Lucy Strange novel is BA’s children’s book of the month

Our Castle by the Sea by Lucy Strange (Chicken House) is January’s Independent Booksellers’ Children’s Book of the Month, chosen by the Booksellers Association’s children’s bookselling group.

The middle-grade novel is about a girl living in a lighthouse during WWII. Pet’s world, which used to be one of storms, secret tunnels and stories about sea monsters, is torn apart by war and the clifftops become a terrifying battleground.

Head of campaigns at the BA Emma Bradshaw said: “We are thrilled to announce Our Castle by the Sea as our very first children’s book of the month. Lucy’s debut novel was a firm favourite with independent booksellers, so I know our members will be handselling this second book with much delight and enthusiasm.”

Bookshops in the UK and Ireland will promote Our Castle by the Sea in shops in January, supported by the BA, which is providing promotional materials. The book will also be championed via social media channels.

The BA announced it was planning to celebrate one children’s book a month in November last year.

Lucy Strange talks to children's previewer Fiona Noble about the inspirations behind the title here.