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DECEMBER (12+):
FWL OR FOOL?
Written by T J Thomas
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its forty-
This debut novel is written by TJ Thomas and its myriad of fascinating ideas was inspired by real-
TJ says: "In 2017 I was bitten by a horse fly on my back and I suffered from headaches for three weeks. I went to the doctors and finally the hospital. After many blood tests, they found that my white blood cell markers were extremely high, but they didn’t know why."
TJ was quickly admitted to Prince Phillip Hospital and had a CT scan. A blood clot was found in her brain and she was rushed to Heath Hospital, Cardiff at midnight.
TJ continues: "I was told that without the surgery I wouldn’t be here much longer. Apparently the chance of being bitten by a horsefly, and for the infection to travel through my spinal fluid and into my brain, was one in a million. We’re still unsure if the infection was there first, but if the blood clot had been there originally, the infection might have just saved my life."
TJ was left to recuperate and found that she had time on her hands. Taking advantage of this free time, she decided to start writing. Her book Fwl or Fool? follows Mavis, who can see her god, a god of Melyn named Fwl. Fwl’s job is to convince Mavis to join the side of right, and not make a deal with Dewin, a magical cult of evil beings.
TJ concludes: "In the few months that followed I started suffering from panic attacks and crippling anxiety. I started to worry that my surgery might have affected my brain in some way. After talking about this with my friend, Emmaline, we decided to go back to college the following year. After completing college, we decided to enrol with Coleg Sir Gar. It was during this time that I found my love of writing."
NOVEMBER (3-
RONNIE THE CLOUD
Written by Imogen Hall
Ilustrated by Terry Cooper
It describes Ronnie the Cloud’s travels through the skies, but unfortunately not everywhere welcomes a raincloud.
Author, Imogen Hall, has been an avid reader all her life and has always wanted to write children’s books to encourage creativity and imagination. This story was created when she was lying on a beach looking up at the sky.
Imogen says: "I automatically resorted to a favourite childhood pastime, watching and creating shapes from the clouds that drifted in the sky above me, waiting to see what they would turn into next. Watching these clouds move gently in the breeze inspired me to write about a cloud that would travel to different parts of the world by moving in the wind."
Imogen also wanted to explore how we all perceive ourselves. She felt that a solitary cloud in search of something new was a good way to tackle the issues children have when making friends. Using Ronnie as an allegory for this helps children understand both geography and their personal place in the world.
She continues: "As children enjoy nature, cloud-
Imogen hopes that Ronnie the Cloud will encourage children to go outside in nature and pay attention to the clouds while evoking their imagination.
She concludes: "My story touches on different climates which hopefully will promote young readers’ interests about other places in the world other than those of where they are from."
To buy the book visit here.
OCTOBER (3-
BUBBLE BUBBLES
Written by Ingrid Stow
Ilustrated by Tom Burchell
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its forty-
Before releasing Bubble Bubbles author Ingrid Stow was passionate about the power of language. In recent times she has incorporated this passion into her work. She says: "I found a wonderful position at a speech and language infants school assisting with reading and helping to reinforce the importance of this pastime to youngsters and their parents. It was noticeable that when parents found the time to read with their children the ability to learn became increasingly focused."
Ingrid decided to create a book that both children and their parents would enjoy reading together. She continues: "When my first grandson was born I started reading to him when he was three months old and he has continued to love books since. Toddlers are learning their language skills at this age and so repetition is the key element which hopefully I have covered off in this book. I speak three languages and have found that learning any language is all about repeating words until you make a sentence and communicate."
Bubble Bubbles is inspired by a real-
In order to give something back to society Ingrid is giving 10% of her book to The Bubble Foundation. The charity helps children with immune deficiency. To order the book visit here.
MARCH (3-
PERKY THE PIGEON
Written by Jester Arrow
Ilustrated by Terry Cooper
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Perky loves to sing and often tries to join in with human musicians, only for her plans to go awry in several humorous scenarios. After feeling uncertain, she very nearly gives up, but perseveres thanks to the encouragement of her best friend Speckle. Perky then finds Hailey the Human, who accepts her despite her being a very different musical partner.
Perky the Pigeon seeks to reinforce inclusivity, perseverance and teamwork, as well as the joys of connecting with nature and music. Jester was inspired to write the book due to his sons’ love of pigeons, combined with his own musical journey.
Jester says: "Both nature and music are fantastic forms of therapy, especially when it comes to children. All forms of nature deserve appreciation, and pigeons are a somewhat maligned species, despite their great resilience and adaptability. As the favourite animal of my sons, Benni and Theo, pigeons are much easier to engage with than the classic children’s favourites. You don’t have to visit a zoo or safari park to see them. They’re just on your doorstep, which makes them accessible to all."
In recent times, Jester has unearthed so many interesting facts about our winged friends. He continues: "Did you know that pigeons can recognise faces? Or that they can deliver messages for the postal services, and have been pivotal during wartime? They really do deserve more credit than they get!"
Jester’s other passion in life is music. He says: "I’ve always found music to be a thoroughly enjoyable, rewarding and creative release. I’ve been in bands since I was a teenager – the latest one being a more playful project, Blue Pig, formed during the pandemic with my two young boys. It helped us focus on something more productive during the difficult days in lockdown."
Jester believes that music can sometimes takes a back seat in education, with its exclusion being detrimental to children and society. He concludes: "I hope that my Perky the Pigeon book will inspire children to experiment with music, but also deliver the underlying message that if you persevere you can achieve your dreams, despite the obstacles."
FEBRUARY (3-
THE THREE CHICKEROOS
Written and illustrated by Cassandra Elliott
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Author Cassandra Elliott hatched (ha ha!) the idea during the lockdowns. She says: "We couldn’t get any eggs in the supermarkets, so we got some from a nearby farm. We thought we might try to hatch some of the eggs so we bought an incubator."
The first thing the chicks saw when they hatched out of their eggs was Bonnie, Cassandra’s dog. She would check on them first thing every morning to make sure that they were still there.
Cassandra continues: "The chicks thought Bonnie was mother and moved around the incubator when she moved so that they could see her. Bonnie is very gentle and kind with ‘her’ chicks. She chases away potential predators, cats and crows. In turn the chicks follow Bonnie about. They sleep beside her and get up when she does. They even eat her food, but she allows this."
Cassandra has written and published five stories based on Bonnie’s adventures with the chicks.
All of the Chickeroos titles are available here. 
JANUARY (3-
TWIN RABBITS MEET THE EASTER BUNNY
Written by Thérèse Wood
Illustrated by
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its fortieth ‘Book of the Month’, Twin Rabbits Meet the Easter Bunny.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Author Thérèse Wood was inspired by the magic of nature and wanted to share this with young readers. She says: “I used to live close to a wood and loved walking in the shadow of the trees. In summer 2012, I was passing a lake and a dragonfly landed on my shoulder. It felt like a magical sign from the universe. Like nature was calling out to me.”
Thérèse had recently joined an online poetry forum and now felt creatively energised. She continues: “I was fascinated how poems can be viewed as short stories, especially when children read these so much. I thought I’d give it a go myself.”
Thérèse found it relatively easy to decide on the main characters for her first book. She loves Easter and enjoys Easter egg hunts – the Easter Bunny was a no-
Aimed at readers aged two to five, Twin Rabbits Meet the Easter Bunn
You can follow the author on instagram theresetwinwood
Check this out! Twin Rabbits Meet the Easter Bunny on Amazon... https://amzn.eu/d/7zPAehQ
DECEMBER (3-
WHIZ AND MELLY: AN ITALIAN ADVENTURE
Written and illustrated by Rachel Parkes
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Rachel Parkes is a full-
Whiz, the aforementioned terrier, is now sixteen years old and still goes to work with Rachel on a daily basis. He even starred on stage in the musicals Annie and The Wizard of Oz in his younger years.
Nearly seven years ago, Rachel decided to write and illustrate a book for children, and was certain that Whiz would make an ideal lead character. She continues: "I have always enjoyed writing and drawing, and love the feeling of creating something unique, but what could I do to achieve this? I wanted Whiz to have a friend, the Morecambe to his Wise, and after great deliberation I came up with the character of Melly, a friendly diplodocus."
The travelling twosome of Whiz, a dog, and Melly, a dinosaur, certainly was unique. So much so that she decided to print forty copies and distribute them to family and friends. Rachel explains what happened next: "I couldn’t believe it, everyone was so taken with Whiz and Melly, I was encouraged to expand the story and send it out to publishers. Enter Shaun and team at Jelly Bean publishing!"
Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Jelly Bean, says: "Normally we don’t get that many authors that illustrate their own picture books, but recently we’ve had several outstanding submissions. Rachel’s book falls into that category. She really understands her audience and the book truly reflects her passion for travel."
Inspired by her own adventures with her fiancé Antonio, Whiz and Melly get on a plane and travel to Italy, where they see some sights, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Aimed at readers aged two to five, Whiz and Melly: An Italian Adventure is full of colourful pictures. In addition, there is a page for children to colour in themselves at the back, and even a short "Whiz Quiz" for readers to re-
(left) Cover. (middle) Ruairidh. (right) Poppy and Daisy.
NOVEMBER (3-
RED FOX DOES WHAT? SURELY NOT!
Written and illustrated by Christine Chambers
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Author, Christine Chambers, was brought up in Durrington near Worthing, West Sussex. As a child she would sit and draw for hours, creating small animals using felt. These would then be stuffed with her mum’s old tights. She believes that this personal creativity was her super power: "I was very fortunate to have many grandparents, great grandparents, great aunts and uncles to spend time with. I always wanted to do creative things as I was no good at sport and not very academic. Creativity helped me focus my mind on other things."
After leaving school, Christine studied fashion and knitwear design at college, but her passion for creating things went on the backburner as she pursued a career in retail instead. She continues: "I have no regrets with my career path. I’ve learnt so much and made many friends, but I must admit my creativity was bubbling away inside. In my spare time I’ve always enjoyed drawing, cross stitch and sewing."
In her early thirties, Christine met her husband, started a family, and moved to the seaside town of Littlehampton. "I still wanted to do something creative," she continues. "As I read to my son I started to think of ideas for a children’s book. It was so fascinating seeing his face light up during each story I read to him. It didn’t matter that he knew the ending, he just enjoyed the imaginative adventure we went on every night. The idea of creating something like this and passing it on makes me warm and fuzzy inside."
In the last ten years Christine has lost many dear family members. The biggest impact was losing her mum in 2014. It was around this time that Christine began to question her life choices. In 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, Christine’s nan also passed away. She feels that this was the final catalyst for her putting pen to paper and going after her dream. "Life’s too short," she says.
