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Last month, Danny visited Lancaster Girls Grammar School (LGGS) to talk about his book Spylark (available in all good bookshops, and, inevitably, on Amazon here). LGGS Librarian, Miss Errin Brown, said, 'we loved the balance of activities that got the students' thinking actively and moving around, alongside the content about the writing and research process for Spylark and tips for writing.' Danny said, 'it was fantastic to visit LGGS and share my book, Spylark, with some of their students. Lots of great questions - a delightful school. I hope to be back again!' If you would like to arrange something similar for your school or library, get in touch with Danny through his social media, or through the contact box below.

Danny is now taking school visit bookings for 2024. Get in touch via his social media, or the contact box below. School visits are a great way to immerse students in the world of Spylark. Danny gives an interactive presentation about the inspiration for Spylark, the writing process, and lots of cool stuff about drones and flying. There's a competition, games, and lots of creative inspiration to take back into the classroom. Danny's school visits have attracted high praise from teachers, librarians and, most importantly, students. Take a look at some of the highlights here: www.dannyrurlander.com/school-visits/

Spylark is out now on Audible. If you're not fighting terrorists this summer like Tom, why not download and listen on your favourite beach, by the pool, or in the car? https://www.audible.co.uk/search?keywords=spylark&ref=a_hp_t1_header_search

On Monday 10 May, Danny will be presenting a talk for the University of Cumbria as part of a series of lectures on "Changing Perceptions of a Cultural Landscape” hosted by their English Literature department. The talk is free, lasts about an hour and will premiere at the University of Cumbria YouTube Channel on Monday 10th of May at 6.30pm. Please use the link below for more information and to register, and feel free to share widely to anyone who may be interested. https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/about/events/university-events/changing-perceptions-of-a-cultural-landscape-by-danny-rurlander.php

Spylark has won the 2021 'Brilliant Book Awards'. The shortlisted books were read and reviewed by school pupils across Nottinghamshire. You can find out more about the award here.

Spylark was named Highly Commended Junior Novel in this year's Oxfordshire Book Awards which took place on-line. The Oxfordshire Book Awards winners are chosen by school students across Oxfordshire, so Danny is thrilled that so many children have enjoyed reading Spylark. You can find out more about the award, and watch Danny's and the other winners' videos here.

Spylark has won the Spellbinding Book Award 2020. The award is organised by Cumbria Library Services and involves school pupils from across Cumbria reading and voting for their favourite book. Danny really enjoyed taking part in this year's award. He had the opportunity to visit a number of the schools taking part, and he is thrilled to have won! You can find out more information here: http://spellbindingcumbria.org.uk/secondary/

Here's a short video of Danny reading a part of his book, Spylark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TXk9isZOO0

Danny had a great time visiting Ripley St Thomas School and Lancaster Royal Grammar School, talking to the pupils about drones, the Lake District, and his inspiration for Spylark.

Spylark has made it to the short list of the Cumbria School Library Service KS3 Spellbinding Award. Watch this space for more info soon!

Spylark has been long-listed for the Redbridge Book Award 2020. It will now be read and reviewed, along with 14 other titles, by school-children across London before the shortlist is announced and voted on in spring next year... looks like competition fit to rival the genius of Tom Hopkins! Watch this space for more...

The Spylark Blog Tour is now finished. Thanks to all the hosts! You can attach up on all the blogs here.

Catch up on my chat with John Bowness of BBC Radio Cumbria. Scroll to 1.53 (8.23am). https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p07jsrqx

I was privileged to be asked to contribute a Writing Starter for Just Imagine. You can read the post here.

The third and final walk exploring Spylark's glorious Lake District setting - Rigg Knot - is now available. A delightful walk on Windermere's quiet Western shores. Enjoy!

Did you know that Spylark is available as an eBook on Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Gardners, Mobcast, Overdrive, The Book People from 1 August?

Some excellent teachers' notes, produced by Chicken House books, are now available. Beware - contain plot spoilers!

The second of three walks exploring Spylark's glorious Lake District setting - Raven Howe - is now available. This takes an unusual route up a popular fell. Enjoy!

On Friday, Spylark was launched at a packed-out Waterstones in Lancaster. Here's a short video of the event.

I’ll lay my cards on the table straight away and say that I don’t think I’ve read a more original children’s book this year. Ben Harris, Just Imagine You can read the full review here.

Check out the first of three walks, exploring the wonderful world of Spylark's World Heritage Lake District Setting. The first walk is "Brockbarrow". Watch this space for "Raven Howe" and "Rigg Knott".