{"mode":"live","websiteData":{"about":{"bio":"

Anita Lehmann is the multi-award winning author of nine books for children and adults, with her picture book Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss shortlisted for the German Children's Literature Prize 2020.

Born and raised in Berne, Switzerland, and with an MA in Economic and Social History from the University of Geneva, she has lived and worked in funky places such as the Galápagos Islands and Taiwan before making Cambridge (UK) her home.

She also writes for adults, but under the (rather silly) pseudonym of Walburga Appleseed.

PUBLICATIONS

The Geneva Chronicles / Les Chroniques de Genève, Bergli, Spring 2022
Goodnight, Switzerland, Helvetiq, October 2021
50 Amazing Swiss Women (co-author), Bergli, February 2021
The Princess and the Prick, Harper Collins, UK, October 2020
Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss, Helvetiq, October 2019
Zanna and the Something, uTopie, April 2019
Virgin, Mother, Crone (co-author), äbe press, January 2019
Whittling Away, Cambridge Thinking Press, 2019
The Red Hot Fireball, uTopie, 2017

PRIZES & AWARDS

Prize Świat Przyjazny Dziecku, Poland (2020)
Geneva Literary Prize for Non-Fiction, Switzerland (2018)
Winchester Literary Festival Prize for Flash Fiction, UK (2016)

SHORTLISTS

German Children's Literature Prize 2020 (Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis)
One of Pro Helvetia’s Magic 9 books 2020 (Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss)
Bridport Prize UK, Flash Fiction, 2020
Fish Flash Fiction competition, shortlist and longlist: 2014, 2015, 2018
Raging Aardvark 2016
Worcestershire Flash Fiction competition 2014

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Tsunamis on lake Geneva. Dark Matter at CERN. Peacocks in the park. Naughty dukes, vegetable soup, chocolate marmites. And MORE.

Allo the Allobrogian has been buried underneath Geneva Cathedral for over 2000 years, and he has seen it all. Let him tell you true stories from Geneva's history, featuring, among others, Julius Caesar, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (the spotty youth), Germaine de Staël, and Voltaire and his monkey.

All in one wonderful book illustrated by Genevan comic legend Pierre Wazem

Published by Bergli Books

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","moreInfo":"","subheading":"An Illustrated History as told by Allo the Allobroges and his Horse","title":"The Geneva Chronicles "},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2F9f183a65486e2c588f4af26a8bec0ea72cc70142-00-00_1633357001787.jpeg?alt=media&token=82366f9e-2ec3-45a6-ab72-89712ceae252"},"awards":{"content":"'a litterary gem' (Boutdelivre_kids, Instagram)\n\n'Indispensable' (FNAC Genève)\n\n'Ludiques et inspirées' (Tribune de Genève, 9.6.2022)\n"},"purchase":{"amazonLink":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geneva-Chronicles-Illustrated-History-Allobrogian/dp/3038690945/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21LQ0TKXUSX82&keywords=the+geneva+chronicles&qid=1659963796&sprefix=the+geneva+chronicle%2Caps%2C828&sr=8-1","custombookstore1Link":"https://www.bergli.ch/products/the-geneva-chronicles-an-illustrated-history-as-told-by-allpo-the-allobrogian-and-his-horse?_pos=1&_sid=6e6fc2817&_ss=r&sca_ref=1359111.gkJDtksMK2","custombookstore1Name":"Bergli online shop: ENGLISH","custombookstore2Link":"https://www.bergli.ch/products/chroniques-de-geneve-une-histoire-illustree-racontee-par-allo-lallobroge-et-son-cheval?_pos=1&_sid=dfc403702&_ss=r&sca_ref=1359111.gkJDtksMK2","custombookstore2Name":"Bergli online shop: FRENCH","custombookstore3Link":"https://www.payot.ch/Detail/the_geneva_chronicles-anita_lehmann-9783038690948?cId=1","custombookstore3Name":"Payot Switzerland","custombookstore4Link":"https://www.orellfuessli.ch/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1059487030","custombookstore4Name":"Orell Füssli (Switzerland)"},"reviews":{"content":"

'Ludiques et inspirées' Tribune de Genève

'Un manuel richement illustré rapporte quelques grands moments de la Cité de Calvin' (Le Temps)

'Un véritable coup de coeur!' (boutdelivres_kids)

'A really nice book for families who would like to explore Geneva and learn about its history at the same time!' (Let's Explore Geneva)

"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2022-04-01T00:00:00.000Z"},"series":{"order":"1"},"products":[],"id":"dgYm7Zsfn7WWLzM8Qva2U","meta":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Owl soars over Switzerland, wishing everyone goodnight: from the marmots, the Matterhorn and the Emmental cheese to the double-decker trains and even the little street-cleaning trolleys.

