'Timelines' Takes Over Historic Ordsall Hall

Ordsall Hall

Historic Ordsall Hall provided the stunning setting for the Timelines anthology relaunch, as part of Manchester Children's Book Festival. A number of the contributors to the anthology - a "unique project" written and illustrated by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) students - were brought together in the magnificent surroundings of the Tudor manor house to read excerpts from their own short stories.

Manchester Writing School's Livi Michael and Iris Feindt

Speaking to us ahead of the readings, in the impressive main hall of the building, Livi Michael and Iris Feindt from Manchester Writing School were clearly overjoyed by the choice of venue. Iris said "I don't know why I've never been here before, it's such an amazing place. I could just sit here all day!" Whilst Livi added, "We were at (the Family Fun Day) all day yesterday, which was rather noisy, so it's lovely to be here at this beautiful, rather calmer, place. We love the setting, we hope it will make everyone feel happy about doing their readings."

Asked about the Timelines anthology itself, Iris told us,

"It came about last year. Livi and I edited it and it's a collection of short stories written by master's degree children's writers and some of their tutors. It's to give the writers a 'leg up,' because it is really difficult to get published, to get that first step on the publishing ladder. It was illustrated by students from the Manchester School of Art and we feel that the illustrations completely bring the collection to life.

The authors of Timelines

"The writers on the anthology had a really professional attitude throughout, whilst it was being edited. We didn't have anyone who was really precious about their work. We made them jump though so many hoops, just to try to make the ending work, we'd say "try this, try that ..." and some of them had to write it several times, but they did it and they all had a really good attitude which was nice to see. It's good for them to have been through that process. It's a university publication, but it doesn't look or feel like a university publication because there was a strict selection process and it's been handled so professionally." Meanwhile, Livi added,

"We publish Timelines to a professional standard and it's marketed through Amazon and Blackwells, so it is also sold professionally. Every story in there has been edited and proofread many times over. And the illustrations are great."

Dan Seitler and Yosef Kanter, both aged 7.

Iris was first to read from her short story The White Line, which is set in Berlin during the Cold War and deals with the building of the Berlin Wall. 

Another contributor to the anthology, Marie Dentan, had traveled all the way from Paris to be at the Festival and read from her short story Robin and the King. Marie told us, "Ordsall Hall is amazing, it's really beautiful. For the Timelines event it is perfect."

Last to read was Kim Hutson who not only works at Ordsall Hall but also set her own short story at the Tudor manor itself. She said, "I realised that the things we usually talk about here are to do with Tudor times and the 16th and 17th centuries. I wanted to do something different with my story, The Silver Spoons of Ordsall Hall, so it is actually set in 1831."

Oscar and the White Lady illustrator Adam Pryce shares his craft

In fact, Kim had yet another reason to be excited about the event, as her latest children's book Oscar and The White Lady, again set at Ordsall Hall, was enjoying a pre-launch party in the manor house kitchen. Children were busy learning to draw some of the book's characters with the illustrator Adam Pryce. He told us,

"It's a story about a young boy who is obsessed with ghosts and he comes here to search through each of the rooms. The book will be launched here properly in a couple of weeks at a special outdoor event. I'm just working with the children here, who are drawing Oddy the Mouse, a new mascot I invented for Ordsall Hall, who appears on every page of Oscar and the White Lady."

In addition to exploring the hall's many interesting chambers, the children at the event enjoyed loads of great activities, including dressing up and, for a brave few, even a spooky storytelling in the haunted attic! We had to leave that particular activity quite early on ... eek!

***

The follow up book to the Timelines anthology is a brand new collection entitled Crimelines and will be the focus of a further Festival event on 5th July at John Rylands Library. Find out more information here.