After discussing her ambition with her husband, Christine decided to take a year out from work to focus on writing. She continues: "If it wasn’t for his support I wouldn’t have probably started until I retired. There was also a fear of being no good and getting rejected which halted me. I kept thinking if this doesn't work then what am I going to do. Thankfully inspiration hit me almost immediately."
For several years, Christine has made a variety of crochet toys including an extremely charismatic fox. She explains: "I did a little squiggle of a fox on a post-
Red Fox Does What? Surely Not! also shows how important support networks can be. Christine concludes: "COVID created a situation where children were locked away for quite a long time. I wanted to create a unique story for them. My book mirrors this with Red Fox wanting to do something special for his friends. He hasn’t seen them for a long time and wants everything to be perfect. He makes every effort to bake a cake, but eventually is so disheartened by his continuing failures. This leads to him giving up and hiding away. Soon his friends arrive and see what has happened. Being nice friends, they help Red Fox clear up and they bake another cake to share. This time, because they work together, it is a success. With friendship and love they help show Red Fox that he can achieve anything."
Listen to Christine on Radio Cardiff.
OCTOBER (3-
WHAT’S IN MUMMY’S TUMMY?
By Natalie Carry
Illustrated by Terry Cooper
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
As a primary school deputy head teacher, she has over twenty years’ experience in the education sector. She has a passion for early reading and, in particular, developing a culture of reading for pleasure in schools to create a culture of lifelong readers.
But what was her inspiration for the book?
Natalie’s grandson, Rico, was two when he was informed that he was about to take on the huge responsibility of becoming a ‘big brother’. When she visited him each week, his mum and dad would say, "Rico, tell Nanny and Grandpa what’s in mummy’s tummy?’ To which he would dutifully reply, "My baby sister."
Natalie believes that this was the reason behind her story. She says: "This was magical to hear and we embraced every opportunity to hear him repeat this phrase frequently. However, the night came when we ‘had the call’ to race over and look after Rico. While looking after Rico, and entertaining him at his favourite place – the ball pit – it dawned on me that despite Rico’s ability to answer his parents’ question about the pregnancy, he really had little idea of what lay ahead."
Natalie decided to explore what Rico would really think about the new addition to the family? Who was this ‘baby sister’ he spoke so confidently about? How would he feel when she finally arrived?
Natalie feels that parents will be able to read this book to prospective siblings as they await the arrival of a new baby. She concludes: "Bringing a new baby into the house can be a big adjustment for some children. I hope this book helps children and parents alike adjust to this."
To buy the book visit here.
SEPTEMBER (ADULTS):
THE GIRL WITH THE FLAXEN HAIR
By Jessica Hayman and Steven Lawley
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Written by friends, Jessica Hayman and Steven Lawley, this robust collection takes a sidestep look at the great composer. Steven explains: "The catalyst for this collection was a piano recital we attended together. It included a number of preludes. In the interval we discussed the titles Debussy had given each prelude. These titles were intriguing, enigmatic and evocative and, as the programme notes explained, they were unconventionally placed at the end of each piece rather than at the beginning. Apparently this was because Debussy did not want the audience to ascribe too much significance to the titles. His intention was that the music should be heard without preconceptions."
Jessica had a eureka moment and suggested using Debussy’s titles to inspire a set of stories. She takes up the story: "We discussed staying true to Debussy’s desire for an elusive association between the title and the work. We quickly agreed to write six stories between us, each based on one of the titles. I’m a big fan of Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected, so we thought it would be fun to make our stories short, entertaining, unpretentious and with unexpected endings."
Jessica and Steven set about writing each story without consulting each other. Jessica feels that this process created an edgy and highly creative dynamic. She continues: "We would usually agree a date and time to email our respective stories. This was usually on a Sunday and I must say I was very nervous as I waited for Steven’s comments, but thankfully most of my efforts were accepted. To be honest, we were both critical of each other’s work, but this helped us select the best work."
The Girl with the Flaxen Hair book is the result of that process. On reading the stories, Jessica and Steven have been pleasantly surprised at how many do evoke the twisted imagination of Roald Dahl or Saki – the tone is generally unsentimental, often dark, occasionally even macabre, with sometimes a touch of affectionate mockery.
The title of this collection refers to the best-
To buy click here.
AUGUST (3-
WIZARD WISE AND THE SPRING CLEAN
By Lesley Groucott
Illustrated by Jenna Booth
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Wizard Wise and the Spring Clean is Lesley Groucott’s first book. She is passionate about reading; a passion that she has passed onto her children, and more recently, her granddaughter.
She says: "Reading sparks and grows imagination. It really has ignited a craving for whimsical and magical stories in our family, and it felt like a natural move to put these stories to paper. Saying that, it took me nearly twenty-
Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar Books, feels that the book is breath of fresh air. He says: "Lesley’s story is really fun, with a great imaginative flair. Added to this, it is beautifully complemented by Jenna Booth’s cut-
The book is about Wizard Wise, his cat Esmeralda and their woodland friends. Wizard Wise has a very important job to do each year, but things never quite go according to plan! This book captures these mishaps and explains how to cope with them.
Lesley continues: "Wizard Wise is very much a labour of love created by our family to be shared with your families. We hope that Wizard Wise and the Spring Clean sparks your child’s imagination, but most of all we hope that you enjoy reading the book together."
To buy click here.
JULY (4-
BIDGE AND BODGE
By Geraint Thomas
Illustrated by Partrick Coombes
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Bidge and Bodge is about two young brother bears who live in the biggest tree in the largest forest in the land. Each story is a unique adventure involving their best friend Mincy, a little pussy cat, as well as Doggies, Eagle, Badger and many more.
Geraint began to tell the stories of Bidge and Bodge as bedtime stories for his daughter, but sadly, as she grew up, he consigned them to back of his mind.
Something, however, was niggling at him. He had has always wanted to write these stories down, and during the pandemic he decided to do so. He says: "Actually the characters originated in my mind well before my daughter, Angharad, was born. I was inspired by a local woodland where I used to walk and run. As a father, it was so magical when my stories never failed to send Angharad off to sleep. I would hope that was the combination of my soothing voice and friendly characters."
Geraint would tell Angharad the continuing adventures of Bidge and Bodge every night, often drawing on the memories of his fondly remembered walks. He continues: "Each story has a hidden truth in it. For example, the giant is based on me. He wears a tatty shirt and I have one just like the giant’s. I am regularly told to throw away, but I never will."
As lockdown came to a close, Geraint realised that he now had a whole book and decided to get it published. He says: "I was talking to a friend one day and they suggested sending the stories off to Candy Jar, which I did. For a long time, these stories were for just me and my daughter, but now I feel the time is right to share them. If Bidge and Bodge brings joy to children, then I have achieved my aim."
Geraint particularly likes the illustrations by Patrick Coombes. He concludes: "Patrick has really brought all the characters to life. They are just like me and my daughter pictured them all those years ago."
Geraint has many more stories to tell, with a few actually half-
To buy the book visit here.
JUNE (ADULTS):
THE OGRE: A VICTIM'S GUIDE TO SURVIVAL
By Tracey Williams
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirty-
This self-
"My brothers and I pray quietly that today there will be no pain, just laughter, hope and love. We pray for a very long time for a day like that to come…"
In her debut memoir, Tracey Williams shares the harrowing story of a childhood of abuse. But she does not aim to shock. She aims to inspire… As lockdown started to lift, the stories started to emerge.
Across the country, vulnerable children, hidden from teachers, friends, and neighbours, had been subjected to horrific abuse.
Multiple cases have now shocked the nation, many ending with the bleakest possible conclusion. Sadly, it would surprise no one if more such incidents were to come to light in the future. The questions asked by such cases are familiar: how can we know what goes on behind closed doors? How can we spot the abusers living amongst us? And how can we stop them?
But for the abused, there are different, more immediate questions. How to get through the day? Who to turn to? How to escape? And for the survivors, perhaps the most difficult question of all: how to move on – to rebuild, to recover? To live?
It is this last question that most concerns Tracey Williams, author of the harrowing but ultimately inspiring new memoir, The Ogre: A Victim’s Guide to Survival. Like so many survivors, she discovered that the damage of her abuse lasted longer than any bruise. Her confidence shattered, her emotions repressed, Tracey had no model of what happiness looks like. She had to learn how to build a better life all by herself. And that’s exactly what she did – not without stumbles along the way, but always with the determination to pick herself up and try again. It is thanks to this inspiring perseverance that today she can seek to help others with their own struggles.
As Tracey writes: "For many, many years I felt like I was always searching for something that could change my past. Now I see more clearly. The most positive change you can make is to stop it. Stop the cycle. Don’t let the past define you."
Today Tracey is a mother of two, and she has provided her children with everything she was deprived of: a stable, happy home. A caring, protective family. A safety net both financial and emotional. That is the single most important fact about of The Ogre: it has a happy ending. "I feel my life is finally full. I am loved by my husband and my children, and I embrace it with the widest open arms."
A deeply personal story, the tale of a woman finding her strength all the greater for being tested, The Ogre not only to sympathise with victims, but to support them. To provide a model for how not only to survive, but to thrive.
As Tracey writes: "I don’t believe I am a victim who has shared her story, I am a survivor setting the world on fire with my truth. Someone out there needs my light, my warmth and my raging courage… If my story helps just one person to get help, then I am happy."
In these difficult times, with the supports of community more strained than ever, it is a message, that has never been more urgent.
To buy the book visit here.
MAY (ALL AGES):
RUNNING ON THE SPECTRUM
By Gene Moran
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Gene Moran has been a teacher for most of his life and feels that some children aren’t failing school, but school is failing some children. He passionately believes that young people should find their own place in the world. His debut novel Running on the Spectrum explores these themes, but with added enrichment through running, outdoor pursuits and the beautiful Welsh countryside.
At fifteen years of age, Gene Moran (known to friends and family as Chris) only gained one O level in Art and seemed to be more of a plonker than Rodney Trotter! But, devoid of the bad influence of Del Boy, Gene managed to work through the system to become the Crème de la menthe or ‘the very best’ as Del interpreted the phrase! Gene says: "After moving to secondary school, I soon became popular with the scallywags, where I was regularly escorted to the head teacher’s office for messing around. I wasn’t out of control, but I was warned that I needed to change my behaviour or I would fail my exams."
Gene cleaned up his act somewhat, but did not make it to the end of Year 11, leaving school with no real direction and only one academic qualification. Gene continues: "I was heading for factory work, but my father urged me to get additional qualifications. I’d just left school and I didn’t really want to go back, but neither did want to work in the factory. Despite my academic history, I convinced the principal of the local College of Further Education to take me in. He wasn’t sure I could cope with the academic pressures and schedule, but I had turned over a new leaf and I had no intention of failing."
