Over 400 children, parents and avid science-lovers poured into The Royal Institution on Saturday night for a very special event with Simon Mayo. Simon was joined by his scientific partner in crime, Professor Andrea Sella, who was enlisted to conduct live experiments. The event was part of Museums at Night, a three night festival which aims to encourage visitors into museums by opening after hours.

The Royal Institution was founded in 1799 to introduce new technologies and teach science to the general public through open lectures and demonstrations. The venue was a particularly appropriate one for a talk about element hunters; several elements were first isolated in the basement lab at the RI, including potassium by Humphry Davy in 1807. There was a buzz from start to finish, the lecture theatre is like a crucible; it was impossible to forget the scientists who had stood in the very same space lecturing hundreds of years ago.

Andrea provided plenty of effervescent fun – the odd spill and a lot of thrills! There’s an enormous dust storm in ITCH ROCKS, so Andrea, who’s based at UCL, recreated a dust explosion in the theatre with a mixture of icing sugar and titanium. After that the experiments got increasingly louder and more dramatic…

As we were in such a special venue the event had some unique props. Simon talked about radioactivity, and then, Geiger counter in hand, was able to demonstrate how radioactive a notebook dating back to 1902 was. The book belonged to Sir William Crooks, an imminent scientist at the turn of the last century, who had the first electrically lit house in London. He was experimenting with cesium and, judging by how radioactive the book was, must have spilt a lot on its pages.

The best question of the night – which won an ITCH ROCKS t-shirt – was ‘If you eat too many bananas will they make you glow and become radioactive?’ (Answer: The potassium in our bones means we are already slightly radioactive – and sadly they won’t make us glow.) There was a special mention for a GCSE chemistry student who tweeted that it was going as part of his last minute revision – turns out he is 41 and wants to be a teacher. The evening can’t have failed to inspire him and the entire science and adventure-hungry audience!

Anyone walking through Whittington Park and Highbury Fields in Islington can’t fail to be intrigued by and notice the trees which have been specially ‘wrapped’ with book jackets. This is part of the Word Festival, and Islington Tree Service is inviting residents and visitors to take time out in their parks this month. Each tree is individually wrapped with a different book jacket – the idea being to encourage people to discover new books as well as rediscover old favourites.

It is such a brilliant idea – Whittington Park is full of kids after school, so they have adorned trees with Socks, Alice Miranda Takes the Lead by Jacqueline Harvey, The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens, Emerald Star by Jacqueline Wilson. Crossover and adult titles are featured too, so far I have spotted Wonder by RJ Palacio and Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris.

Last week, we were lucky enough to have Michael Scott, author of the New York Times bestselling The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, over from Ireland to visit us. The last book in the series, The Enchantress, has just published so we wanted to celebrate with the very man himself! We only had 3 days with him so we packed in some filming, schools visits, a skype session with a very eager school and a dinner in Chelsea.

One of the things I love the most about touring with authors is getting to learn more about them. Michael had absolutely fascinating stories about the various writers and people he has met whilst travelling the world, so it was a real treat for me to hear his very entertaining stories! 

The other aspect of touring that I really enjoy is seeing the reaction of the children authors meet on school visits. The excitement and energy for Michael was palpable! The clear love for the series was shown in the great questions they had prepared but for the children who were completely new to the books, they were equally enthralled and had clearly become big fans by the end of the talk! The librarians we met were thrilled with how inspirational the visit had been, with one emailing me to say, ‘It was by far the best author visit we’ve had.’

Michael’s talk is just fascinating – the children were especially intrigued by the history surrounding John Dee (who used to sign his letters to Queen Elizabeth with a secret code – ‘007’), and when Michael mentioned that Joan of Arc was a character in his series some of the children gasped in delight!  Across the three days, we met lots of serious Science Fiction and Fantasy fans, and the students couldn’t wait to grill Michael about his favourite books, his opinions about The Hobbit film and what George R. R. Martin was like!

HUGE thanks to all the schools who took part (Ilford Country High School, St James Middle School, St Benedict’s School and Charters School) plus the brilliant booksellers (Viv at Newham Books, Philip at Waterstones Bury St Edmunds and Carol at Waterstones Windsor).

Keep up to date with all of Michael’s news by visiting his website: http://www.dillonscott.com/ or following him on Twitter @flamelauthor

The paperback of The Enchantress is published this week. It is a rather bittersweet experience: on the one hand, I am thrilled that it is finally complete, and on the other, sad that it is over. I still find it hard to believe that it is finally done.

