Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Whiffy Wilson Nominated for East Midlands Book Award

2012-02-07T04:23:00.000-08:00

Hooray, the gorgeously cute and unwholesomely pongy Whiffy Wilson has been nominated for the East Midlands Book Award

This award is open to published authors living in the East Midlands area and has a lovely big prize of £1,000! That's the same as winning Come Dine With Me! Although the odds of winning the cash are quite a bit lower, as Whiffy Wilson is one of 41 titles to be nominated! Ah well. You never know!

New Activities: How To Grow a Dinosaur

2012-02-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

I have just added some new activities to my website. These have been designed by yours truly, and most have been expertly drawn by the hugely talented Ed Eaves. Isn't he amazing!

You can create your own fantasy seeds packet, make a terrifying dino-chomper or a T-Rex mask or get busy with some colouring-in. It's all here on my website! Go on! Get Busy!!

Rhino? What Rhino? Shortlisted for Portsmouth Book Award!!

2012-02-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

Guess what? The lovely Rhino has been shortlisted for the amazing Portsmouth Book Award!!

Children in 32 primary schools will be reading the shortlisted books and voting for their favourites in time for a ceremony in June.

I am very very excited to have been chosen for this award, not least because only FOUR picture books have been selected for the shortlist! That's four out of all the hundreds of picture books published each year. The other three shortlisted titles are:

So here's a very big thank you to Portsmouth Schools Library Service for picking Rhino? What Rhino?!

2012-01-23T06:44:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been looking at book trailers. These are short videos that try to give a flavour of what a book is about. I thought I'd post a few here. Do let me know what you think of them, and which you like best!

Hairy Bear, by Sam McCullen:

Squish Rabbit by Katherine Battersby:

It's a book, by Lane Smith:

Smile by Leigh Hodgkinson:

Maru

2012-01-23T06:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a little video of my favourite cat, Maru. I think he lives in Japan and his owner has made loads of videos about him. I particularly like this one because I love the song, which is by Brighton-Based band, Hundred Little Reasons. Hope you enjoy it too!

Go to Hundred Little Reasons for more ukulele music.

2012-01-23T06:33:00.000-08:00

And here's another funny video starring Maru. He is a cat who likes sitting in boxes.

Creative Explosion at St. Wilfrid's Primary

2012-01-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had an amazing time at St.Wilfrid's Primary School in Warrington. I was there to open the new school library, created with the help of the school's Friends' Committee who had raised a staggering £10,000 for the project.

The children had spent the previous few days reading my books and doing lots of book-related activities in preparation for my visit. Head Teacher, Glenda Davies, said, "It was a fantastic way to ease back into the new term. The children absolutey LOVE your books!"

The whole day was an explosion of creativity. Children immersed themselves in reading, writng and singing stories and poems. I was completely bowled over at the standard of work they produced. You can see some of their creations in The Gallery

Cool Animations #6: Gulp, by Aardman

2011-12-12T04:34:00.000-08:00

No animation list is complete without a bit of Aardman. And this is a real treasure!

And here's how they made it:

Cool Animations #5: Simon's Cat

2011-12-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

Well, you can't have a run of animation videos without him, can you? This one is my personal favourite!

Cool Animations #4: Optical Illusions

2011-12-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

This on is by Corridor Digital. Very cool!

Cool Animations #3: Street Animation

2011-12-09T04:00:00.001-08:00

This one is from Big Bang Boom. SO Clever!

Cool Animations #2: 3D Building Projection

2011-12-09T03:51:00.001-08:00

If you've never seen a 3D Image Mapping animation, watch this. It's Incredible!

Cool Animation#1: Sand Art

2011-12-09T03:35:00.001-08:00

I was chatting to a friend about drawing without pencils today, and it reminded me of this fantastic artist. I'm going to post a few of my faviourite animation videos onto my blog. Just because I can! Here's the first one:

Kseniya Simonova, Ukraine. Sand Art

Why I Love Being an Author: The Christmas Party

2011-12-05T14:12:00.001-08:00

Being an author has LOADS of advantages. I'm my own boss. I can do as much or as little as I like, I spend my days making stuff up, and get to work with the most amazing people. I want to expand a little on this last point, because one of the best events of the year is just around the corner, and it's all to do with people.

That's right, its the Office Christmas Party. Now, I work at home, on my own. So my office Christmas party would be a little bit lonely if it wasn't for my lovely publishers in London. Hachette Children's Books and my new publishers Nosy Crow are both throwing parties for their staff, authors and illustrators. And going down to London for a bit of glitz is a real highlight for me.

For a start, I get to see the all the guys who help make my books a success. The editors, designers, marketing and sales people, and the bigwigs too. They are, without exception, truly lovely people. So warm, appreciative and generally good hearted. (Are you feeling the lurve?). But, most amazingly, I also get to meet some of my all time heros. Authors and illustrators that my children have grown up with. People that have entertained, inspired and motivated me to do what I do. And the nicest thing of all... is that they are all SO lovely, so down to earth and so easy to be with!!

Many of us have become genuine friends. We support and entertain each other via Facebook and Twitter, while we shiver in our freezing offices, creating a community of like-minded people which feels almost as good as working in a proper office together.

And that's just one of the reasons I love being an Author.

So thank you to the guys at Hachette, and Nosy Crow. Roll on the Office Party!

2011-11-24T02:22:00.001-08:00

Ooh Look!!

Here's the cover of my new book with Ed Eaves, due out in March 2012.

Once again, the star of the show is Albie, a small boy who just can't stop having adventures.

In this story, Albie's normal journey to school takes an unexpected turn and he ends up in class with a whole load of aliens! AWESOME!

Welcome to Alien School is published by Simon & Schuster and is available to pre-order on Amazon.

