We still have spaces for our 4pm talk, and there will be crafts and walks on offer too.
Other talks are fully booked, but do get in touch to get on the waitlist: alicethorntonpicnic.eventbrite.co.uk
● Neil Gaiman, Peter James, Kate Mosse and Richard E Grant among authors and actors set to feature on the 9 episode season which returns on Monday 20th May
● The first season of ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ was listened to in 158 countries and featured in the top 1% of podcasts globally
● The first season of the podcast also spent several consecutive weeks at the top of the book and arts podcast charts in the UK, US, Canada and Australia
The Queen’s Reading Room, the charity formed from the book club set up by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, has today announced the return of its chart-topping book podcast, ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’.
The launch of season 2 comes just weeks after Her Majesty unveiled findings of the Charity’s ground-breaking research into benefits of reading at Clarence House AND comes only weeks before The Queen’s Reading Room Festival, which boasts a line-up including Helena Bonham Carter, Dame Harriet Walter & Harlan Coben, returns to Hampton Court Palace.
The first series of The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast featured Rebus author Sir Ian Rankin, actress Dame Joanna Lumley, and comedian David Baddiel and was listened to in 158 countries. Upon its launch, ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ reached the top 1% of podcasts globally and spent several consecutive weeks at #1 in the UK arts and books podcast charts, #1 in the Canadian and Australian Apple books podcast charts and #14 in the US Apple podcast charts.
Available weekly from Monday 20th May, the second season of ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ will continue to create a space where book lovers – and those who wish to connect more with books – can hear straight from the mouths of literary heroes.
The new season will feature a celebrated literary line-up which boasts ‘American Gods’ author Neil Gaiman, ‘Labyrinth’ author Kate Mosse and author of the ‘Roy Grace’ series Peter James, who will invite listeners inside their own reading rooms, taking us on their own personal journeys through the literature that influenced their lives. This brand new season will also feature Her Majesty Queen Camilla, who will once again let listeners in on some of her all-time favourite reads.
CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room and podcast host Vicki Perrin said: “We were astounded by the response to the first season of The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast. It is clear that the podcast reached and resonated with listeners globally, enabling them to connect and fall in love with books.
“I hope that this second season of the podcast will continue to inspire listeners to go on new literary adventures and help those wishing they loved books a little more, to discover the true joy of reading.”
The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast season 2 is available from 00:01 on Monday 20th May on all podcasting platforms. The episode schedule is as follows:
Episode 1 – 20th May – Neil Gaiman
Episode 2 – 27th May – Mel Giedroyc
Episode 3 – 3rd June – Kate Mosse
Episode 4 – 10th June – Peter James
Episode 5 – 17th June – Santa Montefiore
Episode 6 – 24th June – Ben Okri
Episode 7 – 1st July – Clare Mackintosh
Episode 8 – 8th July – Curtis Sittenfeld
Episode 9 – 15th July – Richard E Grant
For many, books are more than just sources of knowledge and entertainment; they are cherished possessions, often passed down through generations.
While most books hold sentimental value, some can also be worth a considerable amount of money. If you have a collection of old books gathering dust on your shelves, it might be time to take a closer look.
You could be sitting on a goldmine without even realising it.
Joanne Williams, a book expert from Awesome Books tells us some types of books that might be worth a small fortune.
First Editions
First editions of classic books are highly sought after by collectors. These are the initial printings of a book, often produced in limited quantities. If you have a first edition of a well-known work, it could be worth a significant amount. Look for first editions of classic literature, such as:
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
George Orwell’s 1984
Signed Copies
Books signed by the author are always in demand, especially if the author is well-known or the book is a classic. The value increases if the signature is accompanied by a personal inscription. Keep an eye out for signed copies of works by famous authors like Ernest Hemingway, J.K. Rowling, or Stephen King.
