Hello – welcome to the latest news from ALBERT the tortoise HQ with our friends Hugg ‘n’ Bugg.
Instantly, we start with amazing GOOD NEWS… ALBERT picturebook ALBERT AND THE FLOOD has been nominated for one of the top awards for children’s books… The Yoto Carnegie Medals are regarded as the oldest and most prestigious awards for children’s books in the UK.
You may already know that ALBERT AND THE FLOOD is the 7th in the ALBERT picturebook series. We are nominated in the ILLUSTRATION section of the awards. Hats off to illustrator Eoin Clarke for the amazing work he does working in oils to create the paintings that bring the books to life.
We are among a lot of books currently. A shorter, long list of nominees will be named in February 2025. The awards are judged by children’s librarians and the shortlist is named later in 2025. Obviously, we hope to progress further, but it is a huge honour and thrill just to be nominated. We hope there will be further cause to SHELLebrate!
ALBERT AND THE FLOOD tells the story of how the Garden Games are halted by torrential rain – which puts the animals in peril. Albert and his pals have to work together to find safety. As ever – the book celebrates teamwork and kindness and also contains facts in the back about real Albert, who inspires all the ALBERT books and this time about rainfall, weather and other animals in the books.
The one member of the ALBERT creative team not to know about the Nomination is real Albert. He is hibernating and will have to wait until spring to be fully updated.
You know how we love to see YOU with our books. We were thrilled to receive this picture of a young reader with picturebook ALBERT AND THE SHED from our chums at Kingsley and Co in Bootle. They have just opened in their new premises and held an event where ticket holders could receive a book. Happy reading!
Happy reading also to visitors to Oakmere Library in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. Potters Bar is where author bloke Ian Brown grew up and he spent many hours in the library mainly reading comedy books and encyclopaedias. We were thrilled to gift a set of ALBERT picture books, board books and a set of Hugg ‘n’ Bugg picture books to the library.
We were also pleased recently to gift more of our books to Walthamstow Library in East London.
While in Walthamstow, we checked into the Waterstone’s bookshop there to sign some stock of ALBERT books. Thanks to the booksellers.
We are also delighted to be taking part in the BBC fund raiser BBC Children In Need through Children In Read. People can BID for a bundle of Albert and Hugg ‘n’ Bugg books and goodies. Check our social sites for the link.
We are looking forward to teaming with ace indie bookshop Chicken and Frog in Brentwood, Essex for a school storytime visit. More pictures and details soon.
Remember – on Saturday November 16 we will be bringing some early Festive Fun to Chingford, East London and to Jo’s Bookshop. Join us from 11am for storytelling, book signing with tortoises, dinosaurs, yetis (hairy snowmen) and much more.. Plus giveaways. How tinsel-ating!
Finally for now… more Good News.. This week sees publication of our third ALBERT board book ALBERT 123 – a super, colourful numbers and counting book featuring Albert and his picturebook pals – with easy-wipe pages. Aimed at 0-3 years it joins ALBERT and his Friends and ALBERT ABC in our board book range.
That makes 12 ALBERT books now.. A TORTY DOZEN… All, if you ask us, very nice Xmas gift ideas…
Author bloke even did a video about the new board book – and might have mentioned some other books too. .. Take a look… More from us soon. Thank you as ever for all the support.
Til next time…