AudioGo present an unabridged audio of ‘bat-tastic’ ‘The Vampire Hunters,’ narrated by Daniel Hill.
"The Vampire Hunters is perfect for spooky listening, ‘packed full of adventure, comedy, laughs, intriguing characters and a little bit of blood. A must read." The Scribbler
And a must listen too!
THREE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2011
‘THE VAMPIRE BLOG’ WINS - THE BRILLIANT BOOK AWARD.
Pete says: "It was such exciting news and it now has a great new cover with the ‘win’ highlighted on the front".
‘THE VAMPIRE HUNTERS’ LAUNCHES TO RAVE REVIEWS AND IS MADE BLUE PETER BOOK OF THE MONTH.
Pete says: "I’ve never had so many encouraging reviews before. I’m extremely grateful."
QUOTE OF THE YEAR (used in a review of ‘Diary of an (Un)Teenager’)
"Pete Johnson is the unsung hero of entertaining writing that delights both the proficient and reluctant reader. He has such a warm, humane sense of ridiculous humour that has you laughing in loud snorts, just as you’re fighting tears of empathy." Ink Pellet
Pete says: "This quote has followed me everywhere – it’s even been debated at conferences. Many teachers and librarians tell me they are now recommending my books to pupils who are looking to move on from The Wimpy Kid books."
PUPILS SHOULD LEARN ABOUT GAMBLING AT SCHOOL
‘All school children school should learn about risk, probability and how to gamble responsibility,’ says Charity GAMCARE
‘A witty subversive’ look at what happens when, to alleviate the boredom of school, a group of pupils start up a gambling club called, ‘The Chancer Syndicate.’ But the bets get bigger and bigger.
‘Behind the comedy is a serious message about what happens when gambling and circumstances get out of control.’ Helium Book Review
‘Johnson uses humour to pack a potent message.’ School Librarian
BOOKS OF THE MONTH: PETE'S TWO ANTI-BULLYING BOOKS, ‘TRAITOR’ AND ‘AVENGER.’
Pete will be talking about these books at schools around the country. Here he answers some of your questions . . .
(Q) ‘Traitor’ is about someone being bullied on the way home from school, while ‘Avenger’ is about a boy being picked on by a whole class. Did any of this happen to you?
PETE: Yes it did. I changed schools when I was twelve. And while I was popular at my old school (honestly) I wasn’t so popular at my new school. For a while I was totally on my own. I never forgot what that felt like and used some of those feelings ………….in ‘Traitor’ and ‘Avenger.’
(Q) Where did you get the idea of the girl gang in ‘Traitor?’
PETE: That came about when I was interviewing pupils. One girl told me how she’d been in a girl gang for a while, and loved the feeling of power at first. But when she tried to leave the gang they turned on her. ‘Traitor' is still one of the very few books to feature a girl gang.
(Q) I love the part in ‘Traitor’ when they ambush the girl gang with water pistols. Was that based on real life?
PETE: No, that was pure imagination. But I did rehearse that scene with my nephews. We all had brilliant fun squirting each other with water pistols for one whole afternoon – and all in the interest of research!
(Q) ‘Traitor’ and ‘Avenger’ have been nominated for and won prizes. Do you think they are two of your best books?’
PETE: Yes I do. They were especially demanding to write. I had to trawl down deep inside me for some of the scenes. But it’s wonderful when pupils write to me identifying with some of those feelings. One of the best things books can do is show us we’re not on our own.
‘TRAITOR’ and ‘AVENGER’ are also available from AudioGo (unabridged readings) ‘TRAITOR’ is also available as an ebook.
‘There is real menace in ‘Traitor’ and the accessible story offers food for thought – not easy answers.’ The Bookseller
EXCLUSIVE – BRILLIANT NEW COVER FOR‘THE VAMPIRE BLOG’
Pete tells you all about it . . .