- NH

Arthur's Dream Boat at Z-Arts

The Festival Family Fun Day was an enormous success! Children and families packed into Manchester Metropolitan University to meet their favourite authors and enjoy all of the many events and activities on offer. Despite the hectic schedule, however, we still found the time to head down to Z-Arts Centre for a special performance of Polly Dunbar's Arthur's Dream Boat, by Brighton-based children's theatre company, Long Nose Puppets. And boy, were we happy we went.

c/o longnosepuppets.com

From the moment the lights went down, the filled theatre was entirely mesmerised, children and adults alike. A voice addressed the crowd, "Ladies and Jellyfish..." and we were introduced to a snoring Arthur. The story follows Arthur (and his mischievous pet dog) as he wakes from a dream about a boat with pink and green stripes and a sail with red spots. He tries desperately to tell his family all about his dream, but he finds them all either too busy, or too lazy, to listen to him. 

The original music which accompanies each scene of this extraordinary production would, if it were to be released in its own right, probably storm the charts. Composed by Tom Gray, guitarist/vocalist/keyboard player with the band Gomez, the songs are beautifully crafted to fit the show perfectly. A scene in which Arthur tries to tell his older brother about his dream, for example, only to be met with digital, teenage obliviousness, is an absolute triumph. The song which opens the scene will stay with you for a long, long while after, and you wont mind one bit.

 

As Arthur's frustration at being ignored by his family grows, so too does his dream boat. What is more, strange things begin to happen in the house - not that his family notices. The dream boat gets bigger and bigger until the show reaches a surprising crescendo, which left the audience in the Z-Arts theatre delighted. This adaption of Arthur's Dream Boat is full of belly laughs, amazing tunes and beautifully original puppetry and storytelling, if ever you have chance to see it, do not miss it, whatever age you are.

After the show, the children in the audience were invited to meet the puppets, which are made "out of anything and everything: latex, wood, found objects, socks, old umbrellas and the odd lampshade."

The Long Nose Puppet Theatre was originally cofounded by Arthur's Dream Boat and Tilly and Friends author, Polly Dunbar, along with university friend and fellow illustrator, Katherine Morton, in 2006. The theatre has adapted four shows from Polly's books, including Arthur's Dream Boat. They have had a hit show at the Edinburgh Festival and performed at the National Gallery and the Downing Street Christmas Party.

For more great Manchester Children's Book Festival events visit our What's On Guide. For more photos from the Family Fun Day you can head over to our Flickr page.

“Every snowflake is different, every snowflake is perfect”: Cerrie Burnell entertains everyone at the Festival Family Fun Day

CBeebies presenter and Manchester Metropolitan University graduate, Cerrie Burnell, joined in the Family Fun Day festivities with a special visit to Lecture Theatre 1 of the Geoffrey Manton Building.

Cerrie was here to promote her new book, Snowflakes. Cerrie said: “Books are magical adventures. When you open one, you can go anywhere.” During her appearance, she recited Snowflakes in its entirety. The book’s illustrations, which were drawn by Laura Ellen Anderson, were shown on a large projector. Throughout the reading, Cerrie encouraged her audience to join in and some younger members of the crowd were even called upon to act as Mia, the book’s main character.

We were told that Mia had moved from the city, where she lived with her parents, to live with her grandmother in the countryside. Mia considered herself different to all the other people around her because she no longer lived with her parents, which made her feel sad. Learning about snowflakes helped Mia to understand that we are all unique and have different lives, yet every single one of us is important: “Every snowflake is different, every snowflake is perfect.”

During a break in the performance, the children were invited to colour in their own pictures of snowflakes whilst Cerrie toured the lecture theatre to meet her fans. The children all stood at the front to show off their beautiful pictures.

Whilst the colouring was taking place, we spoke to some of the children in the audience.

Maisie, age 4, who was visiting the Festival with her grandma and granddad, said: “I’m looking forward to getting a new book.”

Solomon, age 3, enjoyed listening to the story with his mummy. He said he most liked hearing, “…all about the snowflakes and watching the lady from CBeebies.”