For fans of Goodnight Moon, beautifully illustrated by Swiss illustrator Mattea Gianotti.

","moreInfo":"

$\"\"$ $\"\"$

","subheading":"the perfect book for little sleepyheads!","title":"Goodnight, Switzerland"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fgood-night-switzerland_cover2_689x_1633359590792.jpg?alt=media&token=2fbf8c6a-6f80-427c-a76d-67a2dd921dc6"},"purchase":{"custombookstore1Link":"https://www.bergli.ch/?sca_ref=1359111.gkJDtksMK2","custombookstore1Name":"English (Bergli)","custombookstore2Link":"https://www.helvetiq.com/bonne-nuit-la-suisse","custombookstore2Name":"Français (Helvetiq)","custombookstore3Link":"https://www.amazon.de/Gute-Nacht-Schweiz-Anita-Lehmann/dp/3907293304/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=Gute+Nacht%2C+Schweiz&qid=1633358917&qsid=261-2541817-0808742&sr=8-1&sres=3907293304%2C3906976254%2C385581533X%2CB07HWYPJSM%2C3855815305%2C3855815372%2CB079RJC1H7%2C3837308618%2C3906976246%2CB07CQKS29J%2C3845830735%2C3963471557%2C3314105363%2C3625180863%2C389565177X%2C3551252947&srpt=ABIS_BOOK","custombookstore3Name":"Deutsch (Amazon)"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2021-10-01T00:00:00.000Z"},"series":{"order":"2"},"products":[],"id":"o3HmtsqlHjx5F5U10ptkg","awards":{},"meta":{},"reviews":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Spies, activists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, politicians, athletes, midwives, mothers... Swiss women are daring, ingenious, and brave. Though the country is small, the heroines are vast!

February 2021 marks the fiftieth anniversary of women's right to vote in Switzerland. This book celebrates the accomplishments, struggles, and strengths of Swiss women. One-page biographies give a glimpse into the lives of fifty Swiss women - both historical and contemporary - who inspire and intrigue.

Co-authored by Laurie Theurer, Katie Hayoz, Anita Lehmann, Alnaaze Nathoo and Barbara Nigg.

Illustrated by Mireille Lachausse.

","moreInfo":"

Preview 50 Amazing Swiss Women - Click here to flip through the pages on issuu.com.

","subheading":"True Stories You Should Know About","title":"50 Amazing Swiss Women"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2F04db4d9bb06af22e3ba201efa9cec2c5394e6b2a-00-00_1633358384013.jpeg?alt=media&token=2264c73c-9508-4095-871d-dd33b7d6e019"},"purchase":{"amazonLink":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/50-Amazing-Swiss-Women-Stories/dp/3038691046/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=50+amazing+swiss+women&qid=1633357667&sr=8-1","custombookstore1Link":"https://www.bergli.ch/?sca_ref=1359111.gkJDtksMK2","custombookstore1Name":"Bergli","custombookstore2Link":"","custombookstore2Name":"","custombookstore3Link":"","custombookstore3Name":"","indieboundLink":""},"reviews":{"content":"

50 amazing stories

Read this in two sittings!

Wow! Brilliant book.
Love the stories and highlighted women! This book was written and published in time for the 50th year of Women’s right to vote in Switzerland. Can you believe it?! 50!!
Full of fascinating stories and a great addition to our shelf!

"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2021-02-04T00:00:00.000Z"},"series":{"order":"3"},"products":[],"id":"mY7cvMr0NpSKYAT3Apve","awards":{},"meta":{}},{"about":{"description":"

You'll never read those classic fairytales and nursery rhymes in the same way ever again...

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SLEEPING BEAUTY

May I kiss you, he said.
She didn't answer. She was asleep.
So he kissed her anyway.