I only intended to write one book about half-vampire, Marcus. But ‘The Vampire Blog’ created such a buzz that I began to wonder if I could write a sequel (which could also be read as a book-alone)
The characters Marcus and Tallulah so interested me, I wanted to find out much more about them. Soon I was imagining all sorts of exciting and spooky situations and wrote ‘The Vampire Hunters’ – perhaps the most warmly received of all my books. And people loved not only the book but ‘The Vampire Hunters’ cover so much, that Random decided to re-design ‘The Vampire Blog’ cover – which I think looks absolutely stunning. Hope you like it too.
I have now just finished the third and final Vampire book, ‘The Vampire Fighters,’ which brings the story to a highly dramatic ending. Already I’m missing the characters – and the deadly vampires!
Look out for an exclusive extract from ‘The Vampire Fighters’ and a first peek at its cover here – soon!
REMEMBER, YOU CANNOT HIDE FROM‘THE CREEPER’ (Especially as it is returning at HALLOWEEN)
‘THE CREEPER’ one of Pete’s spookiest tales, has only been available for a while as part of ‘Ghost Trouble.’ But now, in response to demand from discerning readers, ‘The Creeper’ is back on its own.
‘Pete Johnson brings us a story that is scary and spooky. Readers will love it.’ The Bookseller
‘Children will devour this title, but will close the final pages with more than a little food for thought.’ Jonathan Weir, Amazon
‘Well-written, and it is easy to understand why Pete Johnson is such a popular author with children and teenagers. While Johnson’s books are a good read, I think they are appealing to reluctant readers because of their pace and content. It is a good class novel for the teacher to read to all the children, and can be used as a starting point for such topics as fear and friendship.’ Cindy Shanks, Helium review
‘THE CREEPER’ is also available from AudioGo (unabridged). And from 31st October as an ebook.
‘GHOST TROUBLE’ features both ‘The Ghost Dog’ and ‘The Creeper’ in one volume.
LATEST REVIEWS OF PETE’S MOST TALKED ABOUT BOOK EVER: THE VAMPIRE HUNTERS
"A series that has been a wonderful concept from start to finish, a character that readers can associate with, which when backed with some cracking twists that many won’t see coming and it’s a story that really was a lot of fun to read." Tatty’s Treasure Chest (searching for Gems within Young Adults/Children Literature)
"The plot of The Vampire Hunters is entertaining and the characters are well developed. There are enough twists and turns to make the story unpredictable and compelling. A really nice addition to the vampire genre, geared to the Middle Grade age group. A PERFECT ADDITION TO THE SCHOOL LIBRARY." Book Angel Booktopia
Harvey thinks school should be more fun. And one day he makes a sensational discovery. He’s found a secret way to stop school ever being boring again . . .
Find out what it is and what happens when Harvey puts his plan into action in Help! I'm a Classroom Gambler.
"This was a fantastic break from all the fantasy and angst-y books I usually read. ‘Help! I’m a Classroom Gambler,’ was humorous and witty … everything was just fun. Made me laugh all the way through and I could really get in the character’s shoes. Really cool. Five stars." Megha ‘GOOD READS’
HELP! I’M A CLASSROOM GAMBLER is also available as an unabridged audio book from Chivers and as an ebook.