The first book in the series, The Alchemyst, was published in 2007, which meant that I was certainly writing it throughout 2005 and into early 2006, but I started researching the idea almost a decade earlier. I can pinpoint the date, because, in May 1997, I first wrote the word Alchemyst – with a Y – in my notebook, followed by the words “mythological fantasy” and “Dee”. Dee is underlined in red. I had no idea then that it would take almost sixteen years for the last book in the series to finally reach the shelves. It would have made no difference if I had known, I would still have gone ahead and written it, because it was a story I wanted to read.

If you ask a writer what is the best part about writing, they will usually say “research”. They rarely say the writing process. I spent a fabulous decade researching the Flamel series (which was then called the Dee series, because the original hero was not Nicholas Flamel, but Dr John Dee). In those years of travel I accumulated material for at least a dozen other series.

Creating The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel took me across the world and the research changed the book in lots of little – and sometimes not so little – ways. The original hero was the Elizabethan scholar, mathematician, magician and astrologer, Dr John Dee, but in September 1997, I was in Paris when, quite by chance, I stumbled across Nicholas Flamel’s house. I knew a little about Flamel; in 14th Century France, he was extraordinarily famous, and to this day, there are streets named after him and his wife, Perenelle. He was an alchemist, a scholar and a bookseller. I had spent many years working as a bookseller and I loved that connection. I also knew that there was a huge mystery surrounding his wealth. He had gone from being an impoverished bookseller (nothing ever changes) to having vast wealth almost overnight. He then went on to use some of this great wealth to found churches, hospitals and schools. But the greatest mystery surrounding Flamel is what happened after he died. In the weeks following his death, his grave was opened by thieves looking for some of his great wealth. But the tomb was empty and although Perenelle had died some years previously, there was no evidence that her tomb had ever been occupied. And then, a few years later, the “dead” Flamels were spotted in Rome. In the following centuries, they were seen all across Europe.

Sitting in Nicholas Flamel’s house, the Auberge Nicholas Flamel, on the rue de Montmorency, all the threads of the series came together. Flamel became the hero and Dee switched into the villain. I still have my original notes where Dee was the hero – and it was a very different book indeed.

Every May for the past six years, a Flamel book has been published. They consumed my every waking hour. I worked on the books every day, writing, rewriting, sometimes throwing entire chapters away (driving my poor editor insane!). Luckily, I was working to a plan: I had plotted the series out in great detail, and written the ultimate ending, before I even started.

I am often asked if I had the chance, would I change any of the story – and the answer is, yes, of course. No book is ever entirely finished. However, although I might rework certain elements, the overall story remains very much as I conceived it all those years ago. And the ending, which I first wrote in Flamel’s house in Paris, remains entirely untouched and is, more or less, word-for-word the ending I created more than a decade ago.

The publication of The Enchantress brings to a conclusion this overall story arc, but it does not finish the series. Over the years, the characters have become very real to me and it is bittersweet to realize that I will not write about some of them again. You will note I say “some”. The world of Flamel is so big that I know I will revisit it again. Already, characters like Scathach and Billy the Kid have generated a very vocal fan base, who want to know more about their favourites. I am currently working on a collection of short stories which will fill in some of the background to the series and there is one story which takes place after the finale in the last book.

Writers often talk about books changing their lives. I can say, without doubt or hesitation, that The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel changed mine in so many ways. The series is now in 36 countries (37 if you count the unofficial Iranian edition), and available in 20 languages.

The day in 1997 when I walked into Nicholas Flamel’s house in Paris was the start of a journey which has taken me across the globe as I researched the mythology behind the series. It has given me the opportunity to work in some of the world’s great libraries, and allowed me access to many extraordinary and generous people who shared their knowledge of everything from Machu Pichu to parrots, from Alcatraz to auras.

When I finished book six, I said, I will never do anything like this again: using a huge cast of historical and mythological characters set in multiple time zones, with all the action taking place over two weeks. The following week I began work on an even more ambitious project, but with one major difference: no cliff hanger endings!  I got more grief over those endings! Now that the series is complete, it is possible to read all six books together and that is when the reader discovers that it is really just one BIG book!

Last night RHCP celebrated its 2013 picture book list with the annual Spring Showcase.

Booksellers, journalists, librarians, bloggers, RHCP staff and others gathered together in a daffodil and bunting-bedecked room, joined by special guests: authors and illustrators Tim Hopgood, Jez Alborough, Clara Vulliamy, Shirley Hughes, Rebecca Patterson and Chris Wormell.

