What research into the Stone Age did you have to carry out? Is this an area of history that has always interested you? Do you have an interesting Stone Age fact you can share with our readers? For me, I really do write for child readers – and I think what children read really does matter. I want my reader to have an adventure, but also have a giggle, and also have a think, and also feel an emotional connection with the story. That’s it!!! I found Hartboy the most interesting character because he had a different life because he’s a Stone Age man, he has a lot of problems to solve and he speaks really weirdly which makes it really funny to read when Charlie is trying to work out what he is saying! I learnt lots about the Stone Age. People had to do so much just to survive in that time. They had to get water from wells or sink holes. They had so much danger in their lives. They had lots of adventures in their everyday lives.

The winners of the Diverse Book Awards 2023 have been announced, with one winner from each of the four categories announced: Picture book, Children...

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This was an absolutely stunning MG fantasy book. The writing was beautifully powerful and descriptive, which made for a real feast for the senses. This threw books like Ug and Littlenose to the wayside completely. If I was looking for a Stone Age book to teach with, this would be high up on the list. It doesn't just show you a view of the Stone Age, it highlights the importance of family and friendship too! Mum shuffles to the doorway in her dressing gown. She looks really tired even though she’s been in bed for weeks. Author Anna Kemp introduces The Hollow Hills, the sequel to her dark magical tale, Into Goblyn Wood.

The forest is a blur of green and the only sound I can hear is the pounding of my heart. I reach the fork, then I sprint up the path and along past the high wooden fences, to my gate, to my garden, to home. Kirtley tells a bold tale. For the majority of the book, the story focuses on only two characters- Charlie and Harby- and yet the narrative remains engaging through fast-paced twists and electrifying descriptions of the forest itself (the language used in the storm scene is incredible.) Although certain aspects of the story did come to feel slightly repetitive (there was a lot of running and tripping and falling) these moments were broken up by chapters filled with high tension. The climatic knife scene with the mysterious shadow man and the baby was particularly eye-watering but was in keeping with the dynamic plot. There are some beautiful descriptions of the woods and nature throughout the story. I wondered if Mandel Forest was inspired by a place near you? Did you spend a lot of time outside whilst writing this book?

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I was so emotionally invested in this book and the gorgeous characters. Charlie has such a wonderfully supportive family and such a great bond with the mystery character he finds in the forest. I absolutely loved the fact this book kept me guessing throughout. So Ma gave thanks to the hart and named her baby Hartboy, because all this happened 6,000 years ago, and it was just how things were done.

I loved this book. Harby and Charlie were my favourite characters because they’re the main characters and they take risks. I didn’t much like Harby’s parents, but that’s because they only appear at the end of the book so I didn’t really get to know them. Gorgeously magical and achingly real. I loved every character in this book and I devoured the whole story in a breathless rush because I couldn't stop reading (even when it made me cry) Stephanie Burgis, author of The Dragon With a Chocolate HeartThe Wild Way Home is a stunning debut children's novel which I cannot recommend highly enough - Sophie Kirtley is definitely an author to watch.

I didn’t trust Hartboy's dad (the Knifeman) because we didn’t know he was actually Hartboys dad and because he was following them. To many it would seem that Charlie leads an ordinary life until his family life is changed forever with the arrival of his baby brother Dara. This was something that Charlie had always wanted but nothing is ever perfect. A captivating story of self-discovery and realising what is truly important in life Scope For Imagination Nero reaches the Spirit Stone next. He just stands there panting. Lamont and Beaky don’t bother running the last bit, not once they know I’ve beaten them. Lamont clambers up the mound and flops down next to me. Without knowing what to do next, Charlie runs away hoping to have time to think and find answers to all his questions. His two oldest friends Lamont and Beaky, Nero know just where to look and try to reassure him that returning home is the best thing to do. But is it?

This multi-layered time-slip adventure is both thrilling and moving. In the midst of life-threatening danger from wild beasts and environmental hazards, Charlie unexpectedly learns about his fears, his courage, his compassion and the importance of family and love. Recommendation:I recommend this book to stone age or history fans. If you are one of those it is 100 percent a must read! The most interesting thing about this story was the friendship between Harby and Charlie. I enjoyed meeting all the characters they met along the way.