2011-11-17T03:02:00.001-08:00

Last night, I was lucky enough to attend the Stockport Children's Book Awards.

Local school children were dressed in their finest bling for the ceremony, which took place at the recently renovated Stockport Plaza. The art-deco styled former cinema was the perfect venue for the glittering Oscar-style ceremony, where the awards were voted for, and presented by local school children.

In the Early Years category, Rhino? What Rhino? was shortlisted alongside Angela McAllister and Alex T. Smith's My Mum Has X-Ray Vision; and Jo Hodgkinson's The Talent Show.

And the winner was...

My Mum Has X-Ray Vision by Angela McAllister and Alex T. Smith

Well done Angela and Alex!

New Whiffy Activities Now in Colour

2011-11-17T02:58:00.003-08:00

The new Whiffy Wilson activities just got a bit more jazzy, thanks to my friends at Orchard Books. Now you can enjoy creating your own close-ups of the beasties lurking in Whiffy Wilson's mucky fur. Have fun!

NEW!! Whiffy Activities!

2011-10-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

LOOK! We have some new Whiffy Wilson activities! Have a look in the Kids Fun Club and download your favourites. You can:

design your own germ
draw closeups of the weird things living in Whiffy Wilson's fur
help Whiffy find the soap
spot the difference... and lots more.

Take me to the Whiffy Wilson Activities!

Child Care Magazine Review How to Grow a Dinosaur

2011-10-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

The story provides lots of opportunity for open-ended discussion with beautiful clear illustrations, and a chance for the child to really "participate" in the story. We really enjoyed this story - I read it to a group of three children aged three.

By the time we had read it three times, the children knew exactly where to roar! The choice of a back garden for developing children's sense of curiosity was just wonderful, as was the theme of "planting"... The clear and colourful illustrations by Ed Eaves hit every spot for a child's imagination, and by the end of the story, one of my little boys asked: "Can we plant seeds like Albie did?"

NEW Book = NEW Activities!

2011-09-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

Don't Put Your Pants on Your Head, Fred! is my new book with Leigh Hodgkinson. It was released at the end of July and is available in all its hardback glory for you to buy from good bookshops and online!

What's more... I have published some pants-tastic activity sheets on my website. These super-fun cutty, sticky, gluey things have been created by the wonderful team at Orchard Books, so pop along to my website and check them out!Take me to the Pants Activities NOW!!

New Projects with Nosy Crow

2011-07-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting to make this announcement for AGES!
And now I can.
I am delighted to tell you that I have just signed a contract to publish two ace picture books with the amazing and shiny brand new children's publisher, Nosy Crow.

Now you might ask why, since I'm already working with several other publishers, including Orchard, Hodder and Simon & Schuster. Well, it's because ever since she left Orchard, I've been yearning to work with Kate Burns. She's the lovely lady on the left of the photo (the other person is me!).

Kate and I hit it off big time when we worked together at Orchard Children's Books. Kate published the award-winning Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate! and commissioned its successor, Don't Put Your Pants on Your Head, Fred! which came out last week.

Another reason I'm really excited to be working with Nosy Crow, is that they are fast becoming a leading light in children's iPad and iPhone Apps publishing. This area of kids' publishing is really only just taking off, so it's fantastic to be involved with such a forward-thinking publisher.

My first book with Nosy Crow is going to be called: The Princess and the Peas. It's being illustrated AS WE SPEAK by the hugely talented Sarah Warburton, of Rumblewick fame.

The Princess and the Peas, published by Nosy Crow, will be out Autumn 2012!

For a sneaky preview, visit: Nosy Crow Books

Rotherham Children's Book Awards - A WIN for CHIPS!

2011-07-11T03:14:00.000-07:00

Last week, Leigh Hodgkinson and I were lucky enough to be invited to the Rotherham Children's Book Awards. Our book, Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate! was shortlisted along with two other picture books. We didn't expect to win, since we were competing with Julia Donaldson / Lydia Monks with What the Ladybird Heard, and Judith Kerr's A Night at the Zoo.

The event took place in a cavernous hall at Magna Science Park, in Rotherham. We spent the afternoon meeting children and teachers, signing books and "eating" some rather delicious looking felt cup-cakes!

Towards the end of the afternoon, we gathered with baited breath to hear the announcements of the Picture Book and Young Fiction awards and guess what?! We WON!!

Leigh and I climbed onto the stage rather shell shocked and each received one of these beautiful trophies!

So, here's a big THREE CHEERS for the children of Rotherham, especially those who voted for us. You ROCK!

Thanks also to Natalie Tamasi and her team at Rotherham Borough Council who organised the event.

PANTS is Out Today!!

2011-07-07T02:52:00.000-07:00

The Bookseller has called it, "One of my read-aloud highlights of the year."
Don't Put Your Pants on Your Head, Fred! is the crazy sequel to Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate! and is in the shops today!!

The Bookseller adds, "Getting dressed becomes a riotous adventure throught a fabulous rhyming text and suitably chaotic illustrations."

So run down to your local bookshop and ask for it by name!!

Angels & Urchins Top Ten Picture Books

2011-06-10T05:58:00.000-07:00

London-based parenting magazine, Angels & Urchins, has just published its Top Ten picture books of the decade. And guess what? One of their favourite books for 2009 was Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate!