"PETE JOHNSON’S STORIES ARE PERFECT FOR RELUCTANT BOY (AND GIRL) READERS."The Book Zone (for Boys)
DIARY OF AN (UN)TEENAGER
"I gave ‘Diary of an (Un)Teenager’ to my 12 year old dyslexic son who is a reluctant reader. He thought it was fab and asked whether there were any more in the series . . ." M.M.Lovatt – Amazon
There is a sequel called: RETURN OF THE (UN)TEENAGER
"Looking for something for someone who’s read the entire Wimpy Kid series then, Return of the (Un)Teenager is the book to choose." Bookworm, Amazon
THE GHOST DOG
"Open the book, read the first sentence and Pete Johnson will hook you right away into the story. A fast read children will love to discover." Cindy Shark, Helium reviews
THE VAMPIRE HUNTERS
"Is very exciting and I was very sad when it ended. The twist at the end is great." Thomas Bilton (age 11) The Sun
"I cannot recommend The Vampire Hunters highly enough. It is an absolute delight to read and it ticks all the right boxes for its targeted audience: exciting, funny, a bit scary, current. I can only hope that’s not the last we have seen of Marcus. So cross fingers, this series will be a trilogy at least." Library Mice
"One of my favourite parts was when Marcus flitted on his own. Bat-tastic. I happily give this vampire book 9/10" Nayu’s Reading Corner
PRAISE FOR RETURN OF THE (UN)TEENAGER
‘LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE WHO’S READ THE ENTIRE WIMPY KIDS SERIES? ‘RETURN OF THE (UN)TEENAGER’ IS THE BOOK TO CHOOSE. DEFINITELY ANOTHER WINNER FROM PETE JOHNSON.’ Bookworm, Amazon
‘Perfect for reluctant or struggling teen readers. Action packed with a real page turning quality about it.’ Julia Eccleshare, Lovereading4kids
‘RETURN OF THE (UN)TEENAGER’ LATEST REVIEW
"Spencer, at thirteen is resisting the pressure to leave the familiar, comforting world of childhood behind. Something that is so easy to identify with and yet often hard to admit to. Spencer gives all the doubts and insecurities a voice and in doing so, perhaps offers a refuge to others at the same stage …The book ends on a rewarding and nicely comic note too." Linda Sargent, Armadillo
Click here … to read more about Spencer the unteenager in ‘RETURN OF THE (UN)TEENAGER.’
Click here … to read more about the first book about Spencer the unteenager in ‘DIARY OF AN (UN)TEENAGER.'
THE VAMPIRE BLOG WINS THE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BRILLIANT BOOK AWARD
Pete’s comedy-horror The Vampire Blog has just won the 2011 Nottinghamshire Brilliant Book Award. Pete says: ‘I’m walking on air, absolutely thrilled especially as it was such a strong shortlist and it was the children and teenagers – who picked the winner.’
The Vampire Blog has also just been short listed for The Redbridge Children’s Book Award.
The eagerly awaited sequel to The Vampire Blog – The Vampire Hunters is published on June 2nd.
Click here … to read the Bookbag interview in which Pete gives an exclusive preview of the sequel to The Vampire Blog and find out whether Pete would rather be a vampire or a werewolf!
Pictured, right: Student at Nottingham Girls’ High School stays remarkably calm as the true nature of the author of The Vampire Blog is revealed
CLICK HEREto read two blood-splattered extracts from The Vampire Blog.
"HIGHLY READABLE AND MOVING STORY OF FRIENDSHIP, REVENGE AND FORGIVENESS.’ Good Books for Tough Times (aged 9-12) In association with Partnership for children
PETE JOHNSON - ‘THE UNSUNG HERO OF ENTERTAINING WRITING.’ AN EXTRACT FROM A NEW ARTICLE BY A LEADING REVIEWER
"Pete Johnson is the unsung hero of entertaining writing that delights both the proficient and the reluctant reader. He has such a warm, humane sense of ridiculous humour that has you laughing in loud snorts, just as you’re fighting tears of empathy.
"Many a reading-phobe has become an eager reader after trying one of Pete Johnson’s many books. ‘HOW EMBARRASSING IS THAT?’ is a good place to start the pupil who hates reading, while ‘HELP I’M A CLASSROOM GAMBLER and ‘TRUST ME, I’M A TROUBLEMAKER,’ are perfect for those too busy being wriggly to read. It’s actually all of Pete Johnson’s writing that I urge you to introduce your students to in our quest to promote entertaining reading." Edna Hobbs, Ink Pellet – the Arts Magazine for Teachers
‘SPOTLIGHT’ ON ‘THE VAMPIRE HUNTERS.’
Children’s Reading Partners have just selected The Vampire Hunters as one of their three Key Stage 2 June Spotlight titles. Pete says: ‘All publishers submit titles for this so I’m really excited that The Vampire Hunters, has been chosen.’ Look out for more details about this on The Reading Agency website and Reading Zone.
