Are you looking for a great book to encourage your child’s love of reading this spooky season?
Clare C-Saunders is a local author who might just have the answer for you...
The latest book in Clare's exciting “Charlotte & Arthur’s Adventures” series is called “The Pumpkin Portal” and is the perfect Halloween treat for your child. When Charlotte and Arthur’s friend Amara is whisked away by a pumpkin portal at the Pumpkin Patch (inspired by one from Derbyshire) they must return to The Wheel World once more to rescue her. Join them as they dodge flying pumpkins and other creepy monsters on their broomstick rides, learn about the magic of witches and even meet a baby dragon. Find out who they really are as they unveil a hidden family secret. Will they be able to save Amara from the evil Gnome King and his companion Tricky Jack/the Pumpkin King before it’s too late...?
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"Convincing a reluctant child over seven years old to read can be tricky for parents. I know your pain as a mother of two teenagers. My children were read to from day one and grew up with a love of books and even though we started early, we still must compete with the world of online gaming, which uses manipulative tactics to keep your children hooked. I probably don’t need to tell you that too much time online for your children can produce poor sleep and even cause mental health problems. But how do we help them?
A great way to introduce books into your child’s life (if you haven’t already) is as part of their bedtime wind down. If they will still let you, why not snuggle together in their bedroom for a half hour read before lights out. Trust me you will treasure these memories later; they grow up far too fast and soon they’ll be reading alone at bedtime. Not only is reading a book self-soothing for them but it’s a great way to help them let go of any worries of the day as they slide into another world filled with magical possibilities.
Try to treat them to a paper back book at bedtime so that their screen use and blue light exposure is reduced one hour before sleep, as this will aid them in relaxing and enjoying a good quality rest.
Don’t forget you have some fabulous local libraries that can lend you books for free; you and your child can even order them in if they don’t have the one they want in already. Upon joining your local library, you will also have access to an audiobook app which even has a sleep timer on for if you want to be read to as well!
Plus, plenty of wonderful local authors host events (often free during school holidays) for you and your child. You can even encourage your child to take part in reader challenges if they enjoy partaking in this sort of activity and the rewarding feelings of achievement too.
Whatever you do make sure reading and books feel like a treat not a chore."
Both the “Charlotte and Arthur’s Adventures” books and “Seven Nights of Snuggles” (Clare’s picture book for younger readers) can be ordered online or through your local bookstore. You can also catch both Clare and her daughter, Rose (illustrator) at your local book festivals and other local author events.
Look out for more information on upcoming events and special offers over on the following social media pages:
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