NORTHERN HIGHLIGHT Ashley Thorpe   Where are you based, and how would you sum up the place in three words?  I live in Manchester and would sum it up as vibrant, authentic… and wet What is special to you about working with children's books, and what is your favourite thing about it?  Knowing that you’re part of putting something into the world that could really mean something to a young mind. I don’t think the sense of wonder I had as a young reader has ever left me and I’m motivated to foster that same joy in children now. I have many favourite things but working with authors and helping make their work the best it can be is extremely satisfying. Tell us about the most recent books you've worked on. At Storymix we’ve just recently released book 2 of the fantastic Future Hero series, which sees a young London-born hero become a force for good in a mystical fantasy world inspired by West African mythology. And coming out soon is the second in the Lizzie and Belle Mysterie...

 Guest Northern Highlight Through the Wardrobe Can you tell us about Through the Wardrobe, where you are and what you do? Hi everyone! My name’s Leanne, and I’m the owner, manager and all found solitary face of my  specialist children’s bookshop in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. My shop is a teeny tiny, but - in my view –  perfectly formed little corner of bookish magic for children of all ages. Why do you think it's important to have a thriving and vibrant book industry in the North of  England? I am a firm believer that everyone deserves to see themselves and stories that reflect their lives in the  books that they read. While otherworldly and escapist reads make reading magical for us all, there is  an utter joy in reading and thinking “Gah – that’s me!” or “Woah, I’ve been there…it’s just up the  road”. Our bookshelves have more gaps than I’d like, and it’s often a real struggle to truly reflect the  wonderful diversity and cultural heritage of our...

Northern Highlight  Justin Davies Where are you based, and how would you sum up the place in three words?  I’m based in North Queensferry, Fife, by the Firth of Forth, in the shadow of the famous Forth Bridge.  It’s monumental, inspirational and, more often than not, elemental.   What is special to you about writing children's books, and what is your favourite thing  about it? I love trying to lose myself inside younger readers’ minds and work out what makes them laugh. Writing middle grade also gives me the opportunity to be really creative with my worldbuilding and shape larger-than-life characters. Without question, my absolute favourite thing about writing children’s books is meeting young readers at book festivals and on school visits. Thank goodness in-person events are back on! Virtual events are all well and good, but nothing beats the energy of a live audience of excited children. Tell us about the most recent books you've worked on. I have ...