HOME SWEET HOME? OR MAYBE NOT...

Gemma Greening never had plans to become a published author. It wasn’t until a string of funny poems she had scribbled over birthday cards to her husband; mainly for the amusement of her two sons, Alfie and Oliver, snowballed into an idea for a children’s fiction book, and all of a sudden ‘Messy Dad’ was born.

Having always had a way with words; often writing short poems when she found the time, Gemma struck gold when she started stringing together silly and satirical rhymes about her frustration with her partner Ben’s lack of initiative when it came to housework.

Gemma says: “It all started as a joke to be honest. My eldest, Alfie, really likes getting involved. After showing the ideas of Messy Dad to some close friends, I gained the confidence, but I needed to decide to share it with an audience.”  

Messy Dad is a cheeky and brassy short rhyming story, with silly anecdotes. Illustrator Matt Prewett successfully heaps on the comedy, matching each verse to an equally wacky cartoon, tying the book together as dessert for your eyes. The story follows our leading man Messy Dad who happens to have some rather questionable hygiene habits and struggles to hold down the fort whilst his wife is at work. 

Gemma continues: “Having such a close bundle of kids in my life; with my three nephews, two nieces and of course my own two boys, I became inspired to create something that they could read and enjoy whilst at the same time pushing me out of my comfort zone. Although the idea came from a real life scenario, I was experiencing with my partner, he knows it’s quite exaggerated and has been really supportive throughout the process.”  

Gemma is already working on new material that continues to shine light on her lovable, funny family and hopes to have two new Messy Dad books out next year. Messy Dad will surely face challenges far trickier than just juggling the kids and the broken dishwasher. Will he succeed and become ‘Super Dad’ full-time, or will ‘Messy Dad’ prevail?

If you like to publish a picture book with us and take control visit www.jellybeanselfpublishing.co.uk

Candy Jar @ Regenerations Swansea – 24th-25th September 2016

Have you booked to attend this years’ Regenerations event?

With loads of amazing guests and fantastic interviews planned, how could Shaun possibly turn down the opportunity to attend and sell you some books?! 

Most exciting of all these books is a fantastic pre-order from author Peter Grehan, Connecting Who

The Cybermen, the Weeping Angels, the Daleks… the artificial beings of Doctor Who are some of the most iconic in science fiction. But what inspired them?

Connecting Who: Artificial Beings traces their origins back to the myths, folktales and real events of history; the teachings of religion; not to mention the wealth of other sci fi writing from which Doctor Who has drawn.

Peter Grehan has been an avid fan since Doctor Who’s very first broadcast.  With him as your guide, explore the wealth of material which lies behind the longest running science fiction series of all time.

If you can’t wait until Regenerations to order your copy or you’re unable to attend the event, you can visit our store to pre-order now. If you do, you’ll also receive a free copy of the 3^rd book in the first Lethbridge-Stewart series, Beast of FangRock

 
Shaun will also be selling some of our other books, so make sure you
drop by and visit!

OUT NOW! BRAND-NEW 30% DISCOUNT CODE ON LETHBRIDGE-STEWART BOOKS!

Summer is nearly over but don't worry, Candy Jar Books have the perfect cure for you all: a generous 30% off ALL books in the Lethbridge-Stewart series!

It's easy to do, simply quote this discount code: EPICLS30 before you order and voila- your favourite books at bargain prices!

This offer is only available until the end of the month and is not applicable to book bundles, only individual books. Take a look below at some of the treats that could be yours!

Check out the Candy Jar store to buy now.

Don't miss out on this amazing offer!

20TH AUGUST: BRIAN MOSES' LOCAL WATERSTONE EVENT!

Exciting news! Candy Jar author and children's poet Brian Moses is once again entertaining the masses, this time by hosting an event at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in the Isle of Thanet. The area is particularly special to Brian, home to his childhood seaside town of Ramsgate that inspired his new children's book Keeping Clear of Paradise Street.  Brian will be in Waterstones at the shopping centre between 12 and 2 pm on the 20th August and will be performing extracts from his poetry and percussion show. No ticket is required - just turn up and enjoy the show!

