#FarFromJustCutesy!
Sleepovers
Just out! Reviews coming in - they say it's perfect and who am I to argue! Illustrations, as always, by the fabulous Rosalind Beardshaw
Captures the world of small children and the little details that matter most to them. A first sleepover becomes a life experience that is both joyful and positive. I worked 39 years as a preschool and elementary school speech language pathologist. Each exquisitely crafted page gently reassures early readers about this exciting step on the road to independence... perfect for pre-schoolers
Perfect for any child spending the night with a friend for the first time or any time thereafter. Families of color and those with two-aunt couples may particularly appreciate the representation in it, but Lola’s charm should appeal to all. – Mombian "The Lola books are wonderful for kids of all ages and this one is a perfect addition to any collection!" Are sleepovers an early opportunity for young children to see things through someone else's eyes; to share the experience of living in another household; to think about what it’s like to be a child living in different circumstances... and therefore to imagine what it might be like to instead live this child’s life as part of this household.
In anticipation of the new sleepover story - I've written a new blog. It's also on the Articles page. |
Nervous heading to school
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Sometimes a review can make all the hard work worthwhile!
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So, yesterday Candid Cocoa Blogspot wrote a fantastic review of the new edition of
Zeki Gets a Checkup (proudly posted here). When I thanked Fabia, she said this: People need to be shouting about your books - that’s all I have to say. Your work is so subtle - far from just cutesy baby books. Glad you enjoyed the review, Anna. Oh lordy, I'm glowing! #FarFromJustCutesy is my new hashtag!
All three existing Zeki books are out in new editions - the fresh series re-design by Ken Wilson-Max prompted by the two new titles: Zeki Loves Mummy and Daddy |
Something gorgeous in 2021
2020 was a HARD year. But Ruth and I beavered away and still managed to produce these new Zeki books (out this year).
this latest deceptively simple title in the highly popular Zeki series is expertly crafted with effortless rhyming couplets and comforting rhythm... READ MORE |
a joy filled look at a baby’s typical day featuring those everyday moments that are in reality the important moments at the heart of a toddler’s life... READ MORE |
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To buy my books
Please support independent bookshops and buy my books from them whever you can.
If the title you want is not on the shelves, most bookshops can order the book for you. They can look it up on their system, but having the title and format you want in advance will speed up the process. Some of the titles are available in hardcover and paperback and some (for little kids) are printed on card or board. All the details are on the Publishers' websites. UK & Ireland Alanna Max Catalogue is here. Their website is here. USA & Canada Charlesbridge website is here. |
Guess who made it on to the Essence 50 Must-Read Black Children's Books of the Past 50 Years!
Yes, it's our girl Lola! Look at what amazing company she's in! Just wow! |
About me...
I feel lucky to have a life 100% dedicated to books -
I write and edit books for little kids and their families. I'm best known as the author of the Lulu/Lola books, though I've written over 25 picture books. 
I'm also Editor-at-large at AlannaMax.
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My media
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My Publishers
In the UK and Ireland, the Lulu and Zeki books are books are published by Alanna Max.
In the US and Canada, Lola and Leo books are published by Charlesbridge Publishing. The Lulu & Zeki books are also published in Denmark by Forlaget Arvids, in Netherlands by Luister, in Brazil by Pallas, in Sweden by EPIX, in Korea by Glburri and in China by ICP. My books are also published by Barefoot Books, Chicken-House/Scholastic, Little Tiger, Annick Press and O'Brien Press. |
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As well as writing, I am Editor-at-Large at Alanna Max
In 2006 I started Alanna Books and in 2017 partnered with Ken Wilson-Max to form the new Alanna Max. Ken is the Publisher of this even more exciting and dynamic list. For more, click here. Alanna Books was shortlisted for the inaugural Independent Publishers Guild's The Alison Morrison Diversity Award |