Book News March 2006

We are a new publishing company, specialising in reprinting children’s fiction from the 20th century. By reissuing these books, we are making available some of the best children’s literature to both new readers and to collectors. Our books concentrate on ponies, the outdoors and rural adventure; some of the classic ingredients of children’s fiction.

Our Books: Our books are produced as high quality, large format paperbacks, with creamy paper and stiff card covers – we want them to be an asset to your bookshelves. Print runs are limited with no guarantee of reprints once stocks are exhausted, so it is wise to order new titles early.

Our first title is The Far Island by Margot Pardoe. Although the author is best known for the Bunkle series, which we are also publishing, this was her first book and is set on a remote island in Orkney. The Far Island is followed by Elinor Lyon’s The House in Hiding, which is available in January. This is the first of the series about Ian and Sovra Kennedy and was first published in 1950. Other books in the next few months include Olivia FitzRoy’s Orders to Poach and We Met Our Cousins by Joanna Cannan which features an introduction by her daughter, Josephine Pullein-Thompson.

You can join our mailing list so that we can keep you informed of new books released. We issue a newsletter every few months which includes articles about our writers and even some short stories as well as details of the stockists from whom our books can be bought. Booksellers too can join our list and be kept up-to-date with publication dates and ordering details – as orders are placed we add their contact details to our stockist list.

Fidra's first published title is THE FAR ISLAND by Margot Pardoe. This was her first book, and although well written, it doesn't have the tight plotting of the later 'Bunkle' series for which she is best known. However, it is incredibly rare and very sought after, which is why FIDRA began with it. The first in the Bunkle series will be published later this year. I cannot stress enough the love, care and attention to detail that has gone into this volume, and I'm sure all the other titles FIDRA publish will be treated in the same way. First-class printing, excellent binding and really top quality materials make this a volume you'll want to have pride of place in your collection. Sign up now for FIDRA's quarterly newsletter - you shouldn't miss it, it's absolutely first class and highly recommended for all lovers of childrens' books.