Animal Stew: A Delicious Collection of Short Stories for Children

MMU showcases talent with support of Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and children’s author Liz Kessler

Children and parents listen up. New anthology Animal Stew has been published as part of the Manchester Children’s Book Festival at Manchester Metropolitan University. The anthology of short stories about animals is the brainchild of Sherry Ashworth, author and senior lecturer in Creative Writing, and the collection features students’ writing and art work alongside that of recent graduates.

Poet Laureate Professor Carol Ann Duffy CBE OBE, Creative Director of the Manchester Writing School at MMU describes the anthology as “fascinating, entertaining stories from some very talented new writers.”

Liz Kessler, the renowned author of the Emily Windsnap series, adds: “As someone who has spent the last decade writing books for children, one of my favourite things is to spot emerging talent in the world of children’s books - and there is plenty of that in this collection.”

The book was co-edited by Iris Feindt of Pandril Press and Helen Sea of Books Are Loud, and was designed in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University art students.

Iris Feindt said: “It was great to see the stories evolve and grow. From homesick puppies, to book-eating worms, to philosophising goldfish, tap dancing turtles, messy pigs and much, much more, there is so much variety.”

Helen Sea added: “The students are of such high calibre that the editing and design process was really exciting.”

Sherry Ashworth says, “These students are the children’s writers of the future.”

The launch of Animal Stew will take place as part of the MCBF at Manchester Metropolitan University on Saturday 30^th June. Stroll over and see what the fuss is all about!