Kids' book of the month

Our kids' book of the month for October is a brand-new illustrated novel from the peerless Judith Kerr OBE. Judith, who recently celebrated her 92nd birthday, continues to write and illustrate stories for readers young and old to fall in love with.

Mister Cleghorn’s Seal is her first fiction title since A Small Person Far Away, published in 1978. “I’ve always loved my father’s story” she says on the inspiration behind the true story about her father, Alfred Kerr, who once took in an abandoned seal pup.

Mister Cleghorn’s Sealtells the life-affirming tale of Mr Cleghorn who, on a visit to the seaside, rescues a seal pup named Charlie. A charmingly chaotic adventure ensues and with Judith’s signature wit, warmth and keen eye for the absurd, she reminds us all that you’re never too old for a brand new life filled with love and laughter. 

An audio version of the book is available, voiced by Bill Nighy: you can hear a sample, together with Judith Kerr's afterword here.

Judith was born in Berlin, but came to England with her family when she was twelve after escaping the Nazis and travelling through Switzerland and France. She wrote about her early life in her semi-autobiographical trilogy, Out of the Hitler Time. Judith studied at the Central  School of Art and later worked as a scriptwriter for the BBC.

Her life and career were documented in an Alan Yentob/ Imagine Programme, Hitler, the Tiger and Me broadcast on the BBC in 2014. Alongside The Tiger Who Came to Tea she has also created other
bestselling titles including Mog the Forgetful Cat and more recently The Crocodile Under the Bed. In 2013 she wrote Creatures, a wonderful retrospective of her life and work. These have all become classics of children’s literature, adored by generations of readers. 

Mr Cleghorn's Seal is available online and from all good booksellers.

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October book club	Picture book of the month