We were all treated to some extra-special sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes info, and funny readings. Worthy winner of last year’s Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Rebecca Patterson read her sequel to My Big Shouting Day – the hilarious My Busy Being Bella Day:

Then Shirley Hughes and her daughter Clara Vulliamy shared their thoughts (and some lovely family snaps!) on working together for the very first time. We’re thrilled to be publishing their first book together, the very special Dixie O’Day In The Fast Lane, which Shirley has penned and Clara has illustrated. It was a real privilege to hear the pair speak about how they worked together - roll on September when the book is out!

And here’s Clara’s beautiful model of Dixie’s car, complete with the adventuresome duo!:

A jolly good time was had by all – and it’s so great to have a chance to shout from the rooftops about the wonderful books that we’re publishing, and the talented authors and illustrators behind them.

Check out some of our 2013 picture book list here!

Nick Ward, the keeper of the Charlie Small Journals, spent a fabulous day at Fulbridge School in Peterborough, last Monday 18th March. Nick attempted to explain just what has happened to Charlie, how all his adventures started and whether he was ever going to get back home. There were lots of volunteers amongst the students to join the crew of a risky rescue expedition and go in search of the lost boy adventurer. Many of the pupils had special skills that could be useful on a dangerous mission, and lots of them were willing to be away for four hundred years, the same amount of time that Charlie has been gone!

Fulbridge School is a wonderful place – welcoming, friendly and creative. The corridors have been expertly decorated with different themes, lending a magical atmosphere to the school. One of the best is the volcanic corridor, pictured below, painted by professional artist Colin Slater. Just a mo! Is that Charlie Small himself, leaping over the streams of molten lava?  

Random House Children’s Publishers will be taking part in the 2013 Hay Fever Literature Festival this May, come along with your family to meet some of your favourite authors including:

• An explosive event with Simon Mayo for his books ITCH and ITCH ROCKS – Saturday 25th May
• Comic creating capers with The Etherington Brothers – Saturday 25th May
• Andy Mulligan talks about his latest adventure The Boy with Two Heads – Monday 27th May
• Jez Alborough entertains with singing, stories and live drawing – Tuesday 28th May
• Fascinating facts and the kind of advice you won’t get anywhere else from Mitch Symons – Tuesday 28th May
• Counting down The Last Minute with Eleanor Updale – Tuesday 28th May
• Mother Goose meets Lady Gaga – enter the wonderful world of Laura Dockrill and her new character Darcy Burdock – Tuesday 28th May
• Time-travelling adventures and evil plots abound with Damian Dibben’s The History Keepers – Wednesday 29th May
• Epic fantasy adventures from talented duo Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell – Wednesday 29th May
• A manic and madcap event from Astrosaurs inventor Steve Cole – Thursday 30th May
• Cartoon workshop and A Boy and a Bear in a Boat with Dave Shelton – Friday 31st May
• John Boyne talks about his brilliant book The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket – Friday 31st May
• Malorie Blackman previews her new teen novel Noble Conflict – Friday 31st May

For tickets and info visit: https://www.hayfestival.com/c-200-hay-fever.aspx?pagenum=1&resetfilters=true

Last month we launched a brand new series into the world of children’s books, DARCY BURDOCK created by the wild and colourful brain of LAURA DOCKRILL. Laura describes herself as Mother Goose meets Lady Gaga and aims to be the pop-star of the children’s book world!

She exploded onto the scene in February with an event at the Imagine Children’s Festival with none other than the legend that is Michael Rosen. Laura and Michael spoke to over 900 people and signed books for hours after the event.

Since then Laura has been touring the country visiting children to talk to them about Darcy and to inspire them to be creative! She has been speaking at festivals, schools, bookshops, arts centres and conferences and has been picking up new fans along the way.

Laura and Darcy have also been gathering attention from press and bloggers, Laura was featured in the Observer magazine ‘Why We’re Watching’ slot earlier this month and was interviewed in The Sun newspaper.

Bookzone 4 Boys commented ‘Britain finally has an answer to Jeff Kinney and his Wimpy Kid! if you haven’t heard of Laura Dockrill before now then expect her to become a household name sometime in the next year’

Booktrust said ‘Bold, fresh and deliciously mischievious, Darcy Burdock firmly establishes Laura Dockrill as an exciting new talent in children’s fiction.’

And tBk magazine picked Darcy Burdock as one of their top funny books in a recent ‘Side Splitters’ feature saying ‘Quirky and funny Darcy is one cool cookie’

Oh and did we mention Darcy also got a pretty awesome review from ADELE?!