Limited Editions and Special Prints
Books that were published in limited numbers or special editions can be particularly valuable. These editions often feature unique bindings, illustrations, or forewords not found in the regular editions. Examples include:
Limited edition versions of *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
Special illustrated editions of *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland* by Lewis Carroll
Collector’s editions of *The Catcher in the Rye* by J.D. Salinger
Antiquarian Books
Books that are over 100 years old can be highly valuable, especially if they are in good condition. Antiquarian books can include anything from early printings of famous works to rare and obscure titles. Key factors that affect their value include the book’s condition, rarity, and historical significance. Look for:
Early editions of works by Charles Dickens
Rare printings of Shakespeare’s plays
Historical documents or first-hand accounts of significant events
Out-of-Print Books
Some books become valuable simply because they are no longer in print and hard to find. These can range from children’s books to academic texts. For example:
Original Goosebumps books by R.L. Stine
Certain vintage children’s books like The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Out-of-print works of poetry or niche academic subjects
Unique or Unusual Books
Books with unique features, such as misprints, rare bindings, or unusual content, can also be valuable. Collectors often seek out these anomalies because they represent something different from the norm. Examples include:
Misprinted editions of popular novels
Books with unique or rare bindings, such as leather-bound copies
Books with controversial or historically significant content
Potential Value of Books
On average, Brits could be sitting on books worth hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds. The value of collectible books can vary widely, but here are some general estimates:
First Editions: Depending on the book and its condition, first editions can range from £100 to several thousand pounds. For example, a first edition of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* has sold for over £50,000.
Signed Copies: Signed copies of books can add £50 to several thousand pounds to the book’s value. A signed copy of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea might fetch £1,000 or more.
Limited Editions and Special Prints: These can be worth anywhere from £100 to several thousand pounds, depending on their rarity and condition.
Antiquarian Books: Values can range from £50 to tens of thousands of pounds. An early edition of Charles Dickens’ *A Christmas Carol* can be worth over £10,000.
Out-of-Print Books: These can range from £20 to several hundred pounds, depending on their popularity and rarity.
Unique or Unusual Books: Prices vary widely, but unique features can significantly increase a book’s value, potentially adding hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
Tips for Determining the Value of Your Books
Research: Use online resources like AbeBooks, eBay, and specialised rare book websites to compare prices and see what similar books are selling for.
Condition: The condition of the book greatly affects its value. Books that are in pristine condition, with intact dust jackets and minimal wear, are worth more.
Consult Experts: Consider reaching out to a rare book dealer or appraiser for a professional assessment. They can provide insight into the book’s rarity, demand, and potential value.
Joanne Williams, a book expert from Awesome Books says: “Your bookshelf could be hiding more than just great stories; it might contain valuable treasures waiting to be discovered.
“By taking the time to identify and research your collection, you could unearth books that are worth a significant amount of money.
“Whether you decide to sell these valuable books or keep them as prized possessions, knowing their worth adds a new layer of appreciation for your literary collection.”
In an era where digital screens dominate our lives, the importance of nurturing a love for reading in children cannot be overstated. However, a recent survey commissioned by Awesome Books has uncovered a concerning trend among parents in the UK.
The survey, which involved 3,000 parents with children aged 2-12, revealed that 53% of parents do not buy books for their children. This statistic raises significant questions about the future of literacy and the cultural value placed on reading within families.
The Importance of Early Reading
Reading is a fundamental skill that forms the foundation of a child’s education. Early exposure to books has been linked to numerous benefits, including improved language skills, increased empathy, and better academic performance. Books open up new worlds, stimulate imagination, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Despite these well-documented advantages, the survey results suggest that more than half of the parents surveyed are not investing in this crucial aspect of their children’s development.
Possible Reasons Behind the Decline
Several factors contribute to this decline in book purchases for children. According to the survey, the reasons are varied:
Digital Distraction: The prevalence of digital devices is a significant factor. Of the parents who don’t buy books, 35% stated that their children prefer using tablets, smartphones, and televisions for entertainment. These devices are often loaded with educational apps and ebooks, which parents believe can substitute for physical books. The convenience and engaging nature of digital content make it more appealing than traditional reading materials.