Bryn, age 6, who was visiting with his sister, Freya, said: “I really like looking at the books and I’ve read Oliver and the Seawigs so we’re going to meet those authors later too.”

After the reading was over, Cerrie held a short Q & A session. “Did it take a long time to write the book?” asked one of the children: “From the moment I wrote it to it being on the shelf, it took two and a half years”, she answered. Cerrie also explained that with each new book she writes, the time it takes to publish would be shorter.

Later that morning, Cerrie held a book signing in the Geoffrey Manton Atrium. She really enjoyed meeting her fans. She said: “It’s always such a lovely, warm and receptive audience in Manchester. Two children came to join me on stage spontaneously and read poems, which was wonderful and very endearing.”

- FM & SA

Secrets of success: A thought-provoking morning with Sufiya Ahmed

Day one of the Festival saw experienced political activist turned children’s author, Sufiya Ahmed, visit Manchester Metropolitan University’s Geoffrey Manton building to share her tips on becoming a published author and talk about her debut novel, Secrets of the Henna Girl.

Prior to becoming an author, Sufiya’s career in marketing and politics exposed her to various new experiences, enabling her to discover her true passions. She started out working for an advertising firm, which allowed her to travel across the world, visiting parts of America, Asia and Europe. Following this, she went on to work in Parliament, where she met members of a lobbying group who campaigned against forced marriages.

Inspired by these women’s stories of courage against adversity, Sufiya wrote Secrets of the Henna Girl. The book deals with the controversial topic of forced marriage, based on the experiences of a fictional 16-year-old girl called Zeba. Although harrowing, Zeba’s tale is ultimately one of hope and empowerment. Sufiya hopes to convey the message that it is possible for women to make a change and break free of forced marriages: “The story is about how she finds the courage to come back home”, Sufiya said.

Although focused on women’s rights, Sufiya’s talk also touched upon aspects of her experience as a writer. Sufiya explained how she conveys a sense of place to her readers – despite having sometimes never visited her fictional destinations - and shared her experiences of working with publishing houses: “There’s absolutely no point sending anything to anyone unless it’s done to the best of your ability.” Publishers rejected Sufiya three times before she was successful. On meeting some of her readers, Sufiya said:

“I think it’s really important to reach out and meet your readers. It’s also important to give them a chance to ask about the writing process so they can learn about it. I think the lesson I’m trying to communicate is that despite taking fifteen years to get published I didn’t give up. It’s important to keep plugging away.”

Many students local to Manchester attended the event, including pupils from Whalley Range 11-18 High School, The Lowton Church of England High School, Canon Slade School, and Smithills School. The event was very audience-friendly, encouraging students to test their knowledge of women’s rights and share their opinions. Sufiya's talk ended with a short Q & A session and a book signing.

A further highlight was the prize book draw. Mohima Ali, a Year 7 pupil at The Lowton Church of England High School, won a signed copy of Secrets of the Henna Girl. Mohima was delighted with her prize and said: "It was really surprising to win...I'm gonna read [the book] now!"

A group of eight pupils from Whalley Range 11-18 High School then met with Sufiya to discuss women’s rights in modern day Britain. Sufiya was keen to hear their thoughts on forced marriage – particularly how it’s addressed on the school curriculum. Year 10 pupil, Aala Alshami, said: “I thought it was really interesting to meet Sufiya Ahmed and hear about forced marriage because it could happen to anyone.”

Overall this thought-provoking and at times challenging event encouraged pupils to think about the author’s artistic licence and opened their eyes to the harsh every day realities behind the books they read.

- FM & SA

Reading & Writing Relay continues across Greater Manchester

This past week has seen author, illustrator and animator, Curtis Jobling, carry the Reading and Writing Relay baton for MCBF across the Greater Manchester area.

Curtis has been giving inspirational talks to pupils at schools about his past career in animation, and his current professional as a children’s author.