Other favourites included:
2001: Fix it Duck, by Jez Alborough
2001: The Other Goose, by Judith Kerr
2002: Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs by Ian Whybrow & Adrian Reynolds
2002: Pants, by Giles Andreae & Nick Sharratt
2003: Some Dogs Do, by Jez Alborough
2004: The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
2005: Mr Large in Charge, by Jill Murphy
2006: The Princess and the Pea by Lauren Child
2006: That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown, by Cressida Cowell & Neal Layton
2007: Grill Pan Eddy, by Jeanne Willis & Tony Ross
2008: The Lamb who Came for Dinner, by Steve Smallman & Joelle Dreidemy
2008: The Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward
2009: Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate! by Caryl Hart & Leigh Hodgkinson
2010: The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
2010: I'm the Best by Lucy Cousins

Visit Angels & Urchins

A New World Record!!

2011-06-04T13:33:00.001-07:00

We broke a Guinness World Record today!

As part of Sheffield's Peace in the Park celebrations, charity Self Help Africa organised the bid to break the record for the greatest number of parents reading to children at one time.

We beat the existing record by miles! In all, we had 281 adults, reading to 346 children! That's 26 more adults and 35 more children than the previous record!

I was invited to be an adjudicator, along with other local authors. The day was great fun and hopeful the event will have raised lots of money for this very worthy charity. To find out more, visit www.selfhelpafrica.com

Dinosaurs in Blackwells

2011-06-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

I found my latest book in the window of Blackwells, Sheffield today!!

Why am I Taking Photos of Vegetables?

2011-05-25T12:22:00.001-07:00

Come and see me at the Hay Festival on Sunday and you'll find out!

Here's the programme:

http://www.hayfestival.com/s-209-sunday-29-may-2011.aspx?pagenum=2

And Here is the Finished Product

2011-05-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

And very yummy it is too, even if I DO say so myself. My daughter licked out the pan. (If you do this, please make sure it's cold first. We don't want any burned mouths!)

Here is the recipe:
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1091639/rhubarb-and-ginger-jam

I am Making Jam

2011-05-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm one of those people who just likes making things. Here I am making rhubarb and ginger jam. It's the first time I've ever made jam, so I hope it turns out all right!

2011-05-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

Six year old Jack Henderson, and his family, are an inspiration to us all. With a little imagination and good use of facebook, twitter and the web, they have raised thousands for poorly children in Edinburgh. How?

By drawing!!

To find out more, check out Jack's website then buy his book, published by Hodder this Autumn.

Pre-order Jack Draws Anything from Amazon

PANTS in the Post!

2011-05-18T04:12:00.001-07:00

Look what arrived this morning! It's my advance copy of Don't Put Your Pants on Your Head, Fred! Sequel to the award-winning Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate!

If your kids have trouble getting dressed in the morning, never fear. Sergeant Smart might just be able to sort them out!

Both books are wonderfully illustrated by Leigh Hodgkinson. PANTS is out on 7 July.

How to Grow a Dinosaur at Tesco

2011-05-12T04:25:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely surprise yesterday while doing my shopping.... I found my new book on the shelf! How to Grow a Dinosaur is out now, and available in all good bookshops and supermarkets, including Tesco, Abbeydale Road, Sheffield!!

A Rhino's Journey

2011-05-07T03:44:00.001-07:00

This morning I found some old notes from a few years ago when I was first trying to get a picture book published. If you can read the text on this image you might make out some words from Rhino? What Rhino?

Well the book has come a long way since I wrote these notes (over 9 years ago!). Rhino is published in hardback and paperback and has been shortlisted for an award. The paperback was reprinted within a month of release, which means someone must be buying it!

But I didn't create this book by myself. It's been real team work. Sarah Horne, the illustrator has had an enormous part to play, of course. She has not only created a loveable, funny character, but has also added extra details that bring a whole new dimension to the story.

I also did a huge amount of editing, with the help and encouragement of Emma Layfield at Hodder Childrens Books. I suspect that some authors hate the editing process. True, it can be painful to bin whole strings of words that may have take hours, or even days to write. But for me, this process is hugely satisfying. Like anyone, I find it hard at first to let go of my hard earned verses, and can even get grumpy about it, but I have been through it enough times now to trust that the finished product will be ten times better than what I started with.

I guess it's a bit like clearing out your bedroom. You are convinced you like it just the way it is, but once you've cleared it out, it feels SO much nicer. Once I'm over the initial terror, I love the challenge of taking part of a story and bending it round to fit my Editor's direction. This can be very difficult when writing in rhyme. Changing just one word can throw out the rhythm or rhyme of the whole verse, or several verses.
But it always comes right, after much groaning and huffing and cups of tea. What we end up with is (hopefully) a highly polished text that rhymes, and flows, engages the reader and makes them laugh. Then I breathe a sigh of relief and pat myself on the back. Perhaps buy some new shoes or a cake, and let the publishing team do the rest.

I made some Sushi!

2011-04-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

I know this has nothing to do with writing books, but someone asked me what else I do when I'm not writing. Well, the other day I made sushi, and then we all ate it for tea. Yummy!

Making sushi is so easy! You spread some cooked rice onto a sheet of special dried seaweed (you can buy this from the supermarket). Then you put a little bit of tuna, chicken, cucumber, red pepper or carrots on top of the rice, roll the whole thing up into a long sausage, then cut slices with a sharp knife.

Dip in soy sauce if you like, then gobble it all up!!

Chadsmoor Infant School, Cannock

2011-04-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

As I was setting up in the hall at Chadsmoor Infant School, I could hear a babble of excited whispering coming from a neighbouring classroom. "There's Caryl Hart! Look! It's Caryl Hart!" The buzz rose as children entered the hall, and I have to say, they were one of the most responsive groups of children I have ever worked with! They laughed at all my terrible jokes (thanks guys), and joined in with the stories like professionals!

The children had been focusing on my books all week, making wonderful posters to advertise my visit. They had scrutinised my website and found out all about me, yet still managed to find some brilliant questions to ask. Here are some of them:

Q: Do you like fish and chips?
A: YES! Doesn't everyone? We always have fish and chips for a treat when we go on holiday.

