already worrying it is coming to an end! On other placements I’ve found myself making hundreds of cups of coffee and dragging out minimal tasks, but I quickly came to realise at Puffin boredom is not an option!

On my first day I stared at an Italian Patisserie in complete bemusement, ‘How could this be 80 Strand?’ It was only when I looked a little to the left I realised - now that is 80 Strand. Facing me was a huge building with masses of people spilling in and out of the large, revolving doors.

After being greeted at reception by the fiction department’s editorial assistant, Laura, I felt much more at home. The tour around the building was a little daunting (it’s enormous!) and I soon couldn’t even remember which way I’d come in. However I was soon settled at my desk, with my very own Apple desktop - not a bad setup! Everyone was very welcoming and the atmosphere’s light-hearted and friendly, albeit with a healthy presence of tension as editors race to meet their deadlines.

My days are mainly filled with the exciting task of creating a submission report. Although this may sound dull it is not - I promise! If you like reading then this is the perfect job. I get in, settle down with a cup of coffee and read away. The best thing is I get to put an opinion on the piece I’m reading, basically assessing whether I spent the morning falling asleep or hanging on for more.

It’s been a very good week and I welcome the next with open arms. And not only will I be leaving Penguin with a lot of new experience, but a stack of new books to match!

 

Talia Wheating

Work Experience, Editorial 

For more information about our work experience opportunities click these fine carolina blue letters.

 

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Posted at 11:40 AM in Behind the Scenes, Work Experience | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

February 20, 2013

Hello, how do you do? Let me introduce myself. I’m a copywriter at Puffin and every Wednesday I meet with my fellow wordsmiths to discuss the blurbs we’ve written. Invariably someone takes their pen out and underlines a few words but sometimes the whole paragraph ends up looking like a spider has had a paintballing party. Just think about a blurb for a moment . . .  it’s only a paragraph long, which means you might have to start all over again.

After a hundred more re-writes, it is finally ready to go to design. Now you’ll be glad you’ve taken so long deliberating over a single adjective, because your blurb is about to be scrutinized by thousands of readers all over the world!

As they say, two heads are better than one! Whether that’s for coming up with a new idea, deciding between pronouns or just a fresh pair of eyes. Some of our favourite authors come as a pair - and here’s a little bit more about them.

Allan and Janet Ahlbergh

The co-creators of Burglar Bill and Peepo married in 1969. Allan used to joke that it would take him just a day to write the words for a book – and six months later Janet would have finished the pictures. He described their creative process as a game of ping pong. Once he’d come up with an idea, Janet would make a suggestion and then it would be back over to him. Did you know that the Jolly Christmas Postman was inspired by their baby daughter Jessica when she was playing with envelopes?

Sir Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl

When Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake worked together on The Enormous Crocodile in 1978, it was the perfect match. Quentin never knew anything about a new story until the manuscript arrived. ‘You’ll have fun with this,’ Roald Dahl would say. He’d then make lots of illustrations and take them along to Gypsy House. Did you know the BFG’s shoes were inspired by Roald Dahl’s own sandals? He sent them to Quentin Blake in the post!@roald_dahl @QuentinBlakeHQ

Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia

Beautiful Creatures is enchanting cinema audiences this month, but it started off as a book – penned by not one, but two bewitching ladies! Kami and Margaret shared a love of YA fantasy and were always swapping books before someone dared them to write one together! They certainly proved themselves worthy of the challenge. They’re each others’ harshest critics, drafting quickly and then editing very, very (VERY) slowly. In fact by the time you read the books, it’s impossible to tell who wrote what. @kamigarcia & @mstohl 

What about the brothers Grimm or the Scarrows or Hank and John Green we hear you cry? Or all those fictional double acts, like Sherlock and Watson, The Wimpy Kid and Rowley or Ratty and Moley? Well we've left that list in the capable hands of Dragon Frontier creators Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning - we'll be posting that next week, but in the mean time, can you think of any more inseparable duos? 

Thanks for stopping by.

Andrea

Penguin Children's 

 

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Posted at 03:56 PM in Books, books, books (and more books), Roald Dahl, Writer's Corner - A word from our authors | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

February 15, 2013

6.         What wouldn’t he leave the house without?

A good reason to!

7.         Tell us something we might not know.

Grandpa Joe had not been out of bed for 20 years  - until he jumped for joy when Charlie found the golden ticket.

 8.         What really annoys him?

He is furious when Willy Wonka crushes Charlie's dream of a lifetime's supply of chocolate.