Pupils from St Paul's High School gather round Curtis
to get their books signed

Curtis visited schools as far as Wythenshawe, where he began the week at St Paul’s High School on Tuesday 17^th June. Year 7 pupils were motivated to stick by their hobbies, for one day they might become their careers.

Year 7 pupil of St Paul’s, Keeley Vesey, commented “[Curtis] was really good, and he’s encouraged me to read more. Now I want to go to university”.

Manchester Communications Academy pupils Kyra
Macdonald and Brandon Hughes with Curtis Jobling

Curtis then travelled straight to Manchester Communication Academy, where he encouraged pupils to take part in the Neville Johnson Comic Strip competition, which is judged by Curtis himself. Pupils eagerly queued for Curtis to sign copies of Wereworld and Haunt, and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

On Wednesday, Curtis hit Stockport to visit the year 7 pupils at Reddish Vale Technology College, as well as year 6 pupils from local feeder school, Abingdon Primary. He read extracts from his Wereworld series, as well as the first chapter of his new book, Haunt: Dead Scared.

Pupil, Ellie Williams, said “I can’t wait to read Haunt as Curtis made it sound so exciting”. Haunt seemed to go down a storm with another pupil, Normaan Akram, adding “I will definitely be reading Haunt, Curtis is very inspiring”.

Curtis ended this week’s author visits to schools on Thursday by visiting St Bede’s College in Whalley Range. Curtis drew examples of his work, featuring images of Bob the Builder, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, and Curious Cow. “I enjoyed the way Curtis explained everything and how he drew the pictures.” Year 7 pupil Dmargio Wright-Philips told us.

Teacher, Mr Joyce-O’Keefe, added “Today was very stimulation and interesting for the pupils. He has shown them how a hobby can become a career, and that is inspirational to them”.

All-in-all, this week has been a very busy one for both Curtis Jobling and the MCBF team. Next week Curtis will continue the Reading and Writing Relay by visiting Marple Hall School in Stockport, which will conclude Curtis’ author visits to schools this festival. Authors including Justin Somper, Ali Sparkes, Liz Kessler, Cathy Cassidy and Steve Cole, will continue the Reading and Writing Relay throughout the Festival. To keep up to date with the baton, or to take part in the Relay yourself, follow the Reading & Writing Relay blog.

Curtis Jobling continues the Reading and Writing Relay trailblazer!

Curtis Jobling continued the Manchester Children’s Book Festival Reading and Writing Relay today by visiting The King's School in Macclesfield.

Curtis spoke to an audience of 70 pupils about his new book Haunt and his bestselling series Wereworld.

Curtis then led an inspiring Q+A session, as Curtis explained his ability to tell a story arose from playing with his friends as a child. He also went on to encourage any budding writers to enter the Comic Smart competition – judged by Curtis himself.

Olivia Walwyn, the school librarian, said, “It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to hear from such a talented writer and illustrator and to share his enthusiasm for reading and writing”. 

The pupils of The King's School thought the event was excellent, Ben Sneddon said that “It was very funny and entertaining” while Agnes Homer said “It was all good. It makes me want to read all the books!”

After Curtis performed extracts from his books, many of the children bought copies from the Werewold series and Haunt for him to sign – and the teachers even received signed Bob the Builder and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion posters for the school library.

All in all Curtis went down a storm and we can’t wait for the rest of his tour of Greater Manchester Schools.

If you would like to enter the Comic Strip competition, please click here to download an application form and a storyboard. Entries will be judged by Curtis and the winner will receive a professionally designed framed print of their Comic Strip.

Curtis Jobling Begins his MCBF Tour of Greater Manchester Schools

Yesterday over 100 pupils from schools across Greater Manchester descended on Central and Fallowfield libraries to meet author and illustrator, Curtis Jobling. Curtis will be touring Manchester Schools in the run up to the 2014 Manchester Children’s Book Festival to launch his new book, Haunt, as well as a brand new comic strip competition, devised in association with one of our sponsors, Neville Johnson.