Two years later, Gene left college with array of O Levels and A levels, a joinery qualification, as well as completing a full-
Gene says: "I would have never occurred to me at school that I would end up at teacher’s training college. College gave me everything I needed, particularly finding out that I was dyslexic. At last, things began to make sense. No wonder I found school so difficult at times! With this knowledge, I worked hard at my weaknesses and qualified as a teacher."
Gene’s final thesis was entitled ‘Juvenile Delinquency: its causes and some prevented measures’. However, Gene didn’t get the writing bug until many years after his teaching career. This happened when Gene spent evenings and occasional nights telling his father stories. With the very welcome aid of spellcheck, Gene began to write down his tales, drawing heavily on his own experiences as a teacher. His novel Running on the Spectrum is the result of this.
The book tells the story of Tom Mallalieu who arrives at a special school in North Wales to take up his new post as a secondary teacher. Just like Mr Chips from Goodbye Mr Chips by James Hilton, Tom is initially overwhelmed by the challenging behaviour of some of the students, but soon realises that building relationships with them is essential for any teaching to take place. Tom calls upon his own interest in running, outdoor pursuits – and his love of the mountains of North Wales – to develop strong bonds with his students.
Heart-
Gene went on to teach at Pupil Referral Units, alongside difficult students who were no longer able to attend mainstream school. Gene’s successful career culminated in the position of assistant head teacher of a special school, something that fifteen-
To buy the book visit here.
APRIL (3-
WHERE IS LAMBY?
By Genna Rowbotham
Illustrated by Terry Cooper
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
This story is about a young girl called Bea who loves her Lamby teddy bear that she takes everywhere. On this occasion, the family go on holiday to the seaside, where they visit lots of exciting places, but much to Bea’s despair, she keeps losing Lamby.
Author, Genna Rowbotham, feels that this story will resonate with many families of young children. She says: "Young children can create a very special relationship with their toys, often feeling insecure without them. My story will be familiar to many parents who have experienced the disappearance of a toy, most often as you leave the house. However, this time around, Bea does find her Lamby and all is well."
As a busy full-
Where is Lamby? holds a very special place in Genna’s heart because it was inspired by her youngest daughter, Beatrice, and her love for her own Lamby teddy bear. Genna remembers the day when Lamby went missing: "Lamby was Beatrice’s beloved teddy since the age of one, but we had to replace her teddy with a new one when she lost her at Paphos airport in Cyprus. Understandably, she wasn’t quite sure about the new version because it looked different; its head was bigger. Luckily, she was young enough to forget though, and has grown to love her new Lamby just the same. Although her cherished bear has been in the washing machine countless of times, she’s lost her colour and is now slightly grey, but Bea still loves her."
Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar, feels that the concepts from Where is Lamby? are universal. He says: "Being a parent is often like walking a tightrope. Children can be sensitive, especially if they lose things. Losing a beloved toy can be terrifying for a child, especially if they are lost forever. This book, however, has a happy ending. It certainly brought a tear to my eye."
Genna was really excited to take delivery of the book and shared the experience of opening the box with Bea. She concludes: "I was overjoyed to say the least. I think Beatrice was amazed at how alike Lamby was in the illustrations. Terry Cooper, the illustrator has drawn Lamby perfectly. Immediately, Bea searched the house looking for her own Lamby to read the story to. It’s a wonderful feeling for me that she has a keepsake book on her own special bond with her Lamby teddy bear, that she can treasure into adulthood and share with her own children. Although Beatrice is nearly eight, she still loses Lamby everywhere and is constantly searching for her."
To buy the book visit here.
MARCH (ALL AGES):
WHO: A HISTORY IN ART
By Ken Tarling
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirtieth ‘Book of the Month’, Who: A History in Art by Ken Tarling.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Ken has always been a fan of Doctor Who, and like most fans of the 1980s, he thoroughly enjoyed drawing characters from the series. One such favourite was the Terileptils from the Peter Davision story The Visitation. Over the years he has considered compiling a book of his art, but life has always seemed to get in the way.
In 1994 Ken a major accident, which left him with no left thumb and bone cancer of the left hand. Ken says: “Sadly I was left handed and I had to learn to write with my right hand. As you can imagine, this took quite a bit of time before I could master it (bit of a shame considering I wanted to become an art teacher). It took me two years before I could write again, let alone draw. I didn’t draw again for another eleven years. I guess it was a lack of confidence.”
When Doctor Who returned in 2005, Ken’s enthusiasm for art returned. Ken continues: “I tried again, and then this time I couldn’t stop drawing until 2010. In particular, I really wanted to sketch a Slitheen from Aliens of London/World War III. Once finished, I thought it wasn’t too bad.”
Ken continued to draw, and then in 2019 he got some devastating news. “2019 was the year I died. I kid you not. I had a AAA aneurysm (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm). It’s when the main blood vessel that runs from the heart, through the chest and the tummy bursts, causing life threatening internal bleeding. This can happen in men and women over seventy. Odd really because I was fifty. I had a five percent chance of surviving. Five has always been my lucky number. I was in surgery for eight hours and had received thirty-
“Then a week after coming out of hospital, I had a bad reaction to the blood thinning tablets and had a nosebleed that would not stop. I had a cardiac arrest. I actually died for seven seconds and slipped into a coma for about a day. My family were told that if I did not wake up by a certain time, they would have to turn off the life support machine. I woke up an hour before, thank goodness.”
Ken is keen to stress that this is a passion project to share with like-
As Ken has suffered from cancer twice in his life and survived, he will donate a percentage of the profits to Cancer Research as a token of his gratitude for the help he received on both occasions.
To purchase click here
FEBRUARY (3-
JACKSON'S DREAM
By Alexandra Waite
Illustrated by Martin Baines
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twenty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Written by Alexandra Waite, the story was many years in the making. Alexandra explains: "As a mother of four boys, I never thought I had it in me to write a book. My days
Like many new authors, lockdown gave Alexandra the opportunity to explore new horizons. She continues: "My eight-
Alexandra, who is originally from London and now lives in Southend, was encouraged to write Jackson’s Dream by her four boys. She says: "Without them I would have never got the book over the finishing line. Shaun at Jelly Bean helped me refine the story, and Martin, the artist, based his wonderful drawings on my children. As you can imagine, they were very excited by the results."
Since publishing her book, Alexandra has been in high demand: touring schools, fetes, and building a loyal fanbase. She also runs a community group called ‘Get the Kids Out’, which offers writing workshops for aspiring young writers, helps families on low incomes do fun activities with their children during school holidays, and provides free childcare during half-
Alexandra concludes: "When I started writing Jackson's Dream, I wasn’t quite sure how the story would end, but after great deliberation I had found my ending. It wasn’t easy, but I truly believe that in life you have to persevere. If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything you want. Believe in your dreams."
To purchase your copy click here.
JANUARY (3-
GORDON THE GIRAFFE DREAMS BIG
By Rebecca Stack
Illustrated by Terry Cooper
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twenty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Written by Rebecca Stack from Newport, Gordon’s unusual story is a product of lockdown. Rebecca says: "It is commonly thought that everyone has a book in them. Well, I have twenty-
Rebecca sifted through old exercise books and reacquainted herself with stories she had written many years ago. She continues: "I’ve scribbled down so many ideas over the years, some of them bleak, others really uplifting, but I felt as we slowly regain our freedoms, I wanted to highlight the importance of determination. Gordon the Giraffe Dreams Big my antidote to lockdown, a story about pushing forward and trying to realise your dreams."
The story focuses on Gordon, a circus giraffe who wants to fly, but is frightened to tell his parents in case they think he is silly. Rebecca feels that lockdown has potentially deferred young people’s natural adventurous spirit, and hopes that this book will stimulate early readers to dream big.
Alongside this, Rebecca has another reason for writing the book. Eleven years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and feels that it was her optimism that got her through this. She explains: "Writing about Gordon has given me a new perspective on life. I want my children to understand how proud I am, especially if I was no longer around in the future. When I was thirty-
Rebecca discovered she had cancer after noticing tenderness in her left breast. After meeting with a surgical consultant, she was told that the lump was so far into the side breast tissue that she wouldn’t have felt it. She is so grateful that it was spotted and would encourage anybody to seek help if they a similar problem. Like Gordon the Giraffe she wanted to live her dreams, and went through a great deal of anguish so she would come out the other end. She says: "My breast cancer was oestrogen receptive, which means I couldn’t be injected with oestrogen to harvest my eggs. Also, I had to go onto oestrogen blockers for five to ten years. Sadly, these can cause birth defects so there ended up being a twenty-
During this period Rebecca wrote so many manuscripts and wanted to share them. In 2021 she attended a creative writing zoom – the session led by published international bestselling crime fiction writer David Mark, who has encouraged her to keep writing.
In my book Gordon’s mum tells him to make every moment count, and to do what makes you happy. Rebecca concludes: "Laughter is after all the best medicine and love can conquer all. I think once you’ve had a brush with mortality it opens your eyes, enabling you to see life through a fresh pair of eyes, realising every second is precious and something you don’t get back. Being present and enjoying each moment is what’s important. Life is precious and dreams can come true!"
Click here to buy.
DECEMBER (ALL AGES):
SLOW WALKING THE WALES COAST PATH
By Eirlys Thomas and Lucy O'Donnell
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twenty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
After redundancy and retirement, friends Lucy O’Donnell and Eirlys Thomas found themselves at a crossroads in their lives. Having previously walked short sections of the Wales Coast Path, they both decided to go one better, and walk the entire 870 miles. In the upcoming book Slow Walking the Wales Coast Path they explain how this Welsh escapade came about.
Lucy says: "As we started this new adventure we thought it would be challenging and never boring, but didn’t anticipate the moments of great achievement and near disaster. Along the way we encountered animals, tides, bogs and lots and lots of mud."
As they started out on this life-
Ultimately they decided to tackle their journey in their own personal way. Eirlys says: "As it had been months since we’d last seen each other, it was no surprise that we were chattering nineteen to the dozen as we set off. Unfortunately, we hadn’t quite planned things as meticulously as we should. At first, sun cream was thin on the ground. We weren’t particularly better with water and provisions either, but it wasn’t long before we had a system that worked, although this didn’t always go to plan."
Lucy explains: "On one of our first trips, we became quite tired and made the difficult to decision to turn back. We had run out of water and taken little notice of the landmarks along the way. One lasting memory is walking along hundreds of cabbage fields. They really did seem to go on forever! Neither of us could remember seeing them on the way up, probably due to our constant nattering, but it did mean it was incredibly difficult to get our bearings."
Eirlys chips in: "I’m not saying we argued, but the fun had gone out of the day, and we arrived at the car rather dishevelled and exhausted."
