BOOK CLUB

As someone with a history of ‘booky’ jobs, have you always wanted to write your own books?

The honest answer is no! I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing, and I knew I wanted a job that was to do with that, but I wasn’t sure exactly what was the right fit for me. I’ve been a librarian, a books journalist, and a literary scout and I really enjoyed them all. It was only when I had the idea for Pages & Co that I seriously started thinking about being a novelist!

In your capacity as a journalist, what is the most interesting interview you’ve ever conducted?

I’ve been lucky enough to interview a lot of authors that I admire but I think the most exciting ones are always the authors that you love as a reader so I think my answer would have to be Judy Blume. I loved her books as a teenager, and she was very open and kind and wise when I spoke to her. But an honorary mention for Cary Elwes, who played Westley in The Princess Bride! I interviewed him when his memoir came out and I couldn’t believe I was sat having tea with him, hearing his stories about making the film!

As a self-confessed bookworm, living in a bookshop is still my dream! Did you spend lots of time in bookshops as a child? What advice would you give parents trying to encourage a love of reading in their children?

Mine too! I actually probably spent more time in libraries than bookshops as a child, as it was the best way to keep up with how much I read without bankrupting my parents! But I was a regular visitor to Waterstones in Newcastle, and the local indie bookshop in Melrose that I’d visit with my Grandad. For parents I would say one of the most important things is sharing your love of reading – making sure your children see you reading for pleasure, and talk about what you enjoy with them and ask them what they think. Also really encourage them to take the time to find the books they love, it’s okay if they don’t finish every book if they don’t like it!

What is a Bookwanderer?

A bookwanderer is a reader who can travel inside of books, and that’s what my series is all about. My heroine Tilly discovers she

With the nights drawing in again, autumn has us all reaching for a good book and here at Families we have the perfect suggestion for an adventure series popular with key stage two readers and, no doubt, their parents! Rachel Bailey speaks to Anna James, whose 5th book in her Pages & Co. series - The Treehouse Library, publishes this month and we have the full set to giveaway to one lucky reader!

is a bookwanderer when she is eleven and she travels inside books including Alice in Wonderland and Anne of Green Gables, and she realises perhaps there’s some family secrets all tied up with the secret magical community of bookwanderers!

I love that you bring familiar characters from classic children’s novels into your books. I have very fond memories of reading Anne of Green Gables as a child and I’m sure your books have as many adult fans as children! Do you have a favourite book/character that has inspired you?

Anne of Green Gables is one of my all time favourite books, and introducing young readers to her has been one of the greatest joys of being published! I think that I’d have to pick her – she’s such an incredible, timeless creation. She’s so kind and funny and has so many big feelings. Lyra from Northern Lights was also a big influence on me when I was growing up in the way that she stands up for what’s right even when it’s difficult and dangerous.

With all the different roles you have, you must be a very busy woman! If you ever have any downtime, how do you like to

spend it? As you might expect, I read a lot! But I also love going to the theatre, especially immersive theatre, when you get to interact with characters and sets. I’m also learning bookbinding at the moment, how to make my own books from scratch and I’m really enjoying that!

WIN

Families have all five books in the Pages & Co. series to give away!

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to editor@ familiestveast.co.uk What is the name of Anna’s new book? A The Treehouse B The Treehouse Library C The Library Closing date for entries is 28 October 2022

The Treehouse Library is available now in hardback priced £12.99. www.anna-james.com @acaseforbooks @acaseforbooks

A Case of Books