Our Hay Festival Adventure 2014 - Part 1

Anticipating glorious sunshine and countryside, Templar Publishing embarked on a journey to a very wet Wales last weekend for Hay Festival; a truly exciting celebration of literature and the arts, with very special children’s authors and events.

We were lucky to have five authors and illustrators invited this year, with the first of two sold-out events on Saturday hosted by Jonny Duddle, creator of The Pirate Cruncher and Gigantosaurus.

Dressed as a swashbuckling pirate, Jonny read excerpts from his fantastic adventures into children’s books to a captivated audience. Breaking the spell, he then went on to demonstrate his artistic talent for drawing pirates amid plenty of piratey ‘arrrrghhhhhhs’ from the crowd.

A few dates for your diary

Upcoming events in March 2013!

Saturday 2nd March 2013

C.J. Busby

C.J. Busby, author of the magical Frogspell series (www.frogspell.co.uk) will be signing books at WHSmith Exeter (Guildhall Shopping Centre) from 12pm


Jonny Duddle will be at Waterstones Liverpool One from 2pm

Sunday 3rd March 2013

Karen Saunders, author of Me, Suzy P will be signing books in WHSmith Bath from 2pm


Friday 8th March

Karen Saunders

Jonny Duddle is appearing at the Book Nook in Brighton from 4:30pm

Saturday 9th March

Jonny Duddle is at Waterstones Southampton West Quay from 11:30am

Simon Bartram will be at Discover Centre from 12 -1pm

Belinda Rapley will be at WHSmith Norwich from 12pm

Sunday 10th March

Michael Morpurgo is appearing at Oswestry Festival at 10am

Saturday 23th March

Simon Bartram

Jonny Duddle will be at Waterstones Chester 11:30 - 12:30 and then from

2:30 - 3:30 at Waterstones Wrexham


Sunday 24th March

Jonny Duddle will be at Waterstones Llandudno from 11:30 until 12:30

Wednesday 27th March

Jonny Duddle is at Waterstones Altrincham from 11:30am

and then from 2:30pm Jonny will be at Waterstones Manchester Deansgate

Saturday 30th March

Jonny Duddle will be at Waterstones Cheltenham from 11am until 12 noon.

Jonny Duddle

Keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with events and news!

Templar's Night with the Stars!

Yes, we were there at The Specsavers National Book Awards last night!

Jonny Duddle and his lovely wife, Jane
Libby Hamilton - Jonny's editor
Tamlyn Francis - Jonny's agent
Mike McGrath - Templar's MD
Jayne Roscoe - Templar's Press Officer

looking dead glam in our posh frocks and smart suits  as we made our way into the Mandarin Oriental hotel on Knightsbridge.

The Pirate's Next Door was on the shortlist for best Children's Book.  We had a feeling that if David Walliams showed up then he was more than likely going to win this category (and he did show up and he did win!)

Tamlyn and Jonny - still standing

Before we got down to the serious business of the awards themselves, there were canapes and  fizzy stuff to be downed, celebrities to spot and photo's in the special spacelab to be done.   We're not quite sure what happened to Tamlyn and Libby in the last photo - rumour has it that they fell off the stool.

Libby and Jane Duddle

I had to go and tell Caitlin Moran that I loved her writing and have given her book to all my friends.  She let out a great whoop, gave me a huge hug and nearly fell off her amazing bright green stacked heels.

Jayne and Caitlin Moran

From then on it was a straight celeb fest!  Compared bakes with  Mary Berry - looking lovely in a gold sequin jacket, shared photo's with the lovely Liz Pichon and said hello to Ben Cort.  Saw Gok Wan tell the waitress serving mini-spring rolls that his dad made the best ones (Mr Wan snr looked delighted!).  Kathy Lette, Ian and Victoria Hislop were huddled in a corner whilst Miranda Hart and Clare Balding were seeing who was the tallest of the two.  Such fun.

Spotted our arch rival, David Walliams and asked if I could take his photo - and before I knew it, his pr had pushed me next to him and taken the photo.   He is very tall!

Then it was off into the ballroom for the actual awards ceremony - with cheers all round for each of the nominations and applause for the winners.  We then got down to the serious business of continuing the celebrations which went on to around midnight.  

Then it was time to go home - and as we spilled out into the cold night air something strange had happened, we all found ourselves wearing our Sponsor's products .....

CHESTER SHINES ON JONNY AND SIMON

After spending a very comfortable night in the hold of the Duddle pirate ship last Friday - on what was a really dull and dismal day, we awoke to glorious sunshine on Saturday!  A few clouds scuddered across the blue sky, the wind was a fair westerly and all boded well for that days events with the GobbleDEEbook festival in Chester.

Swopping sails for wheels, Capt Duddle drove us into Chester in his trusty Morris Minor - and averaging at least 45mph on a downward hill with the wind behind us, we arrived at St Mary's - the venue.



It was a de-commissioned church and really lovely inside with a  play area, light refreshments, Waterstone's book shop and an event space that soared up to the rafters.

We met Simon for a quick coffee in the city centre and were amazed when a Roman legion, complete with urchins begging, marched past us on their way to the river.

