karen andrea

karen andrea

About

Karen Andrea is a writer specialising in the children and Young Adult market and living in London, UK. The Enchanted Library is her debut novel for 8 to 12's (and adults too!) It's an uplifting story about the adventures of Max Milford, when he is fostered by his grandpa and discovers a library of living books in a long-deserted room. It aims to promote literacy and self-belief.
When not reading or writing, Andrea is getting hyper on good coffee, people-watching in cafes, running children's workshops, practising yoga, cycling or hanging out with friends.

Murdo

Murdo

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Description

<p>When Jessica Bryant pesters her wealthy parents to allow her to have a dog as a pet, the answer is a resounding &quot;No&quot;; but they soon come to regret their decision when thier home is broken into one evening whilst they are out and their daughter kidnapped and held for ransom. The kidnappers, in the form of four seedy and incompetent characters wearing Disneyland-type masks, take her hostage and keep her incarcerated in a place from which there appears to be no escape. However, they reckon without the resourcefulness of our heroine, and the courage of a wonderful stray dog who comes to her aid and whom she names 'Murdo'. And so begins an exciting and humurous accounting of the couples' adventures together as they consistently foil and outwit the abductors whilst on the run together.<br /> This is a lovely story of the friendship between a girl and a dog, bringing out themes of responsibility, camaraderie, redemption, salvation and self-sacrifice. It includes some wonderful dialogue sequences as Jessica teaches her new four-legged friend how to communicate with her, with additional delightful conversations between the animals when a rabbit and a sparrow join forces with them in an effort to outwit the kidnappers and restore Jessica safely back to her parents' home. </p>

Story Behind The Book

Like many authors’ books, mine was inspired by a dream. I lived in Spain a few years ago and during siesta I'd visit a local bookshop to remind myself of my dream of becoming a published author one day. The bookshop was promoting Cervantes (of Don Quixote fame) and Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Shadow of the Wind) as the two best selling Spanish authors of all time. When I began thinking over the key to Zafon’s success, I imagined the elderly author’s spirit instructing the young author from beyond the grave. That night I dreamed vividly of a young boy discovering the magic of an abandoned library and reawakening its spell. I grabbed my notebook, feeling the tingly tug of inspiration. The Enchanted Library was born...

Reviews

'An instant classic' - TCM reviews, September 2009<br /><br />'The Enchanted Library is a delightful read and a wonderful example of the healing power of books and the imagination. With its beautiful illustrations and original storyline, it is a must-have addition to any children’s library. It is aimed at 8 to 12 year olds, but parents will love it too.' - <strong>DIPNET (Diversity in Publishing)</strong> <br /><br />'A great yarn! It sends wonderful messages to kids to believe in their own abilities. I can't wait for it to enchant our library shelves.' -<strong> Anna Sutton, junior school teacher, London.<br /></strong><br />Brilliant, when's the next one coming!<br />Bought this as a gift for my niece and this was her exact response after reading it.  &quot;i thought the book was really gr8 and i think it shud b made in2 a film and if it woz i wud definatly buy it cant w8 4 nxt 1&quot; <br />I'll now be looking out for more books by this author! - <strong>Jo, Amazon reviewer UK<br /></strong><br />'Original, intriguing, streetwise.' - <strong>Martyn Bearsdley, Sir Gadabout Books.<br /></strong><br />'This is a wonderful book about magic and the wonders of the imagination. I loved it!<br />Max Milford is a lonely orphan, longing for a family to love him, and friends to like him. He gets a suprise call to go and live with his grandad in a rambling old house. The school bully quickly latches onto Max, because he has a phobia of reading and writing. Max finds surprising solace when he discovers a library of talking books in an abandoned room. The book characters are warm and brilliant and funny, and befriend Max, leading him to solve an intruiging mystery, and to believe in himself again.<br />Its aimed at 8-12's, but I think parents will love it too.' - <strong>Mumsnetter review<br /></strong><br />'A charming and exciting book,' - <strong>Law Gazette<br /></strong>