Lucy and Eirlys used all forms of transport: taxi, train and bus, but most reliable was the two car trick. This involved driving two cars to the end of the walk, leaving one there, and taking the other to the start. Sometimes this didn’t quite work out. One time, after a long walk to Barry, they discovered that they had left the keys in the other car. An expensive taxi ride was the only answer. It was a mistake they never made again!
Walking boots was the next learning curve for adventurous Welsh women. Eirlys explains that you should never take anything for granted, especially if they say they are waterproof. She explains: "If you have any doubts, do not take the chance; they are definitely not. Many a walk was made more difficult by a boot descending into a muddy puddle resulting in soggy socks. We tried many tricks, including putting plastic bags over the socks, but stopped this when someone told us we could get foot rot."
Lucy was born and brought up in South Wales and feels that discovering the coast was one of the highlights. She particularly enjoyed seeing familiar sights in a completely new light, like walking underneath the Briton Ferry bridge between Port Talbot and Swansea, or discovering new worlds like the lagoons on the outskirts of Newport, or the great Rumney Wharf (a raised grassy bank running between Newport and Cardiff) said to be where Roman garrisons grazed the horses.
Eirlys is originally from rural Pembrokeshire. Initially the thought of a long distance walk on home turf didn’t fill her with joy. She had too many memories of walking three to four miles to and from school every day. However, she had recently returned from Peru (after failing to walk any of the Machu Picchu trail due to altitude sickness) so she thought the idea of exploring the Wales Coast Path might make up for the disappointment. Despite this, she wasn’t exactly confident that she would get very far.
Being closer to 70 than 60, Eirlys was open to the challenge, but concerned about their fitness levels. She particularly remembers the walk between Aberdyfi and Machynlleth being quite traumatic. She says: "Somehow we had missed a sign and found ourselves trying to walk through a genuine ‘sink if you stand still’ bog. Lucy took the biggest hit. Her ankles were disappearing as I desperately shouted, ‘Launch yourself at the reeds!’ Just like Indiana Jones, Lucy valiantly catapulted herself across the bog and to safety. Saying that, you would have thought we would have learnt our lesson from this, but if truth be told it happened another four times. Glutton for punishment, I guess."
Eirlys, though, has difficulty in narrowing it down to a favourite section of the coast. She continues: "Pembrokeshire is in my heart as I grew up there. I was overwhelmed when we managed the St Dogmaels to Newport leg, especially as my younger self really struggled with this walk. I do have a favourite day though and that was the walk from Llanmadog to Rhossili. Everything was just perfect. We had sunshine, dunes, the smell of the gorse and pines, wild ponies on the beach hang gliders in the sky over the wide stretch of Rhossili bay. It was bliss. I think it was then that I released we might just make it to the end."
Lucy considers that one of the best things about walking was the endless time they had. She feels that their friendship certainly strengthened along this journey. She says: "We had time to chat, and time to bond. We would converse in English and Welsh (as I was seeking to improve my conversational skills), but as the day wore on, we would quieten down and let the landscapes sooth away our anxieties. These are the times that powerfully counteract the many frustrations that the lockdown brought to all us."
Most importantly Lucy and Eirlys have remained the best of friends with a great story to tell. There were many laughs, some tears of joy and despair, and quite of few pairs of walking boots, but they both agree that they "…enjoyed the best of times."
The book Slow Walking the Wales Coast Path brings to life (in words and photography) Lucy and Eirlys’ eighteen-
The buy click here.
NOVEMBER (4-
THE DIGITAL ADVENTURES OF AVA AND CHIP: SMART CITY
By Beverly Clarke
Illustrated by Terry Cooper
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twenty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
The book shows how a smart city is driven by data and how this data is used in many ways. It encourages the reader to consider their own lives, to discover what data is collected about them, as well as understand how technology is impacting upon our lives in an easy-
Written by national leader in computing education and former secondary school teacher, Beverly Clarke, this is her second published book and her first aimed at children. Beverly believes that a lack of access and understanding of the digital world can affect social mobility and hopes that her story will redress the balance. She says: "In Smart City I based the characters upon me and my children – a black mother and her two mixed race children. My inspiration for the character names comes from modern culture. For instance, Ava is the name of the robot in the tech film Ex-
Beverly has attempted to address a gap in the market for relatable tech-
Beverly continues: "As a child I enjoyed adventure stories such as The Adventures of Tintin and devoured the entire Nancy Drew series. It would be great if children could relate to Ava and Chip it much same way. The books are designed to be educational, to encourage the reader to observe the world around them and to ask questions. They can be used by readers on their own, by a parent and child, or within a classroom setting."
Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar, was really excited when Beverly sent him the manuscript. He says: "With the fourth industrial revolution underway, it is important that children understand how technology is shaping all our lives. As we leave lockdowns behind, we need to invest in innovation, both in technology and educational teaching. Beverly is certainly well-
The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip: Smart City is available in the following formats and through the outlets below:
Paperback or Kindle -
Paperback -
Follow the series on social media @avachipbooks – Instagram or Twitter
To listen to Beverly on Radio Cardiff click here. Beverly has been included in the 100 tech women list. She is number 17. To read the press release click here.
OCTOBER (5-
FAIRY TALE OF BRISTOL
By Talie Ashbee
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twenty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Written by former primary school teacher, Talie Ashbee, the book introduces three children: Isabelle, Rose and Seth to the fairies of Brandon Hill. Talie says: "In 2014 I moved to Bristol and was keen to find out as much as I could about local history. I grew up on a Cornish farm and I must admit that moving to the big city was a little daunting. I needn’t have worried; the people of Bristol were very accommodating, and I immediately fell in love with everything about it. I was particularly fascinated by the hidden secrets you find around every corner."
Talie, who works as a Horticultural Producer for BBC garden programmes such as Your Garden Made Perfect, Chelsea Flower Show and Gardeners’ World, wrote the book during lockdown. She continues: "As a family we’ve always enjoyed visiting Brandon Hill, and on these visits I’ve been struck by how magical the place is. I’d always thought it would be a perfect location for a fairy HQ. So when lockdown kicked in, I thought why not put pen to paper. However, when I got started I realised there was a lot more to Bristol than originally thought."
Set in the twenty-
Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar, was thrilled to receive the submission from Talie. Shaun says: "I grew up in Bristol and like Talie I have always been fascinated by Bristol’s history. Historically, the city is bursting with stories – some of it bad of course – but you cannot deny that pirates, highwayman, ghosts and giants are the perfect fuel to fire the imagination of young people. Talie captures this perfectly in her book. In fact, you may want to take it with you the next time you walk around the city."
To buy click here.
SEPTEMBER (3-
WAITING
By Christine Harris
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twenty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Christine Harris has always wanted to publish a children’s picture book, and after completing illustrations for the Jelly Bean books I’m Just Norman and Fairy Tale of Bristol she now has time to focus on her own story. She says: "My story Waiting has been waiting in the wings for many years, but now with so much in the news about climate change I felt it was time to lift Bear and Rabbit out from the miscellany of notebooks and release them into a difficult world where, in particular, young people are calling for a better future."
According to Unicef: "
Christine believes that Waiting is a perfect book to help parents tackle this subject, but she stresses that the story is not just doom and gloom. It also explores the importance of friendship and how we can all work together to get things done.
Head of publishing at Candy Jar, Shaun Russell, is really impressed by Christine’s tenacity and obvious talents. He says: "I’ve worked with Christine three times now and her creativity blows me away. She is obviously passionate about storytelling and her timeless work is bound to capture the hearts and minds of young people across the UK, and hopefully beyond."
Christine Harris originates from the Welsh valleys, but now lives in the north of England. As a primary school teacher with forty years’ experience, she has written and illustrated many stories shared with, and inspired by, working with children. She continues: "In the past I published two anthologies for six to eight year olds, but it wasn’t until I retired that I started my new journey into publishing. I am a great fan of writers and illustrators such as Beatrix Potter, Arthur Rackham, Lewis Carroll, Charles Van Sandwyk and Helen Oxenbury. I just hope that my illustrations and stories capture twenty-
Christine feels that there is no better way to spark a child’s interest or develop understanding than through a good story. So, no matter how young a child is, it is never too soon to encourage the next generation to look after our planet. Let us start with Rabbit and Bear.
A sign in Christine’s studio at home says: ‘I know I’m in my own little world but they know me here’.
"And that," says Christine, "is so true."
To buy a copy of Waiting contact her via Instagram @
christineharris_illustrator
AUGUST (ALL):
THE VOYAGE OF VAN ROUGE
By Heather Summers
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twenty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Sweet P and Pumpkin are based on fiddle player Heather and her long-
Very quickly they fell in love with the island and purchased a ‘ruin on a rock’, and with a lot of love, care and hard work they turned it into their simple dream house. Heather remembers the day they set off in Van Rouge having bought the place. "We filled Van Rouge with awnings, chestnut poles, pallets, stove, washing machine, fridge and even a kitchen sink. There was very little room for us, but we squeezed in. Along the way we received several derisory comments. It’s true Van Rouge was old and was held together with gaffer tape, but we loved her."
The Voyage of Van Rouge is a book for the Girl Power generation, designed to highlight entrenched attitudes about women and girls. The two main female characters are strong, and sometimes can be endearingly silly. Although the story is not overtly political, it is designed to appeal to a modern young audience with attitudes to match. Heather continues: "As performers, we want to be innovative, be it with music, clowning, or theatre. Our performances often involve tutus, cleaning brushes and feather dusters, with a great deal of laughter in the mix. We had so many good times on our many journeys; the essence of our adventures is in the book for children to read and hopefully feel inspired by."
The final trip in Van Rouge was October 2019, when she had to be low loaded the last thirty-
It has become much more difficult for Heather to spend time in Greece, the pandemic and Brexit having made a big impact, but as ever, with the spirit of adventure in her heart, she pursues her dream. Thousands of refugees have arrived in Lesvos since 2015. Heather concludes: "I have worked for some years with the migrants on the island, teaching them violin. I used to take violins in Van Rouge and give them away to any migrant who wanted me to teach them to play. Brexit has caused many difficulties but it does not stop us from enjoying our tiny home in Greece."
Heather is a linguist and lover of languages. As community music and arts tutor she has worked with children, mental health groups, women who have survived abuse, migrants, refugees, and many others. As a teenager she kept diaries and wrote poetry. As a performing musician she writes and perform songs and spoken word. As a grandparent she writes for children in the hope that they will follow their own dreams.
She will be having a launch weekend of readings and activities November 12/13/14 at book shop and story telling centre Nyth Yr Robyn in her home town of Llandysul. For details please contact: heathersummers@gmail.com
To buy a copy, visit voyageofvanrouge.com
JULY (ALL):
THE ANIMAL SAYS...