A feminist humour and gift book for adults, written under my adult pseudonym Walburga Appleseed, illustrated by Seobhan Hope.

y again…

","moreInfo":"

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","subheading":"Fairytales for Feminists","title":"The Princess and the Prick"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2FPrincessPrk-lifestyle-square_1659965349775.jpg?alt=media&token=e330fbee-b7fa-4eff-812e-e5a901d41875"},"purchase":{"amazonLink":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Princess-Prick-Walburga-Appleseed/dp/0008401101/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+princess+and+the+prick&qid=1638281229&qsid=262-1392158-1640150&sr=8-1&sres=0008401101%2C1731048831%2CB08LH74D21%2CB08Q6XQG3P%2CB07SGBHK7L%2CB01M19XXA6%2CB08LF4PWJD%2CB07F7NSQ21%2CB07B9V58Q6%2CB01AAXMBNU%2CB09JVH6WD4%2CB085BZ81BM%2CB087F9D36Y%2CB06XG5VD7Z%2CB09K1YSD2B%2CB0848N56BC","bookshopLink":"https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-princess-and-the-prick/9780008401108","custombookstore1Link":"https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-princess-and-the-prick/walburga-appleseed/9780008401108","custombookstore1Name":"Waterstones","custombookstore2Link":"https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Princess-and-the-Prick-by-Walburga-Appleseed/9780008401108","custombookstore2Name":"Heffers/Blackwells"},"reviews":{"content":"

'I hate this book. It makes me look like a right prick.'
(Prince Charming)

'A real wake-up call.'
(Sleeping Beauty)

‘Darkly funny’ (Amazon.com review)

‘To the point in the best way possible!’ (Amazon.co.uk review)

‘Awesome Read That Made Me Laugh Out Loud.’ (Amazon.ca review)

"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2020-10-15T00:00:00.000Z"},"series":{"order":"4"},"products":[],"id":"32zPnBeOTUzRDKYCZ431m","awards":{},"meta":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Shortlist: Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis 2020
Chosen by Pro Helvetia as one of their “Magic 9” books

Illustrated by Kasia Fryza. Published by Helvetiq

English
Emma does not like kissing her visitors. Her uncle’s moustache is scratchy, her aunt’s teeth nibbly, and her grandma smells of moths…but then Titan the dog bounds into her life…and Titan adores kissing people.

Available in German, French and Polish!

Deutsch

Emma mag es nicht, wenn ihre Verwandte zu Besuch kommen und sie mit Küsschen überschütten…Doch dann tritt Titan in ihr Leben. Ein grosser, unbekümmerter Hund, der Besucher über alles liebt…

Français

Lorsque la famille d’Emma vient lui rendre visite, la fillette est toujours couverte de baisers. Elle n’aime vraiment pas ça…jusqu’à ce que son père ramène Titan. Un gros chien très calin, qui, lui, adore les visiteurs!

","moreInfo":"","subheading":"#metoo; about those pesky hugs from relatives","title":"Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2FSabber_1632873535089.jpeg?alt=media&token=677d3f5e-1124-4b8f-b232-620077abc539"},"awards":{"content":""},"purchase":{"amazonLink":"","custombookstore1Link":"https://www.amazon.de/Sabber-Schlabber-Kussi-Bussi-Lehmann/dp/294048175X","custombookstore1Name":"Amazon (Deutsch)","custombookstore2Link":"https://www.amazon.de/Sabber-Schlabber-Kussi-Bussi-Lehmann/dp/294048175Xhttps://www.amazon.fr/Slurp-Smack-Anita-Lehmann/dp/2940481768","custombookstore2Name":"Amazon (Français)","custombookstore3Link":"https://wydawnictwokropka.com.pl/ksiazki/9-tuli-tuli-cmok-cmok","custombookstore3Name":"Kropka (Poliske)","indieboundLink":""},"reviews":{"content":"

So much fun to read with the little ones! This is a delightful book with a strong message for kids and the grown-ups in their lives... nobody should be forced to show affection with kisses or hugs unless they want to. The author approaches this topic with a wonderful slant, but I won't provide any spoilers here. :-) I'm afraid you'll just have to read it for yourself. It's well worth the purchase! It's only out in German at the moment, but I'm hoping the English version will follow soon.
— Laurie Theurer

Tolles Kinderbuch Ich dachte meine Tochter waere mit ihren 6 Jahren schon fast ein bisschen aus dem Buch rausgewachsen. Als sie es in die Hand bekam war sie allerdings sofort begeistert und begann spontan es selbst zu lesen (bisher war sie nicht so leicht sie zum Lesen zu bekommen, da deutsch quasi ihre zweite Sprache ist). Sie war sehr begeistert - mittlerweile haben wir es sehr oft zum Einschlafen gelesen und sie hat den ganzen Text abgeschrieben. Sie konnte sich offensichtlich gut mit der Hauptfigur im Buch, einem 5 1/2 Jahre alten Maedchen, das gerne mit den Eltern kuschelt, aber weniger gerne mit Oma, Tante und Onkel, identifizieren.

