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Joanne Owen’s lifelong love of reading and writing began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, and very much wished that witches (and Mrs Pepperpot) were real. An early passion for culture, story and folklore led Joanne to read archeology and anthropology at St John’s, Cambridge, after which she worked as a bookseller, and led the UK children’s book buying team for a major international retailer.
Joanne has written several books for children/young adults. She’s now a fulltime reviewer, workshop presenter and writer, working on YA novels with a strong basis in diverse folklore from around the world, as well as fiction for younger readers (in which witches are very much real).
July 2020 Book of the Month | There’s never been a better time to encourage children to dream up adventures and then turn them into written stories. This lively how-to book will certainly inspire them and is packed with story-writing ideas to get them started, and a wealth of really good writing advice (whatever your age). Its author Joanne Owen is herself a successful writer for children and it shows. She shares real tips of the trade, from ways to spark ideas to techniques that will make your writing really effective. There are lots of practical exercises, all of them fun and stimulating. With space to write your stories down, young writers can get going straightaway and the lessons they learn will be useful throughout their lives. Get a copy in time for National Writing Day on 24th June, a chance for everyone to enjoy some creative writing. **** Read a Q&A with the author, Joanne Owen with tips for writing and recommendations for Summer Reading
It's Martha's birthday and the village has planned a surprise party for her - but grumpy witch Griselda Gritch ruins the surprise! Not to worry - Martha's biggest birthday wish comes true when her mum and dad return from their tropical trip especially for her party. Everyone is delighted (apart from grumpy Griselda) and excited to have fun with Martha's present: the Mysterious Mask of Truth, brought back from her parents' far-flung travels. Fun, that is, until the truth starts causing everyone quite a lot of embarrassment . . .
The second in a fantastic funny younger series from Carnegie and Branford Boase long-listed author, Joanne Owen.Martha is still causing accidental mayhem in this second book in the series. She accidentally drops a nutmeg into a grow and move potion concocted by grumpy witch, Griselda Gritch . . . and mayhem unfolds, including an even-grumpier-than-Griselda-Gritch magical nutmeg lady, the village hall being accidentally knocked down by a herd of cows, and a VERY eventful and catastrophic village fete and football match.Everybody blames Martha - again!
A deliciously, wonderful read that highlights how courage, team work and a little bit of sparkle can help you overcome any difficulties. One day one her way to school Martha unwittingly releases a ghoul trapped inside a gate and meets a rather grumpy (but fabulously dressed) witch in a ditch. As the ghoul escapes and the witch runs off leaving warnings of impending doom, Martha is left scared but excited. A real, actual ghoul in Cherry Hillsbottom! But things become rather worrisome when the ghoul chases Martha and her friend Jack home from school. It isn’t long before the ghoul is causing havoc in Cherry Hillsbottom and it’s up to Martha to sort out the mess and come up with a daring plan to trap the ghastly ghoul back in the gate. But will her plan work or will the villagers believe that it’s just Martha causing more Mayhem? The magic and feel within Joanne’s writing rather reminded me of Roald Dahl. Martha is a super character with a slightly eccentric and loveable Professor Gramps who has the best pet names for her. And to top it all there are ‘paranormal polka-dot pants’! The start of what promises to be a fantastically exciting series for young readers. Books in The Martha Mayhem Series: 1. Martha Mayhem and the Witch from the Ditch 2. Martha Mayhem Goes Nuts! 3. Martha Mayhem and the Barmy Birthday
November 2014 Book of the Month | Excitingly different and weirdly wonderful, this feels as though evocative tastes of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Eastern European folklore have been vividly blended together into a modern yet completely unique tale. After the death of her grandmother, Rosie has an accident and finds herself in the curious world of the Unseen Circus, ruled over by Mother Matushka. Mother Matushka is an absolutely fascinating character; capable of being both loathsome and compassionate, she is chillingly unnerving to say the least. The storyline is based on Rosie and the impossible decision she has to make, the author cleverly reveals snippets of information to the reader, at times she leaves Rosie in the dark and you find yourself wanting to shout out a warning to her. The ending has a surprise in store making this, an already memorable, gorgeous tale, unforgettable.
From the author of Puppet Master, an enthralling tale of mystery, magic and alchemy Set against the vivid backdrop of 16th century Prague and the equally breathtaking Vienna, a magical, historical adventure from a talented author.
Milena loves everything about the theatre. Her father was an outstanding puppet maker and she has grown up with the magic of these special characters. But, her father dies and her mother disappears and suddenly Milena’s life is changed when she meets the dazzling Puppet Master and Zdebko and Zdenka, the threatening twins who support him. As the story unfolds so do the myths surrounding theatre and circus and Milena’s own magical legacy. A complete world is richly woven together. The Lovereading comment: This beautifully crafted debut novel, set at the turn of the twentieth century is rich in the tradition of circus, theatre and magic. Skilfully woven into the chilling tale of a charismatic puppet master, a missing heiress and a very determined heroine are some wonderfully memorable fairy and folk tales from central and eastern Europe. The vivid descriptions and gothic atmosphere which the author creates transport the reader deep into 19th century Prague, a city waiting to lay bare a myriad of secrets.
