Wild!

Brand new book of brand new poetry! A mix of thought provoking and amusing poems to suit ages 8+. Included are lots of illustrations and pictures to amplify the reading matter.

The collection includes a sequel to the ever popular "Chocolate Biscuit" poem entitled "The Return of the Chocolate Biscuit" for which you need to practise your impersonation of the Queen and Prince Philip as well as the Chocolate Biscuit himself!

Swimtastic Family Wins Award

David Mason and his family recently travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon for the Kellog's ASA Swimtastic Awards. Nominated by North Walsham's Victory Swim and Fitness Centre, they received a bronze medal in the Swim4life family category.

The Masons are an extremely active family, and this award demonstrates that healthy hearts and healthy minds go hand in hand.

Wimbledon Bookfest event hosted by Donhead School

A lively family performance for pupils and parents alike. This marks the release date of his new poetry book - "Wild!"

World Poetry Day

David is working at The Cathedral School, Cardiff with Nursery, and Years 1-3. A welcome return to a city where he lived many years ago when he was a young man.

Ongoing

The post of Writer in Residence, at Westcliff High School for Boys, is proving very exciting and productive. David is working with Years 7-11 in the school itself as well as primary schools within the Westcliff cluster. The residency is certain to continue into 2010.

March 17th 2009: Basildon Book Festival

David is performing at Basildon Book Festival alongside Michael Rosen and others. He will be performing to a junior school audience.

World Book Week

David is very busy! The tour begins in London then on to Cambridge and finishing in Norfolk. On World Book Day itself, he will be performing to Year 7 at Aylsham High School, a favourite haunt of his.

February 26th 2009: Plaque in Dover

David visits Archers Court Maths and Computing College in Dover to perform to Years 7 and 8 and to open the new English block (careful with the scissors!). Daughter Rosa is very impressed at the thought of her Dad’s name inscribed on a plaque.

Book Notes

February sees the launch of Midnight Mystery, David’s first novel since Learning to Fly. Midnight Mystery is the first volume of a series entitled Souls of the Sea so look out for more! There is also a reprint of The Elf who sang the King to Sleep – back after many years by very popular demand.

Beating the Bullies

Here is an article from the Evening News, 20 November 2008:

Anti-bulling week is underway, focussing national attention on both victims and tormentors.

It's a subject close to the heart of children's author David Mason, whose latest book, Learning to Fly, concerns Claire, bullied at school for being clever, and her brother Connor, who struggles to compete with other boys in his class.

EDP Article: Understanding Bullies

From the EDP, November 12 2008:

With Anti-Bullying Week starting on Monday, Sarah Cassells talks to a Norfolk author about his new book that tackles some of the difficulties faced by bullied youngsters.

Learning to Fly

With six children of my own and eight years teaching experience, I decided it was time to write something refreshingly different for my audience.

The result, Learning to Fly, is an empathetic analysis of the bullies and the bullied, and other challenges facing the young adult competition, success and failure, style and image versus naivety and self-worth.

In these days of domination by fantasy novels, it provides a welcome alternative: a real adventure in everyday life. Teachers will find the book and excellent read for literacy and PSHE/SEALs courses. A number of schools have already purchased reader sets. Price £6.99 plus £1 P&P.

Find out more about Learning to Fly and order yourself a copy!