Economic Factors: Financial constraints also play a significant role. The survey found that 28% of parents cited affordability as a barrier to purchasing books for their children. For many families, budgeting for essential needs takes precedence over buying books, which might be seen as a non-essential expense. The rising cost of living and other financial pressures make it challenging for some parents to prioritise book buying.
Lack of Awareness: Some parents may not fully understand the importance of reading or might believe that their children are getting enough exposure to literature through school alone. About 20% of the parents surveyed mentioned that they rely on schools to provide sufficient reading materials and do not feel the need to purchase additional books.
Limited Access: A smaller yet notable group, 10% of parents, reported limited access to bookstores or libraries in their area as a reason for not buying books. This is particularly relevant in rural or underserved communities where access to a variety of books can be restricted.
Impact on Children
The lack of books in the home can have far-reaching consequences. Children who are not regularly exposed to reading material may struggle with literacy skills, which can affect their performance in school and their ability to succeed in life. Moreover, children who miss out on the joys of reading may be less likely to develop a love for literature as they grow older.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach:
Promoting the Value of Reading: Educating parents about the benefits of reading and encouraging them to make books a priority can help shift attitudes.
Making Books Accessible: Initiatives such as book exchanges, libraries, and affordable book sales can make it easier for families to access books without significant financial strain.
Integrating Digital and Physical Reading: While digital devices are here to stay, finding ways to integrate both digital and physical reading can cater to modern preferences while still emphasising the importance of traditional books.
Joanne Williams a book expert from Awesome Books says: “The survey highlights a critical issue that needs immediate attention.
“With 53% of parents not buying books for their children, largely due to economic constraints, the allure of digital devices, and limited access, there is a pressing need to address the barriers that prevent families from engaging in this vital activity.
As the fifth most popular filming location in Europe, Scotland has provided a beautiful backdrop for countless Hollywood blockbusters over recent decades.
Harry Potter is perhaps the most famous and beloved of these film series to shoot scenes north of the English border, with stunning Highland scenery featuring across each of the eight exciting instalments.
And, as this franchise has arrived on Netflix and reignited the nation’s love for all things Potter, fans can visit its most iconic filming locations, as Macklin Motors has curated the ultimate road trip route of Scotland for Potterheads.
Taking 8 hours to complete by car, this road trip is perfect for Harry Potter fans who want to feel the magic of their favourite scenes, while taking in beautiful Scottish landscapes at the same time.
The journey starts in the astonishingly beautiful valley of Glen Etive, before driving just over half an hour to Rannoch Moor’s Insta-ready autumnal shades, both of which featured in the Deathly Hallows.
The next stop is Steall Falls, the second highest waterfall in Great Britain, a popular beauty spot that made an appearance in the adrenaline-pumping dragon chase scene in the Goblet of Fire.
Drive 40 minutes further and drivers will find the most iconic Harry Potter filming location in Scotland: Glenfinnan Viaduct. Potterheads will certainly recognise this stunning railway viaduct from the Chamber of Secrets’ unforgettable flying car sequence.
The penultimate stop on the road trip route is Loch Morar, which eagle-eyed fans will immediately recognise as Hogwarts Lake from the Prisoner of Azkaban. Then, a long drive across the Scottish Highlands will reveal the very last filming location on the map: Black Rock Gorge. This stoic cavern featured in the Goblet of Fire, taking centre stage during the Triwizard Tournament.
A Macklin Motors spokesperson commented: “Finding the perfect bank holiday activity for the entire family is always a tricky task.
“With our Harry Potter road trip, we want to provide the best of both worlds for kids and parents alike, touring beautiful Highland hotspots with a magical twist. And with International Harry Potter day on Thursday, there’s no better time to take the trip. Plus, at just under eight hours in total, drivers can complete this road trip in a day or take their time with it throughout their holiday in Scotland.