Brian is is a dedicated and tireless advocate for spreading his love of poetry and literature across all age ranges, especially to children. In collaboration with Candy Jar Books, Brian launched a UK wide Noisy Poetry Competition;  an endeavor created to instill a passion for poetry in children across the nation, and with countless brilliant entries and responses, it's safe to say it was a big success! 

If you want to learn more about this incredible author, Brian's book is available to buy from the candy jar webstore, as well as from other good retailers.

Remember to check back into the Candy Jar Blog to see what exciting new launches and authors we have coming up, and you can also follow us on all the links below!

Coming Soon - Connecting Who!

Candy Jar Books is thrilled to announce the release of Connecting Who: Artificial Beings – a Doctor Who reference book. And, for a limited time, all pre-orders of the book will receive a free copy of the celebrated third instalment to the Lethbridge-Stewart series Beast of Fang Rock!

Written by Peter Grehan, this authoritative book is a perfect read for those who want to delve deeper into the hidden mysteries and secrets of the Doctor Who universe.

Peter says: “Imagine Doctor Who as a tree trunk that keeps growing taller and taller, fed by roots that reach down into history, mythology, psychology, folktales, religion, science and the wealth of science fiction that exists in the world. It’s not surprising therefore to find that Doctor Who connects with a lot of other stuff. “

Connecting Who: Artificial Beings examines some of these connections; specifically in regards to those artificial beings (clever computers, robots, androids and cyborgs) we find in Doctor Who.

The book investigates artificial beings such as the Cybermen, Daleks, Autons, Weeping Angels, Gangers, Morbius, Xoanon and the Yeti, making connections to literary and scientific sources.

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar Books, feels that this new release offers a fresh perspective on the Doctor’s travels through space and time. He says: “Peter has been a fan of Doctor Who since day one and his take on the Whoniverse offers a personal outlook on growing up with the series. His childhood love of robots coincided with the introduction of the Daleks and, despite the Daleks not really being robots, their cries of exterminate cemented his love for all things Doctor Who.”

Peter is no stranger to Doctor Who, having worked as a host at the Doctor Who Experience and penning the audio drama Sontarans: Silent Warrior for BBV. He says: “In my book I have enjoyed making the connections between Doctor Who and real-life computers, robots and cyborgs. These connections run deep into culture, history and science. It is my hope that fans will not only enjoy reading my book, but begin to connect the dots themselves.”

Connecting Who: Artificial Beings is exclusively available to pre-order from www.candyjarbooks.co.uk. All pre-orders come with a free copy of Lethbridge-Stewart: Beast of Fang Rock. 


Find out more about the Lethbridge-Stewart series at its own website:  https://lethbridgestewartnovels.wordpress.com/

Happy 95th Birthday Eileen!

Candy Jar is delighted to be able to say "Happy 95th Birthday!" to the incredible Eileen Younghusband today. Reaching such a golden age is only one of the formidable achievements this lady had made throughout her time, and we'd like to take this opportunity to share a few more today!

Aged 16, Eileen joined the Women's Auxilliary Air Force in 1941 in one of the top secret roles: Clerk Special Duties. She and her co-workers had to sign the Official Secrets Act, preventing them from telling their families and friends about the work they did in the unknown Filter Rooms.

In the war years that followed, Eileen proved herself and went further and further up the ranks, becoming one of the youngest Filterer Officers ever. Any historic event, from the Little Boats of Dunkirk to the time Winston Churchill accidentally flew in without his "IFF" (Information Friend or Foe) signal - Eileen Younghusband was there.

On June 6th 1944, Eileen was working on shift during Operation Neptune, the code name for the D-Day landings of Allied Forces on the French coast and celebrated the success with her co-workers.

On September 8th 1944, Eileen received the "Big Ben" alert, indicating the first V2 rocket launch from Germany against London - one of the most iconic moments in history.

Credit: Warren Allott

On November 16th 1944, Eileen was sent onwards to Second Tactical Air Force in Beligum, gifted the task of working within a highly specialised team to detect the V2 rocket launchers until June 1945.

