Galvanised by Dr. K. E. Patrick’s very kind review of Curd on Amazon, I tried to write him a note.
This failed, because of a glitch that ensures I cannot buy anything from Amazon - to wit - no matter how many times I change my password, my email and password never match!
So Here goes. My open letter to the kind Doctor, in the hopes he has a Google alert for his name in operation.
To Dr. K.E. Patrick,
May I thank you and all those others who have responded
positively to my first book (I have not posted before because it seems churlish
to engage in self-defense against those negative reviewers). I am writing to
invite your your two children to go to the www.ravensquill.com website where
they can download a poster to print out (up to about A2 size, I’m told) with
lots of illustrations on it. I would also love to receive their own opinions
(bottom of review page) to add to that page with their names attached. Thanks
again. I am writing the sequel more slowly than I would like, because my
illustration workload (for the Penguin Group, Osprey the military publishers,
Brown Reference Group and others) is so heavy. I also sign copies every
Saturday and through half terms and holidays, mainly in a major book retail
chain.
By way of thanks to all my other positive Amazon reviewers I am going to post their reviews in the next post with ditto likewise hopes.
Meanwhile, here’s his review:
5.0 out of 5 stars A gem -- challenges strong readers without mature content, 22 Jun 2010
By Dr. K. E. Patrick (England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Amazing Adventures of Curd the Lion (and Us!) in the Land at the Back of Beyond (Hardcover)
“I am always struggling to find books that are challenging and engaging for my 9- and 7-year-old without having too much mature content. This book is exactly what I look for in those terms, and seem to be exactly what my children want, too.
Other reviewers have mentioned the illustrations. Those, and the size of print, large enough, clean enough, are a great mix for young, ambitious readers whose eyes are still a bit far-sighted.
The humour, though slated by another reviewer, is one of my children's favourite parts of the book: names like King Ziggu (a rat) and Queen Mumbie-Bumbie (a bee, of course!) and the Dodongs (two-headed dodo) and Corbie (the crow) and the Minorbore (like a minotaur, only boring); they like the puns and the riddles, even the unsolvable one about why the wren-drive is like a sat-king; they like the illustrations and the map at the start; and the chapter titled Pilgrim's Progress, about a crow chasing the jackdaws.
My 9-year-old wants to put this book as one of the best of all time, along with The Hobbit and books by Frank Cottrell Boyce.
Basically, a great quest book for children that parents won't mind reading aloud. What can be better than that???”
Friday, 25 June 2010
‘Curd the Lion’ to be an e-Book soon.
Being created by eBook Architects, Joshua Tallent (who is quoted as being the man who “wrote the book for KIndle”).
Should ready by 21st July he says and should work fine across most devices.
Should ready by 21st July he says and should work fine across most devices.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Off to Bologna tomorrow + a review
A lovely review (and more) from 10-yr-old
Finlay Morris:
I read this book (obviously) and I loved it!! (Obviously) The best part (to me) is probably when Sweenie "pondered" and brought down the hilarious Balloonafuss, that utterly baffles them! It is totally unputdownable.
It was dedicated to me to inspire me to write a book (well, full story was what it was actually for, but I want to write a book, even though I'm only 10 years old). I'm a bookworm, and read the book in a week. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I now ask everyone I can if they know "why a Wren-drive is like a Sat-king", but nobody can work it out! It's a really good challenge, and, (like the book), I am thoroughly enjoying it!
P.S. I am a budding actor and would love (love, love, love, love, love, love) it if I was given a part in the film that they're going to make of it. I know that it's a stupid request, but I LOVE acting, and would be so (so, so, so, so, so, so) thankful if I was offered a part. Please consider.
Of at the crack of dawn (via Ryanair – courtesy BA).
Finlay Morris:
I read this book (obviously) and I loved it!! (Obviously) The best part (to me) is probably when Sweenie "pondered" and brought down the hilarious Balloonafuss, that utterly baffles them! It is totally unputdownable.
It was dedicated to me to inspire me to write a book (well, full story was what it was actually for, but I want to write a book, even though I'm only 10 years old). I'm a bookworm, and read the book in a week. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I now ask everyone I can if they know "why a Wren-drive is like a Sat-king", but nobody can work it out! It's a really good challenge, and, (like the book), I am thoroughly enjoying it!
P.S. I am a budding actor and would love (love, love, love, love, love, love) it if I was given a part in the film that they're going to make of it. I know that it's a stupid request, but I LOVE acting, and would be so (so, so, so, so, so, so) thankful if I was offered a part. Please consider.