THE VAMPIRE BLOG IS AN AUDIO BESTSELLER
Pete Johnson‘s ‘The Vampire Blog,’ is proving to be one of Pete’s most popular audios. On its launch, actually breaking into the AudioGo Top Ten.
"Reading a novel by Pete Johnson will leave you breathless and have you in stitches. Like many gifted authors, he has the ability to immediately draw you into a book until you find yourself reading at all hours, hardly able to wait for the conclusion. One such book is TRAITOR. As soon as I had read the first few lines I knew I had to continue." Cindy Sharks – Helium: British Authors
Click here … to read more about ‘the anti-bullying classic TRAITOR.
TWO OF PETE JOHNSON BOOKS YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO PUT DOWN
GHOST TROUBLE
Bumper horror containing two of Pete’s prize-winning, eerie tales, The Ghost Dog (also available separately) and The Creeper.
‘I thought this book was a very scary read. The second story, The Creeper,really frightened me – quickly the author placed me in the book, feeling the characters’ emotions.' BOOKWORM, St Margaret’s Academy, Scotland
‘A compulsive read, not for the faint-hearted.’ SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Books to Enjoy
EYES OF THE ALIEN
The unusual science fiction story with ‘a fantastic twist.’
‘A superb tale … this title cannot be recommended highly enough.’ Jonathan Weir – Amazon
‘Really good stuff.’ Cool Reads
NEW ON AUDIOGO
Hear the audio or download the full unabridged story of ‘THE VAMPIRE BLOG.’
Many of Pete’s most popular books are also available on Audiogo, the anti-bullying classic 'TRAITOR.’ ‘The absolutely hilarious’ HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS, as well as teen favourites such as ‘FAKING IT,’ about a boy who girls like – but only as a friend, and the powerful, highly-acclaimed ‘HERO GAME,’ about a boy who makes a shocking discovery about his grandfather’s past.
‘HAVE YOU READ PETE JOHNSON BOOKS? – THEY ARE SCARY BUT AWESOME!’ Kids on the net.org
AVENGER: ‘I loved this story – it was thrilling, with a few unexpected twists here and there. It is a story you shouldn’t miss out on.’ Alexander (from parents by parents – children’s book reviews)
THE HERO GAME: ‘I really enjoyed this book and yet again Pete Johnson has dealt with modern issues cleanly and concisely.’ Max Naar aged 13 (Lion and Unicorn Book reviews)
HOW TO GET FAMOUS: ‘A very good read. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to be famous when they grow up.’ Grace Hill (Book reviews –Redcap, Cleveland Community)
NATIONAL ANTI-BULLYING WEEK, 15 – 19 NOVEMBER 2010 BOOK OF THE MONTH: THE ANTI-BULLYING CLASSIC, TRAITOR
‘Pete Johnson’s skilfully written dialogue takes us into the story on the first page and gives the book a strong sense of immediacy and truth. There is real menace here, as the accessible story offers food for thought – not easy answers.’ The Bookseller
‘I think ‘Traitor’ was amazing. It really showed what keeping quiet about bullying can lead you to. This is a brilliant book and I would give it 10/10.’ Putnoe Lisa Masango. Bedfordshire Libraries review
‘This book is great. One of Pete Johnson’s many thriller/horrors. IT CHILLS YOUR SPINE.’ Neemtree (aged 10), FIRST NEWS Children’s Newspaper
See also AVENGER. ‘This book tackles, as do so many of Pete Johnson’s books, issues that trouble many young people today. It is about a boy who learns to confront his tormentor and makes him realise that bullying is wrong.’ Lincolnshire School Improvement Service
‘Oh Luke,’ Mum cried, ‘I think Sophie’s run away.’
‘Great,’ I said. ‘Can I have her computer?’
Luke and his sister Sophie have always been deadly enemies. But suddenly his sister needs his help and Luke finds himself fighting the hardest boy in the school – to his total horror!