— B Y Kleinsorge

"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2019-10-01T00:00:00.000Z"},"series":{"order":"5"},"products":[],"id":"gJmeIMaAKzwVAP4xqKOU9","meta":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Illustrated by Tennie Videler, Cambridge Thinking Press; in collaboration with Cambridge Forest Schools. OUT OF PRINT. Please contact me for a signed copy.

Learn how to whittle safely with Dixie the Pixie and his friends in the forest. A brilliant learning and teaching tool for anyone interested in forest schools.

","subheading":"Forest School Tools 1","title":"Whittling Away"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fwhittling%20away_1632935076591.jpeg?alt=media&token=d5ad5807-05ac-4d7e-9d3e-52ed1eda1f7a"},"purchase":{"custombookstore1Link":"https://www.amazon.de/Whittling-Away-Forest-School-Tools/dp/1916456537","custombookstore1Name":"Amazon (Deutsche)","custombookstore2Link":"https://www.waterstones.com/book/whittling-away/anita-lehmann/9781916456532","custombookstore2Name":"Waterstones (UK)"},"reviews":{"content":"

Safety in nature We want children to enjoy nature. The Forest Schools have a set of books which teach safety with activities out of doors. This one teaches safe whittling. A lovely book with clear images and inventive characters, so well told that a child will not feel 'taught'. Lehmann is a star upcoming children's writers, among our very best.

— Joy Manne

"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2019-09-09T00:00:00.000Z"},"series":{"order":"6"},"products":[],"id":"5Cy3UPSUQzearvwMy9tkA","awards":{},"meta":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Illustrated by Karin Eklund ( https://karineklund.com), éditions utopie, May 2019

Available in FR/DE/EN: www.editionsutopie.com. Or contact me for a signed copy!

English:

Zanna has double trouble: Why are her parents always arguing, and who is the mysterious Something wreaking havoc in her house? Will Zanna’s courage and determination be enough to solve this mystery before it’s too late?

Deutsch:

Zanna möchte wissen, warum ihre Eltern ständig streiten. Und wer ist der mysteriöse Dingsbums, der in ihrem Haus alles durcheinander bringt? Zanna wird all ihren Mut, ihren Durchhaltewillen und ein bisschen Hilfe vom mysteriösen Dingsbums brauchen, um diese Rätsel zu lösen.

Français:

Pourquoi les parents de Zanna se disputent-ils tout le temps? Et qui est le trucmuche invisible qui est en train de détruire sa maison? Zanna aura besoin de tout son courage et de sa détermination, et d’un peu d’aide du Trucmuche pour arriver au bout de ce mystère.

","title":"Zanna and the Something"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fzanna_1632874066845.png?alt=media&token=52b53090-78dc-42f1-8fbd-4fde091d8f7c"},"purchase":{"custombookstore1Link":"https://www.editionsutopie.com/product-page/zanna-et-le-trucmuche","custombookstore1Name":"Editions Utopie (Français)","custombookstore2Link":"/contact","custombookstore2Name":"Get a Signed Copy"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2019-05-01T00:00:00.000Z"},"series":{"order":"7"},"products":[],"id":"nGPtOWFtOuCptEvv8Hdp9","awards":{},"meta":{},"reviews":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Illustrated by Clément Espinosa, éditions utopie, 2017.

Available in EN/FR here: www.editionsutopie.com. Or contact me for a signed copy!

English:

One day, Zay gets so angry that she turns into a red, hot fireball. She blasts out of her house and into the mountains where she meets – a red, hot dragon! A story for anyone who sometimes gets very, very angry…

Français:

Un jour, Zay se met tellement en colère avec son petit frère qu’elle se transforme en une boule de feu étincellante! Une belle histoire pour tous ceux qui (parfois) se mettent très en colère!

