Blue Poppy Publishing was set up by local author, Oliver J (Olli) Tooley, initially to publish his own books, but he has subsequently opened it to other, mainly local, authors. I have just seen copies of the two latest publications, both children’s books. I should declare an interest in that I helped fund the publication of both books. However, I have no financial, or other, interest in their success or otherwise.
My grandson Alex, just turned 4, happened to be with me when the books were delivered, and, as soon as he saw the cover of Teeny Tiny Witch by Sheila Golding, illustrated by Colin Rowe, he insisted on his mother reading it to him.
He refused to go home until she had read the entire book. Later, my daughter told me “Alex really loved that book. He was chatting away about it before bed.” I guess that is the equivalent of 5 stars. I was very much taken with the illustrations, which are stupendous. When I saw Alex the next day, he again referenced the book several times, so it clearly made an impression on him.
The paperback may seem expensive at £6, but the illustrations are in full, and brilliant, colour throughout, and, in my view, the book is well worth it.
Many of you will remember the Summer Reading Challenge at Ilfracombe Library, where Olli Tooley gave away copies of his book, For Cats’ Eyes Only. Not only was that the most successful Summer Reading Challenge that Ilfracombe Library had ever done, but I am told that it attracted more children – over 300 – than did libraries in many bigger towns. Judging by comments later, it appears that book was popular with youngsters and their parents. Olli has now written a sequel, Dr Gnaw, which is available for purchase now.
The paperback may seem expensive at £6, but the illustrations are in full, and brilliant, colour throughout, and, in my view, the book is well worth it.
Many of you will remember the Summer Reading Challenge at Ilfracombe Library, where Olli Tooley gave away copies of his book, For Cats’ Eyes Only. Not only was that the most successful Summer Reading Challenge that Ilfracombe Library had ever done, but I am told that it attracted more children – over 300 – than did libraries in many bigger towns. Judging by comments later, it appears that book was popular with youngsters and their parents. Olli has now written a sequel, Dr Gnaw, which is available for purchase now.
However, if you have a child with an Ilfracombe Library card, try to keep them from spending your money – on 15th December, Olli will be at Ilfracombe Library giving the book away to any child with a library card.
As with its predecessor, the book is well illustrated by Amii James, who illustrated For Cats’ Eyes Only, and, as with its predecessor, it is filled with puns and jokes – why change a winning formula? The author suggests that it is suitable for all ages from 6 to 106. I am not sure many adults would read it for their own pleasure, but they will find, much as with Roald Dahl, that there is enough there to keep them amused while reading to their children.
Both books can be bought from the Blue Poppy website, https://bluepoppypublishing.co.uk/shop/. You can also get both books on Kindle from Amazon, although I would suggest that both would be enjoyed more by children as physical books.
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As with its predecessor, the book is well illustrated by Amii James, who illustrated For Cats’ Eyes Only, and, as with its predecessor, it is filled with puns and jokes – why change a winning formula? The author suggests that it is suitable for all ages from 6 to 106. I am not sure many adults would read it for their own pleasure, but they will find, much as with Roald Dahl, that there is enough there to keep them amused while reading to their children.
Both books can be bought from the Blue Poppy website, https://bluepoppypublishing.co.uk/shop/. You can also get both books on Kindle from Amazon, although I would suggest that both would be enjoyed more by children as physical books.
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On every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from now until Christmas, Santa will be travelling around town, stopping at various points and allowing children (of all ages) to step up on the sleigh and have a chat. The best way of finding where and when is to look at the Facebook page Santa Visits Ilfracombe.
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