9.         What does he dream of?

He dreams of Charlie visiting Willy Wonka's Chocolate facotry which finally comes true when he finds his golden ticket.

10.      Where would you go to hang out together?

We could go anywhere in the world once we'd stepped aboard the great glass elevator.

Every week, for 52 weeks, we'll feature one nomination right here on the blog! If you'd like to share your favourite character from a  Puffin book, them simply print off the question form and send it back - and don't forget to draw a picture!  

Answer: philatelist 

Follow @roald_dahl for phizz-whizzing fun

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February 12, 2013

If you wander through Covent Garden this evening you may spot a familiar set of ears, a fluffy tail and a blue jacket belonging to a certain mischievous little rabbit. At first glance it may seem that Peter Rabbit has indulged in one too many radishes over the winter, but there’s no need for concern – he’s been transformed into an amazing egg-shaped version of himself to participate in the UK’s biggest Easter egg hunt, supporting Action for Children.

From the 12^th February to 1^st April, 101 giant Easter Eggs will be hidden in cities throughout the country, from London’s Covent Garden, to Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and back to London in time for Easter. The eggs have been created by some of the world’s leading artists and designers, as well as featuring some of the UK’s best loved children’s characters. To find out how you can get involved and to see the full range of eggs visit http://www.thebigegghunt.co.uk/

 

All the eggs will be auctioned to raise money for Action for Children at the end of the egg hunt. A big thank you to all the team involved who helped design our Peter Rabbit egg!

Ilka Tulloch,

Penguin Children's

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This February we’re celebrating Dynamic Double acts. There are plenty to choose from: Hank and John Green have just finished their phenomenal tour (more later), Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Marget Stohl is out  in cinemas tomorrow  (hold your breath) and the Dragon Frontier boys have written us a very special post on fictional pairings (watch this space).

But never mind the authors, no siree! Terrible Twos-Day is all about the characters and because its Shrove Tuesday, we thought who better to focus on then our favourite troublemaking Finnish pancake eaters – The Moomins!

 

Moomintroll and Sniff  

'Moomin and the New Friend' by Tove Jansson

Moomintroll and Sniff star in Tove Jansson's brilliant series 'The Moomins'. In case you haven’t seen the Moomims before, they are these white, blobby hippo-like creatures who live in Moominvalley and like to eat and sleep A LOT. There are also some other creatures on the island who you get to meet throughout the books, like Sniff.

Sniff looks a bit like a mouse or a baby kangaroo and lives with his best friend,
Moomintroll. Tove Jansson loves to follow these two rascals on various adventures and they are always getting into trouble!

In 'Moomin and the New Friend', Moomintroll and Sniff find a bottle washed up on shore with a message inside from someone who needs help. The pair bravely decide to set sail and find the mysterious person but end up getting caught in one whale of a storm almost immediately. What becomes of these two silly whippersnappers? Well, you’ll have to read the book if you want to find out.  

Lauren Watson, Penguin Children’s Work Experience

Who’s your favourite troublesome duo? Let us know and send your ideas for future blog posts to puffinblog@uk.penguingroup.com

 

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February 09, 2013

. . . librarians are heroes (they even have action figures!) 

It’s National Library Day (#NLD2013) so to celebrate we’ve scoured the shelves for some fellow library lovers. And as a tribute to Mr Melvin Dewey - guess what he invented in 1876? - we’ve organised them in the most efficient, comprehensible and easily referenceable way possible. 

 

000 Computer science, Library and Information science & general work

Doctor Who probably loves checking out the latest nodes in the Compute Science section. In 'Silence in the Library' he visits a library the size of a planet that contains every book ever written Unfortunately the forest felled to make the books has a Vashta Nerada infestation, which then hatches and, well . . . its over to the Doctor to save the day.

100 Philosophy and psychology

Lucien’s Library is tucked away in Dream’s Castle (Sandman, Neil Gaiman). It contains every book that anyone has ever dreamed of writing – but has never written. 

200 Religion

Jacob Grimm was a librarian in Kasel when he and his brother Wilhelm started collecting German folk tales in the hope of uniting ordinary people who shared similar cultures.

300 Social Sciences

 

Batgirl Criminology is just the place for Batgirl to find a few tips on handling the dark streets of Gotham – that’s when she’s not assuming her civilian identity of Dr Barbara Kane PhD, Head Librarian.

400 Languages

Lewis Carrol Before falling down the rabbit hole, Lewis Carrol was a sub-librarian at Christ Church, Oxford University. Who knows, maybe it was here he first dreamt up slithy toves, gimbling and jubjub birds.