Simon's event was a near sell-out and as ever, the children loved all his teasing and pantomime antics.  Book sales were terrific - and made Helen, the bookseller very happy.

Without pausing for breath - Jonny's event came up next and was in fact the last one that day, and closed the festival.

Not as many costumed pirates were in evidence as were at Cheltenham, but a good and hearty crowd nonetheless and Jonny was still signing books and posters an hour afterwards.

Great hospitality and friendly welcome from Harry, Emily and the team - and nice to meet Jessica who was my original point of contact all those months ago.  Thanks to you all!

Sunny Times at Cheltenham

Festival goers enjoying  the autumn sun

Well, they say the sun always shines on the righteous - not sure how righteous we all are, but certainly lucky with a bright, sunny weekend at Cheltenham for the Times Literary Festival.
Spread over two squares and in every theatre and town hall, the festival attracts thousands of visitors and this year was no exception.  Everyone who was anyone was there - including of course, the lovely Templar team!

First off on Sunday morning - a 10 am start, but queues all down the road to get into Dave Lowe's My Hamster is a Genius event.  Over 60 tickets sold beforehand, but with at least that number again turning up on the morning, it was packed and Dave really enjoyed the banter from the children (and their parents).   The quiz once again generated lots of laughs and furrowed brows and the winning child got to take home their very own Stinky toy.

All the event stock was sold with lots of parents asking when the next one was out - and teachers commenting on what a great series it was for their 7-9 year old pupils.

Young fans

After a quick coffee, it was time for Simon Bartram's event - and once, again, families queued around the block with a rush for the front seats.  Though one family who came with their  children clutching the two largest balloons ever weren't that popular - until, of course, the balloons ended up floating up to the very high ceiling.

The audience were treated to a whistle-stop tour of the 10 years of Bob and it ended with Simon reading aloud The Moontree - with an ending that satisfied everyone.

Making sure Simon spells her name correctly!

It was a bit daunting for Simon sitting alongside Jacqueline Wilson in the signing area (she had been there all the time he was doing his event) but the Bob fans were as enthusiastic and delighted to chat to Simon.










 The Waterstone's staff were thrilled when Simon  drew them a special alien for their display wall of fame!

Finally we ended the day with a raucous pirate event led by Jonny Duddle.  Most of the children and some of the adults came dressed in pirate costumes and they all loved seeing his images and hearing him read the Pirates Next Door.  Jonny was also very proud of his new hat with a lovely feather.

Group aaaargh

Even mummy pirates came along

A happy and fun filled day and thanks to all at Cheltenham who made it so!

Jonny Duddle at Waterstones Piccadilly

Ooohh aarrrhh! We had a swashbuckling Friday with author and illustrator of the award winning The Pirates Next Door in Waterstones Piccadilly last week.

Jonny's editor Libby and Press Officer Jayne,
warm up the crowd whilst we wait for Jonny to arrive.

After a shaky start, due to his train being held up rain and fog, Jonny Duddle arrived in a full pirates costume and immediately captured the children's attention. Their disbelief was audible as Jonny described his time on board a ship as a real life pirate, especially when he produced a biscuit from 2004 - with added creatures...!

The ship Jonny worked on

Jonny then launched into a fantastic reading of The Pirates Next Door (complete with pirate voices and sound effects!) before finishing the talk by drawing a pirate whose big nose and the owl (?) on his shoulder was directed by the children!

There was just enough time to squeeze in a few questions before the children had to leave and we got ready for the next session!

Click here to watch a stock motion video of Jonny drawing a pirate during the afternoon session.

You can view all of the photos taken on our Facebook page

Pirates in Classic Military Vehichle Magazine!

Yes, you read the title correctly... Jonny Duddle's The Pirates Next Door made a guest appearance in the July 2012 issue of Classic Military Vehicle Magazine.

Nestled amongst Land Rovers and Jeeps, you can find the Jolley-Rogers' pirate ship, which is, according to the experts, hauled by a Ford GPA.  Jonny Duddle is praised in 'The Utility Room' section of the magazine, which is an ironic look at enthusiasts' favourite utility vehicles, for 'the level of accuracy in his illustration of a Ford GPA'.




Watch out children, it looks like the Jolley-Rogers have just got some new fans...!

Find out more about Classic Military Vehicle magazine here: http://www.cmvmag.co.uk/

Don't forget, you can keep up to date with all our news on Facebook and Twitter

HAYFEVER - stuck in the mud ... almost!

The Templar team turned out in force for this year's Hay Festival in the lovely town of Hay-on-Wye on the border of Wales and Hereford.  In the car with me (Jayne) this year were Emma Dodd and Kelly Gerrard - full of energy and wise-cracks and tucking into the Haribo emergency snacks, we made good time on Bank Holiday Tuesday.

Up bright and early on Wednesday morning - despite a low mist, there was none of the rain which had deluged down over the weekend before.   The Charlie and Bandit team were already in the Green Room and sampling coffee and cakes before their 11.30 am event - a graphic novel workshop.  Despite being in the Digital Tent, which had raked seating all the children and their parents (including Mariella Frostrupp and her brood) got down to some great drawing.