By Debra Wellington
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twenty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Written and illustrated by Debra Wellington, The Animal Says… certainly would not have happened had it not been for lockdown. This gave Debra a chance to focus on her own art and ideas, something she’d not being able to do for years.
Debra says: "From a very early age I’ve always loved art and spending time being creative. On leaving college, where I studied graphic design, I bought my first flat, so needed a secure job to pay the bills. This job was in local government and I stayed there taking on a number of roles for almost thirty years. I never regretted this, as I had a good career, but there was always a yearning to do creative things, as this is what I really enjoyed."
Six years ago, Debra got a job as an activities coordinator in a care home, where she introduced art to the care home residents. The residents particularly enjoyed sessions where they used a variety of art mediums. She explains: "I noticed that painting and drawing was very relaxing for residents with dementia. It made them really focused and they produced some wonderful pieces of artwork, which they proudly displayed in the care home."
Soon after, Debra decided to become self employed and began running art sessions in care homes that encouraged the residents’ creativity. She continues: "Making art together is sociable, and it has been so rewarding to see the residents gaining confidence with skills they never knew they had, and enjoying the experience of seeing each other’s artwork."
Sadly, the COVID-
She concludes: "I really enjoy colourful, quirky and whimsical designs which are fun to create. Someone told me that my style was similar to Eric Carle. I didn’t know who Eric Carle was. I looked him up to discover that he’s actually the writer and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. What a fantastic compliment! And this got me thinking. Like Eric Carle, my artwork also depicts animals. First I thought the pictures would be great for nursery wall art, but then it occurred to me that it would make wonderful illustrations for a children’s picture book, so I decided to contact someone about this."
Debra spoke to Shaun Russell at Jelly Bean Books about her artwork. Shaun says: "I absolutely loved the style. Debra’s book works for all ages. Children love the fantastic facts and humorous artwork. Adults are touched a degree of nostalgia. Debra really understands pop art, something that many love to display in their house. The Animal Says… is a book destined to become a future classic."
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/debrartdesign/
Buy it here.
JUNE (3-
MILLIE, MOLLIE & MAX: MILLIE THE ACRO-
By Rebecca Mills
Illustrated by Patrick Coombes
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twenty-
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Millie the Acro-
Rebecca believes that both books send a strong message about inclusion and acceptance for children. She continues: "The first book was designed to help my niece understand how to open your hearts to another member of your family. I sent it out to my friends and they suggested I should get it published as the message was universal.’
Rebecca has enjoyed visiting local schools and nurseries in her community. The book has sold over one hundred and fifty copies, and has been sent across the world to California, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and Africa. Also, it was featured in her local book shops, as well as the local adoption agencies, as the staff felt it was a good idea to share with children dealing with fostering and adoption from a young age.
Then lockdown hit in 2020 and Rebecca wanted to revisit the characters to share another important message. She concludes: "As a teacher myself, I was involved and influenced hugely by the educational impact of the pandemic on our children, as well as the deprivational effects of a lack of socialisation in our younger people. I wanted to change the mindset of young children and encourage them to continue to follow their dreams and ambitions, albeit from a different place (at home, for example) and show them that anything is possible. I wanted to lift the spirits of those who had been affected, and I can't wait for everyone to read the second book and continue sharing these stories."
Further details can be found on the Facebook page by searching ‘Millie, Mollie & Max':
Online orders can be made at:https://rebecca-
See pictures of the real Millie Mollie and Max on Facebook!
MAY (3-
STEVIE GONZALES: THE FASTEST SLOTH IN THE WEST
By Cher Sherwood
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twentieth ‘Book of the Month’, Stevie Gonzales: The Fastest Sloth in the West.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
During an incredibly difficult time for her family, Cher Sherwood started writing Stevie Gonzales as form of therapy. She says: "The book was inspired by my grandson who at 1lb and 2lb was born fourteen weeks early. Suffering from anxiety, I started writing the story to calm myself down during this challenging period. I never intended for the book to be published. I just wrote it to read to him when he came home."
Cher’s discovered that reading to a premature child is therapeutic and soothing and is known to increase the child’s chance of survival. Further research from Stanford Children’s Health also shows that full-
Like many in 2020, Cher was also hugely affected by her time during lockdown. With time on her side, she decided to concentrate on her writing. She says: "My friend Joss was writing poetry and posting it on Facebook. This inspired me to write my first ever poem on 2nd May 2020. And I just couldn’t stop."
Cher was then contacted by The Big Book of Hope, a joint fundraising collaboration of one hundred coronavirus and lockdown inspired poems and funny lyrics from people across the UK for ‘NHS Charities Together’. She continues: "I was really shocked and then felt extremely privileged to be asked. Since then, I have written a further thirty poems and most of my work has been published. So, around December 2020, I contacted Candy Jar and began the process of publishing my first book. This came to an abrupt halt when, just after Christmas, I was hospitalised with COVID-
Stevie Gonzales: The Fastest Sloth in The West offers a few bitesize facts about a sloths and is suitable for children with additional needs. In particular, children with ASHD (or on the spectrum) can identify with Stevie’s relentless energy.
The book proves that, even in the worse times, a positive attitude can make a difference to your life. All you need to do is embrace new things when you least expect it. Cher concludes: "As a young child, I always wanted to be a writer, but sadly normal life gets in the way. It’s such a great feeling to say forty-
The book is also raising money for ‘Oscars Journey to Independence’. The book can bought from here.
APRIL (ALL):
END TO END
By Christine Green
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its nineteenth ‘Book of the Month’, End to End.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Christine from Monmouthshire first got the idea to cycle the route between Land’s End (the most southerly tip of the UK, in Cornwall) to John o’ Groats (situated on the extreme north-
As a lifelong hiker who had completed some impressive routes, including the Cape Wrath Trail for her 60 th, Christine decided that she needed something gentler for her advancing years. "The distinct advantage of an electric bike is that the motor helps propel you along, and cycling uphill becomes a dream. People sometimes say, ‘Ah, but that’s cheating!’ to which I always reply, ‘Yes, but you still have to pedal.’ Other advantages are that cycling on an electric bike is easier on your back, neck and joints!"
"I researched electric bikes and decided that I needed something fairly solid, with tyres that were as puncture proof as possible. A good range of battery distance and waterproof panniers were also top of my list. Gradually my distances increased and, little by little, I began to have a sneaking suspicion that I could take on a bigger challenge."
"I had never considered cycling one thousand miles on my own. There would be so many obstacles to overcome that the notion was simply overwhelming. I would have had no idea about how to go about such a venture and so I decided to investigate companies that offered support services. Imagine my disappointment when the secretary phoned to say that I was unsuitable to be included in their programme. She would not give the reason for my rejection. I had felt that we had developed a rapport, so much so that I had never considered there would be a question about my suitability. Was it my age, or the fact that I had an electric bike? I would never know, but as I put down the receiver, I said, ‘Sod it, I’ll do it myself!’"
The route, known as LEJoG, is a demanding mix of urban and rural riding, challenging even the most experienced cyclists with its dizzying climbs and precipitous descents – not to mention the British weather! And just like many 70 year olds, Christine had other factors to consider.
"I was encouraged by my daughter, Helen, to think about my medical history, to reflect that I had had my share of ups and downs, and perhaps my nether end might not be too comfortable being on a saddle day after day for many miles. This was true. At the age of thirty-
With characteristic grit, Christine decided to contact her GP to see if anything in her medical history would hold her back.
"I expected a negative reply, reasoning that if I thought that I needed drugs to do this madness, then I should already know it was a bad idea. But when she telephoned me, I could hear the excitement in her voice! She said it was a wonderful idea, and that she would prescribe some anti-
As a Scot, exiled in Wales for over sixty years, pedalling home seemed the only way to go, but at first she didn’t want to do it alone. Soon Christine made plans for the adventure of a lifetime. Her secret plans were beginning to feel very real!
"It was January 2017, and I could think of no better way to pass the dreary winter months than planning a one thousand mile cycle ride covering the length of Great Britain. What fun I had, reading and re-
Christine finished her ride after thirty days in the saddle, just shy of her 71st birthday and feeling 17 again!
"There would be moments of doubt and times when I felt very lonely. Throughout my one thousand miles on this journey I needed every ounce of stubbornness and determination as I battled into relentless icy rain which pelted into me, accompanied by a supernatural wind, both of which left me sapped of all energy and in tears. En route I broke down on Dartmoor, I received illicit offers from strangers, masked men with guns, hypothermia in the remote Scottish Highlands and accidentally gate crashed a funeral where I ended up comforting one of the mourners. Like the roads I travelled on my journey had its ups and downs. But it was all my choice to undertake what I did, and I had plenty of well wishers cheering me onwards."
Christine raised £7,000 for Women V Cancer and was quite surprised by the reception she received when she returned home.
"I was suddenly in demand as a speaker, something which I was initially hesitant about but which I came to enjoy, and at the end of most talks someone would approach me to tell me about their cycling days, or to say that I had inspired them to take on their own challenges.I could not have achieved all that I did without the support of so many people, from the early planning stages and throughout my ride. People have lauded me with praise, but I deserve none of that. The people who deserve the praise are those fighting illnesses, of all kinds, often without complaining. All that I had to do was to keep pedalling!"
You can buy End to End from
http://www.candy-
https://www.freewebstore.org/jellybeanbooks/product_preview/p4712028_21135116.aspx
MARCH (3-
MONSTER A&E
By Bethan Jones
Illustrated by Martin Baines
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its eighteenth ‘Book of the Month’, Monster A&E.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
What happens if a monster has an accident? Where do these unfortunate creatures get their bumps and bruises looked at? A&E of course – just like you and me!
Written by school nurse, Bethan Jones, this monstrous tale taps into her personal experience. She says: "
Bethan also found that when visiting schools to administer vaccinations, the children would often be scared of her. Despite trying to reassure them, they were convinced that she was there to hurt them. This was obviously not the truth, but when she considered writing a book, it was a subject that she wanted to explore.
She continues: "Throughout the pandemic I would watch the news with my son. He would ask questions about hospitals, and why people were there. These questions were difficult to answer so I decided to create something that he would understand.
I came up with a ghoulish story where even the biggest, scariest monsters can get hurt and be frightened at times. I just hope that my unusual take on A&E will help teach young children not to fear health professionals."
Monster A&E is specially written to enable children to feel confident and reassured about accessing hospital services.
Bethan concludes: "I would love nothing more than for the book to be read by all UK children. I also feel it would make a great short film to be shown in classrooms, something like Francis the Fire Bug, a film I was introduced to as a child to stop us playing with matches!"
