Children’s

From the day when she was born, Akea’s father knew that she was different; that she was destined for something great.

The lone wolf, Kazakh, had sensed it too and even though it was against pack law, he knew that he must help this young husky to be ready, no matter what the cost.

Author Elizabeth Jade was born in 1998 in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, England, but moved with her family to Wellington in Somerset when she was very young. Her early schooling did not go smoothly and as a result, she was home-schooled from the age of seven. Her parents soon learned she had a unique slant on life and quickly abandoned attempts to follow the national curriculum in favour of child-led learning.

Elizabeth stumbled into writing at the age of fourteen when she began to suffer from anxiety and depression and quickly found her story ideas pouring out faster than she could get them onto paper. It wasn’t until the age of eighteen that she realised her struggles in school had been due to Aspergers Syndrome (an autistic spectrum disorder).

As an enthusiastic animal lover, Elizabeth volunteered first at the Conquest Riding Centre for the Disabled and then at St Giles’ Animal Rescue before moving on to the Cats Protection Homing and Information Centre. Her gifted way with the cats quickly earned her the title of ‘Cat Whisperer’ from the staff. Since she had always possessed such a way with animals, it was only natural for her story ideas to revolve around them.

Elizabeth’s personal experience as a young author with the challenges of autism, depression and anxiety, along with her writing theme of acceptance and overcoming obstacles, have led to her having a junior school class named after her.

The delightful story of a naughty little shrew who decided he did not want to go to school and would play ‘Pirates’ at home all day instead.

Author Stuart Harris is an archaeologist by profession, but in his spare time, loves creating stories for his young children, one of whom has autism and is a tough critic.

Stuart gains great satisfaction from the enjoyment provided.

The Pirate Shrew is the first of his stories to be shared with a much wider audience. See also, The Archaeology Fox.

Author Kellie Hamill has written this delightful book that will show children that the Bumblebee is the friend of nature.

The exciting story of how Mackerel, the ship’s cat on the Jolly Daisy saved the ship and its entire crew from imprisonment or worse!

Author Teresa Harrison-Best lives in Worthing, West Sussex.

She is married to Stuart and currently has four rescue cats, none of whom are pirates!

They have three grown-up children and six beautiful grandchildren.

She had her first book, which she illustrated herself, Catawall, Fluent in Feline, published in 2012.

Although she has always enjoyed writing, reading stories to the grandchildren gave her the inspiration for Mackerel.

Teresa is a great advocate for animals. She is a proud member of the Cat Writers Association.

The purpose of the book is to entertain, inform and expand vocabulary. In addition, the sub-text is one of hope and overcoming adversity, to embrace and celebrate difference. This introduction to the profiles of each canine character alludes to less easy times in their lives, that they narrate in their own unique way.

Marley, Woody and Loki have come together from very different backgrounds and have forged unbreakable sibling love. They have learned trust, tolerance and understanding and from this have flourished in their abilities to exhibit kindness, generosity and patience towards each other and the people they encounter.

The book also confirms that many different cultures, traditions and differences can unite as family. On reflection, it is about acceptance of quirks, mannerisms and behaviours that make all of us, canine and human; truly special …

After training as a nurse, author Debbie Willies travelled back-packing around Europe. She eventually worked as a district nurse in Crete which gave her the experience and linguistic skills to return to the UK as a Greek linguist. She then studied for a BA in English and Media which enabled her to teach English to secondary grade students and to adults.

Later and latterly, she worked in a specific provision school, specializing in Autism Spectrum, Attachment and Complex Social and Emotional differences as the school’s SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and this role took precedence over her personal writing. However, her ambition was always to write tales for children.

The three charming dogs she acquired accidentally became the subject matter of this, her first published book. She now enjoys stomping the downs, beaches and surrounding areas of her beloved West Sussex with her husband and the `family,’ taking pictures and making mental notes for the next story…

The real Kafeero was a childhood pet adored by the entire family. It was my father, a real animal lover who introduced the little monkey to our home. There he joined a number of other animals. However, in his efforts to fit in, he indulged in behaviour that was unacceptable to some of the other adults. And one Sunday morning the family awoke to find that he was no more. Kafeero left a void in the hearts of many people, and I wrote this story to keep his memory alive.

I dedicate this book to my family and to all children who have ever lost a pet.

Celebrating some of the history we were not taught in schools. From black Tudors to black Romans to black soldiers…Black History is All our History.

Mya’s learning about important kings at school and asks, ‘Why don’t any of these kings look like me?’ Dad teaches Mya about five extraordinary kings from Africa, famous for their innovation, wealth, military tactics and education. In African Kings, Ricky Strachan, explores lesser-taught histories to help children discover a more rounded view of history. Uncover a global perspective and challenge your stereotypes as you learn about a diverse caste of kings.