Booked Up!

I'm really excited: Foul Play has been chosen for the national promotion, Booked Up!

I've been sitting on the news for a few weeks, but the secret's out now. It means that around half a million year-seven children (in September) will be offered one of twelve books free. Mine is one of the the twelve. The project is run by Booktrust.

Thank you Booktrust!

I did some events at the launch of Lancashire's Shout About Books festival today. At Preston North End's Football Museum. It was great. I met a lot of Liverpool, Man U and Burnley fans. The best bit was playing table football against a Blackburn fan. He won - two games to one.

The festival goes on for a few weeks and sees some big names coming to Lancashire. David Gilman. Beverley Naidoo. Meg Rosoff.

The staff at Lancashire Libraries are brilliant. All friendly. All knowing lots about children's books. I'm lucky to live on their doorstep. Have a look at the Lancashire Libraries website if you want to know more.

The football fixtures are out next week. My four-year-old has asked to come to a match at last. Who will her first trip to Leeds United's famous Elland Road stadium be against? Cheltenham? Stockport? Milton Keynes?