When VE Day arrived, and Germany had been defeated, Eileen's job wasn't at an end. She was sent to Breendonk, a liberated concentration camp, where she was instructed to act as a guide and translator to RAF officers sent there to learn of the horrors thathad occurred.

In the post-war years, Eileen has remained an unstoppable force. Aged 87, Eileen achieved one of her life's ambitions of attaining a university degree, and remains an active campaigner for health and education. Due to the Official Secrets Act, for 30 years after the war Eileen's story remained a secret from all she knew; her friends,  her family, and even her husband Peter Younghusband whom she married in 1945 and their son Clive Younghusband, born 1946.

It wasn't until 2011 when Eileen published her first war-time autobiography that her story, and the story of thousands of other women, was told.

One Woman's War went on to win the People's Book Prize 2012/13, and has become a widely recognised authority on the realities of war-time Britain and the role of of the women in the Filter Rooms in the Second World War.

Now, Eileen feels that it's time to share her story with the younger generation. Launched today, on her 95th birthday, Candy Jar is honoured to announce the publication of Eileen's third book Eileen's War.

As veterans gradually age and pass away, many of them taking their memories with them, Eileen sees her children’s memoir as her ‘legacy’ book. She says: “I think it is really important to engage with young people about World War II. It’s a pivotal moment in our history. I feel my book helps to make a sense of the insecurities we all face at the moment. In truth I am not going to be around forever, but if my story can live on from generation to generation this will be wonderful.”

Eileen continues: “When I wrote One Woman’s War I wanted to shine a light on the work done by the women of the Filter Room. At the time our position in history had almost been forgotten. Now I am so proud that the women’s contribution has been acknowledged.”

Once again, Eileen tells the story of the Second World War with frank and charming voice, peppered with hilarious anecdotes of a young girl who found herself in the middle of it all. Eileen's War is the legacy of an inspiring true story which will live on. Fans of Roald Dah's Boy and Flying Solo, and Jennifor Worth's Call The Midwife will love Eileen's latest memoir. You can order yours today here.

From everybody here at Candy Jar Books, we're so proud to be able to celebrate and share the work of one incredible golden lady. Her ambition, drive and outlook on life inspires each of us here, and we're delighted for Eileen Younghusband to be a friend of Candy Jar Books.

Happy Birthday Eileen, you are a true hero. 

THE SEARCH FOR MISTER LLOYD ANNOUNCED winner of 2016 TIR NA N-OG Award

Candy Jar's young adult book The Search For Mister Lloyd written by Griff Rowland has become the fortieth winner of the Tir na n-Og Awards.

In April the shortlist for the 2016 Tir na n-Og Award was announced - the fortieth consecutive year of the prestigious Welsh literature award – and displayed a vast wealth of fantasatic books by talented authors across Wales. One such talented author was our very own Welsh television director Griff Rowland, shortlisted for his debut young adult novel The Search For Mister Lloyd.

Now, we are delighted to announce that The Search for Mister Lloyd was named the winner!! The announcement was made during the CILIP Cymru Library and Information Conference on Thursday 26th May.

Griff Rowland said: “I’m absolutely delighted that my book has been recognised for such an important Welsh award.”

As a winner of the Tir na n-Og Award, Griff is in impressive company. Previous winners of the English-language award include Merlin's Magical Creatures by Graham Howells, The Grey King by Susan Cooper, The Candle Man by Catherine Fisher, Cowgirl by Giancarlo Gemin, Welsh Cakes and Custard by Wendy White, Tree of Leaf and Flame by Daniel Morden and Full Moon by Jenny Sullivan.

Set against the background of the Welsh town of Bangor, The Search For Mister Lloyd has been called “a tale that draws you in from the start and never lets you go", beginning when 11 year-old Mostyn Price’s beloved racing pigeon Mister Lloyd fails to return from his very first race.

“Where do you even begin to search for your lost pigeon? Of course you put up LOST posters, pinning them to as many tree trunks as possible and handing them out to people in the street, but it’s not like you can actually look for a pigeon... or can you?