Q: What makes you happy?
A: People telling me how lovely my children have been when they have been invited out to tea

Q: What makes you scared?
A: Skeletons!! I hate them.

Q: Do you have a husband?
A: Yes, and two children as well

Q: What else do you do besides writing books?
A: The same things every other mum does, I guess. Washing, cleaning, tidying up, plus walking the dog, visiting schools and libraries, looking after my kids...

and my favourite:
Q: When you were at school, did you have any friends?
A: I had one very best friend at Junior school, called Debbie. We used to skip round the playgroud together for the whole of playtime.

The wonderful picture from Supermarket Zoo is by Tyler.

Letter Writing:

Some of the children got stuck in writing letters from the naughty star of Rhino? What Rhino? If you have read this story, you will know that the Rhino gets into all sorts of bother, and all the other animals get the blame. Children at Chadsmoor put themselves in the Rhino's shoes and wrote letters of apology to the other characters. Here's are some shining examples:

Dear Aunt Anne
I am really sorry for getting your knickers in a twist, throwing your wiggs on the floor and ripping up your pretty frilly bloomers!!!! I WILL HANG EVERY SINGLE ONE BACK UP AND WASH THEM!!!!!!
Love from Rhino

Dear Emily
I am So So sorry I wrect your tree house. I am so fat I couldn't get in. When I put my hand on, I fell and broke your bike and your toys. I took the sheep to some jusy grass so he could eat it. I will fiz your bike and your toyw. I try to fiz your tree house.
Love from Rhino

Big thanks go out to all the teachers at Chadsmoor - you do an absolutely FANTASTIC job and the enthusiasm of your children is the proof!

Albie with the T-Rex, by Lewis.

Sheffield Children's Book Awards - Second Year Running!!

2011-03-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Rhino? What Rhino? has been shortlisted for the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2011! That's the second year in a row that one of my books has been shortlisted for this fabulous award. Last year, over 200 schools participated in the awards, voting Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate! Community Libraries Favourite Book AND Highly Commended Picture Book!

Let's hope Rhino? What Rhino? will be as lucky! Once again, Sarah Horne and I will be in great company. Other shortlisted picture books include:

Egg by Alex T. Smith
Hugless Douglas by David Melling
Dragon Stew by Steve Smallman & Lee Wildish
Three by the Sea by Mini Grey
The Pig’s Knickers by Jonathan Emmett & Vanessa Cabban

Now, I know all these other books are FANTABULOUSLY FANTASTIC, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE with a cherry on top, vote for me!!

Aye Write - Glasgow's huge literary festival

2011-03-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Of course the real reason I went all the way to Glasgow was NOT to fill my autograph book, but to share my enthusiasm for stories and rhymes with local school children.

I'm glad to say that my workshop sessions went down really well. We read stories, made up silly rhymes about animals using the Big Green Rhyme Machine, and made lots of noise joining in with "Rhino? What Rhino?" Sorry to anyone who may have come in for a quiet read!!

I even had some gushing praise from the community librarians, which was the icing on the cake. Here they are reading proof copies of "Whiffy Wilson" which will be out later this year.

Thanks to everyone @AyrWrite for a wonderful time, and especially to Margaret and Derek for arranging everything and looking after me so well. Please can I come again?!

Meeting with The Gods

2011-03-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

And I DID get to meet the legendary Nick Butterworth, and here's a picture to prove it. What a lovely man he is too!

Nick is the creator (as if you didn't already know!) of loveable Percy the Park Keeper, as well as many other characters including Albert Le Blanc and Q Pootle 5.

Nick told me he is currently working with his son, Ben, on a two year project to create an animated series based on the cuddly alien, Q Pootle 5.
Click this link for a sneak preview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZEwWYsvXDI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

When Nick was growing up, he was good friends with a boy who is now another giant in Children's books - the hugely talented and much-loved Mick Inkpen, creator of Wibbly Pig and Kipper. How cool us that!

Meet Anna Wilson

2011-03-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

While at the AyeWrite Festival I met the super-talented Anna Wilson, author of so many gorgeous books I can't even count them! Here she is with her latest gem, Monkey Business.

Check out Anna's website here: http://www.annawilson.co.uk/about-my-books/4538732200

Wish You Were Here!

2011-03-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

I have arrived at my hotel, and very lovely it is too!

Who will I meet at Aye Write?

2011-03-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

It seems I will be in very good company tomorrow at the Aye Write festival. Nick Butterworth, Debi Gliori, Ann Jungman, Cathy McPhail, Anna Wilson and Barry Hutchison will also be working with school groups tomorrow. Check out the programme here:
http://www.ayewrite.com/schools/pages/default.aspx

I'll let you know if I manage to get anyone's autograph!

On my way to Aye Write Festival

2011-03-09T03:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I have my hot chocolate and my trashy magazine and am on the train bound for Glasgow! Tomorrow I'll be entertaining lots of school children with the Big Green Rhyme Machine and helping them make their own mini machines.

Until then, it's five hours of peace, quiet and editing on the train followed my a relaxing evening in a swanky hotel. I feel like I'm on holiday!

Check back soon for further updates.

It's Dinosaur Time!!

2011-03-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

These lovely flowers came from the wonderful team at Simon & Schuster to celebrate the publication of my latest book.

It's called How to Grow a Dinosaur and is the thrilling second adventure for Albie, star of Supermarket Zoo.

Children are already loving it -all my advanced copies disappeared within minutes at Brockley Primary and Southbrook Infant & Nursery schools this week.

The vibrant illustrations are by Ed Eaves, and the book is out in Paperback now.

"A pre-school crowd-pleaser with dino-battle to boot" the Bookseller.

