World Book Day with Chris Bradford

Two years ago, we did a fantastic event at Larkmead School involving Young Samurai author Chris Bradford as he launched book one in the series: Way of the Warrior. We - and the school - we so impressed, that we quickly approached Chris to take part in our Amazing Books for Boys event last year - culminating in an incredible show to coincide with the launch of book two: Way of the Sword. So when we were approached a few weeks ago to come along and help run an official World Book Day event with Chris, we jumped at the chance. And so on Thursday, Chris performed in front of almost 400 kids from various schools in Abingdon to celebrate both his World Book Day flipbook The Way of Fire, and book three in the Young Samurai series The Way of the Sword. Anyone who has seen Chris perform before knows his electrifying mix of live martial arts, scene-reenactment, sword display and audience participation. This time was no different. Afterwards, Chris signed books and posters and met fans - new and old - after two separate performances. There was an impromptu live performance on stage of a school battle in book three (which fingers crossed I have on video) and we had prepared for the day with hundreds of WBD flip books which looked impressive on the display racks: The event was organised through the Federation of Children's Bookgroups - and we very much appreciated the opportunity to take part. 2010 is the year of Young Samurai - as well as World Book Day, book four comes out in August, with another two already planned, a film in development, and another story appearing as part of Penguin's Pocket Money Reads. We have signed copies of book three in the shop - and for a limited time only, if you buy a copy you'll receive a signed Way of the Dragon book as well...

Deadly Samurai in Abingdon

On September 25th, we did a splendid event with hot new children's author Chris Bradford at Larkmead School. Chris is a samurai swordsman who has written a book based on research he did in Japan (and his own experiences) set in the 17th century. Young Samurai: Way of the Warrior is a cracking - if somewhat grisly - read (two particularly nasty deaths in the first 8 pages) which tells the story of young Jack Fletcher, a Westerner who trains in the way of the samurai. Chris fought off deadly Ninja assassins to get to Abingdon (they were disguised as First Great Western train officials, but Chris recognised them for the saboteurs they were) to beat train delays and give an enthralling demonstration and reading to Year 7. Chris commanded undivided attention, partly because of interest in the book, mostly because of his Samurai demonstrations with a real sword inches from the front row. Any author looking to spice up an upcoming reading of their book at a bookshop might take a leaf out of Chris' book:

Despite sparing no details in his descriptions of 'ham-sandwiching' opponents, Chris's message about the way of the samurai was one of discipline and respect. He answered questions about samurai, showed clips from real samurai training schools in Japan - and gave probably too much information about a Japanese energy drink called "Sweat". Chris signed copies for the pupils, then leapt off for a date with destiny (actually a demonstration at the School of Martial Arts in Oxford). It was a great event - the school was buzzing - you can read more here.