In this Northern Highlight, we interview Alan Dapre, an author based in North Ayrshire, in the south-west of Scotland. Alan tells us a bit about his picture book, My dog Max, illustrated by Alex Ayliffe. Link in bio 📚 @alandapre.bsky.social
Davey raised this Russia issue and asked Starmer for an investigation. Starmer ignored that bit.
My dog Max smiling. Photo by children's author Alan Dapré.
My dog Max has been allowed on the bed as the storm was stressing him out. He's very relaxed now.
Windy today here in Ayrshire. A lot of other places too. Not a day for my dog Max to have a swim in the river or sea.
Alan Dapré with his My dog Max picture book and his Sheprador dog Max who is looking up at him.
Cover of My dog Max a picture book by children's author Alan Dapré and Alex Ayliffe illustrator
I have a busy weekend. At the terrific Tidelines Book Festival in Ayrshire on Saturday 10am, then Wigtown Book Festival on Sunday at 1.30pm. Both in Scotland. Taking my dog Max, and I'll be doing a prop and joke filled author event all about...My dog Max.
Hi, come along if you're local.
Sat 27th Sept 10am
Tidelines Book Festival Presents : Alan Dapré - My Dog Max at 114-116 Harbour Street, Irvine, Ayrshire... event tickets from TicketSource share.google/9NU6nb83L6SI...
Hi Lari, welcome. It's a bit quiet here. Folk seem nice. Lots of authors.
I'm at the Wigtown Book Festival next Sunday 28th (1.30pm). My dog Max will be there after. I'll be reading 'My dog Max', telling loads of jokes with props. If you work in a school in Scotland, I do author visits & work hard to create special memories. tickets.wigtownbookfestival.com/sales/events...
Hope you feel better soon. I'm sure the authors appreciate your support, even when you're not actually there.
I can do a video. Email me with info if you like. Use last year's email address.
Yes, of course.
My dog Max met My dog Max (picture book) at Waterstones in Aviemore. TBH Max was too busy rolling around and getting fussed to concentrate on posing for a photo. This was the best we could do.
My dog Max met My dog Max (picture book) at Waterstones in Aviemore. TBH Max was too busy rolling around and getting fussed to concentrate on posing for a photo. This was the best we could do.
The money's THAT way! Over there. No, over THERE. See those distant islands? THERE. Those expensive houses? THERE. That secretive bank in that landlocked country? THERE!
I used to really put a lot of time into social media. The engagement 10 years ago was great. People chatted, shared stories. These days I'm dodging bots, spam and trolls. It gets wearisome. There's good stuff here but I am losing the will to find it.
You're such a brilliant advocate for children's books and helping authors spread the word. Thanks for all you do, Ian.
Well, having been abused in children's homes run by Kent County Council back in the 70s & 80s, I took refuge in libraries. KCC councillors should actually focus on protecting children in their care rather than manufacture prejudice and hatred for marginalised groups. Reform UK stands for bigotry!
It's such a remarkable book. The writing and story really holds the attention of readers. Classic in the making.
Some #KidLit interviews you may have missed!
@evewersockimorris.bsky.social
thereadingrealm.co.uk/2025/04/03/c...
@francestosdevin.bsky.social
thereadingrealm.co.uk/2025/03/28/d...
@alandapre.bsky.social
thereadingrealm.co.uk/2025/03/25/m...
Good day to you. I hope your dreams come true, and that you have the energy to achieve what you set out to do. Meanwhile I'm sitting on my backside, nursing a cold.
Lovely review from @mybookcorner
Much appreciated! www.mybookcorner.co.uk
Good people, genuinely lovely people, who I know are positive about Farage. They see him as an alternative to failing Tory & Labour, and that he's saying it as it is. I'm quietly pointing out that Farage has said he wants to abolish the state pension, cut DEI support, sack climate change workers etc
Maybe see you at Boswell Book Festival on Saturday 10th April at 11.30. I'm sharing My dog Max picture book. Props, fun, laughter. And Max is there too! www.boswellbookfestival.co.uk/2025/events/...
Catch me at Paisley Book Festival this Saturday 26th April. 11.30 am. Paisley Library. All welcome! paisleybookfestival.com/programme/gr...
Free Events in Glasgow. Saturday 12th April. For youngsters age 3 to 6. Though anyone can come along. 11am and 2pm. My dog Max.
Today, @alandapre.bsky.social, author of over 60 children’s books, joins me in the Reading Realm to talk about his hilarious and heart-warming new picture book, MY DOG MAX, which is illustrated by Alex Ayliffe!
thereadingrealm.co.uk/2025/03/25/m...
#KidLit #BookSky #PrimaryEduSky
Well, he's implying that bad writers self-publish. That traditional publishing has gatekeepers to keep out the dross. I'm not sure if he's behind the times, being protectionist about trad publishing or is being elitist.
You're a writer if you write. That's it. If you're published then you're a published writer. Not rocket science. I've published with publishers and also self published. I'm not two different writers. I'm just ... a writer.
It's publication day for My dog Max. Hopefully, if you know any young children age 1 to 6, you might consider supporting an author (me) and your fab equally local bookshop. Max will thank you for it.
Available to order in all good bookshops & online.
www.waterstones.com/book/my-dog-...
Hey. At last! The day arrived. Grabbed a copy of My dog Max, my latest picture book. Illustrated by awesome Alex Ayliffe. It's all about a little girl who really really wants a dog. Starring - literally - #MydogMax. Out on the 14th March. A fab Easter gift & zero calories!
And you're clearly very good at what you do.
