CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Juliet Rix is the author of two books for children, one based on myth, the other original fiction. She has been a reviewer of children’s books and audiobooks, and judge for the Audie Awards (audiobooks) Children’s category. Juliet is available to do talks/workshops in schools, libraries etc. She has also interviewed many of our leading children’s authors. Please scroll down for more…
Travels with my Granny
Otter-Barry Books, September 2018
Written by Juliet Rix
Illustrated by Christopher Corr
Granny was a great traveller. Now her legs won’t carry her much further than the door, but she still travels – and sometimes she takes her grandchild with her. They’ve been to Rome, Jerusalem, London and New York. The grown-ups think Granny is confused and doesn’t know where she is, but her grandchild thinks Granny knows exactly where she is - it just isn’t where the grown-ups are.
A colourful global story that can also provide a simple, positive way to begin to explain dementia to the very young. With 850,000 people in the UK (46.5 million worldwide) living with the condition, this is something all kids are going to need to understand. But there is nothing downbeat about this book – travelling is fun, even in your mind. Can you spot all Granny’s souvenirs?
Also published in French (by Gallimard) and in Dutch (by Christofoor).
Age approx. 4-8 (though as a basis for discussion it is useful up to at least 11)
Reviews
AUTHOR VISITS - Travels with my Granny
Juliet offers 30-minute free virtual ‘visits’ with the purchase of ten or more (heavily discounted) books. She will read the book and take questions. Longer sessions can be tailored to include in addition:
Discussion about writing children’s books: ideas, writing v illustrating, etc.
Writing in general and fact v fiction (Juliet is also a journalist)
Discussion about travel and different places around the world (Juliet is also a travel writer and has visited 55 countries and all seven continents)
Travelling in your mind and imagination.
Dementia - The book's approach is scientifically/medically endorsed, and Juliet is happy to discuss dementia with children, taking Granny as a starting point, and responding to their questions and interests.
A workshop-style creative activity related to the book
A-MAZE-ING Minotaur
Frances Lincoln, June 2014, ppbk June 2015
Written by Juliet Rix
Illustrated by Juliet Snape
A retelling of the Minotaur story for the very young, with colourful illustrations inspired by real Minoan art, and with a maze young readers can actually do.
While the story of Theseus and Ariadne takes place in King Minos’s palace, below the floor we can see the labyrinth (can you spot the Minotaur?). We follow the two layers of the story until Theseus and his friends are thrown into the labyrinth and the maze takes centre stage. Now young readers can pit their wits against the evil king. Will Theseus find his way out?
Selected for the Summer Reading Challenge for primary schools 2014.
Also published in Danish (by Klematis).
Age approx. 4-8
Reviews
CONTRIBUTED TO
The Rainy Day Book
Guardian Books, 2009
Edited by Helen Brooks
What to do with kids on a rainy day? This compilation of short Guardian articles has dozens of suggestions and Juliet contributed several of them.
SINCE YOU’RE INTERESTED IN CHILDREN’S BOOKS...
you might like to read Juliet’s interviews with some of our leading children's authors: