Literary Lunch – Elena Mannion
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27th February 2024 @ 12:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Literary Lunch with Elena Mannion
Are you a fan of children’s literature? If yes, then you are in for a treat for our next Literary Lunch.
Join us for a buffet lunch on 27th February at The Old Bull Inn, Royston, to meet children’s author Elena Mannion, where you’ll get an insight into her charming book, The Happy Hedgerow.
Elena Mannion
After working for 16 years in non-fiction publishing in London, she took a break from her career to raise her children. Initially, she was a linguist but fell into publishing, as languages were, and still are, essential for exporting and licensing (her speciality). As a result of her journey into children’s books with her own children, she set up Pikku Publishing.
Elena says: “When Covid came, I decided it was time to put a story into print. Hence I wrote THE HAPPY HEDGEROW, the first book about this fantastic feature of the British landscape for children. I have followed it up with OLD OAK AND LITTLE ACORN.
Both books have received amazing reviews, for which I am very grateful, and the Tree Council and CPRE have both supported them. I have just penned book number three, which I hope to publish in Spring 2024.”
Book Synopsis
This beautiful story has created ripples in the children’s book world. Elena takes you on a whimsical journey through the imaginative landscapes and lovable characters of this remarkable children’s book. Explore the power of storytelling and the significance of fostering creativity in young minds and discover how The Happy Hedgerow can ignite the spark of imagination in children.
The book narrates the story of a hedgerow whose fortunes are reversed when a new landowner restores a bulldozed section. It has been acclaimed as “the perfect beloved bedtime read” by acclaimed children’s author Brian Selznick. The book has soared into the New York Times bestseller list and has become an instant classic. Elena will also be talking about her follow-up story, “Old Oak and Little Acorn”.
Elena Mannion’s The Happy Hedgerow is a charmingly positive story, illustrated by talented young artist Erin Brown. CPRE vice president Sir Andrew Motion has called the book ‘a welcome reminder that hedgerows are our greatest nature reserves’ and feels it ‘will encourage children to engage with the rich variety of life on their doorsteps’. It would make the perfect gift for young nature lovers aged four and up.
― Countryside Voices (CPRE The countryside charity) Summer 2021
A beautiful and dramatic tale of hedgerows and the teeming, twittering, buzzing, rustling wildlife they support. The Happy Hedgerow will touch the hearts of readers from age five to 105 and remind us all to love and protect these precious wildlife corridors.
― Sara Lom, CEO, The Tree Council
A moving story and beautifully thought out, touching on big themes in an accessible way. The illustrations are stunning and accurate […]
― Lindsey Chapman, TV and BBC Radio 4 presenter