Press Release - Jonathan Stroud as FCBG’s Inaugural Patron

Federation of Children’s Book Groups announces Jonathan Stroud as its inaugural patron 

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups is delighted to announce that Jonathan Stroud is to become their inaugural patron. As patron, Jonathan will champion the FCBG and raise awareness of its work bringing children and books together.

Jonathan says “I’m honoured and delighted to become the inaugural patron of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups in this, the National Year of Reading. For almost 60 years, the FCBG has been at the forefront of championing children’s reading in the UK. Its commitment to authors, illustrators, librarians, teachers and – most importantly – to young readers themselves is second to none. I have witnessed this invaluable work throughout my life. My connection to the FCBG started as a child, when my mother was a member of one of the earliest book groups, in St Albans. Ever since, as an author and as a parent, I have benefited from the passion, guidance and commitment of FCBG members across the country. It is a privilege to deepen this connection today and I look forward to working with the FCBG to help share the joy of reading for everyone.”

Jane Etheridge, Chair of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, says “We are thrilled to have Jonathan as our patron. Jonathan shares our aims and has a close personal connection with the FCBG, so he was the perfect choice when we created this role. We look forward to working with Jonathan in this National Year of Reading and beyond to promote reading for pleasure.”

Jonathan is kicking off his patronage via two high-profile appearances: he’ll be presenting a keynote speech at the FCBG’s annual conference in Reading in April and he’ll be doing an author/patron event at the first Wantage Children’s Book Festival in May.

GoodRead - The Dagger in the Desk

So, on my way home from the Fire Sermon blogger event, rather than read the book the event was about, I wanted to read something quick and addictive. I had a short train journey and the London Underground today was busy and I didn't want to use my newly signed copy as a weapon. So, to stop this from happening, I read my kindle and I read the eShort of Lockwood and Co. The Dagger In The Desk.

And yes, I haven't read the first book in the series. I KNOW! The great Jim from YA Yeah Yeah gave me a copy and it's sitting on my TBR shelf, waiting. And, as it's about ghosts, I'm trying not to give it eye contact. Otherwise, I am doomed. 

In Dagger In The Desk, London's (ok, not our London but another London) most talented psychic detective agency (and ghost hunters) are called on to investigate a ghost in St Simeon's Academy for Talented Youngsters. A ghost that lurks in the shadows, is angry and carries a very sharp and very real dagger. Will they survive the night...? 

I sped through this and I wished I have read the first book in the series, The Screaming Staircase. This was fun, fast-paced and funny. I can imagine The Screaming Staircase having very scary moments (one of the reasons am quite fearful to read ghost stories - am a bit of a wuss). 

But I flew through this and am very excited to read this series. Fans of the first book, I feel, will love this. It will tie you guys over till book 3 comes out later this year. 

For those of you curious over this series and wondering if this would be good starting point to see if you like the writing, I would say yes. You get a feel for the world (though I think Screaming Staircase will do a better, more in depth job) and with this, you get a tiny galley of the ghosts and an sneak peek of Screaming Staircase so if you like it and want to read more, you can read that and see if you like it.

I chose not to read the sneak peek as I want to be surprised when I read Screaming Staircase, but I had such fun reading Dagger in the Desk that I hope to enter this world again very soon...