Curtis entertained his audiences with a curious game of ‘Scary Man or Wolf Man’, showed them hilarious cartoon clips from his ever-popular Curious Cow animation series and gave them an exclusive preview of a trailer for his new book, Haunt. The audience was amazed to discover that the trailer had been put together by pupils at Penketh High School in Warrington; formally Curtis’ own stomping ground as a teenager!

Taejon Edwards from Barlow RC High School, felt inspired by Curtis’ performance: “I really liked the way Curtis encouraged us to pursue our hobbies.”

Fellow pupil, Luke Tann, thought, “It was really interesting. I loved watching his animations and hearing him read from his new book.”

Teacher, Kevin Sheehan, from Loreto High School, couldn’t agree more: “Curtis is a brilliant entertainer, he really engaged with our students”.

Molly Santer from Reddish Vale High School is very excited about entering the Neville Johnson comic strip competition: “I can’t wait to read Haunt, it sounds amazing!”

If you would like to enter the Comic Strip competition, please click here to download an application form and a storyboard. Entries will be judged by Curtis and the winner will receive a professionally designed framed print of their Comic Strip.

The 2014 Manchester Children’s Book Festival takes place between the 26^th June  and 6^th July. If you would like to take part click here.

Rainy Day

Yet another rainy day in Manchester meant our Sea Monkeys couldn’t play outside again. Expecting them to be up to mischief as usual, I went to see what they were up to, and was pleasantly surprised to find them reading stories from MCBF authors past and present.

Cathy Cassidy will be joining us for afternoon tea at the Midland Hotel on Saturday 5th July from 2pm.or afternoon tea with a vintage twist! You’ll be free to snack on delicious cakes and sandwiches as you listen to Cathy read from and discuss her popular Chocolate Box Girl series! The books follow the Tanberry sisters as they forge friendships, develop crushes and follow their dreams.

During the event, Cathy will meet and greet guests, answer any questions and will also be signing your books, so be sure to bring them along! If you like, you can even dress up in your best vintage outfits for this lovely afternoon tea party. 

 

The venue for this fun-filled family day out is the gorgeous Midland Hotel, which is located next to Manchester Central, within easy walking distance of Piccadilly Gardens. The hotel is renowned for its afternoon tea, and in the last century has played host to Kings and Queens as well as presidents and rock stars, so you can be sure that you’re in for a treat!

Cathy’s events are always popular and this charming day out is no exception. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment and to ensure you don’t miss out on the fun. As usual, tickets are available at mcbf.org. Adult tickets cost £25 and concessions (children aged 12 and under) are £19.

Find out more here:http://www.mcbf.org.uk/whats-on/events/cathy-cassidy-vintage-afternoon-tea-at-the-midland-hotel

Meet Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre at the Family Fun Day on Saturday 28th June from 10am.

The Manchester Children’s Book Festival welcomes everyone to the 2014 Festival Family Fun Day – a full Saturday of free activities at Manchester Metropolitan University’s All Saints Campus (on Oxford Road).

Come along and join the fun – there’ll be something for everyone, from pre-readers and nursery age-children to teens and families. And, as well as story-telling arts, crafts and workshops, there’ll be a bustling market-place of stalls and exhibitions to browse and enjoy. FREE - just drop in any time from 10.00am to 4.00pm!

Don’t miss this chance to meet the wonderful Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre in Manchester, for a lively journey into the world of Oliver and the Seawigs. Get ready for the grand Seawigs Parade at 1.30pm. Bring your seawigs along or make one on the day at our wigs workshop. Bring your monkey drawings and creations along or join in the A Mazing Monkeys craft sessions with Manchester Libraries and Archives+.

Find out more here: http://www.mcbf.org.uk/whats-on/events/festival-family-fun-day