500 Science

Benjamin Franklin As well as flying kites and experimenting with electricity, Benjamin Franklin is credited with founding the first American library and even serving as its librarian! 

600 Technology

The Wimpy Kid Reading’s not really Greg Heffley’s thing – he’d rather be watching the TV with the curtains shut, but we reckon his interest could be piqued by a book on ‘Thunder Volt’ his favourite arcade game. 

700 Arts

Nancy Pearl (pictured above) There aren’t many librarians with their own action figure - complete with a ‘push to shush’ button. She has wanted to be a librarian since she was ten – why? Because she thinks that "being a librarian is how you change the world”. Nancy you rock.

800 Literature

Matilda is 5 years old when she walks herself to the library (her mother Mrs Wormwood is busy playing Bingo). It's not long before she’s read all the books in the children’s section (words and pictures Mrs Phelps!) and is moving onto Tolstoy.

900 History, geography & biography

Rick Riordan AKA The Myth Master spends a lot of time researching and so do his characters. The Kane’s family mansion, Brooklyn House boasts a resplendent library – complete with cubbyholes, scrolls and Shabit to retrieve Egyptian artefacts when needed.

Find out what’s happening at a library near you for National Library Day 2013 #NLD13 http://ow.ly/hsPmr”  and follow @readingagency for more. Image © Roald Dahl Nominee Limited/Quentin Blake 2013 

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Posted at 10:02 AM in Anniversaries and birthday parties!, Books, books, books (and more books) | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

February 07, 2013

Cathy Cassidy fans the world over are LOVING the special video blogs we've created to celebrate our 2013 World Book Day author!We've brought the gorgeous Chocolate Box Girls to life on Youtube with Cathy Cassidy TV. If you haven’t seen them yet, switch on and take a look . . . go on . . .

Last week we went over to Stockwell, London to film the second season of videos on-location (we're very showbiz these days). We don't want to give too much away but here are some special behind the scenes photos.

You can catch up with the girls EVERY week, EVERY Tuesday until August, so get your best pen out and put a big note in your diary with lots of stars, squiggles and hearts around it!

 

 

 

Toni preparing to be transformed into Honey Tanberry

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dream wardrobe and every accesory you could ever ask for, provided by New Look

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CCTV makeup artist Eleanor puts the finishing touches on Summer’s (Sophie’s) hair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CCTV makeup artist Eleanor and Cherry’s (Bethany’s) finished look . . . stay tuned for the 'Get the look' specials!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skye (Sophie) prepares to film her next vlog . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related articles

Cherry Crush by Cathy Cassidy - review

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February 06, 2013

“I loved meeting the authors and have already finished the book - I couldn’t get my head out of it"  Ben, aged 9

YEE HAR! We’ve just got back from an epic tour with the co-creators of Dragon Frontier, Andy Lanning and Dan Abnett.

It was a whirlwind week across the Wild West (well, 10 of England’s finest Primary schools). Over 1000 pupils met the dynamic duo – and as well as talking about their book, they even passed on some expert tips on how to draw a dragon!

Ours still looks a bit like a short sighted-flying-lion – inexplicably holding a lollypop -  but we’ll keep practicing, how did you get on?

“The Dulwich College Junior School boys were transported from snowy South London to the plains of Missouri by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. They loved Dragon Frontier and whooped and cheered as the authors read from the story.” Teacher, Dulwich College Junior School

 

If you'd like to find out more about our school tours please send a wee email to puffin@uk.penguingroup.com

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Posted at 12:31 PM in All aboard the tour bus, Out and about | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

February 04, 2013

Continue reading "52 Puffins - # 5 Tiny Cooper (Will Grayson, Will Grayson) " »

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February 01, 2013

Every month we pen a newsletter formally known as Beak Speak. On its single digital page it tells of all our latest books, upcoming events and a few surprising literary bits 'n' bobs. Look closer still and you'll often see chances to win glittering prizes.

Once the final full stop is in place, Beak Speak wings its way to the inboxes of our subscribers. Here it waits patiently, nestled amongst messages from long lost friends and discount petfood sites, until the day it’s discovered, and then . . . well you'll have to register to find out what's coming next to your bookshelves.

Register now and you'll be entered into our prize draw. Over February and March we're giving away 12 (that's TWELVE) Roald Dahl books with their new phizz-whizzing covers to one lucky winner! Good Luck, we’ll cross our flippers for you.  

