Shaye Wardrop is a picture book writer and blogger. Science fiction and fantasy obsessed, she has a passion for stories with far away lands, magnificent beasts, incredible journeys and brave little feet. Which children’s book are you currently reading?
The Disappearance of Ember Crow by Ambelin Kwaymullina (Young Adult).
Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?
The second book in The Tribe series, it’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where resources are strictly controlled and people born with supernatural abilities are labelled ‘illegals’ and detained.
Ember Crow is an illegal hiding in the Firstwood with a whole tribe of her kind, but when she goes missing, the only person who can help get her back is also the person who took her.
Book One in this series was brilliant and Book Two is no different. They are older books, reviewed on KBR a few years ago, but if you like science fiction/fantasy/dystopian, this is your kind of series. What I love most about them is that they weave ancient culture with a future world setting to create a rich reading experience filled with stories and traditions from the past, and all the possibilities of the future.
What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?
It was a recommendation from my brother. He was spot on that I would fall in love with this series.
What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?
My To Read Pile is actually a list. I try not to accumulate books until I’m ready to dive in. But on my list is: The Loneliest Girl in the Universe, In the Dark Spaces, Nevermoor and I could go on and on and on!
How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other? These are all books I feel I simply must read after reading their review! I love a good recommendation.
Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?
Science fiction and fantasy hands down. I grew up reading these genres and they are like an old friend. I love being able to explore the impossible, visit other worlds and pretend that one day I could own a pet dragon, or become a fairy or have cool telepathic abilities!
Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.
I prefer hard copy books 100%. There’s something about the feel and smell of pages that makes the reading experience so much more satisfying. But… if I’m desperate to read something, and I just can’t wait the time it takes to get to the shops and purchase the book, I will buy the E-book version so I can devour it straight away. Except for picture books. Picture books should always be in hard copy in my opinion.
You can find out more about Shaye at www.shayewardrop.com
