Roll up, roll up . . .

Ninja Nan (written by me, illustrated by the brilliant Natalie Smillie) turned two this month, so I've naturally been reflecting a bit on her journey.  Books are a little bit like children - in that they're each special in their own way, and it's impossible to have favourites.  What's special about Ninja Nan is that children, particularly 6-7 yr olds, really seem to like her.  And their teachers seem pretty fond of her too - I've seen some really fabulous examples of Ninja Nan themed work across the whole curriculum over the last couple of years, ranging from postcard/letter writing and poster design, to model making and even circus skills workshops!  An absolute career highlight for me was when I got to see some truly awesome live Ninja Nan shows performed by local children at the Hillingdon Picture Book of the Year Award Ceremony last year; the memory of all those presentations, and the enthusiasm of the children, is one I will treasure always.  I still like to get out to at least one school a week and, on almost every visit, I'm asked at least once 'When are you going to write another Ninja Nan?'  Well, the answer to that question is always that I'd love to, of course, and that maybe one day I will . . .  But, in the meantime, I'd really like to introduce Nan to a wider audience - so I'm offering a limited number of free review copies, just to teachers in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1.  I can only afford to send out one a week (so there'll be a bit of a waiting list!) but, if you're a teacher that would like one to share with your class, please do get in touch.  All I ask in return is that you read the story to your class at least once - and that you post an honest book review up on Amazon afterwards (feel free to cut & paste to other sites too!) just to let others know whether or not they liked it.  I'd be so grateful if you'd spread the word, and help me get even more children in on the Ninja Nan act!