","title":"The Red Hot Fireball "},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Ffireball_1632880043125.png?alt=media&token=4d14d569-5b66-4c19-9f16-7ece34492967"},"purchase":{"custombookstore1Link":"https://www.editionsutopie.com/product-page/zay-boule-de-feu","custombookstore1Name":"Editions Utopie (EN/FR bilingual)","custombookstore2Link":"/contact","custombookstore2Name":"Get a Signed Copy"},"reviews":{"content":"

'My girls loved interacting with Fireball Zay, and following along on her journey with anger. And I loved giving them a story about an emotion so often shunned.' (Tara McLaughlin Giroud)

"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2019-01-01T00:00:00.000Z"},"series":{"order":"8"},"products":[],"id":"afbc40XaS0fhjRTZz7Yw8","awards":{},"meta":{}}],"contact":{"content":"

Hello!

Please use the form below to get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you :-)

","email":"nitalehmann@yahoo.com"},"customPages":[{"about":{"content":"

'Fantastic school visit this week from @nitalehmann1! The kids absolutely loved it and the first question they asked was whether she could come back tomorrow! Thank you so much!!' - Catherine Emmett, parent at Finchingfield CofE Primary school

'Thank you so much for a really inspirational visit. the children loved your book and greatly enjoyed making the artwork afterwards.' - Tessa Hackett, English Lead at Springmead Primary School, Welwyn Garden City

I love visiting schools, and offer interactive, lively sessions exploring the themes of my books.

Online visits also available.

The Offer:

Workshops for KS1, KS2 and nurseries (Kindergarten and primary schools), available in English, French or German
Workshops include a reading/discussion followed by a craft or writing session, as well as book signing. Follow-up activities for teachers can be provided.
Running time: flexible from 45 minutes (presentation/assembly/online session) to full day visit

Themes KS1:

Anger
Saying 'no'! /body boundaries
Amazing true stories

Themes KS2:

Exploring the Hero's Journey
Amazing true stories

'The session was great for the children (...) They had fun making their ‘anger’ out of clay.(...) and were able to verbalise their feelings and think about how to deal with situations when they felt angry.' - Maura Rutter, Y1 teacher, Queen Emma school, Cambridge

Cost:

Online visit (1 hour): £100
In-person visit half day: £200
In-person visit full day: £300

(excluding travel costs)

'Anita, thank you so much for sharing your story with us! The children have thoroughly enjoyed joining Zay on her dragon adventure. The story really enabled the children to relate to and explore their own feelings and we’ve had lots of talking going on in the nursery in the afternoon about what different emotions “felt like”!The children also loved creating their little dragons. Thank you.' - Mrs. Argasinka, St. Matthew’s Nursery, Cambridge

$\"\"$

For questions or more information, please get in touch

","title":"School Visits"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fp1070253_1632935366120.jpeg?alt=media&token=4a36c5ae-24af-45c2-8e98-1a9da97b8c24"},"galleries":[{"value":true,"id":"jo00AndTVH5B9irNzPl6y"}],"meta":{"order":6},"navigation":{"displayInNav":true},"products":[],"id":"43C7f1AeW8Fj4LmTNdexl","schedule":{}}],"events":[{"about":{"description":"

$\"\"$

A workshop about the history of Geneva's famous Jet d'Eau, followed by book signing at Payot Rive Gauche, Geneva.

","title":"Geneva Chronicles Launch at Salon du Livre!"},"location":{"link":"https://salondulivre.ch/programme-2022-old/","title":"Payot, Geneva"},"schedule":{"date":"2022-05-22T11:00:00.000Z","time":"11:00"},"id":"wRux9AVaW7ZsHXSbnsI97"},{"about":{"description":"

Speaking at the ETAS (English Teachers Association Switzerland) conference about 50 Amazing Swiss Women and how the stories in the book can be adapted to the classroom.

","title":"ETAS Conference Speaker"},"location":{"title":"Online"},"schedule":{"date":"2022-01-07T11:00:00.000Z","time":"15:00"},"id":"4v0p0Voijbixh8y8U0OtN"},{"about":{"description":"

Celebrating books with publisher Helvetiq and Bergli Books at the Literaturhaus Basel! I'll be on stage with Laurie Theurer, talking about our book '50 Amazing Swiss Women' (and eating lots of Raclette). Free event. Come join us!

","title":"Book Night Basel"},"schedule":{"date":"2021-11-18T00:00:00.000Z","time":"18:00"},"id":"5dTIU75FYB4fw7ZEpK97J","location":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Why were the Swiss so late to give women the right to vote?