This is the latest title Pete has written for the award-winning publisher Barrington Stoke, ‘which has cornered the market for books for less robust readers.’ (The Guardian)
Pete's acclaimed Barrington Stoke titles include:
Runaway Teacher. What happens when a young teacher would rather hang out with the pupils – than his fellow teachers? A much talked about story. A favourite with book groups. ‘Comically tragic … Pete Johnson really makes us care about the characters.’ (Glasgow Herald) ‘Highly recommended.’ (The School Librarian)
How Embarassing is That? A competition to find out who has the most embarrassing parents? An award-winning comedy. ‘The characteristically profundity of Pete’s Johnson’s social comment is made accessible via the grasp of the palliative qualities of the comic.' (Achuka)
Shut It! In a protest against his life Ben decides he’s not going to speak for a month – with surprising and very funny results.
Liar. ‘I read this with a thirteen-year-old and it’s got him reading again. A book about the true value and fragility of friendship … and a great starting point for a much worthwhile discussion.' (Carousel)
Diary of an (Un)Teenager. Quite simply one of Pete’s best-loved comedies. The story of thirteen year old Spencer, who decides he is not going to turn into that most terrible of all things: a teenager. ‘A very amusing look at that slightly uncomfortable transitional phase between childhood and adolescence. A compelling read.’ (Book Trust)
Out now . . . SPOOK SCHOOL: REVENGE OF THE STINK-MONSTER
In the fourth Spook School book: Charlie and Lewis – two ghosts who fly to Earth to solve eerie mysteries are faced with their scariest and smelliest ghost yet!
"Revenge of the Stink-Monster is an incredibly funny and spooky adventure. A recommended lively read for readers aged 7 and above." Irish Examiner
"The Spook School books are a fantastically, humorous series from a widely admired children’s author, who really know how to get children reading." Julia Eccleshare, www.lovereading4kids.co.uk
"Lair of the Mothman is one of the sweetest laugh out loud funny stories I’ve ever had the honour to read." www.myfavouritebooks.com
How many Spook School books have you collected?
INVISIBLE BROTHER
Two of Pete’s best-loved book are ‘Bug Brother’ and ‘Pirate Brother.’ Now read a brand new book about Jamie, his annoying brother Harry, his best friend Reema and – that magic cape, which sometimes grants wishes!! This time Harry wishes on the cape to become invisible with hilarious and exciting results … Click here to read an extract
‘BUG BROTHER IS WELL-WRITTEN WITH A REAL SENSE OF HUMOUR AND WILL APPEAL TO BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS.’ Write Away
HOW TO GET FAMOUS OUT IN OUP Rollercoaster Edition . . .
Pete’s award winning comedy about fame and celebrity is published in a great new educational edition by OUP (Rollercoaster) As well as the sparkling story this edition includes a special booklet considering why be famous (the rewards and down side) as well as a key analysis of how the book is written and a letter from Pete Johnson introducing some of the book’s themes. THIS WILL PROVIDE A GREAT STIMULUS FOR CLASS DISCUSSIONS ON SOME OF THE MOST TALKED ABOUT TOPICS TODAY.
"Tobey’s comic capers make for a humorous and affectionately told story that is elevated through the characteristic social comments and human observations that permeate the author’s work." Jake Hope, Achuka
. . . AND GETS VOTED SHEFFIELD LIBRARIES FAVOURITE BOOK
How to Get Famous, the ‘really funny book on the pitfalls of the fame game’ (Writeaway), has won the Sheffield Community Libraries prize for their favourite children’s book.
Pete says, ‘Sheffield has a special place in my affections, so this prize means a great deal to me. Hearing the list of previous winners of this award, including the marvellous The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, makes me also feel very honoured to be in such great company.’
How to Get Famous, described as ‘a thoroughly, good-hearted and entertaining book with lots of humour and witty dialogue,’ (School Librarian) will also be available in a special edition for schools soon (Pub. Oxford University Press) with notes and discussion points.
