Book News & Events

News about my books and book-signing events. Feedback from my talking events and festival visits. My upcoming literary events and appearances.

25 August 2026

2026 Winner of the children's Holyer an gof book awards.

Two awards for Sue Palmer’s The Shell Secret

‘A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT.’ AUTHOR WINS TWO MAJOR LITERARY HONOURS, BESTOWED BY THE SAME CULTURAL ORGANISATION THAT MADE HER GREAT GRANDFATHER A BARD 80 YEARS AGO. A children’s adventure inspired by Cornwall’s coastline and her Cornish […]

18 June 2025

Exploring Space and Oceans – Primary Classroom Conversations (Post 2)

There is something about being human that makes us curious. We want to know where, when, what and why things are as they are. Nowhere is this more apparent, than in our desire to explore, discover […]

25 May 2025

From Space to the Shores

In this summer’s in-person events at Oxfordshire Libraries, I’ll be taking you from space to the oceans. I’ll be sharing my May’s Moon stories and some of the super cool things I’ve learned about astronauts and life […]

4 March 2025

Rock Pool Secrets 3 – Survival Strategies

Living in a rock pool is a tough job, particularly for creatures with soft bodies. There are many dangers, including varying temperatures, levels of oxygen, food and predators. Also, how far up the beach a species […]

1 February 2025

Rock Pool Secrets 2 – Wonders of the Flat Periwinkle

Flat periwinkles are my absolute favourite rock pool creatures. Why? Because to me, the orange and yellow ones have the most beautiful shells that stand out as dots of treasure on the beach and I love […]

16 January 2025

Rock Pool Secrets 1 – Four Fantastic Finds

If you’ve ever ventured down to Cornwall’s coastline, you’ll know that its rock pools are magical. These miniature, tidal ecosystems offer a peek into a hidden world brimming with life. Left behind by the retreating tide, […]

1 February 2022

Adventure Stories

Why Adventure Stories are vital for our Children When I read Katherine Rundell’s ‘Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though you Are So Old and Wise’ , there were so many passages that completely resonated […]

24 May 2021

Space Stories – Virtual Book Signing and Giveaway May 2021

For the month of May, I’ll be signing every copy of May’s Moon purchased from the Space Store, Didcot. If you haven’t yet got yours, you can order online or visit the store and collect your […]

2 October 2020

World Space Week 2020 and the 1st Child Astronaut?

How will you be celebrating World Space Week? Will you be watching out for the International Space Station as it arcs across our skies this week? Will you be snuggling up in front of your favourite […]

7 August 2020

22 Questions about my Writing

The things Teachers and Children want to know… When I visit schools, I get asked many questions about my writing, how I started, what inspires me and the sorts of books I like. Below are some […]

23 September 2019

May’s Moon Book Launch – Author Interview

Sue Palmer talks about writing, reading and the publication of her new book… Where are you from? I live in the UK. I moved from Lancashire to The Cotswolds at the age of 7 and have […]

22 March 2016

World Book Week Space Fun!

…and a tweet to Tim Peake This year’s World Book Week was a whirlwind of fun, with 4 space workshops for 190 boys at Moulsford School in Oxfordshire, followed by 2 space events at Waterstones, Reading. […]

15 December 2015

LAUNCH DAY FOR MAY’S MOON!

May’s Moon Launch Party! Thank you so much to the family and friends who joined me to celebrate the launch of May’s Moon on Saturday! It was a fabulous night which I will remember for a […]

15 May 2015

What made you share your words…and worlds?

Questions and Answers… AUTHOR INTERVIEW – S Y Palmer Where are you from? I live in the UK. I moved from Lancashire to The Cotswolds at the age of 7 and have been living in rural […]

6 February 2015

May’s Moon; an extract

CHAPTER ONE Click. Michael May fastened the last strap on his space suit and lifted on his helmet. ‘Primary life support system secure?’ shouted the bald-headed man in front of him. ‘Check!’ ‘Helmet secure?’ ‘Check!’ ‘Suit […]

5 February 2015

The Castle of Galinsk

A synopsis of The Castle of Galinsk (Fantasy for 9-12) Evil King Salek has sprinkled withering dust on part of King Randor’s lands, hypnotizing his people, destroying all plants and creatures and ageing the King. If […]

5 February 2015

May’s Moon

A synopsis of May’s Moon (Action Adventure/ Sci-Fi for 9-12 olds) Michael May is wearing a space suit, standing on the edge of the world’s largest pool, about to find out what it’s like to be […]

4 February 2015

First things first…

The last week has to have been one of the most exciting for me as a writer! After five years of putting pen to paper, scribbling down ideas, names, places and plots…I have just signed a […]