Today, whilst walking around Knutsford we walked into Waterstones.
In there was possibly the most interesting man I have ever met, signing copies of his new book.
He very kindly allowed me to take the photo above - thank you Alan.
Now I know this blog is all about music but I urge you strongly to try to visit this man and get a signed copy.
The author is Alan Gilliland and his new book 'The Amazing Adventures Of Curd The Lion (and us!) in the land of back of beyond', is out now to buy - but TRY to go and see him!
He is a most fascinating and nice man.
This is all about his book.
And you can reach his blog here.
Synopsis follows:
One day the Twins, Henry and Henrietta, are having a St. George-
and-the-Dragon battle in Mum’s bedroom with Curd as the Dragon, when they have a dreadful calamity and spill talcum powder all over
the bedroom!
After telling them off and tidying up, Mum accidentally leaves Curd
the Lion and her favourite jewelled brooch unnoticed beside the bed.
A Raven flies in and steals it.
Mum blames the Twins and says that, unless her brooch is returned before their Birthday in four days’ time, she’s not only going to cancel their Party but also give their four Animals, Curd the Lion, Pilgrim Crow, Sweeney the Heenie and O’Flattery the Snake, to the Charity Shop!
Curd leads the Animals out that night, all the way to the Back
of Beyond, to try to find the Great Raven and rescue the brooch,
seeking clues from all the creatures they meet.
And so begins an Amazing Adventure…
------------------------
You can order a copy via this link.
Do it, or I shall ask Alan to send Mr Balloonifuss around to sit on you!
Catch him here on these dates:
Friday 14th August - Waterstones, Altrincham, Cheshire
Sunday 16th August - Borders, York
Monday 17th August - Borders, Leeds
Tuesday 18th August - Waterstones, Manchester Trafftrd Centre
Weds 19th August - Waterstones, Northallerton
Thurs 20th August - Waterstones, Darlington
Friday 21st August - Waterstones, Durham
Saturday 22nd August - Waterstones, Middlesborough
Monday 24th August - Witney near Oxford,
Tuesday 25th August - Banbury, Stratford-on-Avon
Wednesday 26th August - Worcester, Cheltenham
Thursday 27th August - Bristol galleries
The book is age-free and would make a lovely present for a child (for Xmas???) or just for the child in yourself! It is a good read and totally gripping.
Mr Gilliland has had a fascinating life. He is a freelance illustrator, information graphic artist & designer, working for publishers, architects and developers producing cutaway drawings and explanatory graphics.
Starting out in film - then architecture - student, the author worked as a news-photo-journalist for 8 years before transferring to graphics & illustration.
He is a former graphics editor of The Daily Telegraph.
Impressive CV.
He has had numerable awards including; 19 national/international graphics awards, British Press Awards, three-times winner, Graphic Artist, twice runner up, (G.A. Image of Year), Team Award (winners for Iraq War coverage). Society of News Design USA: Silver awards & awards of excellence. Newspaper Industry Awards: Linotype Award for text & graphics.
Good luck with the book Alan - can't wait for the sequel!!!
