The VON, otherwise known as The Very Occasional Newsletter is Susea’s 6 monthly news where she updates you on what has been happening.

It’s difficult to find boat stories that are written for little girls that aren’t based on dreams or imagination. ‘If I had a Big Blue Boat’ by Susan James Fry is an oldie, and based upon the imagination of a young lass. Beautiful, bright colourful illustrations bring to life the child’s dream of what she […]

GREAT FOR THE EARLY READER Author:             Bill Martin Jr Illustrator:         Eric Carle Picture Puffin;  1st edition (2 November 2021) ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?’ is one of my all – time favourite children’s picture books. When I taught, it was always a hit with the 5 to 6 year olds. It’s rhythm […]

This morning, Lesley sent me photographs of the first completed illustrations for our first sequel to A Big Blue Boat. The images are bringing the book to life beautifully. This is such an exciting time.

Author: Paul Jennings Illustrator: Lea Bob Publisher: Puffin; 1st edition Year: 3 May 2004 I was going through my book library the other day and came across the Rascal series by Paul Jennings. It’s about 20 years since the first Rascal book was released, but they were great for children experiencing difficulties with learning, and […]

Hello World: Ocean Life Being a sailor, I love anything to do with the sea and was delighted when I found this lovely 26 – page board book, ‘Hello World: Ocean Life’ by Jill McDonald. Being a sailor, I love anything to do with the sea and was delighted when I found this lovely 26 […]

Back in the day, I was a youngster who preferred doing activities that were considered a ‘boy’s thing’ and was often referred to as a ‘Tom Boy’. Then at the age of 12 or 13, I found myself being informed that I had need to start behaving like a young lady… Being a female sailor, […]