When Mister Lloyd fails to return home from his first international race, Mostyn Price, a young pigeon fancier from North Wales, is inconsolable. His grandfather presumes Mister Lloyd has been devoured by a falcon but Mostyn is hell-bent on proving him wrong, determined to conquer his sense of loss, especially as his own dad also vanished a few years earlier.

A mysterious tip-off suggests Mister Lloyd has landed in London and the search shifts to the metropolis where the 11-year-old hero finds himself increasingly isolated and in danger.” 

We're delighted that one of our talented authors has won such a fantastic and proudly Welsh award. The Tir na n-Og Award celebrates new literary titles with an authentic Welsh background written in both English and Welsh. “It’s more important than ever that publications for children and young people are exciting, attractive and of the highest quality," said Elwyn Jones, Chief Executive of the Welsh Books Council. "This is the way to attract children and to ensure that they become lifetime readers.”

Set in both Bangor and London, The Search For Mister Lloyd weaves Welsh phrases and names into the narrative. Griff's Welsh background and its influence runs deeply throughout yet never overpowering or undercutting the story’s unique plot. He said: “Setting the story in north Wales felt almost inevitable to me as a writer. The Welsh landscape itself, as well as the language and the culture, has been influential to me in all my work. This is an achievement that I am very proud of – it’s a real honour to receive this incredible award for my first book.”

Dubbed “a pacey modern quest story full of emotional peaks and troughs,” The Search for Mister Lloyd is a blend of heart-pounding adventure and heart-warming, relatable characters. Through the story of Mostyn and Mister Lloyd, Griff poignantly explores the complexities of family relationships and true friendships encountered by readers at all stages of life.

Griff thinks that the more adult themes of abandonment are very important to the story.  “Dealing with loss is an incredibly difficult at any age, but even more so at the age of eleven," he said. "I think that it’s important for children and young adult fiction to deal with real-life issues that might be affecting readers, and I think a lot of people will relate to what Mostyn goes through.”

Hayley Cox, senior publishing co-ordinator at Candy Jar Books, said: “The Search for Mister Lloyd is the second of our titles to be shortlisted for the Tir na n-Og Awards, but the first to win! We are delighted that Mostyn and Mister Lloyd have won over the hearts of the awarding panel, and we’re certain they will win the hearts of many more readers to come.”

“As an independent publishing company, we take a lot of pride not only in producing quality books but, just as importantly, telling engaging stories that people love by talented authors like Griff Rowland. We are all extremely proud of Griff.”

The Search For Mister Lloyd is available as paperback RRP £7.99 and also as a Kindle ebook. You can buy the book direct from Candy Jar, from Amazon, as well as other good retailers.


If you've read The Search For Mister Lloyd, let us know your thoughts on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #TheSearchForMisterLloyd

For other Candy Jar titles, check out our website www.candy-jar.co.uk and follow us to see what we're up to!

Are today's children mollycoddled?

When you think about your childhood, what are the memories that stand out most? 

These days, the average child spends less than half an hour a week playing outside; a third of children have never climbed a tree and only 10% walk to school. And yet study after study has confirmed the benefits of children spending time, unsupervised, in the great outdoors.

Brian Moses' childhood was, well, somewhat different: “I would be shooed out of the house in the morning, not to be been seen again until mealtimes. Between those times, I was effectively free to do whatever I liked, whether shutting down the street with impromptu go kart races, terrorising the park keeper in pursuit of conkers, or letting freshly caught crabs run havoc across the sea front."

Brian, one of Britain's most loved poets, is hoping that his newest book Keeping Clear of Paradise Street will help parents re-examine their own childhood adventures. He believes that the great outdoors can be beneficial to young minds.

The Ramsgate writer and poet, with over 200 published works, has now written his childhood autobiography. Keeping Clear of Paradise Street is a heart-warming coming-of-age story that transports the reader back to 1950s Ramsgate, and the tail-end of the golden age of the British seaside.

As a former teacher and frequent speaker at educational conferences – with more than a million book sales to his name – Brian feels it’s time to revisit his Ramsgate childhood. His book is aimed principally at children, but nostalgic adults will find his stories of equal interest. Covering universal themes such as first days at schools, first loves, bullying and teenage mischief, Keeping Clear of Paradise Street is a timeless account of the trials and tribulations of growing up.

