Publishing Day! And the first question you're asked is "what age group is it aimed at" and it's actually a difficult question to answer. I know who I want to read "Spirit and The Magic Horsebox" - everyone, of course! But of course parents will want to know if it's suitable for their kids and the great answer is YES, it certainly is. But you'll want to know more...
"Spirit and The Magic Horsebox" is for readers of all ages - a light read for adults which they could also read to younger members of the family, maybe as their first experience of a non-picture book - so the toddler age group might not be able to keep up with the story! And it's also a book that a 9 year old + could probably read for themselves. I'm hoping it will also be a good read for teenagers too as there's some funny moments for the teenage protagonists - not dark and serious like, say, "The Hunger Games" and not as heart-breaking as "War Horse", but a fun, quick read for boys and girls.
Boys should like the book - if they like something pretty fast-paced with lots of battles and swords and pistols. There's obviously a big time-travel element, which might appeal to science fiction fans. And I think Josh Carter is a wonderful hero - you'll see him become so much more than the tongue-tied farm-boy as the books progress. He's very funny as his friend Megan discovers when their adventures take them into some very dangerous places.
For girls who love horses, this isn't your usual pony fiction. The horses are major characters and have integral roles in the action, but this isn't a story about "young girl finds horse and together they win the big horse event" - Megan's not that kind of girl. In fact, at the start of the book, she's not that into horses, or farms, or the country, or anything other than her mobile phone really, but she does learn to drive a horsebox which is pretty damn clever for a thirteen year old.
So if it's not a pony book, what is it? Well, it's a bit like Harry Potter meets Doctor Who and they're both on horses and take part in big battles in history and fight an ancient evil threatening to destroy humanity. I can't take all the credit for the whole concept - this is a major collaborative effort between equine specialists, a terrific horse book publisher and a great editor, and we've all poured our hearts and souls into this book. Adults will love the humour and their offspring will enjoy the adventure - I hope so anyway!
"Spirit and The Magic Horsebox" is an uplifting adventure story so no nightmares or tearful tragedies, though there are some fight scenes, lots of horse-riding and some emotionally moving scenes, but no tears or gore I promise.
So check it out - explore the website, or visit Forelock Books for more horse and pony stories in their brand new range. I'll post up some excerpts from "Spirit and The Magic Horsebox" soon, and I can also promise you that all feedback is graciously and gratefully received. And particularly useful as I work on Book 2 in the series. More news on that soon!
"Spirit and The Magic Horsebox" is for readers of all ages - a light read for adults which they could also read to younger members of the family, maybe as their first experience of a non-picture book - so the toddler age group might not be able to keep up with the story! And it's also a book that a 9 year old + could probably read for themselves. I'm hoping it will also be a good read for teenagers too as there's some funny moments for the teenage protagonists - not dark and serious like, say, "The Hunger Games" and not as heart-breaking as "War Horse", but a fun, quick read for boys and girls.
Boys should like the book - if they like something pretty fast-paced with lots of battles and swords and pistols. There's obviously a big time-travel element, which might appeal to science fiction fans. And I think Josh Carter is a wonderful hero - you'll see him become so much more than the tongue-tied farm-boy as the books progress. He's very funny as his friend Megan discovers when their adventures take them into some very dangerous places.
For girls who love horses, this isn't your usual pony fiction. The horses are major characters and have integral roles in the action, but this isn't a story about "young girl finds horse and together they win the big horse event" - Megan's not that kind of girl. In fact, at the start of the book, she's not that into horses, or farms, or the country, or anything other than her mobile phone really, but she does learn to drive a horsebox which is pretty damn clever for a thirteen year old.
So if it's not a pony book, what is it? Well, it's a bit like Harry Potter meets Doctor Who and they're both on horses and take part in big battles in history and fight an ancient evil threatening to destroy humanity. I can't take all the credit for the whole concept - this is a major collaborative effort between equine specialists, a terrific horse book publisher and a great editor, and we've all poured our hearts and souls into this book. Adults will love the humour and their offspring will enjoy the adventure - I hope so anyway!
"Spirit and The Magic Horsebox" is an uplifting adventure story so no nightmares or tearful tragedies, though there are some fight scenes, lots of horse-riding and some emotionally moving scenes, but no tears or gore I promise.
So check it out - explore the website, or visit Forelock Books for more horse and pony stories in their brand new range. I'll post up some excerpts from "Spirit and The Magic Horsebox" soon, and I can also promise you that all feedback is graciously and gratefully received. And particularly useful as I work on Book 2 in the series. More news on that soon!