When the great old oak tree outside her window turns into a sailing ship during the night, Emily goes on a voyage of adventure with her brother Jack.

When the great old oak tree outside her window turns into a sailing ship during the night, Emily goes on a voyage of adventure with her brother Jack. Suggested level: preschool, junior.

Talking Books sets out to show how some of the leading children's authors of the day respond to these and other similar questions. The authors featured are Neil Ardley, Ian Beck, Helen Cresswell, Gillian Cross, Terry Deary, Berlie Doherty, Alan Durant, Brian Moses, Philip Pullman, Celia Rees, Norman Silver, Jacqueline Wilson, and Benjamin Zephaniah. They discuss with great enthusiasm: *their childhood reading habits *how they came to be published *how they write on a daily basis *how a particular book came together *a type of writing that they are especially known for. Through in-depth interviews, they each reveal their approach to their craft. Much is know and spoken of the product that is the children's book, but it is rare that writers are given the opportunity to talk at length about the process of writing for children. Talking Books redresses the balance by presenting a wide selection of authors (of fiction, non-fiction and poetry) reflecting upon the joys and challenges of the craft, creativity and process of writing for children.

This unique and comprehensive text offers an original approach to teaching creative writing by exploring ideas, giving advice, and explaining workshop activities and has many contributors from some of today's most popular children's authors including: Jacqueline Wilson, Roger McGough, Philip Pullman, Malorie Blackman and David Almond. Creating Writers is a practical writing manual for teachers to use with upper primary and lower secondary level pupils that covers poetry, fiction and non-fiction.