In the last 30 years Brian has visited more than 3000 schools and has seen fads come and go, but he believes children have stayed the same.

“The current generation gets a lot of flak for just wanting to sit inside and play video games all day. But I think this a symptom of parenting. Often, these days, parents are so wary of letting their kids out their sight. My book urges these parents to set their children free. In the 1950s and 60s, my friends and I would invent games for ourselves to play, and our success in these games would depend on our own imaginations.

“Of course, it’s important that children are always safe. However, keeping a child physically active is also important for their long-term emotional wellbeing: a child who regularly plays outside is likely to be more sociable, self-sufficient and self-disciplined than one who is instead kept inside and under supervision.”

Keeping Clear of Paradise Street is out now, available from the Candy Jar webstore and other good retailers. 

Brian Moses is available for interviews and appearances.

What are some of your favourite - and craziest! -  childhood memories? Tweet us @candy_jar

The London Book Fair 2016: We're Going!

We love a good book fair, us.

Candy Jar is excited to be going on a road-trip to the London Book Fair once again this year, and will be there on 12th & 13th April. After last year's great experience of meeting some really interesting people and talking all things books and publishing, we're especially looking forward to networking and building some new relationships and making connections at one of the most esteemed literature events of the year.

If you are planning on attending, give us a shout and we will come and say hi! 

Review: The Search For Mister Lloyd by Griff Rowland

We've received a great review from the lovely people at Love Reading for The Search for Mister Lloyd by Griff Rowland.

"A gorgeously quirky and magical story about friendship, hope and discovery, for young and older adults alike. Mostyn is a pigeon fancier, Mister Lloyd the pigeon has gone fly-about and Mostyn is determined to find him. Including emails, posters, as well as the adventure itself, Griff Rowland transports you into the lives of Mostyn and Mister Lloyd. Full of moments to make you giggle, ponder and go "ahh", 'The Search For Mister Lloyd' is a lovely and captivating tale."

A big thank you to Love Reading's Liz Robinson for taking to time to review the book, and we're so glad that she enjoyed it as much as we do! 

The Search For Mister Lloyd is out now and available for purchase as paperback and Kindle download. 

RRP: £7.99

ISBN: 9780993119170

@Candy_Jar

@GriffRowland

@LRLizRobinson

Spread The Word Festival 2016 - We're Excited!!

Candy Jar is really excited to be getting involved with the Spread The Word Literary Festival 2016, coming to you on World Book Day, Thursday March 3rd.

The amazing event is hosted by Stephens & George Centenary Charitable Trust in Merthyr Tydfil town center, and is one of the biggest annual arts and literature festival in Wales for children.

Spread The Word Festival was first launched in 2013, and with the great success that was seen has been a recurring fixture in Wales' annual line-up. With previous themes including Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland, this years event is based on characters created by the iconic Cardiff-born author Roald Dahl.

The main influence of the event will be Roald Dahl's hugely influential classic Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, and the event locations will be teaming with Oompa Loompas, and even Willy Wonka (on stilts!!) Keep an eye out for the Glass Elevator!

Among the famous faces which will feature at the Merthyr Tydfil event, including BBC Drama Waterloo Road's Richard Mylan and CBBC poet Joseph Coelho, we are privileged to announce that Candy Jar authors Alison Thomas, Emmerdale actress Sammy Winward, People's Book Prize 2014 Nominee Anthony Ormond, Mark Brake & Jon Chase, and the renowned pop-culture artist Nathan Wyburn will be featuring at the event!

There will be author-led talks and workshops for children of all ages, as well as the opportunity to buy signed copies of their books and meet the authors in person.

There will be food, there will be drink, and there will even be crafty stalls to get your hands mucky!

Keep an eye out for the event schedules, and we will see you there! (hopefully in costume)

Photo credit: Sir Quentin Blake (The Guardian)

Spread The Word Festival will be held at various locations in the Merthyr Tydfil town centre Thursday March 3rd, 2016. Further details will follow. 

