This morning I received a copy of the latest Magpies Magazine. With great excitement, I tore open the envelope and flicked through the magazine until I found it : a review of 'Custard and Carriages'.

  "This small but nicely produced book was a delightful surprise, with its simply told recollections of going to visit Grandad, with delicious custard squares to enjoy, then playing with the toy railway set while he tells stories about his day driving trains. The stories are followed by a visit to the station to see some real trains. Back home there's comforting honey toast and being tucked up into bed with memories of the trains taking the small child to dreamland. It's a warm and comfortable story: you can almost feel the tickly beard and the tightly hugging arms as the grandfather holds the child securely out of harm's way. The pastel illustrations are well acquitted and provide shapshots of the different trains being talked about, and of a man who obviously loves both his job and his grandchild." 

There was a huge grin plastered across my face after reading this! Some of the other books that were reviewed in the magazine were from New Zealanders such as Dave Gunson, Jenny Cooper and Jennifer Beck. It was a real thrill to see my book alongside those talented and experienced authors and illustrators. 

Thank you very much Magpies Magazine for reviewing 'Custard and Carriages'!