Every year I feature some books that I’ve helped create over the year, in my 12 days of Christmas showcase.
All these books are also in my #BookMates Bookshop – which is inspired by all of my authors within the Writers’ Refinery Facebook group (come and join us if you’re not already a member, it’s totally free and a great place to meet other authory people, plus those who are just starting out on their writers journey)
Day 1 of the 12 days of Christmas – and we have the wonderful Rebecca Cole and her book All Access Sewing.
This is a sewing book with a difference with fifteen handy how-to projects to make your wardrobe more accessible, interviews with disabled sewers, and guides to setting up your sewing space and kit!
Day 2 is Bev Walton’s rhyming picture book telling the story of an untidy boy, who learns that perhaps being tidy is best after all.
No matter how many times Mum asks her young son to sort out his bedroom, he just can’t be bothered.
That is, until some rather strange things begin to happen. It seems it’s not just Mum who’s tired of his mess…
Day 3
Inspirational Leads by Tony Mallett
Published by Compass-Publishing UK
You can buy from here ->
Day 3 is Tony Mallet’s book for young entrepreneurs who are just finding their feet…or for those who are feeling a bit lost in the work/jungle life balance.
Aimed at University leavers this book helps young adults understand why it’s important to find your passion and how to approach life and work in a fulfilling and holistic way.
Day 4 and we have Shirley Camfield’s first book in a series of piano tutor books aimed at the young beginner.
It begins at the very first lesson and gradually introduces new notes and techniques including rhythm, first dynamics, staccato and legato, tied notes, phrasing and new hand positions. The pieces are all in the key of C major and are inspired by the title “Around the World”, depicting different scenes found around the world, to take the young pianist on an enjoyable journey, with coloured sketches and lyrics to accompany each piece.
Day 5
Wizard Beano and Pals Show How They Care for the Planet by Paula Fowler
You can buy from here ->
Day 5 is Paula Fowler’s second book in her series which follows Wizard Beano around the Sunderland area as he spreads friendship and kindness, and sprinkles his magic.
How will the Kittiwake get home?
Why is the hermit crab so sad?
What has frightened the baby seal?
The wizard springs into action!
As he and his friend, Charlie, visit different places in the wonderful North East, they make new friends and and ways to help care for wildlife and our beautiful planet.
Day 6 is our very own Write Now. notebook! The perfect place for all of your authory notes.
With a gorgeously tactile cover which begs to be touched and held, it opens to reveal sumptuous off white paper which is perfect for any writing instrument, be it pen, ink, biro or rollerball. The binding is specifically designed so it can be opened up flat, allowing easy writing or sketching.
On Day 7 we meet the Benedict brothers of Yolktown! They spend all their time being mean and naughty. Ed doesn’t like it. Not one bit. But how can he get them to change?
In Steven Udale’s second book we rejoin Ed, our bobble-hat hero, as he tries to stop this noise, hoping that for Yolktown’s sake, he can finally change the boys.
Day 8 and Kirsten Elder introduces us to Sam. Sam doesn’t like getting washed and dressed in the mornings. Putting his clothes on in the right order and the right way round is tricky. Sam would much rather look at his books and have pretend adventures in his imagination.
But could an imaginative adventure actually help him to get ready for the day? We join Sam on his exciting journey across the seas as he meets pirates and snakes – and gives his mum a big surprise.
For Day 9 we have Sue Kittow with Lainy’s Tale. Suki is smitten with her new rescue, Lainy who struggles with PTSD and Suki doesn’t know how to help her dog. When she meets a musician whose music calms terrified Lainy, Suki thinks he’s the answer to her prayers. But he is not who he appears to be, and suddenly Suki’s happiness – and Lainy’s too – is at risk.
What is this man’s secret, and can Suki learn how to say no before he destroys their future?
Day 10 is this unputdownable Cornish cozy murder mystery from Jane McParkes.
Eco-architect Olivia Wells returns to the Cornish village of Penbartha intent on fulfilling her god-father’s bequest. Opposition soon surfaces and it becomes clear that not everyone is committed to the cause. After an unexpected argument with someone she considered a friend and ally, Olivia finds her murdered body.
The tight-knit Cornish community hampers police investigations and when the forensic evidence places Olivia firmly in the frame, she is persuaded to put her trust in an unlikely accomplice. Will Olivia be able to find the killer before they make her their next target, or will this inheritance turn out to be the deadliest of all?
Day 11 is book 3 in Kylie Dixon’s magical Inkcap series. It’s winter and a biting cold has swept across the Magical World of Mushroom Marvellous. When Inkcap discovers his best friend Scales is nowhere to be found in the allotment, he has no choice but to venture beyond the gate to find him.
But who are the wrinkly old mushrooms living deep within the forest? And why are they so interested in the mystical ring of red toadstools? Follow Inkcap, Scales and the Bonnets as we journey beyond the allotment gate for the very first time, in this whimsical, action-packed tale of friendship and adventure.
Last but definitely not least we have Everyone Hates Rats by Chloe Atkinson. This beautifully hand-illustrated book is about self-acceptance, and finding friends who happily accept us too, just as we are.
