Coffee house Caffè Nero has announced the 16-strong shortlist for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, recognising the outstanding books of the past 12... Author Anna Kemp introduces The Hollow Hills, the sequel to her dark magical tale, Into Goblyn Wood. Who would have thought that a children’s book will turn out to be one of the best books I’ve read in 2022?! Not me! But it happened! Lastly, I just want to mention this abso-freaking-lutely perfect cover! Even if I haven’t read the book I would still buy it just for this cover! Just… wow🥺

minds and hearts and souls, uniting people when they found a victim. Someone different. Someone who didn't quite fit in. Someone to blame when things went wrong.’ I loved Tanya’s previous books, especially Horse Boy, so was really pleased to get a chance to read her new one. Midwinter burning’ absolutely stole my heart with it’s incredible storytelling, heartbreaking plot surprising metaphors with life lessons for readers of all ages, beautiful quotes and well-written characters. The book was gripping from start to finish and although the story was simple enough to be understood by children, it was deep enough to give adults something to think about. Tanya Landman is the author of some utterly compelling and engrossing stories and Midwinter Burning is no exception. The story weaves between the outbreak of World War II and ancient times, mingling the lives of two 'lonely little lads', whose friendship brings courage and comfort. As an adult, it is hard to read the cold indifference of Alfie's mother to her 'little accident' and this stands in stark contrast to the warmth and affection he receives at Coombe Farm as he becomes 'my birdie' to Auntie Bell, praised and encouraged as he helps out, flourishing under the positive attention. Midwinter Burning is rich in historical detail and vividly captures landscapes and characters. As it builds to its tense and exciting climax, the reader is left with the glow of hope that both Alfie and Smidge are set for a better future than the one they might have had, saved by their friendship across time. A brilliant read!

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Alfie realized that this was it. The Darkness wasn't coming. It was here. It wasn't a force that came from outside. It came from within. Hate that poisoned The winners of the Diverse Book Awards 2023 have been announced, with one winner from each of the four categories announced: Picture book, Children... He even eventually makes a friend called Snidge, but his friend is a mystery with a different language and different clothing, Alfie doesn’t want to mention him to others just in case the paranoia of an upcoming war affects this friendship.

Thank you, Tanya. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and know the children will love this unique historical, adventure story. I can't wait to read the next story by Tanya Landman!I loved how Alfie and Snidge learned about each others worlds, and how they could inhabit each others worlds was so well done, especially toward the end of the story which is so exciting and tense.

Carnegie Medal winning Tanya Landman is the author of more than thirty books for children and young adults. Honestly, I think the amount of heavy topics this book covers, e.g. grief, bullying, realities of war and loss, the sacrifice of life, psychological abuse, being unwanted by a parent, it all makes this book pretty dark for a young reader. At the same time, the author of ‘Midwinter burning’ manages to deliver all these lessons in a way that doesn’t feel too overwhelming and I believe it’s perfectly suitable for a bit older kids. However, I also think the the writing style and all the previously mentioned stuff may not be as accessible for the youngest readers and may stop them from fully enjoying this book.

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Tanya now lives and works in Bideford and the nearby coastline was the inspiration for her Flotsam & Jetsam series.