Of at the crack of dawn (via Ryanair – courtesy BA).
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Introducing one of my favourite poems…
L'AMOUREUSE, Paul Eluard
Elle est debout sur mes paupières
Et ses cheveux sont dans les miens,
Elle a la forme de mes mains,
Elle a la couleur de mes yeux,
Elle s'engloutit dans mon ombre
Comme une pierre sur le ciel.
Elle a toujours les yeux ouverts
Et ne me laisse pas dormir.
Ses rêves en pleine lumière
Font s'évaporer les soleils
Me font rire, pleurer et rire,
Parler sans avoir rien à dire.
(Translated by Samuel Beckett).
She is standing on my lids
And her hair is in my hair
She has the colour of my eye
She has the body of my hand
In my shade she is engulfed
As a stone against the sky
She will never close her eyes
And she does not let me sleep
And her dreams in the bright day
Make the suns evaporate
And me laugh cry and laugh
Speak when I have nothing to say.
Elle est debout sur mes paupières
Et ses cheveux sont dans les miens,
Elle a la forme de mes mains,
Elle a la couleur de mes yeux,
Elle s'engloutit dans mon ombre
Comme une pierre sur le ciel.
Elle a toujours les yeux ouverts
Et ne me laisse pas dormir.
Ses rêves en pleine lumière
Font s'évaporer les soleils
Me font rire, pleurer et rire,
Parler sans avoir rien à dire.
(Translated by Samuel Beckett).
She is standing on my lids
And her hair is in my hair
She has the colour of my eye
She has the body of my hand
In my shade she is engulfed
As a stone against the sky
She will never close her eyes
And she does not let me sleep
And her dreams in the bright day
Make the suns evaporate
And me laugh cry and laugh
Speak when I have nothing to say.
Leading up to Bologna - an ever-so-nice-review
Today had this ever so nice review of my book from a book blogger.
check out her blog: (http://5minutespeace.wordpress.com/)
Wednesday of Whimsy #1- Curd the Lion
Posted on March 17, 2010 by 5minutespeace
The first to feature in ‘Wednesday of Whimsy’ and in competition for one of the longest titles in children’s literature is The Amazing Adventures of Curd the Lion (and us) in the Land at the Back of Beyond by Alan Gilliland (author and illustrator) …sound confused? Yes I was too.
ISBN.9780955548611 published by Raven’s Quill
I think if I explained the story to you, it’s safe to assume you would still be confused but I will tell you this. This is a fantastic book where you really can escape into another world with pets Curd the lion, Pilgrim crow, Sweeney the heenie and O’flattery the snake. I bet you can’t offer any better pet names.
The tale follows twins Henry and Henrietta who live in a cottage near the land at the back of beyond…the sort of place you know nothing about yet stop and stare at everytime you go near it. This place is a place where dodongs and emporors live and promises to offer a wealth of dreams to the children who enter it through Gilliland’s illustrations.
I truly believe the illustrations really sets this story apart from others. Because Gilliland is the author and illustrator he has the scope of understanding what needs to be shown through his drawings. His illustrations fill every page and make it a joy to turn the page. A most wonderful, inspiring book. The kids will dream for days about far away lands with talking insects and things with two heads.
check out her blog: (http://5minutespeace.wordpress.com/)
Wednesday of Whimsy #1- Curd the Lion
Posted on March 17, 2010 by 5minutespeace
The first to feature in ‘Wednesday of Whimsy’ and in competition for one of the longest titles in children’s literature is The Amazing Adventures of Curd the Lion (and us) in the Land at the Back of Beyond by Alan Gilliland (author and illustrator) …sound confused? Yes I was too.
ISBN.9780955548611 published by Raven’s Quill
I think if I explained the story to you, it’s safe to assume you would still be confused but I will tell you this. This is a fantastic book where you really can escape into another world with pets Curd the lion, Pilgrim crow, Sweeney the heenie and O’flattery the snake. I bet you can’t offer any better pet names.
The tale follows twins Henry and Henrietta who live in a cottage near the land at the back of beyond…the sort of place you know nothing about yet stop and stare at everytime you go near it. This place is a place where dodongs and emporors live and promises to offer a wealth of dreams to the children who enter it through Gilliland’s illustrations.
