I often talk to ppl who read Pratchett as a kid who are sad there's nothing like it for kids today. Well, that isn't true any more. The Spick and the Span is perfect funny MG fantasy with footnotes for kids who know that the world is a bit of a scam but also a wonderful, warm place. #Kidlituk - ThreadSky

louiestowell.bsky.social • 15 days ago

I often talk to ppl who read Pratchett as a kid who are sad there's nothing like it for kids today. Well, that isn't true any more. The Spick and the Span is perfect funny MG fantasy with footnotes for kids who know that the world is a bit of a scam but also a wonderful, warm place. #Kidlituk

Reposted from Louie Stowell

Currently reading a proof of The Spick and the Span by @pilvanmartin.bsky.social and it is PERFECTION. Funny, wise, fantasy with brilliant world building. #KidlitUK harpercollins.co.uk/products/the...

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kitbutlermagster.bsky.social•15 days ago

Oh...
Suggestion noted.

louiestowell.bsky.social•15 days ago

Kit I think you, personally, will love it!

kitbutlermagster.bsky.social•15 days ago

Fab! Cheers for the heads up, m'dear. 👌

louiestowell.bsky.social•15 days ago

Obviously only Pratchett is Pratchett. But this operates in a similar psychic space, but fully of the now. #KidLitUK

popzeus.bsky.social•15 days ago

Thanks for highlighting this, have been looking for something with exactly this vibe for my kid

louiestowell.bsky.social•15 days ago

I should've said it's not out yet, getting too excited about a proof, but please do put it on your list, it feels like something I've been looking for for AGES. It's a great exploration of real power relationships in the world (magical workers' rights!) through comedy. Plus just really pacy.

louiestowell.bsky.social•15 days ago

Out end of JULY! So preorder now and take it on holiday with the kids :) https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-spick-and-the-span-pil-van-martin?variant=53481969877371

joannanadin.bsky.social•15 days ago

I tend to find people who complain ‘there isn’t anything like SO AND SO anymore’ just haven’t read many contemporary kids books.

louiestowell.bsky.social•15 days ago

As a general rule, yes. But I genuinely haven't found anything with this vibe for ages. It's a particular kind of wise, awake comedy that is quite rare.

mariannedoherty.bsky.social•15 days ago

Ooh, thanks for the heads up. I might see if I can get a copy for our next set of reviews.

louiestowell.bsky.social•15 days ago

Do, do!

simoncred.bsky.social•15 days ago

Ah, interesting. My daughter (9) has just finished reading Wee Free Men, which is such a good book in so many ways... so, yes we'll order this when it comes out :)

louiestowell.bsky.social•15 days ago

Do for sure! And obv pratchett is still glorious! Ive just been wondering if anything would emerge now with that vibe

simoncred.bsky.social•14 days ago

I've been thinking since you wrote this what's the 'magic'* of the Pratchett books, hard to put in words...but yes the stories are great but there's also a love of the playfulness of stories and of the English language for it's own sake.

*Apologies for pun

louiestowell.bsky.social•14 days ago

For me, its the style and as you say playful words but also a certain wisdom, an understanding of human society and human nature. Boots theory!

tamarw.bsky.social•15 days ago

I’m confused. Can’t kids still read Pratchett, or did all those books spontaneously combust?

louiestowell.bsky.social•15 days ago

They can of course, but there's something about a book that speaks to a particular era and its problems that has a special resonance.

paulaptb.bsky.social•14 days ago

📌

bensouthwood.com•15 days ago

Ooh, that looks great!

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