World Book Day 2013
Jean is marking World Book Day with a talk in Dubray Books in Blackrock, Dublin on Thursday March 6th and a special offer in conjunction with PigsBack.com. Just €8 for Loch Ness and the Mexican Devil with free delivery (valid until midnight Monday 11th). Click HERE for more details.
Dublin City of Science 2012
Jean Flitcroft is part of the Dublin City Library events – Dublin City of Science 2012.
Marino Library on Tuesday 23rd October at 10am.
Ringsend Library Tuesday 23rd October at 11.45am.
Walkinstown Library Thursday 25th October at 10am
Pembroke Library Thursday 25th October at 11.45am
Jean Flitcroft is part of the Redline Book Festival reading in Clondalkin Library and discussing ‘where science meets story,’ on Wednesday 14th November at 10.30am.
http://www.redlinebookfestival.com/children-s-programme
Jean Flitcroft is part of the Science week in November 2012 – in Dalkey Libraary on Monday 13th November and Dundrum Library on Tuesday 13th November.
http://www.dlrcoco.ie/library/ScienceWk2012.pdf
Cryptids galore! Jean Flitcroft on Elev8
Ever wondered how long it takes for an author to research a book? And write it? Ever seen one take a quiz about it? Well, Jean Flitcroft paid a visit to the loft at Elev8 yesterday to talk to a new fan, Anna, about her book, The Cryptid Files: Loch Ness. Jean had her knowledge of those mysterious cryptids tested by local explorer, Cornelius and guessed 2 out of 3 cryptids correctly! How will you do?
Click here to watch Jean chatting with Sean and Diana. And look how excited Sean is about the book...
Jean at the launch of the Dublin Book Festival 2011
Reviews
"This book grabs you right from the shocking prologue and keeps you immersed in a wonderful atmosphere of mystery, magic and monster. The main character, Vanessa, is truly admirable for her determination, but also for the way that she overcomes the anger caused by loss. I very much look forward to the pleasure of reading her next adventure."
Conor Kostick, bestselling author of Move, Sage and Epic
'Sage and Epic 'Jean Flitcroft's first novel is utterly abosrbing and suspense-laden
Mary Shine Thompson, The Irish Times
'...deftly plotted and compelling'
Sarah Webb, Irish Independent
'The idea...is so simple and so clever that you wish you'd thought of it yourself... Flitcroft has a light and convincing touch... Her talent as a storyteller with her scientific background makes for a winning combination'
Books Ireland
'The prologue of this book draws the reader into the life of Vanessa Day. Trying to cope with her scientist mother's death, she resents her father's friendship with Lee McDonald. Obsessed with her mother's scientific notes, and stories of the Loch Ness Monster, Vanessa is resentful when she finds out Lee is coming on a family holiday. Staying near the shores of Loch Ness, her dreams blend with reality, culminating in a hauntingly cathartic experience. This is a mystical, coming-of-age story, beautifully written. Ages 10-up.'
Mary Arrigan, Irish Examiner April 3rd, 2010.
"The first title from new Irish imprint Little Island tells the story of Vanessa Day, a talented teenager from Dublin. Vanessa, still grieving for her mother, struggles to accept her father's new boyfriend Lee, as they holiday together near Loch Ness. Each chapter is proceded by a brief report or fact relating to the Loch Ness Monster mystery, which certainly broadens the context of the sotry but might, for some readers, interrupt the narrative. Concerned primarily with Vanessa's family, the first part of this short novel skilfully captures the family dynamics and there are moments of warmth and humour in the descriptions of the local Scottish community, particulary the eccentric neighbours in Fort Augustus. The noise and hubbub of a family holiday ring clear and true.
The tale then shifts into the supernatural as it explores Vanessa's uncanny connection with Nessie and the strange tales and theories of the Loch Ness Monster. Vanessa ends up in danger and the mysterious connections secure her both to the mysterious and the realistic parts of this novel.
Short chapter lengths and the inclusion of plenty of dialogue will keep readers of 9+ engaged in this fast-paced story. A strong start to this new series."
Mags Walsh ,Inis The Children's Books Ireland Magazine Spring 2010
"Gripping and incredibly interesting...it took me into a world like no other"
Nuala, Co. Leitrim, age 11
"I really liked the Cryptid Files. It was very original, well written and was so different. I thought it was going to be mainly about Vanessa and her family, so it was completely unexpected when Vanessa met the Loch Ness Monster. The story never went the way I expected and so it was really interesting all theway to the end. It was incredibly absorbing and hard to put down! It crossed the world of fantasy and ourworld together, which makes it all the more believable, which is amazing from a book so wonderfully far from reality"
Brid, age 14, Co. Leitrim.
The Cryptid Files of Loch Ness is about a girl named Vannesa whose mother used to be a Cryptid hunter but is now dead. Vannesa and her two brothers and her dad go on a small holiday to Scotland for 3 days. Before they leave,Vanessa takes her mum's Cryptid Files about the Loch Ness in order to solve the mystery of Nessie. One night Vanessa takes out a boat onto the loch,falls overboard and the most amazing thing happens...
I really enjoyed this book because it was very descriptive and something was happening all the time. It was really exciting. If you enjoy adventure books then this is the right book for you! I would give this book a 9/10.
Matthew McKenna, age 10, Co. Dublin
And finally...
"This is the first book in the Cryptid Files series. I love the realistic family interactions and the well developed characters. I love the wondefully written mix of fantasy and reality and the amazing imagery not present in alot of kid's books. It's recommended for 9-12 but the language, imagery and information would be enjoyable for ages well above 9-12. An enjoyable and informative read. Well done mum."
Myles, Age 14, Co. Dublin.