“So, pack the car with snacks, ready your family’s favourite playlist, and set off on a bewitching adventure around Scotland’s stunning scenery.”
For more filming location road trips around Scotland and to find the Google Maps route for this road trip, visit the Macklin Motors blog.
The winners of the UK’s most successful children’s writing competition, 500 Words, have been unveiled on World Book Day® in a special episode of The One Show – 500 Words with The One Show – on BBC One and iPlayer.
From thousands of talented entries, six exceptional young authors who submitted their stories to the BBC’s 500 words competition were crowned last week at the Grand Final in Buckingham Palace, with their identities kept secret until the big reveal on today’s special edition of The One Show.
Her Majesty the Queen invited Romesh Ranganathan and a host of celebrity readers including Hugh Bonneville, Oti Mabuse, Luke Evans, Olivia Dean, Tom Hiddleston and star of Matilda, Alisha Weir, to Buckingham Palace for the final event which opened with a special performance of ‘Pure Imagination’ from ‘Wonka’, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, followed by ‘When I Grow Up’ performed by the West End cast of Matilda The Musical.
All the excitement from entire event, including all the live performances by celebrity readers of the winning stories, will be available to watch on CBBC at 4pm Friday 8 March.
Speaking at the Grand Final, Her Majesty The Queen said: “In the three years that we have been without this wonderful competition, I think we have realised how much we have missed it.
“Over the years, it has actually turned into half a billion words that have been written, typed, scribbled and tumbled onto thousands of pages by children across the UK, read by an army of volunteers and then sent to Oxford University Press to form the biggest collection of children’s writing in the world.
“That means that between you, you have created more than a million stories of thought-provoking adventure for future generations to study and enjoy. Thank you to everybody who has taken part in 500 Words – it is a huge pleasure to have you back.”
BBC Head of Education, Helen Foulkes said: “It’s incredible that we received almost 44,000 entries – the calibre of stories submitted this year have been exceptionally high.
“500 Words is all about encouraging children from across the UK to enjoy writing and let their imaginations run wild, without fear of spelling, punctuation or grammar. Our hope is that every child that entered continues to fall in love with writing.”
The six winners were chosen from two age group categories, ages 5-7 and 8-11 with each consisting of gold, silver and bronze awards.
The 500 Words judges included Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Francesca Simon, Charlie Higson, and Malorie Blackman, who were chaired by BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay.
Each of the finalist’s stories are available to read now on the BBC Teach website, alongside audio versions which have been voiced specially by BBC Radio Drama Actors
The Bibliography of Edinburgh History has been updated by the Old Edinburgh Club, forming an extensive collection of nearly 3,000 items. These books, chapters, journal articles and dissertations illuminate the rich heritage of the city, dating from William Maitland’s 1753 History of Edinburgh and Leith.
Easily searchable online, the Bibliography covers prehistory to modern times. It takes in in a range of themes, social, cultural, economic and architectural and features the Old and New Towns and local communities across the city.
Old Edinburgh Club President, Edward Duvall said, “We are delighted to announce the latest version of Bibliography of Edinburgh History, which has grown by 25%.
“We have included new publications up to the end of 2023 and, with the help of our members, identified many older items not previously included.
“We make the Bibliography freely available and it provides a launchpad for anyone wishing to delve into the city’s history.”
The Bibliography can be accessed on the following link:
https://oldedinburghclub.org.uk/bibliography-of-edinburgh-history/
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the largest and most famous Dolls’ House in the world, which has been on display for visitors to Windsor Castle since its creation.
The Dolls’ House was built between 1921 and 1924 as a gift from the nation to Queen Mary following the First World War.
It is a perfect 1:12 scale replica of an Edwardian-style residence – complete with electricity, working lifts and running water – and is filled with contributions from over 1,500 of the finest artists, craftspeople, and manufacturers of the day.
One of the great treasures of the Dolls’ House is its Library, which captured the literary culture of the 1920s through miniature books handwritten by the era’s foremost writers, from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Vita Sackville-West to A. A. Milne and Thomas Hardy.