Rhino? What Rhino? Delivery

2011-02-28T02:39:00.000-08:00

Look what just arrived! My advance copies of Rhino? What Rhino? paperback! It seems like a hundred years since the hardback sold out, so its BRILLIANT to have some books again.

Just in time too as I have two school visits this week.

Rhino? What Rhino? out in paperback 3 March.

Someday - from Hundred Little Reasons

2011-02-28T00:45:00.000-08:00

Check out this gorgeous song from Brighton-based band Hundred Little Reasons. I love it.

Alex loves Supermarket Zoo!

2011-02-22T07:39:00.000-08:00

This is four year old Alex from Manchester. His dad says Alex is in love with Supermarket Zoo and wants to know when he can read about Albie going to the Monster Market to buy his bug-eyed flomstrops.

Sorry, Alex. I haven't actually written that story, but I have written another one called, "How to Grow a Dinosaur," so Albie's adventures are far from over. Perhaps Alex could write Albie and the Monster Market for me!

Feeling the Love from Greenhill Primary School, Sheffield

2011-02-20T09:57:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous couple of days at Greenhill Primary School this month. The children created some lovely stories and artwork, some of which you can see has been displayed in school.

It was such a pleasure to work with this school. Susan Perryman, the School Improvement Team Leader made sure everyone knew what they were doing on the day, and staff were all well prepared and so enthusiastic. Afterwards, Susan said, "It was great to work with Caryl and I would definitely recommend her to other schools. The activities engaged the children, they were excited by her visit and the organisation was excellent. We look forward to seeing her again in the future."

Class teacher, Stacey Keuneke, said, "I personally thought she was good with the children and has some fantastic stories and the children really enjoyed hearing the new book about the dinosaur. We did a whole week of jobs around Supermarket Zoo and have made a display showing some of it off."

If you would like me to visit your school, please get in touch via my website, www.carylhart.com

Norfolk Book Awards

2011-02-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

Norfolk Book Awards

2011-02-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

Well, we didn't win first prize. That went to Emily Gravitt for The Rabbit Problem.... A most excellent book. HOWEVER... We had a great time and look at all this fabulous artwork that the children have done!

Children from Magdalen Gates Primary and Lakenham Primary gave some wonderful presentations about the shortlisted books, them we all had chocolate biscuits and stories from yours truly.

AND I won a framed certificate and a book and a beautiful scrap book with copies of all the wonderful pictures and comments the children had produced.

So who cares that Don't Dip You Chips didn't get first place! The shortlist was picked by children and we were on it, which is a great achievement in itself.

Of course the real winners are the children, who have been inspired and motivated by taking part in the awards project. So a very well done to everyone involved.

More Amazing Artwork in Norfolk

2011-02-09T05:31:00.000-08:00

Watch out Leigh. You have competition!

Alien School Roughs Just In

2011-02-08T08:10:00.001-08:00

I'm on the train today, on my way to Norwich for the Norfolk children's book awards. Don't Dip Your Chips In Your Drink, Kate! Has been shortlisted, so I'll find out if Leigh Hodgkinson and I have won a prize tomorrow morning.

In the meantime, I thought you might like to see the rough sketches that Ed Eaves has sent through for the next Albie adventure. It's called Alien School and will be out next year.

This is a picture of Albie sitting in his classroom, with a very strange looking teacher.

The roughs come to me covered in comments from the designer and editor at Simon & Schuster, who are publishing the book. I will then add my own comments, which will then be discussed by the publishing team and by Ed.

After that, Ed will start putting the colour spreads together. It's all so exciting. I hope this gives you a taste of good things to come!

Walking on the moon

2011-02-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

I usually start my day with a dog walk. Usually it's raining, but the other day, this is what we found.

Mobile Blog Post

2011-02-02T10:31:00.001-08:00

This is hopefully my first mobile blog post. Hope it works

LOOK AT THIS!!!

2010-12-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate! has won an Award!!!!!
Leigh and I won Highly Commended Picture Book AND Community Libraries Favourite Book at the Sheffield Children's Book Awards!!

The awards are voted for by children from across Sheffield - over 200 schools took part this year. We are so grateful to all the amazing organisers, but mostly to the children of Sheffield. We love you!!!

How to Grow a Dinosaur Proofs Just In

2010-11-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

And look!! Some MORE proofs came today!! These are illustrated by the gorgeous Ed Eaves and the book is also out in July!!

Look what the postman brought!

2010-11-09T02:30:00.001-08:00

Look at these! They are the colour proofs for my brand new book, Whiffy Wilson, which is coming out in July!! I'm SOOOOOO excited!!

Supermarket Zoo in Waterstones

2010-08-28T14:29:00.001-07:00

One of the staff came up to talk to me in Waterstones today, to say that Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate is her daughters' favourite. She said, "They do have most of the bad manners described in your book, but hadn't thought of dipping their chips yet. Now they do it all the time!" Oops! Soz!

So Supermarket Zoo was in the window at Waterstones, and lots of kids came in to make whacky shopping lists, make monkey masks and listen to stories. We actually made some sales too which always helps!

Don't worry if you didn't make it, all the activity sheets are on my website, www.carylhart.com

NEW! Supermarket Zoo Activities

2010-08-27T06:08:00.001-07:00

Check out the new activities in the Kids Fun Club!
www.carylhart.com

Meet me at Waterstones, Sheffield THIS SATURDAY

2010-08-26T03:33:00.001-07:00

To mark the huge success of Supermarket Zoo, I will be appearing in Waterstones in Sheffield from 2.00 - 3.00 this Saturday, 28th August. We'll have some fun activities for the little ones, and signing galore, so do pop down if you'd like to have a chat and a story!

ps. Pass it on

101 Things You Didn't Know About Publishing #9

2010-07-20T07:23:00.001-07:00

Digging for Treasure

While doing some research for my new young fiction project, I came across this first edition of Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson. Clear out your attic, rummage around in your grandparents' drawers, and you could make a fortune. This 1883 first edition is on sale for nearly £22,000!!!

http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=1403298289&searchurl=an%3DRobert%2BLouis%2BStevenson%26fe%3Don%26sortby%3D1%26tn%3DTreasure%2BIsland

101 Things You Didn't Know About Publishing #8

2010-07-20T03:10:00.001-07:00

You can do it too!