BOOKS FOR THE BEACH

With Barack Obama, half the world’s press, not to mention several warships in town, Candy Jar decided to escape the chaos of the NATO conference and hit the beach. Clear blue surf, white sands and not a soul to be seen as far as the eye could see…

Well, not exactly. Cardiff Bay Beach is the annual transformation of the heart of Cardiff Bay into a fairground/urban beach the summer. With the world’s eyes on the city, this year the beach’s opening was extended another week, and Candy Jar were invited to pop down the road and run a stall.

With books in hand and authors in tow, the team manfully shouldered the responsibility and spent the week at the simulated seaside – pirates, sharks and water zorbing included. Thanks to the good people of Cardiff Bay Beach for approaching us, to all of our authors who helped out, and to everyone we spoke to over the course of the week.  

THE SCIENCE OF DOCTOR WHO

To celebrate the start of the Candy Jar Book Festival, critically-acclaimed author and science wizard Mark Brake will be entertaining guests with The Science of Doctor Who, a free kids show to that explores the ins and outs of one of sci-fi's most loved universes.

Making an appearance alongside Mark will be rapper and TV presenter Jon Chase, who will be providing his own fun-filled perspective on Who's science.

The event will take place 9th August at Cardiff Central Library at both 12pm and 2pm. Bringing the perfect blend of charisma, humour and education into the mix, people of all ages can enjoy the dynamic duo's unique method of entertaining kids with a little bit of a twist.

Over the years Mark has already written a number of books closely related to the event's topic, including Space Hoppers, Really, Really Big Questions about Space and Time and The Alien Hunter's Handbook. His latest book, Space, Time, Machine, Monster has just been released by Candy Jar Books and serves as an irreverent look at how science fiction and the good Doctor have impacted and changed our lives.

If you'd like to know more about the festival, click here.

SOUTH WALES SHORT STORY COMPETITION RETURNS!

After the success of the South Wales Short Story Competition in 2012, Candy Jar Books is once again offering aspiring writers the chance to have their work published for the very first time. This year the publisher has teamed up with Cardiff Libraries to make the event even bigger and better!

In 2012 the winning entry was awarded to Laura Foakes for her story The Countess and the Mole Man. Since then Laura has been working closely with Candy Jar and in July Laura's debut novel for children The Liars' and Fibbers' Academy will be released.

Laura said: "I entered the South Wales Short Story Competition at the last minute (with an old story) never thinking I would win. When I was asked for further passages of my book I swear I floated home and the train had nothing to do with it. I write every day and also attend two local writing groups for inspiration, motivation and fun. I'm passionate about getting children to read for sheer enjoyment, and still pinch myself most mornings that Candy Jar has given me the opportunity to be published."

Laura Foakes with the 2012 winning entry, The Countess and the Mole Man

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at the Cardiff-based publishing company, said: "Since 2012 we've had a number of success stories at Candy Jar, with one of our books even winning the People's Book Prize. We are extremely committed to encouraging new talent and hope the public will take the time to participate."

The South Wales Short Story Competition is currently accepting submissions. Entrants are permitted to submit up to two short stories and these can be a maximum of three thousand words. The competition is open to all unpublished writers.

Hayley Cox, senior publishing coordinator at Candy Jar, believes that short stories are an excellent way for writers to perfect their craft. She said: "The discipline and imagination required for creating and structuring a good short story is excellent practice for an aspiring writer. The experience winning writers will gain will be invaluable in preparing them for future publication."

All submissions must be received by 5pm on Saturday 16th August 2014. The competition is £2 to enter. The winner will get a Kindle Fire, and all shortlisted entries will be published in an anthology.

Entries can be sent via the website: Candy Jar Short Story Competition

Alternatively, they can also be posted to: Candy Jar Books, 113-115 Bute Street, Cardiff, CF10 5EQ.