 

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Posted at 02:49 PM in !Sign up to our newsletter and win, Games & competitions - are you feelin' lucky puffin? | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

There are a lot of reasons why I feel very lucky to work at Puffin. A lot. Since I started I’ve had the joy of reading a book nearly every week (and some of these aren’t even published yet)!

Another girl who loves books is Matilda. She, on the other hand, isn’t so lucky. Because while most parents see even their snottiest offspring as little miracles, Mr Wormwood frequently calls his daughter:

1) a jumped up germ

2) a little wart

3) a boy.

But Matilda has a lesson for us all, sometimes you’ve got to be a little bit naug- well, I can’t tell you. If you want to find out you’ll have to read the book or watch the musical –  which is exactly what myself and Natasha were lucky enough to do the other night.

Everyone gives it five stars but no one tells you why – and we’re not about to either. However, know this: The moment you step into the auditorium you’ll find your little jaw hits the Cambridge Theatre’s ancient carpet. The set is made up of enormous letter blocks, precariously stacked around the stage. Stare in wonder long enough and you’ll start noticing they spell out words. Ingeniously these then become the themes of the songs to come. O lovely, whoopsy-whiffling words.

From the strum of the first chord we were transfixed. We chuckled, we snorted, we chortled. Tim Michin’s songs had us tapping along and all the children are incredible. You’ll want to get up there yourself – until the ogreous Trunchball (Bertie Cavill) arrives. They’ve even had a fiddle with the plot and yet somehow, well we really hope Roald Dahl would like it – because we loved every second.

At times as delicious as Bruce Bogtrotter’s chocolate cake, as nasty as the Trunchball’s smelly gym kit and always as joyously inventive as one little girl’s imagination, you will leave with a smile stretched from ear to ear and a fire in your belly. As we stumbled back to the real world Natasha summed it up quite nicely, “I feel different”. And that’s exactly what Matilda does. She makes you look at the world a little differently.just like the books she loves so dearly. Our rating? Never mind 5 stars, there aren’t enough in the sky.   

 

If just the thought of Matilda has your imagination turning cartwheels then check out the RSC’s Writers Challenge – Write Here, Write Now. You could see your work performed on stage by the cast – and then watch the whole show with the rest of your class!

 

 

 

They’ve created a beautiful website with EXCLUSIVE advice from Tim and Dennis about the writing process to get you started. We’ll be having a go too, but unfortunately we can’t enter because you’ve got to be between aged 8 -13!  Let us know how you get on – good luck!

 

 

This post was written by me, Andrea. I work with the Penguin Children's Marketing team and write the blurbs on the back of our marvellous book. I'm always interested to hear what you're getting up to so tweet @puffinbooks if you think of something you'd like to see on the blog. Have a happy weekend!

Follow @roald_dahl for whopsy-whiffling dahl related goodness  . . .

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January 31, 2013

Name  

 Tabby, from The Worst Witch

Famous Friends

Mildred Hubble 

Hero or villain?

Hero, because he's always helping Mildred save the day

Why you love him?

Although Tabby makes a terrible witches cat, he is friendly, cuddly and Mildred would be lost without him.

What’s his catchphrase or best quote?

Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

What wouldn’t he leave the house without?

Tabby wouldn't leave home without his travelling basket - Mildred takes him everywhere in it.

Continue reading "52 Puffins - # 4 Tabby (The worst witch) " »

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January 30, 2013

9.30 – Arrive at the Puffin Towers with a coffee. Starting my day by reading a submission for the Puffin editorial team, it’s proving to be a good read.

10.30 - Heading out to buy some treats for the girls from Sydenham School coming to the Cathy Cassidy filming later today. Cupcakes, M&Ms, and meeting Cathy Cassidy sounds like a great way to spend a school day!

 11.30 – Working on my creative task for the week – thinking up strategies to get people talking about ‘Four Children and It’ by the incredible Jacqueline Wilson this Summer.

 12.30 – Lunch Time. Going down to the canteen for a Jacket Potato!

 1.30 – 3.30 - I went to collect the girls and act as a ‘runner’ for the Cathy Cassidy filming. They were all extremely chatty and could not have been more excited to meet their favourite author. I met Cathy in the Penguin Media Suite, where they film and record all kinds of amazing videos and audiobooks. She was so lovely and had loads of interesting things to say about her books and writing.