Many authors visit schools, libraries and other public venues. Author visits are a fantastic motivation for children, teachers and parents. Children get to meet their literary heros and get stuck in to some brilliant creative activities.

But, for me, the most valuable thing about school visits, is that children learn that authors are real people. We all started life as babies, we went to school, got in trouble with our teachers (or not!). We all had crushes and spots and made mistakes.

Author visits say to children: "If I am just like you, you could be just like me, if you want to be."
I think this is a very powerful and enabling message to give children.

To find out more about booking an author, go to:
www.contactanauthor.com

It's Publication Day!!!

2010-07-02T03:07:00.000-07:00

Look what was waiting on my doorstep when I got back from walking the dog!
Today is publication day for my third picture book, Supermarket Zoo and these beautiful flowers are from the team at Simon & Schuster.

I can't believe its finally out!

Watch out for special promotions in Waterstone's, Asda, Sainsbury's, WHSmith and Amazon throughout July and August!!!

Competition!! The Great Picture Book Hunt!

2010-07-02T03:05:00.001-07:00

Have you spotted a copy of Supermarket Zoo or Don't Dip Your Chips in a store near you? If you have, you could win a prize!

Take a picture of yourself in front of any shop display of Supermarket Zoo or Don't Dip Your Chips and email it to me, together with your name, age and the name and location of the store.

The person who sends me the best photo will win a personally signed copy of Supermarket Zoo!

Please email photos as a jpeg (no more than 100 KB) to:

caryl.hart@gmail.com

Competition closes 31 August 2010

Good Luck!

And something a bit more literary..

2010-06-30T07:24:00.001-07:00

Visit the TravellingSuitcase Library and check out this brilliant poem by John Cooper Clarke

http://travellingsuitcaselibrary.blogspot.com/

I know this has nothing to do with writing but....

2010-06-30T07:18:00.001-07:00

Check out the world's most obedient dog!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz1mK5mLxu0

Pride of Place in Waterstones??

2010-06-29T12:29:00.001-07:00

Apparently one of my books has pride of place in Waterstones, Sheffield! Anyone in the vicinity please take a photograph!!!!

Writing fast and furious!

2010-06-29T03:28:00.001-07:00

I am working furiously on my latest picture book. It's really taking shape, and is so exciting I'm almost out of breath! Come on Albie. You can do it!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Come and See me in Sheffield, 3 July

2010-06-26T13:13:00.001-07:00

If you would like to come and meet me, and have some fun with some of my stories, then come to one of three Sheffield libraries next Saturday, 3 July. Places are limited so you will need to book!

Firth Park Library 10.00 - 11.30
To Book: Tel 0114 203 7433

Eccleshall Library 1.00 - 2.00
To Book: Tel 0114 203 7222

Central Library 3.30- 4.30
To Book: Tel 0114 273 4734

or follow this link:
http://www.eventsheffield.com/event/13691/author-event-caryl-hart

A Tongue Twister for Natalie

2010-06-26T13:01:00.001-07:00

My friend Natalie from Uttoxeter requested a story about sheep. Well I can't write a story that quickly, but here is a tongue twister that I loved when I was her age... Ready? Now read this out loud six times, whilst standing on your head, drinking a glass of water:

The Sixth Sick Sheik's Sixth Sheep's Sick!

Go on.. give it a go (head stands optional)!

CHIPS in SMITHS

2010-06-26T12:44:00.001-07:00

A friend bounded up to me today, full of excitement. Why? Because she had just seen Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate for sale in WH Smiths! I know it sounds daft, but I still get so excited seeing my own books for sale in a real shop. I wonder if I'll ever get used to it!!

--

101 Things You Didn't Know About Publishing #7

2010-06-23T04:39:00.001-07:00

A lot of the children's authors I have met used to be teachers. I guess that's to be expected but yesterday, I met an author who has a VERY different background. Harriet Goodwin, author of The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 is actually a real live Opera Singer! Well I never!
Great to meet you Harriet!
Check out Harriet's books here: http://www.harrietgoodwinbooks.com/

Uttoxeter Festival of Reading

2010-06-23T04:23:00.001-07:00

Wow! What an amazing time I have had over the last two days!

I was at Picknalls First School on Monday, with about 300 nursery and infant children! I have never seen so many small children in once place and ALL behaving IMPECCABLY!! What lovely, responsive children there are in Uttoxeter!

We had great fun joining in with stories and making collages and making a LOT of noise with percussion instruments!

Yesterday I was based at Windsor Park Middle School, working with about 90 Year 2s and 3s. We made rhyme machines and made up lots of very silly rhymes. In the afternoon, I was at the Uttoxeter Cinebowl with about 100 Year 1s 2s and 3s. I dread to think what anyone outside thought of all the mooing, and baaing that was going on, but we had a great time!!

Thank you to Eleanor Shakespear from Thomas Alleyne's High School for all her hard work organising the festival, and to all the teachers who helped run the activities. And of course, to all the fantastic children!

Ryecroft, not Ryelands!!