Currently Monster A&E is featured in seven libraries, six local bookshops and the Milton Public Library in Canada.
To buy the book click here.
FEBRUARY (3-
THERE'S A MOLE IN MY BOWL
By Alan Green and Kelly Green
Illustrated by David Boyle
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its seventeenth ‘Book of the Month’, There’s a Mole in My Bowl.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s award-
Written by married couple, Kelly Green and Alan Green, There’s a Mole in My Bowl was originally conceived to address their son’s fussy eating habits.
Kelly says: "We used to play games at mealtimes with him – basically anything to get him to eat fruit and vegetables. We tried using plates featuring characters as an enticement for him to finish his food, but if truth be told, nothing really worked."
Alan picks up the story: "We even started to tell him tales featuring the kitchen utensils, hoping this would encourage him to eat, but things just got worse. Basically getting him to try anything new was a nightmare!"
Alan and Kelly turned in desperation to other parents, all of whom had
Kelly continues: "Apparently, children with autism often struggle with tastes and textures, and therefore often need a lot of encouragement to finish their food. It was obvious from our research that mealtimes – and the problems that occur because of them – increased anxiety in the family.
"We decided to write a book to explore the most common issues, and we felt that trust, avoidance, and healthy eating were problems all parents seemed to mention. Our intention with the book was to make a serious and emotionally heavy subject, more light and ‘palatable’ for younger children."
With wonderful Disney-
Blurb:
A tall brown tree on top of a large green hill ishome to Frog and Shrew’s – a world-
Alan concludes: "We don’t expect to change the world with this book. We just hope it will help children eat a little better, and their parents stress a little less. It has certainly helped with our son, who (mostly) looks forward to mealtimes now. Perhaps every family should have a Frog and Shrew!"
To buy this book click here.
JANUARY (ADULT):
FORTY YEARS WITH OVER FORTY LICKS
By Jagger Ley
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its sixteenth ‘Book of the Month’, Forty Years With Forty Licks by Jagger Ley.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this hard hitting memoir explores life in the wake of a devestating traffic accident. When you’re a teenager, it seems one night out can change your life. For Jagger Ley, that proved true – but not in the way he’d hoped.
When returning from an evening’s entertainment, Jagger experienced a freak accident that left him sprawled at the side of the road, fighting for his life.
His recovery was long and arduous, requiring the perseverance and grit that would come to characterise his life to follow. But upon leaving the hospital, he discovered that his struggle was only just beginning.
In the crash, I suffered a severe blow to the head. And that marked me out as a target. Everywhere I went, people would treat me like an idiot, a fool. I was bullied and discarded; every chancer in the area seemed to home in on me, like vultures searching for scraps." Surrounded by false friends, scheming lovers, and exploitative employers, Jagger took solace as a loaner in his new found career – electrician.
"I blagged my way onto my first site. I had very little electrical knowledge! But I quickly discovered that I had a knack for it. My favourite part of it was that generally you worked either alone or in a small team. The solitude allowed me to get my head together while also learning a new skill."
"The end of every job was a chance to start afresh. Sometimes this was bittersweet, sometimes I couldn’t wait to get going! But after the nightmare of my accident – and most of all, what followed my accident – I liked walking onto a new site with a clean slate, with no one knowing my name, and where no one was trying to take advantage of me."
Circumstances moved Jagger to the Republic of Ireland, where he started his own business. The work ethic he had developed in his years travelling Britain saw him flourish in the boom years of "the Celtic Tiger". But as he discovered, fortune didn’t solely bring gold.
"When you’re down, there’s always someone around who’ll try to take advantage of you. And when you’re up, there’s three of them! When I moved to Ireland, my luck seemed to change overnight. I met a girl, settled down, became a father, started a business. A few years later I was jobless, separated, and estranged from my beautiful child."
"My whole life in Ireland was a lie – the mother of my child onlysaw one thing in me: my bank balance. My employees defrauded me behind my back. By the time the veil was lifted, it was too late. I returned to the UK with nothing but the wisdom I had gained for the experience, and a determination to never again lose my sense of self-
On one level, Jagger’s story is a cautionary tale of how one fateful event can change the trajectory of a whole life; how unscrupulous individuals exploit perceived weakness; how being marked out as "different" can affect you. But at the same time, it’s a defiant tribute to living life on your own terms.
Jagger continues: "The book comes with a soundtrack: every chapter has a tracklist that the reader can listen along to as they progress through the story, each track placing you in a time and place. Rock music has been my one constant companion throughout my life; I’ve always been attracted to the idea of the rock and roll rebel. At low times in my life, my music’s reminded me to stand tall, put my shoulders back, and to stand my ground as my parents continually told me to do in my younger years."
"I never wanted to write a story of self-
DECEMBER (3-
MESSY DAD AT THE CHRISTMAS
By Gemma Greening
Illustrated by Matthew Prewett
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its fifteenth ‘Book of the Month’, Messy Dad at Christmas by Gemma Greening and illustrated by Matthew Prewett.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this slightly anarchical book is a must for lovers of all things festive.
Messy Dad at Christmas is the third Messy Dad book, following Messy Dad at the Beach, and the singularly titled Messy Dad.
Gemma is adamant that the Messy Dad series is not based on her partner, although she does admit that sometimes it does veer close to the truth. She says: "Messy Dad started in the summer of 2019, when funny poems that I had written in my partner’s birthday cards were read aloud at a friend’s barbeque. I was pleasantly surprised when my friends and children were laughing and asking for more. A neighbour was listening to these funny poems from his garden, poked his head up from the fence and said, ‘I can draw, and would love to draw some pictures of Messy Dad’. The rest is history!"
Gemma went on to release Messy Dad to critical and financial success. She continues: "I really should be a sales person. I can’t believe how many books I have sold. People really seem to enjoy my stories and, in particular, the character of Messy Dad. I think everybody knows someone like him. He might not necessarily be a dad; he maybe someone’s brother, uncle, grandfather, but the idleness combined with a heart of gold seems to resonate with my readers."
With the holiday season fast approaching, Gemma is excited that Santa will not be the only bearded man that children will look forward to. Head of Publishing at Candy Jar Books, Shaun Russell, is also thrilled to see the third book released. He says: "I knew straight away that Gemma would be a fantastic advocate for Messy Dad. Her book really touched a nerve, and I’m not surprised that so many people loved the characters and situations. Her insightful humour plays well with children and adults alike. No wonder it was so popular! So when she delivered the sequel Messy Dad at the Beach I read it with some trepidation, but, of course, once again it was excellent. And thankfully Messy Dad at Christmas also delivers the goods, or perhaps I should say presents?"
2020 has been a difficult year and Messy Dad at Christmas serves up a welcome dose of laughter and pathos. Gemma concludes: "Christmas is definitely my favourite holiday and I just had to write a book on our family fun. But, as much as I love Christmas, I always feel stressed and worry about everything that needs to be done. However, last year I put my foot down and wrote Messy Dad instead."
Will Messy Dad save the holidays? That’s for you to find out! One thing for certain, the book will certainly make you laugh (and groan) as our hero attempts to save Christmas!
Messy Dad at Christmas cost £7.99 (+ p&p) and can be ordered here.
NOVEMBER (3-
THE GUINEA PIG GARDENERS
By Caroline Pankhurst
Illustrated by Maude Smith
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its fourteenth ‘Book of the Month’, The Guinea Pig Gardeners by Caroline Pankhurst and beautifully illustrated by Maude Smith.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this Beatrix Potter-
2020 has been a difficult year for children, with lockdown and the rule of six separating children from their friends and family. Caroline and Maude’s book offers a timely solution to this. Introducing children to the joys of gardening, the environment and nature, this traditional hardback is well-
With so many schools opting to create their very own garden, it is widely believed that children benefit from this stimulating and motivating activity. Caroline and Maude’s book takes this principle to the next stage, by introducing children to the joy of a sustainable lifestyle and a love of nature.
Caroline’s ideas and motivation for the story stem not only from her work for the South London Botanical Institute (SLBI), but also as former volunteer with children in the gardens of National Trust Ham House, and Horticultural Therapist at Thrive. She says: "The story is about a family of guinea pigs who enjoy gardening. They grow their own food, plant flowers for the bees, drink mint tea, and engage the help of a squirrel who can get into bird feeders. Many of the characters have plant names, and older readers or parents can enjoy botanical references to Rosemary the Rabbit having a good memory (as use of the rosemary plant gives this benefit) and the evil slug and snail being called Bella & Donna (Belladonna being the botanical name for Deadly Nightshade).
Caroline met Maude at the SLBI, where she was amazed by her artwork for children’s activities there, including a huge mural on the wall. She asked Maude if she’d like to illustrate The Guinea Pig Gardeners, and their joint venture finally reached publication during lockdown this summer.
Maude says: "I found Caroline’s story utterly charming, delightful and a real joy to illustrate. It is very evocative, natural, homely and beautiful. As a child I was enchanted by the little Beatrix Potter books. They are timeless and imaginative, and offer a different perspective on animals. No one can possibly compete with Beatrix Potter, but I hope that these Guinea Pig books might give a child the same delight that I got from her books. I look forward to working on the many more volumes to come, and getting more involved in the world of little Humphrey and his animal friends."
Caroline continues: "I really want to help educate children in environmental matters and have used practical gardening ideas in my story that I know children enjoy. I was inspired by my friends’ guinea pigs, and all the squirrels I see doing acrobatics on bird feeders."
Initial sales are going well, with books appealing to lovers of guinea pigs, gardeners, or just the look of the book. "It’s like Beatrix Potter but with a modern message," said one buyer. As people discover the importance of nature during lockdown, the appeal of this book is particularly timely.
The Guinea Pig Gardeners are hoping to bring happiness, and the joy of plants to lots of children this Christmas.
Books cost £10 (+ p&p if needed) and can be ordered by contacting Caroline on guineapiggardeners@gmail.com.
NOVEMBER (8-
BORC ATTACK
By P L Davies
Illustrated by Martin Baines
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its thirteenth ‘Book of the Month’, Borc Attack by Phillip Davies.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this is a gripping science fiction adventure that turns the pages for you!
Borc Attack transports the reader to the planet Digon, where everyone lives happily and in perfect peace. That is, until the Borcs start to attack! Inspired by his little dog Meg, Phillip wanted to create a story where Meg is the hero, as he felt she was his very own guardian angel. He says: "My wife was at work, and I was alone in the house lying on the sofa in our living room feeling sorry for myself after a recent heart attack had forced me to finish work at a much earlier age than I’d planned. The thought of not being able to work again as a teacher, a job I loved, as well as the lack of money and a mortgage to pay, made me feel panicky, weak and vulnerable."
