Look what I’ve got!  An actual, honest-to-goodness copy of Scream Street 8: Attack of the Trolls!

The book will be published in just over a month now – so not long to wait…

Tommy

As a special treat for World Book Day, here’s a clip from the forthcoming audio book version of Zombie! – my first book for Barrington Stoke.

I was delighted when top audio producers, Oakhill Publishing, gave me the opportunity to read my own book – and I had a fantastic time in the studio with Douglas making the recording.

So, get your ears around this exclusive clip, featuring the first appearance of Jake the zombie…

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The full audio book will be available to buy in April.

Tommy

Today is World Book Day!  Hurray!

And I’m not running any events!  Boo!

I was supposed to be at Coleshill Heath School yesterday, Alcott Hall School today and Starbank Primary School tomorrow – but I’ve had to postpone all three visits because I’ve got a throat infection.  Yes, yours truly is completely mute.  I can’t even whisper.  And my throat hurts.  A lot.

Thanks for the sympathy.

Still, I’ve got a couple of (silent) treats up my sleeve for today – the first being a pdf file of spooktacular Scream Street activities that you can download from the World Book Day website here: http://www.worldbookday.com/assets_cm/files/pdf/10webA1P_Vampire_Activity_Sheets.pdf

You should also find some fun Scream Street information in your school’s World Book Day pack.

Have a great day!

Tommy

I was absolutely delighted to learn that Frozen In Time – a stunning book by my fellow Trapped By Monsters captive, Ali Sparkes, has won the Blue Peter Children’s Book Award!

Frozen In Time is the exciting story of what happens when Ben and Rachel discover a hidden bunker buried in their back garden – complete with two cryogenically frozen children – Freddy and Polly!  Once unfrozen, Freddy and Polly must learn to adapt to life in the 21st century – and avoid the attentions of some very shady characters now sniffing around.  It’s a fast-paced adventure you simply won’t want to out down!

Congratulations to Ali – very well deserved indeed!

My second book for Barrington Stoke – The Uniform – is now available to pre-order at amazon.co.uk

The book tells the story of Matthew, a new pupil at Elm Road school who is picked on by teachers and bullies alike because his mum can’t afford to buy him the correct school uniform.  When his mum eventually finds a second hand uniform in a charity shop, it looks as though Matthew’s troubles are over.  In fact, he feels better than ever when wearing the uniform – stronger, more confident, and unwilling to put up with any more trouble.  Before long, Matthew is the new king of the playground and dealing with anyone who dares to get in his way – much to the concern of his best friend, Neil.  Could it be the uniform itself is to blame?

The Uniform is a terrifying tale for anyone whose ever worn a school tie…

Tommy

It’s official – I’m losing my voice!

I spent this morning at Liverpool Central Library and afternoon at Toxteth Library, running my spooky Vampires vs Werewolves Game Show for visiting school groups – only to become quieter and squeakier during the day!  By the time I got home, I could barely talk (the family had a peaceful evening for once!)

Despite the croaking, it was a fantastic day (thanks to Tricia and Neil!) and wonderful to finally meet Jenni and Spider – a real Scream Street character (more on that soon…)

Check out what top reviewer, Ella McKenzie, had to say about Scream Street 1: Fang of the Vampire…

Thanks to everyone at Holy Trinity School in Ashton (and the visitors from St Peter’s) for making me feel so welcome today – despite my failing voice!  I think I’m coming down with a cold – but everyone’s enthusiasm for writing their stories made sure I had a smile on my face from the moment I arrived.

I’ve just got back from a fantastically fun Renaissance Learning symposium in Belfast – where I got to enjoy a talk by Theresa Breslin, author of the powerful Divided City.

My own presentation was a little more low key than usual – partly because I’m coming down with a cold and rapidly losing my voice, but also because there was no way I’d have got my box of Scream Street relics through the airport scanners without being hauled off to a side room for interrogation!  As a result, I took the audience through a creative writing workshop and showed them how to construct a story plan with their pupils.

Thanks to Christine and the team from Renaissance Learning, Anna from Scotia Books, Barrie from Barrington Stoke and everyone who came along for another enjoyable event!

Tommy

I stumbled across an old notebook the other day, in which I’d written a few quick stories, poems and book ideas.  Most of them weren’t really useful for future projects, but one silly poem was fun to read back – so I thought I’d post it here and give you the chance to add to it…

—

How Do You Sleep?
by Tommy Donbavand & you!

How do you sleep?

Igor the boar does nothing but snore

Drake the snake simply can’t stay awake

Mark the shark likes to snooze in the dark

Sandeep the sheep sometimes sings in his sleep

Honey the bunny sleeps with carrots – how funny!

Pat the rat watches out for the cat

Mog the dog always sleeps like a log

Gayle the whale tucks up under her tale

Bruce the goose dreams of cranberry juice!

Zack the yak sleeps with birds on his back

Claire the bear snuggles up in her fur

How do you sleep?

—

Now, it’s over to you.  Feel free to add to this silly little poem in the comments thread…