2010-06-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Well I don't know where I got the name Ryelands from - according to Natalie, it is a breed of sheep, and here is a picture to prove it.
I am hoping that I'm not going to be talking to a cinema full of bleating sheep on Tuesday! Perhaps I'll bring my dog Roo, just in case!!

Getting Ready for Uttoxeter Schools

2010-06-17T12:48:00.001-07:00

I'm off down the road to Uttoxeter on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 June to take part in the Uttoxeter Festival of Reading organised by Thomas Alleyne's High School.

On Monday, I'll be working with Julia Jarman, Author of Class 2 at the Zoo and other fab stories. We'll be visiting Picknalls First School where we are planning all sorts of fun activities for around 200 infant school children.

Then on Tuesday I'm visiting Windsor Park Middle School to work with 3 classes of Year 3 and Year 4 children, then in the afternoon, I'm speaking at the Cinebowl to lots of children from the Ryecroft cluster of schools.
Should be fun!!

By the way, don't bother ringing me on Wednesday, I'll be in bed!!

--
Caryl Hart
Children's Author

Visit my website, www.carylhart.com
Check out my blog: http://carylhart.posterous.com/
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/carylhart1

Derbyshire Literature Festival

2010-06-07T10:16:00.001-07:00

Alas, my last session for Derbyshire Literature Festival is now finished!
I have visited libraries in Shirebrook, Buxton and Pinxton, and hooked up the the library bus at Tibshelf.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures that I can show you yet, but we had a great time reading stories, making zizzers, cutting, sticking and gluing!

Derbyshire Literature Festival

2010-06-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ahh, that's better. A nice cold glass of wine to round off a very busy day of workshops for the Derbyshire Literature Festival!

Today I visited children at Shirebrook and Buxton libraries, and we had lots of fun making up silly rhymes and using home made percussion instruments to play some poems.

What fun!

Halifax Independent Art School

2010-05-27T07:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Lynne Chapman and I went to talk to some students at a recently opened Independent Art School in Huddersfield, which is run the artist John Ross. We were invited to the artsy hub of Halifax by Chris Mould, Children's Writer & Illustrator and Artist in Residence at Dean Clough Mill.

After a great discussion with the students, we were treated to a tour of Dean Clough, where we met some artists at work and had a sneaky look around Chris Mould's studio!

Visit Chris Mould's Website: http://www.somethingwickedlyweird.com/

Visit Lynne Chapman's Website: http://www.lynnechapman.co.uk/

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

CHIPS in California!

2010-05-27T04:39:00.001-07:00

My good friend Rob who lives in sunny California just sent me this picture। He says the book is "awesome" - hope he's not just being nice!

Author Hotline

2010-05-25T01:58:00.001-07:00

Find out some of my secrets at the Author Hotline!
http://www.authorhotline.com/carylhart

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Fun with the Little Ones!

2010-05-21T03:25:00.001-07:00

Q: What do you get if you mix 30 very small children, a trolley of percussion instruments, scissors, glue, sparkles, string, stories and songs.... and what do you get?

Lots and Lots of Fun!!
(Oh, and quite a lot of noise!)

Check out the Gallery to find out more about my time with Fairfield and St Peter's Nursery Schools in the Building Foundations Project:

http://tinyurl.com/3xzbgyn

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

101 Things You Didn't Know About Publishing #6

2010-05-13T07:12:00.001-07:00

Knock their Socks Off

If you want to get a picture book published, its going to have to be good. In fact, not just good, it has to be OUTSTANDING!

You must have original content, strong characters and a believable story. If you’re thinking of writing a tale about a poor animal who can’t find a comfy place to sleep, or has lost its nest, or has lost its oink, baa or moo, then you might need a re-think!

Picture books have progressed beyond all recognition since the days of Peter and Jane, so make sure your story is a real belter!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

I'm Away with the Fairies!

2010-05-12T05:41:00.001-07:00

Here I am having a fun time with the Rainbow Magic Fairies!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Rainbow Magic Premiere

2010-05-12T05:31:00.001-07:00

Here we are, all very excited, waiting to go into the Rainbow Magic Premiere! If you haven't already heard of them, Rainbow Magic is a series of hugely successful books published by Orchard Books, and written by Daisy Meadows. HiT entertainment have just released a Rainbow Magic film on DVD and we were invited down to Leicester Square in London to walk up the pink carpet and enjoy the first screening of the film.

We had a great time laughing at the silly goblins, hiding from the scarry snowman and eating popcorn. Afterwards the children had a great time at the Rainbow Magic party, with pink party food, face painting, balloon sculpture, photographs, more balloons, magic tricks, crafty stuff and more. And as if that wasn't enough, we each got a bulging party bag with a copy of the DVD, books, CDs, and a lovely sparkly snowstorm to put in photographs we had taken with the Rainbow Fairies.

What a great day. Thanks Orchard for inviting us!!

More pictures to follow!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

101 Things You Didn't Know About Publishing #5

2010-04-30T04:14:00.001-07:00

Patience is a Virtue

Publishing a picture book is a LOOOOONNNNNGGG process, especially if you are just starting out.

Supermarket Zoo is due out on 1 July this year. That’s two years after it was snapped up by Simon & Schuster in May 2008 and three years from the time I first sat down to write the story.

And you won’t see a paperback until this time next year, May 2011!! So if you want to get a picture book published, you’d better start now!!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Life in Zero Gravity

2010-04-22T08:05:00.001-07:00

I'm doing some research on YouTube into what it;s like to mess around in Zero Gravity. Here is a taster:

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Supermarket Zoo - One to Watch

2010-04-22T03:43:00.001-07:00

According to this month's Bookseller Magazine, Supermarket Zoo is "One to Watch"
So watch out... Supermarket Zoo is out 1 July.