An intriguing and atmospheric mystery revolving around the magical puppets in a theatre in Old Prague. Milena loves everything about the theatre. Her father was an outstanding puppet maker and she has grown up with the magic of these special characters. But, her father dies and her mother disappears and suddenly Milena’s life is changed when she meets the dazzling Puppet Master and Zdebko and Zdenka, the threatening twins who support him. As the story unfolds so do the myths surrounding theatre and circus and Milena’s own magical legacy. A complete world is richly woven together. The Lovereading comment: This beautifully crafted debut novel, set at the turn of the twentieth century is rich in the tradition of circus, theatre and magic. Skilfully woven into the chilling tale of a charismatic puppet master, a missing heiress and a very determined heroine are some wonderfully memorable fairy and folk tales from central and eastern Europe. The vivid descriptions and gothic atmosphere which the author creates transport the reader deep into 19th century Prague, a city waiting to lay bare a myriad of secrets.
July 2020 Book of the Month | There’s never been a better time to encourage children to dream up adventures and then turn them into written stories. This lively how-to book will certainly inspire them and is packed with story-writing ideas to get them started, and a wealth of really good writing advice (whatever your age). Its author Joanne Owen is herself a successful writer for children and it shows. She shares real tips of the trade, from ways to spark ideas to techniques that will make your writing really effective. There are lots of practical exercises, all of them fun and stimulating. With space to write your stories down, young writers can get going straightaway and the lessons they learn will be useful throughout their lives. Get a copy in time for National Writing Day on 24th June, a chance for everyone to enjoy some creative writing. **** Read a Q&A with the author, Joanne Owen with tips for writing and recommendations for Summer Reading
It's Martha's birthday and the village has planned a surprise party for her - but grumpy witch Griselda Gritch ruins the surprise! Not to worry - Martha's biggest birthday wish comes true when her mum and dad return from their tropical trip especially for her party. Everyone is delighted (apart from grumpy Griselda) and excited to have fun with Martha's present: the Mysterious Mask of Truth, brought back from her parents' far-flung travels. Fun, that is, until the truth starts causing everyone quite a lot of embarrassment . . .
Hilarity and magic on Martha's birthday in the third book in this young series by Carnegie and Branford Boase long-listed author Joanne OwenIt's Martha's birthday and the village has planned a surprise party for her - but grumpy witch Griselda Gritch ruins the surprise! Not to worry - Martha's biggest birthday wish comes true when her mum and dad return from their tropical trip especially for her party. Everyone is delighted (apart from grumpy Griselda) and excited to have fun with Martha's present: the Mysterious Mask of Truth, brought back from her parents' far-flung travels. Fun, that is, until the truth starts causing everyone quite a lot of embarrassment . . .
The second in a fantastic funny younger series from Carnegie and Branford Boase long-listed author, Joanne Owen.Martha is still causing accidental mayhem in this second book in the series. She accidentally drops a nutmeg into a grow and move potion concocted by grumpy witch, Griselda Gritch . . . and mayhem unfolds, including an even-grumpier-than-Griselda-Gritch magical nutmeg lady, the village hall being accidentally knocked down by a herd of cows, and a VERY eventful and catastrophic village fete and football match.Everybody blames Martha - again!
The second in a fantastic funny younger series from Carnegie and Branford Boase long-listed author, Joanne Owen.Martha is still causing accidental mayhem in this second book in the series. She accidentally drops a nutmeg into a "e;grow and move"e; potion concocted by grumpy witch, Griselda Gritch . . . and mayhem unfolds, including an even-grumpier-than-Griselda-Gritch magical nutmeg lady, the village hall being accidentally knocked down by a herd of cows, and a VERY eventful and catastrophic village fete and football match.Everybody blames Martha - again!
A deliciously, wonderful read that highlights how courage, team work and a little bit of sparkle can help you overcome any difficulties. One day one her way to school Martha unwittingly releases a ghoul trapped inside a gate and meets a rather grumpy (but fabulously dressed) witch in a ditch. As the ghoul escapes and the witch runs off leaving warnings of impending doom, Martha is left scared but excited. A real, actual ghoul in Cherry Hillsbottom! But things become rather worrisome when the ghoul chases Martha and her friend Jack home from school. It isn’t long before the ghoul is causing havoc in Cherry Hillsbottom and it’s up to Martha to sort out the mess and come up with a daring plan to trap the ghastly ghoul back in the gate. But will her plan work or will the villagers believe that it’s just Martha causing more Mayhem? The magic and feel within Joanne’s writing rather reminded me of Roald Dahl. Martha is a super character with a slightly eccentric and loveable Professor Gramps who has the best pet names for her. And to top it all there are ‘paranormal polka-dot pants’! The start of what promises to be a fantastically exciting series for young readers. Books in The Martha Mayhem Series: 1. Martha Mayhem and the Witch from the Ditch 2. Martha Mayhem Goes Nuts! 3. Martha Mayhem and the Barmy Birthday
November 2014 Book of the Month | Excitingly different and weirdly wonderful, this feels as though evocative tastes of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Eastern European folklore have been vividly blended together into a modern yet completely unique tale. After the death of her grandmother, Rosie has an accident and finds herself in the curious world of the Unseen Circus, ruled over by Mother Matushka. Mother Matushka is an absolutely fascinating character; capable of being both loathsome and compassionate, she is chillingly unnerving to say the least. The storyline is based on Rosie and the impossible decision she has to make, the author cleverly reveals snippets of information to the reader, at times she leaves Rosie in the dark and you find yourself wanting to shout out a warning to her. The ending has a surprise in store making this, an already memorable, gorgeous tale, unforgettable.
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