Emma and Kelly signing tent

A little later that afternoon the call went out for illustrators to help Korky Paul with his massive illustration marking 25 years of Winnie the Witch.  Emma and Kelly duly obliged!



Around lunch time a clutch of Duddles arrived and very excited they were too.  And that's just the children ....  Jonny's event that afternoon was a sell-out with around three quarters of the audience dressed as pirates.  Lots of ooo aaargh's in true pirate style accompanied Jonny's reading - and as ever, his roughly drawn pirate drew lots of laughs.

Ooooaaargh!

In the signing tent, Jonny had a dedicated helper - his daughter Daisy - giving out postcards to the children with books.






Harriet Castor and family had also arrived on Wednesday afternoon and were making the most of their first visit to the Festival.

Thursday was Emma's birthday and she celebrated with a glass of bubbly and not many 'bumps'.  Harriet's event was with William Osborne, who turned up in true Hay fashion (i.e. large black wellies).  It was tipping it down by now.  Again, a terrific audience - great questions and lots of interest in the Tudors and William's setting of Nazi Germany.



Harriet also had a little helper at the signing - her daughter Maud and a great job done by her too.













Setting off late Thursday afternoon - slight worry about getting the car out of the mud, weighed down as it was with crates of wine for the talent (Emma and Kelly) - we made it home safely.

Thanks again to Sophie and Rhodri for their great teamwork and another terrific Hay Fever programme.

Jonny Duddle shares his Pirates! adventure

As one of the character designers for The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, Jonny duddle (author of The Pirates Next Door) shares his experiences of working on the film in a vlog. 

Watch the video here or find out more here

Keep up to date with all our news on Twitter or Templar Publishing and Templar Fiction on Facebook

The Pirates Next Door shortlisted for Waterstones prize!

Shiver me timbers, Jonny Duddle's The Pirates Next Door has been shortlisted for the Waterstones 2012 Children's Book Prize!

The Jolley-Rogers - a pirate family, are moving to Dull-on-Sea, a quiet seaside town where rumours spread quickly. Defying the grown-ups, Matilda from next door decides to become friends with the youngest pirate son. When the Jolley-Rogers leave, the town discovers they were wrong to assume the worst - the pirate clan have buried treasure in everyone's gardens.

Arrr Cap't Jonny Duddle

Jonny Duddle

About the Author: Jonny Duddle is an illustrator and concept artist. He wrote and illustrated the hugely successful picture book, The Pirate-Cruncher, which was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal. He also illustrated the cover for Nation by Terry Pratchett, which was shortlisted for Best Children's Illustrated Book at the English Association Book Awards. As a leading computer games illustrator, Jonny's work has been used by Sony, Warner Brothers, Vista and Universal. Jonny is one of the concept artists for Aardman Animation's forthcoming film The Pirates! (released in March 2012). He also lectures in Animation and VFX at Staffordshire University. Jonny lives in Mold, North Wales with his wife and young family.

Swash buckling tales with Jonny Duddle at the Pop Up Festival

Swash buckling tales today with Jonny Duddle at his Pop Up Festival of Stories event in West Library, Islington, north London. Along came some well behaved young land lubbers from Vittoria School and soon they were all joining in with shouts of "Ahoy!" and a very loud 'BURP' at the end as the Pirate Cruncher ate up everyone - except for the macaw and the strange pirate with strings attached. These year 3 and 4 children have been making a play featuring the ending of Pirate Cruncher - and they took back to school a very large drawing of a pirate, that Jonny created for them.

Hay Festival Frolics

THE HAY REPORT

It always feels like going on holiday when I set off for the Hay Festival and last week was no different.

I love the setting, the way its so laid back, the eclectic mix of folk - the amazing events and of course, the lovely Templar illustrators and authors who came along this year, to what seemed a bumper number of visitors.

Jonny Duddle and Adam Stower quickly teamed up and had lots of fun – their events were great too. Though poor Adam had a late Friday afternoon session, when it was at its hottest. The Hexagon venue was a mini-conservatory and at one point a few of the children were lying spread out on the cushions almost comatose – but still listening to the story.

For Jonny’s events people were encouraged to dress up in pirate costume - and they all joined in with their ooo aaaargh’s in hearty pirate voices. Jonny looked a pretty convincing pirate too, in his new gear and I rigged up our very sad parrot on his flip chart.

Thomas Docherty brought his usual magic to the festival and his two events were lovely – the children and parents really joining in, and lots of compliments from teachers there with their own children.

On Friday evening Adam very kindly met up with 15 students from Hereford Art College for a mini-masterclass – they passed around their sketch books and chatted about life as an illustrator. I think Adam was very impressed with the standard of their work.

Not too much partying that night as Adam had a 9am event on Saturday morning – which went well. Much cooler for a start and he had charmed the bookshop lady so he was signing books for ages.

Johnny O’Brien arrived in the nick of time for his 11.30 event - which played to an audience of over 100 and everyone loved the enactments and his memorabilia. He also took a writing masterclass later that afternoon with about 10 people ranging in age from 12 to 30’ish. Then he was off – flying to Japan I believe.