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

101 Things You Didn't Know About Publishing #4

2010-04-19T03:17:00.001-07:00

My new editor at Simon & Schuster says its OK to begin a sentence with And or But. Excellent!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

101 Things You Didn't Know About Publishing # 3

2010-04-18T11:36:00.001-07:00

This Week is the London Book Fair, where publishers show off their latest books to buyers and distributors. If you are trying to get published, get yourself down for the day and find out what's in and what's new. There are all sorts of seminars and events too to help you in your career.

http://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/page.cfm/Link=1/t=m/goSection=1

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

101 Things You Didn't Know About Publishing # 2

2010-04-16T10:50:00.001-07:00

Even when you think you've finished with a text - you HAVEN'T!!
There's writing, and re-writing and more re-writing. Then once your text has been acquired, your editor will ask you for more changes. Then when your illustrator looks at the text, you will probably have to change even more, either because they can't draw what you've asked of them, or because there are too many words to fit on the page. It's fun to look back at your original text and see how much things have changed! Usually for the better.

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

is autoposting working?

2010-04-16T10:43:00.001-07:00

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

How many people does it take to make a book?

2010-03-05T04:21:00.001-08:00

I had a great time at Somers Park Primary School in Malvern this week. I wanted the children to find out about the process of creating a picture book, and what better way to do so than inviting volunteers to dress up? By the time we had all the key players up at the front, there were hardly any children left in the audience!
For more pictures to to my gallery:

http://beta.take2theweb.com/pub/litton/ca/l.html

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Don't Dip Your Chips Nominated for Sheffield Children's Book Award!!!

2010-02-18T10:54:00.001-08:00

I have just found out that Don't Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate! has been nominated for the picture book category of the Sheffield Children's Book Award!

Last year, over 200 Sheffield schools took part in the awards, voting for their favourite picture books, shorter novels and longer novels. The awards ceremony was a riot! Imagine a city hall full to bursting with school children screaming their heads off for their favourite titles! It's incredible!

Last year, the picture book award was bagged by Steve Smallman and Joelle Dreidemy for Smelly Peter, The Great Pea Eater and in 2008, Claire Freedman and Ben Cort won with Aliens Love Underpants.

As you can imagine, I am absolutely thrilled to pieces that Don't Dip Your Chips in your Drink, Kate! has been nominated. But we'll all have to wait a wait to find out how we get on, because the award ceremony isn't until November!!

I can't reveal the other five books to be nominated as two have yet to be confirmed, but prmise to update you all when I find out.

Meanwhile, all you Sheffield kids - get voting!!!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Doing the Write Stuff in Derbyshire

2010-02-11T09:27:00.001-08:00

I have just finished a tour of village schools in Derbyshire as part of The Write Stuff literacy project organised by Lady Manners School. We had a brilliant time, reading stories and finding out all sorts of secrets about publishing picture books. Also appearing in the festival were Lynne Chapman, and The Two Steves! Check out my website gallery for lots of pictures and video clips!

www.carylhart.com

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Doctor Who to Record Supermarket Zoo

2010-02-02T10:23:00.001-08:00

I have just heard that David Tennant, former Doctor Who is going to record the audio CD for Supermarket Zoo!! How cool is that! They are recording tomorrow, so I'm hoping to get a signed copy! The CD will be released in July 2011. Supermarket Zoo the book is out this July and it's looking FANTABULOUS!!!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Ooooohhh! How EXCITING!

2010-01-26T04:50:00.001-08:00

This morning I have not one, but two exciting packages on my doorstep!

My first hardback copy of Rhino? What Rhino? is now here! It looks absolutely fabulous! Bright and funny and quirky thanks to Sarah Horne's amazing illustrations!

And second, the roughs have arrived for Dinosaur Seeds, which is the sequel to Supermarket Zoo! Ed Eaves is the illustrator and he is doing a wonderful job so far! I can't tell you how exciting it is to see my story coming to life!

Contact me via my website or email me if you would like to buy a signed copy of Rhino? What Rhino?!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Simple Pleasures

2010-01-22T13:58:00.001-08:00

Here I am, doing what I enjoy most.

I've just finished a long walk through one of the most beautiful places in the world with two of my favourite friends in the world. In this picture, we are drying out in The Old Smithy cafe, our wet socks steaming on the radiator, large mugs of tea in our hands and in front of us a gut-buster Full English - salty bacon, fried egg, perfectly blackened sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans and chips.

These are the simple pleasures of an author's life in the Peak District!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Schools Workshops: Look Where We Live!

2010-01-19T08:17:00.001-08:00

I am just about to launch a new programme of environmental and literacy workshops for schools within the Peak District National Park.

Look Where We Live is aimed at children growing up in the Peak District. The workshops give children the chance to tell the world what they think about their own environment.

Children explore their surroundings using environmental games, role play and other thought-provoking activities. They use descriptive writing, poetry, drama, illustration and video to communicate their thoughts and feelings to others. The best work will be published on the project website for friends, family, residents, visitors and environmental managers to see.

The workshops are supported by the Peak District National Park Authority and East Midlands Development Agency, under the Live & Work Rural programme.

Come back soon to find out more!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Caryl Hart on Author Central

2010-01-12T03:04:00.001-08:00

Thanks to some of my writer and illustrator friends, I now have my very own page on Amazon's Author Central!
You can follow my blog, see my books and have a generally very good nosey around! Only one of my books is listed so far, others to follow on publication! Visit my website to find out more: www.carylhart.com

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author

Floogledeboogledebob

2010-01-11T12:13:00.001-08:00

We were searching for this word on Google, and it just wasn't there! So we thought we'd add it to my blog and then see if it came up.

Why don't you try typing in nonesense words and see what you can find!

floogledeboogledebob!!!!

Posted via email from Caryl Hart, Children's Author