I truly believe the illustrations really sets this story apart from others. Because Gilliland is the author and illustrator he has the scope of understanding what needs to be shown through his drawings. His illustrations fill every page and make it a joy to turn the page. A most wonderful, inspiring book. The kids will dream for days about far away lands with talking insects and things with two heads.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
New kids reviews and nice story from Tunisia
I receive three ace reviews last week from kids:
Lucy Ferguson, age: 12
“Wow! i read this in a day! i couldnt stop reading it! I will start to read it again tomorrow :) thanks to Alan gilliland for writing such a gripping and awesome book :)”
Eleanor Francis, age: 9
“WOW!! That was probably the best book I've ever read!!! The Illustrations were fantastic and it kept me enthralled from the first to the last word!! I will definately try to go to Yorkshire to see Nook and Cranny...!”
Nicholas McDonald, age: 12
“I'm so happy that I met Mr Gilliland at Waterstones, Peacock Center, Woking. I read it in 5 days, I couldn't put it down, I love it so much!
My favourite characters were Sweenie and Pilgrim Crow because they were both cool and funny. I can't wait till The Ineffable Emperor comes out!
The book should be turned into a hollywood movie (i love the place hollywood in the book!) I love the book!”
and a nice story from the grandfather of a girl from Tunis:
“Our daughter is married to a Tunisian film director and they have two lovely daughters – Lily, aged 9, and Sarra,7. They come over for Christmas each year and they met you in Waterstone’s in Guildford and bought your book. They were immensely excited to meet an author, as they are great readers and you were the first.
I began reading your book to them that evening and thought it would be too difficult, for them for a year or two. Their first language is colloquial Arabic; they are fluent in English and work in classical Arabic and French at school. Their skill in languages never ceases to astonish me. Lily picked up your book again the next day and never stopped. She adored it and has been pressing me to ensure I get the sequel for her as soon as it appears.
I thought you would like to know this story, If you were able to send Lily a message I know she would be over the moon” (which I did)
and here is her review:
Lilz, aged 10, Tunis, Tunisia. *****
Great Book: "This was the best book I have ever read.
It’s different to any other book I've ever read. There are animals that talk, men made out of rock and a bird with two heads and fingers instead of wings and scales instead of feathers. I can't wait until the next book."
Now that’s enough to cheer the most miserable author, don’t you think? (see previous post)
Lucy Ferguson, age: 12
“Wow! i read this in a day! i couldnt stop reading it! I will start to read it again tomorrow :) thanks to Alan gilliland for writing such a gripping and awesome book :)”
Eleanor Francis, age: 9
“WOW!! That was probably the best book I've ever read!!! The Illustrations were fantastic and it kept me enthralled from the first to the last word!! I will definately try to go to Yorkshire to see Nook and Cranny...!”
Nicholas McDonald, age: 12
“I'm so happy that I met Mr Gilliland at Waterstones, Peacock Center, Woking. I read it in 5 days, I couldn't put it down, I love it so much!
My favourite characters were Sweenie and Pilgrim Crow because they were both cool and funny. I can't wait till The Ineffable Emperor comes out!
The book should be turned into a hollywood movie (i love the place hollywood in the book!) I love the book!”
and a nice story from the grandfather of a girl from Tunis:
“Our daughter is married to a Tunisian film director and they have two lovely daughters – Lily, aged 9, and Sarra,7. They come over for Christmas each year and they met you in Waterstone’s in Guildford and bought your book. They were immensely excited to meet an author, as they are great readers and you were the first.
I began reading your book to them that evening and thought it would be too difficult, for them for a year or two. Their first language is colloquial Arabic; they are fluent in English and work in classical Arabic and French at school. Their skill in languages never ceases to astonish me. Lily picked up your book again the next day and never stopped. She adored it and has been pressing me to ensure I get the sequel for her as soon as it appears.
I thought you would like to know this story, If you were able to send Lily a message I know she would be over the moon” (which I did)
and here is her review:
Lilz, aged 10, Tunis, Tunisia. *****
Great Book: "This was the best book I have ever read.
It’s different to any other book I've ever read. There are animals that talk, men made out of rock and a bird with two heads and fingers instead of wings and scales instead of feathers. I can't wait until the next book."
Now that’s enough to cheer the most miserable author, don’t you think? (see previous post)
Monday, 8 February 2010
Too much to do – too little time
A Great Grey nuzzles the gunwales of this little craft. I paddle balefully to stay afloat. My sails have long been in tatters, my oars careworn. Still the massive spectre circles closer, rasping its inquisitive hide against my skin as its lidless eyes scrutinize, seeking weakness. I cannot sleep in the wake of its thrashing tail, or the yawning gape of avarice will snatch its final reckoning.
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