‘The world is so lucky to be invited into the colourful imagination of my favourite person in the world! You’re going to have fun!’ Adele

We can’t possibly end without mentioning Darcy’s best friend and Laura’s mascot who attends all events with her – Lamb-Beth…

Keep a look out for Darcy and Laura who will continue to tour the UK this year at festivals, schools and libraries. You can follow both Laura and Darcy on Twitter: @LauraDockrill @DarcyBurdock and see more event photos on the blog http://darcy-burdock.tumblr.com/

One of the most abiding memories of my childhood was that of hiding behind the sofa while watching Dr Who which was SO scary. In 1963, when the Daleks arrived on our (black and white) television screens in the UK, I was 8 years old.  When only a few years later (1966) Patrick Troughton became the new Dr Who, I was 11 and considered myself more sophisticated but was still thrilled by the adventures of the Time Lord and his scottish companion, Jamie McCrimmon as they travelled through time and space encountering new planets and villains.  By then, the Cybermen were the scariest for me.

So, as a long-term Dr Who fan, I was really interested to see what Michael Scott, author of the internationally bestselling The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series would do with his Dr Who ebook short, The Nameless City (published Feb 23^rd by Puffin).

Skilfully blending his extensive knowledge of myths and legends, after a typically intriguing beginning, Michael’s new adventure takes the Doctor and Jamie to The Nameless City and a thrilling encounter with the Archons.  Fans of the Flamel series will know that the Archons are an ancient race who held dominion over the Earth and other worlds/realms aeons ago.

One of the many things I love about Michael’s Flamel series is the way that characters of myth and legend play a part in the thrilling race against time as twins Sophie and Josh Newman risk everything they hold dear to save the world from the return of ancient and malevolent forces. In the sixth and final book, The Enchantress, which will be out in paperback on 2nd May 2013, the twins are finally reunited for an absolutely breathtaking climax.

In addition to the main novels, Michael has also produced a couple of pacey ebook shorts featuring two of my favourite characters, Joan of Arc and Billy the Kid. Who could have known that Joan and Billy were both Immortals?  It’s fascinating to see how he weaves historical facts about the well known and not so well known characters together with the epic magical fantasy of his imagination, which give the reader both a tremendously satisfying read and a desire to know more.  Luckily for those inquiring minds, there is a wealth of information about the characters and locations at The Codex, on the official fan website for the Flamel series.

It has been a very busy week for the RHCP team who have been out and about at a host of wonderful events to celebrate World Book Day!

Shirley Hughes was the star of the Biggest Book Show on Earth, and recreated the character of Alife in front of a live audience of 1000 children, and a total global audience of a whopping 645,000 viewers! Then CBeebies ran a special feature on World Book Day, with Alfie’s Shop being read over lunchtime. Shirley also took the time to answer some viewers’ questions, which you can read here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/cbeebiesgrownups/posts/World-Book-Day-2013-Shirley-Hughes

Simon Mayo visited Burnham Grammar School, which is the school that Simon describes as ‘most similar to what I had in my head when writing about the Cornwall Academy [in ITCH]‘. He premiered the new book trailer to thunderous applause, and spoke to young reporters from the BBC’s School Report project.

Laura Dockrill celebrated World Book Day at Heber Primary School with Tales on Moon Lane. Laura gained another load of admirers as the pupils were treated to her wonderful storytelling and wild anecdotes, and the end of her event was met with a huge round of applause and much whooping and cheering.

Chris Ryan took part in RHCP’s first ever live streamed event for World Book Day, filmed in front of a live audience at Bristol Grammar School and streamed out to thousands of children in schools across the UK by Groovy Gecko. The event was also streamed via the Guardian Kids website and will be available to watch online for 3 months. You can watch it here (please note you need to register to watch as it captures audience data!): http://www.ggwebcast.com/randomhouse/ebury02_20130307/ggwebcast.asp?format=fl&bandwidth=hb

Louise Yates spent a wonderful World Book Day at Little St Helen’s School in Northwood. The school gave Louise a lovely welcome; there were several displays based on her books and the students had been avidly reading them beforehand in class. During her four events Louise gave readings, drew pictures of Dog and helped the students to try out their own illustration skills.

Eleanor Updale spent the day with pupils at Bishops Stortford School talking about her latest book The Last Minute, and Conrad Mason visited a school in Leicester who pre-ordered over 300 copies of The Demon’s Watch for his visit!

Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell did a talk at Waterstones Piccadilly with an invited school audience of 80 children – there was live drawing of dragons, lots of witty banter and storytelling. They signed for over an hour and Chris donated his stunning drawings to the school.

Finally, Dee Shulman participated in the fantastic Leicester Author Week,which provides a great opportunity for schools in the city to come together for author presentations and workshops – including, on this occasion, a hilarious introduction to the Polly Price series.

All together it was a busy, fun, and very successful World Book Day 2013 for RHCP!