I’ve had a lovely quiet summer, and now I’m ready for a few events.

First up is a talk in the Red Rua arts centre in Tallaght, tomorrow morning (Sept 11th). This is a seminar aimed at adults who are hoping to get into writing and illustrating childrens books. Apparently I’m an expert!!!

Next it’s a dash across to DunLaoghaire for the book lunch (see previous post for details.)

On Saturday evening, I’m going to dinner with the other writers from the lunch. I’m really looking forward to this, as I hardly ever get the chance to spend more than a few minutes with my fellow writers.

On Sunday afternoon (Sept 12th) I’m doing a reading in Dun Laoghaire with my friend Sarah Webb. Readings with Sarah are always fun, so I’m looking forward to this too.

After that it’s back home for a nice rest!

Hope to see some of you at the events.

XXX

I’ve just received an advance copy of Eva’s Journey – all pink and shiny and new. It’s very exciting, but a bit scary too. I’ve been writing about Alice and Megan for so long, it seems strange to be starting all over again with new characters.

Still, I’m already very fond of Eva and her friends, and I hope my readers will feel the same!

Eva’s Journey will be on sale a week from now on September 6th.

Great news for anyone who can get to Dun Laoghaire on September 11th.

There’s a children’s book lunch which promises to be a fantastic event. Details are below, and last time I checked, there were a few tickets left. So if your birthday’s coming up, or if someone would like to treat you – — I might see you there.

Monster Book Lunch – Sat 11^th September

Sponsored by Walker Books, to celebrate their 30^th birthday

Does your child or teen love books and talking about books? Then this is the event for you – a fantastic literary lunch for young readers, with an author or illustrator at every table!

Fifteen authors will host fifteen different tables, and one of those tables has your name on it (don’t worry, you’ll get to meet all the authors!).

Meet and chat to KATE DICAMILLO and a host of other authors and illustrators:

 Sarah Webb

Niamh Sharkey

P J Lynch

Gordon Snell

Mary Murphy

Kevin Waldron

Chris Haughton

Kate di Camillo 

Tommy Donbavand 

Michael Emberley

 Judi Curtin

Joe O’Brien

Don Conroy

Marita Conlon McKenna

Sarah Rees Brennan

Claire Hennessy

and last but certainly not least, Oisin McGann

Every young reader will go home with a goody bag and there will be a bookshop on site to buy signed copies of all the authors’ books.

Time: 12 to 3.15

Venue: Royal St George Yacht Club, Seafront, Dun Laoghaire

Cost: e15 children   e20 adults

Recommended age: 9+

(Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult.)

Tickets are strictly limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Booking: 01 2312929 or book online at  www.mountainstosea.ie

I’m delighted to announce that I’ve just put the finishing touches to Alice and Megan’s Cookbook.

It’s been a very exciting project. Even though I love cooking, I never thought I’d actually write a cookbook – but I did!!

Here’s a sneak preview:

Alice and Megan are writing a cookbook. But Alice is not the world’s the greatest cook … so could it be a recipe for disaster? Well, not with Megan’s help – as well as advice (whether the girls want it or not!) from Megan’s mum, little sister Rosie, Miss Leonard, the Home Economics Teacher …

This fun-filled cookbook is packed with brilliant recipes. Why not wake up to French toast and tropical smoothies? Or go to school with raspberry muffins and pasta salad? Or snack on smores and quesadillas? Or impress your friends with home-made burgers followed by ice cream with toffee sauce? All this and more included!

Brilliant Breakfasts . Lucky Lunchboxes . Super Snacks . Marvellous Main Courses . Delicious Desserts . Cakes & Cookies.

Have your aprons ready – it’s due out in October.

I’m really happy to announce that my next book will be out in September. It’s called Eva’s Journey and, funnily enough, it’s about a girl called Eva who goes on a journey.

Here’s part of the blurb:

Eva is the girl with everything. Her parents throw her lavish parties in their luxury home ,and her friends admire her designer clothes and manicured nails. But Eva’s world is turned upside down when her father loses his job.

This is my first Alice and Megan-free book in quite a while, so I’m both excited and nervous. I really like the characters of Eva, and her friends Victoria and Ruby, and I’m hoping that readers will like them too.

Keep watching for details of my second-next book, due in October. (Haven’t I been busy?)