"As if sensing my unease, Meg got up out of her basket, jumped up beside me and looked deep into my eyes. I realised she was telling me not to worry. Assuring me that if I took things in my stride, hour by hour, day by day, my problems would eventually work themselves out. Immediately feeling much better, I got up from the sofa, hooked Meg’s lead to her collar and set off on what was to become the first of our (no matter what the weather) twice daily, comforting walks."
Over the next twelve years, before Meg eventually passed away, the pair roamed the mountainsides and parks near Phillip’s home – Meg chasing balls, chewing sticks and jumping in ponds and taking in the wonderful natural beauty of South Wales. Slowly Phillip became fitter and stronger, and just as Meg had assured him, the problems of not working began to resolve themselves. It was on one of those walks, as Meg and Phillip sat side by side in the sun on the bank of Llwyn-
The book eventually became Borc Attack, published by Candy Jar Books. Publishing Co-
As a former teacher, Phillip knew exactly what type of characters children would find captivating. He says: "The child characters in the novel were largely drawn from a combination of the traits and personalities of some of the hundreds of children I taught during my career. Ubic, the protagonist, needed to be strong and brave, yet kind and gentle and super intelligent. Laura was a student of mine, who had the habit of bringing stray dogs to school. ‘I can’t help it, Sir, they just follow me,’ she used to say. And Jet, the Jack Russell, is, of course, my old friend Meg."
The book has been illustrated by Danger Mouse, Thunderbirds and Doctor Who artist Martin Baines. His artwork encapsulates the intense creativity of Phillip’s writing. Phillip concludes: "I really love Martin’s take on my characters and situations. He has captured everything perfectly. His modern sensibilities really add to the book, and I hope the combination of his pictures and my words will encourage children, especially those who wouldn’t normally read, to embrace the power that only a book has."
Borc Attack is available to purchase from here.
OCTOBER (3-
THE ADVENTURES OF BOBO
By Graham Webster
Illustrated by Andrea Webster
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its twelfth ‘Book of the Month’, The Adventures of Bobo by Graham and Andrea Webster.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this child-
The Adventures of Bobo was a lockdown project for grandparents Graham and Andrea Webster. With not much to do, and plenty of time to do it in, they decided to finish off a story they’d created months earlier. The text was originally penned by Graham and takes the reader on an exciting journey, exploring abandonment, solitude, and ultimately friendship. Much like Black Beauty or Disney’s Incredible Journey, animals feature heavily in this story. Evoking the qualities of traditional picture books such as The Tiger that Came to Tea or the Beatrix Potter stories, the book also fits nicely within a child’s current lockdown mentality.
The book was originally written for Andrea and Graham’s granddaughter, Sophie, to highlight the importance of friendship. Graham says: "Lockdown has been a difficult for everyone, particularly children and the elderly. With the rule of six being implemented, the situation is only improving incrementally. Children, of course, have returned to school, but we believe that they are still feeling abandoned. For many of us and especially children, not being able to see our friends during lockdown has reinforced the importance of friendship. Friendship is a strong theme in our book."
Lockdown offered Andrea a perfect opportunity to add beautiful illustrations to enhance Graham’s story. She says: "Thirty five years ago we took Elizabeth, our toddler daughter, to a local farm and she fell in love with a large brown horse. She called him Bobo in a pre-
Andrea and Graham have really enjoyed watching Sophie’s rapt response to the stories, and believe that the wider world should be able to enjoy them too. Graham continues: "It’s always been our ambition to get the book published. Lockdown has given us the chance to do this and the reception has been great. People can’t get enough of Bobo’s equine adventures. We hope that younger readers will enjoy them as much as Sophie did."
Head of publishing at Candy Jar Books, Shaun Russell, feels The Adventures of Bobo is a sure fire winner. He says: "You can see the love and passion that has gone into each page. All children will fall in love with Bobo. Along the way they’ll learn about coping with the ups and downs of life, particularly when you are young. It inspires the reader to overcome setbacks, remain hopeful and try to do their best. Bobo did this, and eventually found his place in the world!"
The Adventures of Bobo is available to purchase from here.
SEPTEMBER (ALL AGES):
FLOATING WORLDS
By Geoff Parr
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its eleventh ‘Book of the Month’, Floating Worlds by Geoff Parr.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this book an adventurous romp through snowboarding.
Floating Worlds is the colourful account of a pinball journey that Geoff Parr drifted into during the hot seventies, up until the new millennium. It delves into the powerful feelings of becoming a surfing addict, which ran parallel to a ‘normal’ career and family life.
Something of a cult-
Geoff helped to set up, and the consequent explosion into the mainstream. Many wanted a bit of the action, even the skiing bodies that frowned on snowboarding. This runaway train had to stop somewhere, and Geoff had a good idea where it was all going to end.
Floating Worlds also examines the eternal balance between money and the soul in the real-
The website for the book is www.floatingworlds.info and has some fascinating photos from his journey and from here.
AUGUST (3-
THE BOY WITH FOUR SUPER POWERS
By Nasir Yousuf & Yousuf Shah
Illustrated by Terry Cooper
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its tenth ‘Book of the Month’, The Boy With Four Super Powers by Nasir Yousuf & Yousuf Shah.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this child-
For the last five months young people have been separated from their friends. Of course, some have been able to communicate via social media, while others have experienced virtual teaching with their classmates.
However, as we come out of lockdown and return to school, some parents are concerned that children have lost invaluable time. Some are worried that the foundations we lay to help our children become good people have been disrupted.
Yousuf Shah, a researcher of mental health and well-
Yousuf says: "My son has always had a natural talent to recognise the good in people. Like most young people he does not see black and white, but shades of grey. Despite his young age, he has one book under his belt called Adventures of Disco Robot. So when he came up with the idea of doing a book with the message of not judging someone on their looks; basically being kind and recognising their real-
Nasir, who loves playing Minecraft on TV, football in the field and writes for one hour every night, says: "I really love superhero stories and my friends do as well. I would love to be Spider-
Yousuf continues: Childhood forms and affects a person’s life and we all realise our children will grow up in a warzone of social media, negative comments, bullying, trolling and judgment of appearance where children starve themselves to avoid bullying at schools and society. My hope is this book will teach parents and children how to be themselves."
The Boy with Four Super Powers is separated into four sections, each one based on a real-
Yousuf concludes: "Once we came up with the idea for the book, we worked really hard as a family to make it happen. Everybody pitched in and we sent it to a publisher who really loved the idea."
Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar Books, was excited to receive the book. He says: "Lockdown has been a difficult time for all of us, but particularly those under ten. This book helps parents begin the process of reintegration. By engaging with the colourful and beautifully illustrated sections, children are encouraged to think for themselves, to question bigotry, to understand their ever changing emotions, and to ultimately become well-
The Boy with Four Superpowers is available to purchase from Amazon Prime and and Brightonfamilies.co.uk
JULY (3-
WHERE ARE WE GOING
By Michelle Monan
Illustrated by Lucinda Coulson
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this child-
Written before lockdown, Michelle’s lovely book encourages children to face their fears. Michelle, who is a long-
As children return to school, Michelle is also hoping that her stories will help with the depth of anxiety and loneliness that young people have faced for the last three months. She continues: “Writing my first book was definitely a release for me. It helped me face up to my own personal demons, and although my second book was written before lockdown, it now seems incredibly relevant to children who’ve not been able to go for long walks in the countryside. It promotes outdoor play, and although children may not be able to do this quite yet, it will help parents as they encourage their children back outside.”
Michelle’s first book, Can You Hear it Too? follows two brothers as they build a den in the woods, but when they hear all kinds of noises they imagine terrible things. Their fear is quickly followed by relief when they discover the truth behind the noises. It was published by Candy Jar in 2017. Michelle's latest book, Where Are We Going? moves the story onto autumn with the same brothers on a different adventure, but still very much focusing on anxiety. Michelle has written a summer story, and has lots of ideas for winter, completing the four seasons.
Head of publishing at Candy Jar Books, Shaun Russell, feels that Where Are We Going? is well-
Can You Hear It Too?
JUNE (3-
By Yasmin Simsek
Illustrated by Emily Ann Harris
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its eighth ‘Book of the Month’, The Boy Who Was Always Warm by Yasmin Simsek.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this beautifully illustrated book explores the importance of kindness through the touching story of Ozzy, a boy whose kindness makes him uncomfortably warm.
As well as teaching children valuable lessons of caring for one another and enjoying physical activity, the book reinforces how sleep is essential in keeping you healthy and happy. Yasmin says: "I wanted my book to encourage parents to read their children to sleep, which is why the simple story is focused on a child who wants to go to sleep. This is especially pertinent in the summer months when it is light and warm and it is difficult to convince children to get their recommended ten hours of sleep."
In a world where mental health issues are more talked about than ever, The Boy Who Was Always Warm effectively communicates that being overly tired can negatively affect your mood and behaviour. Getting a good night’s sleep is a key part of taking care of your mental and physical health, and Ozzy’s transformation throughout the book shows this in a light-
Yasmin has worked with children with special educational needs in the UK for the past six years and has encountered a lack of representation within the children’s book industry. This inspired her to include a diverse range of ethnicities in The Boy Who Was Always Warm, as well as tackling the aforementioned mental health issues, and introducing a single mother into the mix.
She continues: "I want parents of my generation to have a book that they can read to their children that is not extremely explicit about the diversity of families, such as outright stating that
someone has gay parents. I think it is important to have written book that does not patronise children and allows them to accept the uniqueness of everyone in the world from the early stages of their development."
The Boy Who Was Always Warm teaches that kindness is important and that you should accept everyone, regardless of their race or familial situation, a lesson that all children should learn in today’s society of acceptance.
Yasmin now lives back in Denmark and has produced two versions of the book – one in Danish, the other in English.
She concludes: "I wanted to produce a book that can be read anywhere in the world. I’ve started with two languages but I plan to expand it further. It is important in this time of misinformation that the true values of love and inclusivity are brought to the fore. I hope my book does this."
The Boy Who Was Always Warm by Yasmin Simsek is available from here.
JUNE (3-
TWIGSY
By Darren Broderick & Fiona Cunningham
Illustrated by Terry Cooper
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its seventh ‘Book of the Month’, Twigsy by Darren Broderick and Fiona Cunnningham.
Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this beautifully illustrated book has been created to help teach children about the changing seasons.
The book is about Twigsy, a tiny acorn who comes to life during the autumn. After being separated from her mother, Twigsy sets out on a fantastic adventure. Along the way, she meets all kinds of animals, and discovers why the autumn is such a special time.
