NEWS!!
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Books of the Year -
Books for Keeps, November 2022 Charlotte Hacking, Central Learning Programmes Director at CLPE Books for the youngest readers are often taken for granted, but it a real and specific skill to craft and illustrate narratives for this age group. Zeki Rise and Shine and Zeki Sleep Tight by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson (Alanna Max) deserve applause and celebration. This is a team of writer, illustrator and publisher who deeply understand their audience and how to engage and enchant their readers and cater for their specific needs. These quiet stories centre on real and everyday experiences that every child can relate to. The rich and evocative language enriches a growing vocabulary and invites the reader to join in. The carefully observed illustrations capture attention, build visual literacy skills and richly develop characters and their world. The books are published perfectly for tiny hands – in a perfect size, with heavyweight paper and rounded corners. Perfect reads for 0-5 year olds. |
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The CLPE (Centre for Language in Primary Education) Reflecting Realities Report 2022 is just out.
A survey of ethnic representation in UK Children's Literature in 2021, it has statistics and figures on all aspects of representation but far more importantly, a rich and informative commentary on these findings – absolutely essential reading for anyone involved in children's literature. It's an abslute thrill that the three Lulu and Zeki books (pictured above - from the report) that were published in 2021 (the timeframe of the study) are all picked out for a special mention, listed with three other books as "carefully crafted titles with characters with agency, who are identifiable, relatable, nuanced..." Click on the cover opposite to download the report. Click here to read the commentary about the survey |
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NEW - Just published!
Bouncy, rich text for energetic wake-up AND
dreamy lyrical prose for gentle winding down at bedtime
- Candid Cocoa
After a big sleep, it’s time for Zeki to wake up...
One by one his eys, ears, mouth and nose, head shoulders, knees and toes bounce into action. By the last spread, he has simmed into sharp shorts and put on his buzzy, busy top and he’s ready for anything! |
After a busy day, it’s time for Zeki to wind down...
One by one his senses get ready to slow down: the room is hushed, the lights are low, and by the last spread Zeki is ready to sleep. |
To buy my books
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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. If you're struggling to find the books in ireland, can I recommend Kenny's Online Bookshop 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. 
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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. |
Alanna Books is small |
As well as writing, I am Editor-at-Large at Alanna Max
I was a co-founder of Alanna Max and still work closely with the fabulous team there. For more, click here. Alanna Books (as it was first called) was extremely proud to be shortlisted for the inaugural Independent Publishers Guild's The Alison Morrison Diversity Award Judges' comments "Alanna Books receives its first ever shortlist place at the IPG Independent Publishing Awards this year. Set up in 2006, it is committed to diversity in the characters and storylines of its books for children and parents. Judges admired its efforts to make its books commercial as well as critical successes, and liked its imaginative partnerships and events. Alanna Books is small but perfectly formed, and committed to diversity in everything it does”. |