THE TV TIME TRAVELLERS SHORTLISTED FOR TWO REGIONAL PRIZES
It’s just been announced that The TV Time Travellers has been shortlisted for the Leeds Children’s Book Award. Recently it has also been shortlisted for the East Sussex Book of the Year Award. The TV Time Travellers is proving to be one of Pete’s most popular books.
‘The TV Time Travellers is another great humorous book from critically acclaimed Pete Johnson.’ Literacy Times
‘The TV Time Travellers ultra modern concept, sassy characters and humorous asides all contribute to make this a highly accessible and engaging book.’ The Bookseller
A NEW BARRINGTON STOKE: SHUT IT!
Some of Pete’s best-loved stories are published by Barrington Stoke, including the acclaimed comedy, Diary of an (Un)teenager, about a boy who dreads becoming a teenager. (Pete is currently writing a sequel to this one) and The Best Holiday Ever, about a group of teenagers on their first-ever holiday abroad without parents, offering ‘riotous humour and action a-plenty from a master of the comedy genre.’ The perfect holiday read, in fact.
Pete’s new book, The TV Time Travellers, had a fantastic launch (above) at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield on Wednesday 10th June. This special event was co-ordinated by The Sheffield School Library Service and Random Children’s Publishers. Over 800 children packed into the theatre. Afterwards there was a sensational book-signing at which over 600 books were sold. The queue at Pete’s book-signing (left) snaked right round the theatre. Pete said: “This is quite simply the best launch I’ve ever had.”
BOOK OF THE MONTH
Sky Kids have selected The TV Time Travellersas their June Book of the Month. Read more, including an interview with Pete where he chats about reality television, writer’s block, and hating Chemistry here at the Sky Kids website.
• Children’s Reading Partners have chosen The TV Time Travellers as their Key Stage 2 title for the June SPOTLIGHTS promotion. This is a promotion to highlight a small selection of titles every month in libraries. The titles have been chosen by The Reading Agency and are the books they felt would have a particular appeal in libraries.
• St Philips Church in Leicester is marking their centenary with a special time capsule, which they will be burying on Sunday June 7th. Pete is ‘thrilled’ that the book they have selected for this is The TV Time Travellers. The capsule will not be opened for fifty years.
BOYS INTO BOOKS
Pete is continuing his ‘Boys into Book,’ events – he has now visited over fifteen different library authorities this year – at Surrey Libraries and Battersea Libraries. He will be visiting schools and libraries in Golders Green, Teddington, Basildon, Rickmansworth, Hockley, South Kensington and Orpington. He will also be presenting the Creative Writing Competition prizes for Tower Hamlets School Library Service. Pete judged the entries which were of a very high standard indeed.
Key Choice for June
The TV Time Travellers, Pete’s new book, has been selected by The Bookseller as a key choice for June. ‘A highly accessible and engaging book. Not to be missed.’ Click here to read the full review.
In the book, five children are picked to travel back in time seventy years to the start of World War II and be evacuated, accompanied by TV cameras. How will modern children cope with the rigours of war-time life – not to mention being filmed for a reality show?
Some book group fans in Hertfordshire conducted an exclusive interview with Pete about this amazing new book. Click here to read it.
This is an eagerly awaited book looking both at reality television and World War II. The anniversary of the start of World War II is September 3rd 1939. Look out for more about this top title soon, in addition to Pete’s other new books, including the first two titles in a brand new series, ‘Spook School,’ (Stripes Publishing)
On the road with Pete
Pete has started an action-packed schedule of events by addressing a conference for English teachers in Telford on ‘Reaching the Reluctant Reader.’ Over the next few weeks he will be visiting schools, libraries and bookshops in Northwood, Bushey, Wolverhampton, Hertford, Hatfield, Fleet, Enfield, Royston, East Croydon and Gillingham. He is also judging a major writing competition for Tower Hamlets and taking part in ‘Adopt an Author’ with a school in Brighton. Later he will meet the pupils at the Brighton Festival.
How to Get Famous shortlisted for two top regional prizes
The comedy about two children who are determined to get famous – and hailed by The School Librarian as ‘thoroughly good hearted and entertaining book,’ has been shortlisted for the Leicester Best Book of the Year Award and The Sheffield Children’s Book of the Year Award.