Continue reading "A day in the life of a Puffin Work Experiencer!" »

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Posted at 09:53 AM in Behind the Scenes, Cathy Cassidy, From page to stage and screen, Work Experience | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

January 28, 2013

 

Remain calm. Breathe deeply. Stay focused. There is less than a week until THE John Green touches down on our fine British soils. And if you couldn't get hold of tickets to his sell-out tour, then you can still join him - virtually that is.

When: Monday 4th February 2013, 2:00 - 2:45 (14:00 - 14:45 for you 24 hour clock types).

Where: Puffin Virtually Live (www.puffinvirtuallylive.co.uk)

How: If you want to watch live and have the opportunity to pose a question, you have to REGISTER.

The best thing about Virtually Live is that everyone can take part - so where ever you are in the world ask your teacher/librarian/choir master to sign-up so your whole class can join in!

Continue reading "LESS THAN A WEEK UNTIL JOHN GREEN IS VIRTUALLY LIVE" »

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January 25, 2013

Tis Burns Night, ye wee shy timorous beasties! To celebrate we've scratched our noggins and come up with some of our favourite Scottish moments, authors and Puffin stories.

First up is The BFG - can you think of any more? Let us know @PuffinBooks

The BFG has a whizzpopping alternative to the bagpipes . . . 

"WHAT!" cried the BFG."No Frobscottle? No whizzpopping? No glumptious music? No boom-boom-boom?"

"Absolutely not," Sophie told him firmly.

"If he wants to sing, please don't stop him," the Queen said.

"He doesn't want to sing," Sophie said.

"He said he wants to make music," the Queen went on. "Shall I send for a violin?"

"No, Your majesty," Sophie said. "He's only joking".

A sly little smile crossed the BFG's face. "Listen," he said, peering down at Sophie, "if they isn't having any frobscottle here in the Palace, I can still go whizz-popping perfectly well without it if I is trying hard enough."

Continue reading "OCH AYE THE NONNY NOO - Happy Burns Night!" »

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Posted at 10:37 AM in Anniversaries and birthday parties!, Roald Dahl | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

January 24, 2013

Do you know your Mulch Diggums from your daleks?

  To celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Doctor Who, we’re releasing 11 eshort stories written by some of the most exciting names in children’s fiction!

Stepping up to the challenge first is bestselling author Eoin Colfer. You can download his Eshort, A Big Hand for the Doctor here.

 And just to keep you on your toes, we’ve made up a quick Who’s Who quiz.  Can you guess which of our fun facts are about Doctor Who and which are about Eoin Colfer? Let us know how you get on @puffinbooks

 

1. Favourite boy’s toys:

 a)  Tardis                    b) Lamborghini

 

2.  He comes from:

a) Wexford                    b) Gallifrey

 

3. Is never without:

a) A pen                    b)A sonic-screwdriver

 

 4. His name is an anagram of:

a) Torchwood                    b) Fierce Loon           

 

5. Saving the universe: 

Continue reading "DOCTOR WHO’S WHO? " »

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Posted at 12:48 PM in Doctor Who, From page to stage and screen, Games & competitions - are you feelin' lucky puffin? | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

January 21, 2013

IT’S WHITE, ITS EVERYWHERE, SCHOOLS ARE CLOSING AND you never thought you could have so much fun sliding down a hill on a baking tray. IT’S SNOWING! After jumping for joy /posing for at least a dozen pictures, we set about the serious business of making a Snowdog – inspired by The Snowman’s 2012 Christmas sequel of course.

 Here are our Top Ten Tips for making a four-legged friend:

1.    Wear gloves (while Snowdogs are friendly, they may cause frost bite).

2.    Gather a heap of snow.

3.    Throw a snow ball at your friend

4.    Gather more snow - deflect snowballs thrown by aforementioned friend.

5.    Start moulding the snow mound into a body, don’t forget the tail!

 

6.    Make a ball for the head separately.

7.    Use two little stones for eyes.

8.    Did you notice in the film the little boy uses the original Snowman’s peach for a nose? If you haven’t got a 30 year old piece of dried fruit hidden under the floorboards, then get creative – we used a fluorescent ping pong ball.

9.    Find some twigs (don’t break these off your mum’s best fern) and pop a colourful sock on each to make ears.

10.  Give your Snowdog a name – we christened ours Martin – and wait for the magic to happen . . .

We weren’t the only ones bringing the Snowdog to life – they’ve been spotted in parks, gardens and on pavements everywhere, just check out the pictures on our Pinterest board and tweet @puffinbooks your own – Happy SNOW Day!

 

 

Listen to  Benedict Cumberbatch, star of TV series Sherlock, reading this heart-warming tale on audio book.

 

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