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SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER - VIDEO

Check out an interview with See You In September author Joanne Teague:

When Joanne Teague learnt that she may only have a few months to live she decided to take her three children out of school and, with her husband, spend six months travelling around Europe. See You in September is the hilarious and uplifting account of this family’s journey through Europe. From the interviews with the children’s eccentric headteacher, to the vagaries of negotiating the Paris Metro with a toddler, the joys of navigating through Italian cities and the challenge of purchasing food for a family on a remote Greek island using only sign language, the book deals with every family’s holiday dreams – and nightmares – with a wonderfully light touch.

About the Author: Joanne Teague has lived in the Vale of Glamorgan for the last 16 years. She trained as an occupational therapist and is married with three children. Joanne's life changed when she became seriously ill and was diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos -- a rare and still incurable, life-threatening condition. Notwithstanding, she continues to work, to travel and to have lots of fun.

See You In September is available from all good retailers, Amazon.co.uk, Play.com and the Candy Jar Books website. It is also available as an e-book via Kindle and all other e-reader devices.

Visit the Candy Jar Books website (www.candyjarbooks.co.uk) to order your copy of See You In September and check out our other titles!

GET THOSE VOTES IN FOR THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE!

 

Time is running out for voting on the People's Book Prize! Candy Jar Books currently have three titles in the running and we would love your votes for these books.

Voting ends THIS FRIDAY (28th Feb) – so please click the link!

THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE

www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

JUST ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY?

We interviewed author Michaela Weaver about Manic Mondays – her debut novel published by Candy Jar Books. Take a look here:

You can pre-order your copy of Manic Mondays by visiting the Candy Jar Books website.

AUTHOR MAKES APPEARANCE AT PENARTH BOOK FESTIVAL

Author Eileen Younghusband was in Penarth yesterday to give a talk about her latest book 'Men I Have Known'. Held at All Saint's Church, over forty attendees listened intently to Eileen's memories as she recalled the interesting men she has met over the course of a rich and varied life of 92 years. Eileen was joined by retired BBC Radio Wales journalist Hugh Turnbull, who quizzed her about the film stars, politicians, poets, scientists and other extraordinary men who made an impact on her life.

'Men I Have Known' is available in hardback from Candy Jar Books, online or via all good bookshops.

Candy Jar Books

A NIGHT OUT WITH A CRAZY CHICK!

© Candy Jar Ltd 2013

The team at Candy Jar attended a private function yesterday at Porter's Cardiff to celebrate the launch of See Monkey Songs - a brand new company led by Welsh cross-over icon Charlotte Church, manager Rhiannon Morgan-Bell, and founder of The MMP and See Monkey Do Monkey Recordings, Aimee-Jade Hayes.

The aim behind the new venture is to provide the infrastructure necessary to help Welsh music thrive in both Wales and the rest of the globe, working with a roster of writers and artists to help them develop further and help their music gain the exposure it deserves.

As special guests to the event, the Candy Jar team were personally invited by Charlotte in order to continue its growth as a key component in Wales' ever-growing cultural significance.

Whilst the venue was crammed full of guests, the team were still able to talk to Charlotte, and even managed to present her with her very own copy of Joanne Teague's book, See You In September!

With a line-up of outstanding new artists performing as well as Charlotte herself, the event proved to be a fantastic chance to experience the wonderful talent Cardiff and the rest of Wales has to offer.

SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER WEBSITE NOW ONLINE!

The website is now available for See You In September, the latest release from Candy Jar Books, written by Joanne Teague.

At the age of 41 Joanne Teague was diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a brutal and incurable disease that left her with a number of difficulr decisions. Joanne had always dreamt of travelling with her family, a dream she called the 'Someday Plan', but had always put off for another day. With her diagnosis however, 'Someday' was a luxury she could no longer afford.

Quick to embrace her limited time alive, Joanne took her husband and three children off on an adventure across Europe in order to experience a new look at life. See You in September is the brand new book written by Joanne that chronicles her family's adventure, written with a compelling sense of poignancy at the fragility of happiness and indeed, life itself.

To find out more about Joanne's story, place a book order or, to contact us regarding any press reviews and personal appearances, visit the website now using the link below, or 'like' us on Facebook by searching 'seeyouinseptember'.

http://www.candy-jar.co.uk/seeyouinseptember.html