Written by software developer, Darren and PhD researcher, Fiona, Twigsy is a dream come true." Fiona says: "We’ve always wanted to do this, but ordinary life would often get in the way. One day we found ourselves on a long train journey, so after exhausting crosswords, chatting about our upcoming wedding, Spotify playlists and numerous games of i-
Darren says: "We were travelling to the North Coast that day and the view outside was stunning. The autumn leaves had started falling, the sky was blue, and the sun was shining. It was perfect weather to get our creative juices going. After a great deal of brainstorming, Twigsy was born. It was as though we’d known the little acorn for most of our lives."
Fiona continues: "It was easy after that. The story just told itself. Twigsy is an adventurer – the eyes of the child, discovering new things. Our long-
Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar Books, believes that this kind of picture book is needed more than ever. He says: "With children living life under lockdown, it is possible that they are missing out on the great outdoors. Of course, this book won’t replace the sensation of kicking leaves in the air, or taking a long walk in the forest, but it comes pretty close. It’s a great way to educate children about changing seasons during our uncertain times."
The artist for Twigsy is Terry Cooper, who over the years has illustrated a number of Candy Jar and Jelly Bean books. Darren concludes: "We really loved Terry’s artwork and were so pleased that he was available to do our book. His friendly style really captures the essence of the character. On our train journey we conceived Twigsy, but Terry has given birth to her."
All profits made from sales will go to Almost Home Animal Shelter in Northern Ireland.
Twigsy by Darren Broderick and Fiona Cunnningham is available from here.
MAY (8-
The HAUNTED STAIRCASE
By Devika Rosamund
However, unlike the books of E Nesbit and Enid Blyton, The Haunted Staircase takes both the reader and the characters back to a realistic portrayal of Victorian servitude. Similar to Downton Abbey or Upstairs Downstairs, this book is a fascinating depiction of a bygone world, but with an added twist! What if children from the twenty-
The characters use a magic spell to travel back in time where they investigate the mysterious death of a Victorian servant girl. For authenticity, Devika undertook a great deal of research about Victorian service. In particular, how so-
Devika is also a talented artist and was pleased when Candy Jar suggested including her artwork in The Haunted Staircase. She concludes: “I had a lot of fun illustrating the story myself and I hope that my writing and simple illustrations will inspire young readers to write and illustrate their own stories. I am grateful to my editor, Shaun Russell, for improving my ghost story by adding humour. I wanted the ghost to be a pleasant character, rather than an evil one, and I always make sure my stories have happy endings. I like to leave young readers with a sense of satisfaction that all the problems are solved in the end.”
The Haunted Staircase can be purchased from here.
MAY (ADULTS):
I MISS BEING MRS
By Abigail Hope
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its fifth ‘Book of the Month’, I Miss Being Mrs by Abigail Hope. Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, this thought provoking and shocking memoir will help victims of domestic abuse get through the lockdown and make plans for a better future.
The book is a journey of resilience and determination. It shows that hope can overcome insurmountable obstacles. Abigail says: “Nobody wants to leave everything behind. Often victims of abuse blame themselves for their partner’s cruelty, internalising emotions for sake of the children. I wanted to show that these feelings can be beaten. In particular, emphasize how my faith sustained me through the dark times.”
Abigail admits that not all people have faith – especially given the painful circumstances – but feels that the story of her struggle can help someone else build a better life and break free from maltreatment.
She continues: “My trust in God helped guide my decisions and show me a better path. I now live in a wonderfully safe place with my happy children beside me. My faith was my coping mechanism. However, others may have their own ways to cope. I do believe that courage is important; the courage to face up to the truth; the courage to find your own way out. People are there to help you. There is a better way to live.’
Abigail wrote I Miss Being Mrs from the safety of South Wales where she lives with her five young children. Her heartbreaking story follows Abigail’s marriage from a fairytale wedding, to a deteriorating relationship full of bullying, lies and paranoia. Her story, however, is underscored with hope and optimism.
Abigail concludes: “It was very difficult leaving the father of my children. I loved him so much, and felt I could help him overcome his demons, but he is an alcoholic and needs the support that I cannot give him. Ultimately it was the children who were more important and I took the decision to start a new life elsewhere. Navigating my way through the family courts to protect my children was difficult, but it was worth it in the end.”
I Miss Being Mrs is Abigail’s first book. She works as a debt centre coach for the charity Christians Against Poverty, helping vulnerable people to become debt free.
I Miss Being Mrs, by Abigail Hope, is available now from: https://abigail-
MAY (3-
MO'S FRO
By H E Sonko
Illustrated by Dave Moreing
Mo’s Fro is modern fairy tale with a twist. It teaches children about multi-
She says: “It is important to tell stories that authentically represent British life. Our differences don’t divide us, they unite us. We’re all special, we’re all unique, we’re all valid – and so we’re all, at the end of the day, one. Getting to know each other is not something to fear; it’s an adventure that never stops. That’s the message I hope comes across to my young readers.”
Mo’s Fro
Featuring vibrant full page illustrations by Dave Moreing, Mo’s Fro is a heart-
Mo’s Fro, by Hannah Sonko, is available now from: https://www.facebook.com/MoFroOfficial/
APRIL (ALL AGES):
OLD CLOTHES & PORRIDGE
By Maureen Mullally-
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its third ‘Book of the Month’, Old Clothes and Porridge by author Maureen Mullally-
Brought up by her grandmother in Glasgow, Maureen and her little sister Oonagh only saw their parents at eighteen month intervals. Old Clothes and Porridge tells the story of a childhood spent against the backdrop of the Depression, the launch of the Queen Mary, the Jarrow march, the abdication of King Edward VIII, the coronation of George VI, WW2 and the VE Day celebrations. Maureen says: “I wrote this book for my grandchildren. I’ve always told them about my childhood, and they have often said, “Why don’t you write it all down?”, so that’s exactly what I did.”
Candy Jar Publishing Co-
Maureen agrees and would encourage others to write down their life stories. She continues: “Yes, I would and in fact I do. I know one woman who used to be a war correspondent and one man who had a brilliant military career. People have fascinating lives and they should be documented.”
One of Candy Jar’s most popular titles is Eileen Younghusband’s One Woman’s War, which offers a vivid insight into the life of a young woman facing the grim reality of war. Shaun Russell, Head of Publishing, says: “Old Clothes and Porridge reminds me so much of One Woman’s War. As soon as I read it, I knew Maureen’s story would touch hearts across the generations. This book is attention grabbing, well-
After being advised by her best friend’s granddaughter of the benefits of being in control of the publishing process, Maureen decided to go with Jelly Bean. Maureen says: “It was great to receive an email from Shaun on 19th January and the books arrived on 19th March! And when you hold that book in your hands it’s like having a new baby.”
Overwhelmed by the support of her family and friends, Maureen is really delighted with the end product. She concludes: “I would like to send my gratitude to everyone who has read my book and for the lovely things they have been saying about it. I am so pleased that it now available on Amazon.”
Old Clothes and Porridge is now available worldwide through Amazon. To order the book visit: https://tinyurl.com/ycybtlg3
APRIL (7-
RORY AND HARLOW'S TIME TRAVELLING TAXI
KING ALFRED AND THE CAKES
By Rob Willsher
Illustrated by Patrick Coombes
Candy Jar is pleased to announce its second ‘Book of the Month’, Rory and Harlow’s Time Travelling Taxi by Rob Willsher. Published with the help and support of Candy Jar’s partner imprint Jelly Bean Books, it tells the story of two dogs, Rory and Harlow, and how they find a magical taxi that transports them back in time on a historical adventure of a lifetime.
In a recent interview, Rob explains how the idea for Rory and Harlow’s Time Travelling Taxi was, in fact, more of a collaboration. He explained: "Many years ago I was a London cab driver. At the time we had some rescue dogs and on a few occasions I took one of the dogs, Toto, to work with me in the front of the taxi. That’s when my wife Fiona came up with the idea of us doing a book about a dog that travels to historical places in London, or even all around the world!"
The book’s target audience is four to eight and adheres to the National Curriculum for this age group. In the book, Rory and Harlow travel back in time and meet Alfred the Great, who defeated the Danes by sending messages to his officers, thus highlighting the importance of being able to read and write.
Rob states: "One of the greatest skills in life is the ability to read. Even if all you are reading is a tin of beans, it can take you so far in life. I hope I’m helping to encourage a new generation of readers."
Rob is currently working on the second book in the series entitled The Woman with the Long Red Hair, which focuses on Boadicea, who was bullied by the Romans over how much land she was entitled to after her husband’s death, and is a topic that children can relate to.
Rob continues: "They are books that you can read to your child, or that your child can read to themselves. I gave Rory and Harlow’s Time Travelling Taxi to a twelve to thirteen year old to read and he couldn’t put it down, saying it was nice and easy to read, especially with the pictures. Even adults have said they’ve learned something from the book!"
Although currently published by Jelly Bean Books, Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, says: "This book has a lot of potential and I can see lots of children and parents really taking an interest. The text is a mixture of fact and fiction and, paired with beautiful illustrations by artist Patrick Coombes, it is perfect for those who are just getting into reading. Once the Candy Jar schedule has cleared up, we are hoping to bring this book out as one of our own."
With the promise of becoming a Candy Jar publication in the near future Rory and Harlow’s Time Travelling Taxi is sure to be a hit. Both entertaining and educational, the book will make a great addition to any bookshelf and is sure to give young eyes a workout!
For now Rory and Harlow’s Time Travelling Taxi can be bought and enjoyed straight from the author. To order the book visit https://roryandharlows.co.uk/
MARCH (8-
TIMESPLIT
By Paul W Robinson
Mary Edith Pechey and Marie Curie were two of the most influential women of their times. Marie Curie conducted significant research on radioactivity as well as being the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two different sciences. Edith Pechey was one of the first female doctors in the United Kingdom and a promoter of women’s rights. Both women were contrapuntal to the development of the human race, but what would happen if their lives were thrown off track?
Inspired by a writing exercise, Paul created Timesplit after receiving the prompt, “One day she woke up…” He combined this with his expansive knowledge of famous women throughout history – of which he has a list – in order to raise more awareness of their achievements.
Paul explains: “I am a strong believer in writing about important female characters. I want to readdress the balance between the genders while teaching younger girls about amazing, influential women.”
Having taught young people for the past forty years, including working with those hard of hearing, Paul’s main aspiration is to develop new role models in order to inspire his students. He aims to create more relatable and exceptional characters; Charlie Holmes is based on one of his deaf students, Charlotte.
Timesplit encapsulates adolescence in a realistic way, with a generous serving of miscommunication, humour, love and heartbreak. Paul will soon be featured in The Lucy Wilson Mysteries: Lockdown collection.
Paul's books are available for https://paulrobinsonbooks.onlineweb.shop/
Check out his Charlie Holmes books. Charlie Abroad is available here.