Now, in an anniversary initiative championed by Her Majesty The Queen, 20 tiny manuscripts have been penned and decorated by hand by leading writers and illustrators, to establish a Modern-Day Miniature Library, once again providing a snapshot of contemporary literature in Britain.
The new manuscripts range from short stories, poetry collections and illustrated tales to plays, articles and recipes, many inspired by the Dolls’ House or written specially for the occasion.
Each manuscript, measuring just 4.5cm high, has been hand-bound with a unique cover by a leading designer-bookbinder. Each miniature cover is a work of art, with each binder taking inspiration from the contents of their book to create designs that range from gilded and traditional to whimsical and strikingly modern.
The new books, which will become part of the Royal Collection, are now on display for visitors to Windsor Castle and can be seen throughout 2024.
Her Majesty The Queen has contributed her own miniature book to the collection: a handwritten introduction to the Modern-Day Miniature Library project. Bound in the Royal Bindery at Windsor Castle, the book features a gold-tooled miniature version of Her Majesty’s cypher, measuring just 7mm tall.
It was created using a specially made cypher tool, which was modelled on the tool used to apply Queen Mary’s 7mm-tall cypher to the original Dolls’ House Library books in the 1920s.
Today (Tuesday, 30 January), Her Majesty The Queen will host a reception at Windsor Castle to thank the authors, illustrators and binders who have contributed their work to the project. Her Majesty will view the new miniature books and will be shown her own hand-bound contribution for the first time, which will then be added to the display for visitors.
The contributors to the Modern-Day Miniature Library are:
As well as the display of miniature books, visitors to Windsor Castle this year can see a special centenary display of items usually contained within the Dolls’ House.
Staged in the magnificent Waterloo Chamber, this display allows visitors to get even closer to the House’s tiny treasures, which range from a fully strung miniature grand piano and Crown Jewels inset with real diamonds to a miniscule vacuum cleaner and sewing machine.
The room at Windsor Castle that was created to house the Dolls’ House almost 100 years ago has been restored to mark the anniversary, and the Dolls’ House itself has been re-lit to simulate daylight rather than moonlight. On Royal Collection Trust’s website, new ‘dolls’-eye view’ films are giving viewers around the world the chance to discover the House’s miniature marvels in closer detail than ever before.
Her Majesty The Queen opens her miniature introduction by expressing her admiration for the Dolls’ House Library: ‘For me, it is the library that is the most breath-taking space in the house’.
“These new books highlight the incredible richness of twenty-first century Literary talent – and demonstrate how fortunate we are to have access to so many outstanding writers, whose work brings joy, comfort, laughter, companionship and hope to us all, opening our eyes to others’ experiences and reminding us that we are not alone.”
Stella Panayotova, Royal Librarian and Assistant Keeper of The Royal Archives, said: ‘These tiny books are big in imagination and talent, in feelings and insights.
“Exquisite books rekindle the joy of careful reading, close looking, quiet thinking. We are truly grateful to the authors, illustrators and designer-binders for awakening the century-old magic of the Dolls’ House. It is exciting to share their small books with large audiences, delighting and inspiring visitors of all ages.’
Julia Donaldson said: ‘It was an honour to be asked to write a miniature book for the new collection. I did think of doing something entirely new but then felt it would be iconic to have a tiny version of The Gruffalo, especially since it seemed a good way of celebrating his 25th birthday (the book was published in 1999).
“It was quite tricky working out the new pagination and making my handwriting as small as could be, but Axel had a greater labour of love creating all those extra pictures. I can’t wait to see the final product.’
Axel Scheffler said: ‘I felt very honoured to be asked to contribute a miniature book to the Dolls’ House library, and of course, it had to be The Gruffalo!
“It was a little bit of a challenge to re-illustrate the whole story on approximately 90 tiny pages rather than 30 regular-sized pages. But, as I like to draw small pictures, it put me to a test, but suited me well.’
