The Wood Where Magic Grows by Andy Shepherd

Andy Shepherd writes about the magic of sharing a story and shares some excellent book recommendations for our readers.

 

The Magic of Sharing a Story – Andy Shepherd author of ‘The Wood Where Magic Grows’ and ‘The Boy Who Grew Dragons’ series

 

I was seven years old when I really became a reader, hiding under the covers until late at night to finish a book. It was also about the time that my parents stopped reading to me, and I imagine lots of people shelve bedtime stories at this point. There’s a certain magic to enjoying books under your own steam, whether it’s on the printed page or by listening to audiobooks. But there’s also so much to be gained from sharing a story, whatever your age.

I know when my own sons reached this milestone, I wasn’t ready to let go of that special interaction and actually neither were they, so we ended up reading to our boys until they were in their late teens. I’m so glad we continued sharing stories and whenever I speak to people, I encourage them to keep the tradition going for themselves for as long as possible.

Of course, it’s also about what you’re reading and choosing books that can appeal across age groups can be tricky. But it’s worth it, because there’s something really magical if everyone is genuinely loving not just the experience of story-time, but the story too.

My youngest son wasn’t quite ready for the more grown-up content of his brother’s choices – he didn’t like the peril! But he was hungry for stories that were rich and had characters who went on an emotional journey, stories that were exciting but still had fun in there.

So that’s what we sought out and what I always aim to do when writing my own books. I write imagining and hoping for them to be read aloud and shared across the ages, and one of the biggest thrills over the last few years has been when adults have written to me saying they’ve been captured by the magic of my stories along with their children.

Because when we’re excited about books, it’s infectious – and of course the best possible way to model a love of reading for our kids.

I really hope this will be the case with ‘The Wood Where Magic Grows’ as well, and that wherever it’s read and shared magic and imagination will bloom.

Here are five books that I think grown-ups will enjoy just as much as the young readers they share them with.

 

‘Rooftoppers’ by Katherine Rundell

I’m such a massive fan of Katherine Rundell. She’s a beautiful writer who clearly delights in playing with words. She conjures characters in the pithiest and most brilliant descriptions, just read her introduction of Charles Maxim and you’ll see what I mean. She’s witty, never speaks down to her audience and brings just the right amount of stakes and peril to her stories.

 

‘Picklewitch and Jack’ series by Claire Barker illustrated by Teemu Juhani

I love Claire’s books, having first come across her ‘Knitbone and Pepper’ stories. She’s one of the funniest writers I know and brings us a really original and rich story world in the Picklewitch books. They’re just so delicious to read aloud. Claire is a writer who knows how to write books that deserve to be shared and she has so much fun with language.

 

‘Saving Neverland’ by Abi Elphinstone illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez

A classic story, updated and reimagined by a writer who just keeps on delivering. I loved jumping back into the world of Peter Pan and I think this is a magical adventure to share.

 

‘The Land of Roar’ series by Jenny McLachlan illustrated by Ben Mantle

Jenny’s books are perfectly pitched for this age group, but they can be read much more widely and there’s heaps in them to entertain and keep adult readers engaged. With four books in the series you can go on quite a journey!

 

‘Zombierella’ by Joseph Coehlo illustrated by Freya Hartas

I loved poems at bed-time and Michael Rosen was – and still is – a firm favourite with my son. They were especially good when we were late to bed, but still wanted story-time. It was brilliant to see Joseph’s series of retold fairy tales being published and I think these are fantastic to read and listen to.