Five new titles in 2009 . . .
2008 was a comparatively quiet year for Pete with just the appearance of one major title: ‘How To Get Famous.’ However, 2009 looks like being his busiest ever with the launch of FIVE – yes, FIVE new books and the reissue of an old favourite: ‘Bug Brother,’ in April.
The first of Pete’s NEW books, published in June is 'The TV Time Travellers,’ (Corgi Yearling) – five children are picked to travel back in time seventy years to the start of World War II and be evacuated, accompanied by TV cameras. How will modern children cope with the rigours of war-time life – not to mention being filmed for a reality show?
This is an eagerly awaited book looking both at reality television and World War II. The anniversary of the start of World War II is September 3rd 1939. Look out for more about this top title soon, in addition to Pete’s other new books, including the first two titles in a brand new series, ‘Spook School,’ (Stripes Publishing)
STOP PRESS: How To Get Famous has just been shortlisted for the Leicester Best Book Award 2009. The shortlist and the winner is chosen by children.
Pete gets 'adopted' . . .
Pete continues his highly successful ‘Boys into Books’ tour into the Spring … he has events with Wirral, Northampton, East Croydon and Kent Libraries. He will also be judging this year’s Tower Hamlets Creative Writing Competition and is being ‘adopted’ by a school in conjunction with Brighton Festival – more details to follow.
BUG BROTHER IS BACK!
One of Pete’s best-loved books is ‘BUG BROTHER.’ This is the comic fantasy about a boy, Jamie, who finds a magic cape – and accidentally turns his annoying brother into a bluebottle. This sparkling novel for younger readers has been unavailable for a while, but returns in April 2009 in a super new edition with Catnip.
The second book about the magic cape, ‘PIRATE BROTHER’ – in which Jamie conjures up a boy pirate out of a story – is available with Puffin. Pete is now working on a third book about Jamie and his magic cape called: ‘INVISIBLE BROTHER,’ which will also be published by Catnip in 2009.
Meanwhile, there are plans for a special stage adaptation of ‘BUG BROTHER.’ Keep watching the website for exclusive details.
‘HOW TO GET FAMOUS’ SHORTLISTED FOR TOP REGIONAL PRIZE
‘HOW TO GET FAMOUS,’ – Pete’s latest book about two children’s dream of fame has been shortlisted for The Coventry Inspiration Book Award in the ‘Raring to Read’ category. The 2008 Awards attracted over 350,000 hits to the website. myvotescoventry.org
HOW TO GET FAMOUS was also been selected as September Book of the Month by www.teachit.co.uk (Book Group), a brilliant resources site for teachers. And, HOW TO GET FAMOUS will soon be an eBook, available from Waterstones.com and other online retailers.
READ HOW PETE TRIED TO GET FAMOUS – ONLY ON THIS WEBSITE! CLICK HERE!
WHICH OF PETE’S BOOKS ARE ESPECIALLY POPULAR WITH BOYS?
SIX KEY TITLES . . .
Horror: THE GHOST DOG A terrifying ghost story starts to come true. Horror: THE FRIGHTENERS What terrible power does a mysterious schoolboy possess? Thriller: TRAITOR A boy finds himself terrorised by a gang – of girls. Thriller:AVENGER When the whole school turns against one boy, he asks for help from a ghost! Comedy:RESCUING DAD What happens when you try and do a ‘groundforce’ on your dad? A Dads/Lads favourite. Comedy:HELP! I’M A CLASSROOM GAMBLER Has a schoolboy hero really found a secret way to stop school ever being boring again?