Sebastian Faulks said: ‘The size made it a real challenge. But fun. I’m not a poet and there was no room for prose, so I wrote a kind of syllabic verse.
“My handwriting has not been under such pressure since infant school. I can only apologise for my illustrations. It was such an honour to have been invited to contribute.’
Dame Jacqueline Wilson said: ‘I was taken to see the Queen’s Dolls’ House when I was seven. I was completely enchanted and particularly loved the miniature books in the library.
“It was such a thrill to be invited to contribute one myself all these many years later.’
The new publication The Miniature Library of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House by Elizabeth Clark Ashby is available now, exploring the stories behind the creation of the original Dolls’ House Library.
The book includes a foreword by Her Majesty The Queen, as well as excerpts from selected works, some of which are reproduced for the first time. The book joins a new Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House souvenir range that is available in Royal Collection Trust’s shops.
Anniversary events and activities throughout the year will include a Dolls’ House-themed family trail for visitors to the Castle, as well as family activities during the Easter holidays.
An online evening event in April will see Royal Collection Trust curators revealing behind-the-scenes details and sharing how the House is conserved for future generations to enjoy.
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives with reading and writing, has today announced that it will gift books to children and families visiting food banks this winter, for the third year.
The need for food banks has continued to grow in Scotland, rising 30% between April 2022 and March this year, compared to the same period in 2021–22. New data from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports that over a million people in Scotland are living in poverty, around a quarter of whom are children.
Marking its 25th anniversary this year, Scottish Book Trust works to tackle inequality and break the poverty cycle through access to books and reading.
Since 2020, Scottish Book Trust has distributed over 290,000 books to children and families in need through food banks, community hubs and other charities across Scotland. This includes food banks in Edinburgh and the Lothians, The Salvation Army on Gorgie Road, East Lothian Foodbank, West Lothian Foodbank and The Larder.
Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Macmillan Children’s Books have given the charity kind permission to use illustrations from The Gruffalo’s Child to help support and raise awareness of the charity’s Christmas appeal.
Julia Donaldson said: ‘Scottish Book Trust has been doing great work for 25 years supporting children with literacy and improving access to books. The charity has just beaten the Gruffalo by one year, as he is going to be 25 next year.
“In fact, the Gruffalo’s origins go back to when I first tried the story out in various primary schools in Scotland, under the wing of Scottish Book Trust.
“I have continued to work with the charity regularly since then and am very pleased that The Gruffalo’s Child is leading their Christmas appeal this year and helping children and families at a time when books and stories are needed more than ever.’
Axel Scheffler said: ‘I am very happy that The Gruffalo’s Child is at the centre of Scottish Book Trust’s fundraising campaign this Christmas.
“Enjoying books together is important for families and it is terrible that many children still have no access to books – and that this need is becoming ever greater.
“I hope that many people will support this Christmas appeal, so that Scottish Book Trust can increase their work in making a difference to children’s lives in Scotland.’
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Christmas is looking stark for many families across Scotland. Access to books is absolutely essential for a child’s development and wellbeing, and for many the only books they have at home are the ones that have been given to them by Scottish Book Trust.
“Books make a huge difference to daily lives, bringing comfort, escapism and togetherness in families. Every child deserves a little magic at Christmas and donations to our appeal will provide vital support for those most in need.’
Funds raised from the appeal will enable Scottish Book Trust to give books to families via food banks and community hubs and deliver more of its life-changing work. Some examples of its programmes include specialist support for young families facing significant challenges through Bookbug for the Home, providing tactile books for children with additional support needs and supporting those living with dementia and the people who care for them.
To learn more about Scottish Book Trust’s Christmas appeal, visit:
Please note that we will not accept donations on the day of the event.
If you wish to donate items, please pop into the ELREC Office (14 Forth Street EH13LH) on Wednesday July 5th, and Thursday July 6th from 10 am to 5 pm.
