Author of the Month

Jo Spain, who was a graduate of Trinity College, lives in Dublin with her husband and four children. She has worked as a party advisor on the economy in the Irish parliament, and she is also a full-time screen writer. Her first novel, With Our Blessing, is the first of her best-selling Tom Reynolds detective series, and this book was one of seven shortlisted for the Richard and Judy search for a Best Seller competition. She has also written many standalone thrillers. She is currently working on several international productions including adaptations of her own novels!

Tom Percival at Brynteg Library

Tom Percival writes and illustrates all sorts of children's books. Tom has been drawing since he's been able to hold a pencil, and making up stories for as long as he can remember. Basically, he's been making things up his whole life and he's not about to stop any time soon. He has produced cover illustrations for the Skulduggery Pleasant series, written and illustrated the Little Legends, the Dream Defenders series, the Big Bright Feelings series, as well as 12 picture books. This month Brynteg Library are featuring his Big Bright Feelings picture book series, which includes the Kate Greenaway-nominated Ruby's Worry, as well as Perfectly Norman, Meesha Makes Friends, Tilda Tries Again and Ravi's Roar, and has been translated into 21 languages. Wonderfully empowering and emotionally resonant, this series is the perfect springboard for conversations with little ones about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence and managing feelings.

Big Bright Feelings is a standout collection, both for its content, which is perfect for ages four and up, and the beautiful illustrations and striking fluorescent covers. 

Exhibition at Ruabon Library

April's exhibition at Ruabon Library is a selection of paintings by local artist, George McGill. They include a variety of scenes, some of which are local, and his passion for the steam engine. They are on sale from the artist for £5 (frames are not included), with all proceeds being donated to Nightingale House Hospice. It really is worth visiting!

Wrexham Carnival of Words

Wrexham Carnival of Words is fast approaching and there are still tickets available for many events including bestselling Welsh author Bethan Gwanas, bestselling local author Carys Davies, romantic saga novelist Milly Johnson, and author of smash hit TV series Keeping Faith – Matthew Hall. Barbara Erskine master of the time slip genre will be appearing live this year with historical writer Patricia Bracewell. Sarah Hilary, Richard and Judy booklist nominee will talk about her latest book Fragile.

For something different why not listen to Rev Dr Jason Bray talk about his experiences of exorcism. Local authors, Peter Evans (River Dee) and Chris Clode (Slate Mines of Wales) give afternoon talks. Alan Johnson makes a welcome return to talk about his first venture into the world of fiction. And for those who like to be creative why not join in our poetry night with Viva Voce or our Writers' Carousel with panels of local authors, writers and poets. For details of the full programme and how to buy tickets visit www.wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com

Don't forget…

You can still get free compostable liners for your food caddy along with blue recycling sacks for paper and cardboard from Cefn Mawr library!

Book Review

Holding, by Graham Norton

Holding, by Graham Norton

Holding, by Graham Norton

The idea of secrets being uncovered in a sleepy village is nothing new in crime fiction, but Graham Norton has created a charming and gentle tale and done it very well, (this is not a blood and guts crime story) interweaving the discovery of human bones with a slice of rural Irish life, a little bit of romance, and a few twists. But what I really like in this book is the depth of the characterisation. I can see these people! I think the author liked his characters as each one is sympathetically described, with a back story of unrequited love, betrayal, or missed opportunities. The characters feel real and all have "something" that draws you to them and especially PJ, the local bobby. I was surprised to learn this is Graham Norton's debut novel as it is so well written but not surprised to learn it has now been adapted for television. In my view that is always the mark of good writing. Five stars for this book. Liz