A new list of ‘Riveting Reads’ has been compiled at the request of ministers in an attempt to encourage more reading. The list, compiled by the School Library Association, wanted to highlight some of the best books that have been published in recent years. Among their recommended reads is ‘The Bad Spy’s Guide’ (Here and Now Category)
The review reads: "Pete Johnson writes very fine books for the young and always seems to be in tune with their thoughts, attitudes and concerns. In this book a mild-seeming new boy claims to have been recruited as a spy and persuades James Bond and Sherlock Holmes fan, Tasha to let him use her house to watch over some neighbours. Parent and child relationships and interaction are lightly handled in the context of the story. And the short chapters make it all very reader- friendly. As well as the unfolding mystery, there’s the writer’s usual observant wit and sparklingly fitting dialogue."
"HOW EMBARRASSING IS THAT?" FOR MAJOR PROMOTION
How Embarrassing is That is one of the titles picked for The Times Campaign ‘Books for Schools,’ - ‘which aims to provide thousands of free copies of some of the best children’s fiction.’For more details click here.
‘How Embarrassing is That’ is one of Pete’s most popular comedies about a competition to find out who has the most embarrassing parents. The score list includes five points for singing or dancing in public and six points (maximum) for giving you a big kiss or hug anywhere, anytime. The book begins with two words destined to strike fear into any kid. A parent shrieks out ‘Hi Tiddles,’ a dreaded nickname which suddenly all the school hears. The nightmare starts here.
In July ‘How Embarrassing is That?’ won The Braunstone Book of the Year at the Leicester Book awards. It is published by Barrington Stoke, who also published another of Pete’s best-selling comedies, ‘Diary of an (Un)Teenager,’ about a boy who dreads turning into a teenager. Described by the Book Trust as: “A very amusing look at that slightly uncomfortable transitional phase between childhood and adolescence …a compelling read.” ‘Write Away’ observed that: “Growing up is a very difficult subject to write about without sounding patronising, but the tone here in ‘Diary of an (Un)Teenager’ is spot on.”
FIVE DAYS IN THE LIFE OF PETE JOHNSON
If you think writers stay at home all day, think again! Pete kept a diary during World Book Week. Read it here!
"THIS IS ONE OF THE FEW TRULY FRIGHTENING CHILDREN’S BOOKS I’VE READ."
This is the opening line of a review of Pete Johnson’s horror classic: ‘The Ghost Dog’ on Amazon Customer reviews. The reviewer, A.T. (Rothbury) goes on: ‘Every paragraph is absolutely brimming with juicy, intrigue, with a very moving twist at the end.’ Click here to read more about 'The Ghost Dog'.
At the SHEFFIELD CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD, 'Help! I'm a Classroom Gambler' was voted the Best Shorter Novel of the Year.
Over 140 schools took part in the judging, with many of them voting online for the first time. Pete says: "The Sheffield Book Awards are always such a special event, with over 400 children attending. I was thrilled and honoured that they picked 'Help! I'm a Classroom Gambler' as their favourite read of the year."
Want to go back to school LAUGHING? Well read 
The Vampire Blog has also just been short listed for The Redbridge Children’s Book Award.
Two of Pete’s best-loved book are ‘Bug Brother’ and ‘Pirate Brother.’ Now read a brand new book about Jamie, his annoying brother Harry, his best friend Reema and – that magic cape, which sometimes grants wishes!! This time Harry wishes on the cape to become invisible with hilarious and exciting results … 
Children’s Publishers. Over 800 children packed into the theatre. Afterwards there was a sensational book-signing at which over 600 books were sold. The queue at Pete’s book-signing (left) snaked right round the theatre. Pete said: “This is quite simply the best launch I’ve ever had.” 
In the book, five children are picked to travel back in time seventy years to the start of World War II and be evacuated, accompanied by TV cameras. How will modern children cope with the rigours of war-time life – not to mention being filmed for a reality show? 
One of Pete’s best-loved books is ‘BUG BROTHER.’ This is the comic fantasy about a boy, Jamie, who finds a magic cape – and accidentally turns his annoying brother into a bluebottle. This sparkling novel for younger readers has been unavailable for a while, but returns in April 2009 in a super new edition with Catnip.
Sample three of his most popular titles:
'HELP! I'M A CLASSROOM GAMBLER' WINS TOP PRIZE