Find out in the interview with BBC Radio Wales on 50 years of women’s right to vote in Switzerland

","title":"Interview BBC Radio Wales"},"location":{"title":"BBC Radio Wales"},"schedule":{"date":"2021-02-15T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"rRl45gnQxaI4MIxOIRWox"},{"about":{"description":"

40-minute zoom workshop for SCBWI Central East on the world of publishing opportunities for English-speaking authors well beyond the UK and the US. Thank you for all those who came along!

","title":"Published Abroad Workshop"},"location":{"title":"Online"},"schedule":{"date":"2020-05-05T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"nCEv04X9QfmTKlH3DspnN"},{"about":{"description":"

$\"\"$

This year’s book launch crowd. I’m dressed up as Mnemnosyne, mother of all muses…(just in case you’re wondering…)

$\"\"$

This year’s book launch crowd. I’m dressed up as Mnemnosyne, mother of all muses…(just in case you’re wondering…)

","title":"SCBWI BI Conference 2019"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-11-30T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"rbed9HPTRPH2CXC4SNk2n","location":{}},{"about":{"description":"

PARIS!

Presenting Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss at the Centre Culturel Suisse de Paris (in French), and spending a very inspirational evening discovering and meeting some amazing Swiss authors, among others Odile Cornuz and Guillaume Rhis. Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss has been chosen by Pro Helvetia as one of their “Magic 9” titles to be promoted abroad this year. Thank you Pro Helvetia!

$\"\"$

","title":"Presentation at Centre Culturel Suisse, Paris"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-11-22T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"oexS0rXaam8ZK498RzrHe","location":{}},{"about":{"description":"

The 3 of us met at the Geneva Writers Conference seven years ago with the vague desire to write children’s books. Look at us today! 10 books and counting…This must be my favourite picture this year.

$\"\"$

","title":"The power of a small critique group"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-09-24T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"mtrYhf4u5XKwthVyvrE3J","location":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Un chien bleu au Chien Bleu!

September 2019: Workshop at the Chien Bleu in Geneva making furry friends we like snuggling up to!

$\"\"$

","title":"Workshop at the bookshop"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-09-20T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"x9ENB3FejcI52DRinysYf","location":{}},{"about":{"description":"

A lovely day running whittling workshops at the STEAM festival Cambridge (at the amazing Spinney school) with Toni Rogers from Cambridge Forest Schools. $\"\"$

$\"\"$

","title":"Whittling Workshop"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-09-15T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"vA1KQMMDZuIQIzsSRf82q","location":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Another joyful event at the library, bringing together authors and children, and raising funds for the library together.

$\"\"$

\n","title":"Meet your local children's authors!"},"location":{"title":"Cambridge Central Library"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-09-10T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"jG2Oym5Gi3Qo518WC19Xe"},{"about":{"description":"

$\"\"$

Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss visits the Chien Bleu bookshop in Geneva

September 2019: Workshop at the Chien Bleu in Geneva making furry friends we like snuggling up to!

","title":"A chien bleu au Chien Bleu!"},"location":{"title":"Chien Bleu Bookshop, Geneva"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-09-01T18:00:00.000Z"},"id":"iYWUFutWZyn38QKIOk2sc"},{"about":{"description":"

A lovely time reading books as part of the Big Festival, alongside with lots of fabulous local authors…Toni Rogers from Cambridge Forest Schools reading Whittling Away, and Zanna and the Something.

$\"\"$

","title":"The Big Read"},"location":{"title":"Parkers Piece, Cambridge"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-07-06T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"xCrdJk66ccHsEqyz3GQtY"},{"about":{"description":"

Fantastic afternoon with a lovely KS1 class working on “the elephant in the room” with Zanna and the Something.

“Fantastic school visit this week from @nitalehmann1! The kids absolutely loved it and the first question they asked was whether she could come back tomorrow! Thank you so much!!” (Catherine Emmett, parent)

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","title":"Finchingfield School visit"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-07-02T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"cjBTiwtKG7jYXgBdBm8bt","location":{}},{"about":{"description":"

Really, really enjoyed a day of Forest school action at the Cambridgeshire Education Festival, flamingo-themed, and run by the wonderful Rae Snape.

Here a link to the fantastic YouTube video which sums up this amazing event – I was lucky enough to do attend the whittling workshop with Cambridge Forest schools, and do the fireside storytelling…which, of course, was Whittling Away …

$\"\"$

","title":"Cambridgeshire Education Festival"},"location":{"title":"Homerton College, Cambridge"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-06-15T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"jJ1o3sXoHCd35gI4rLV7o"},{"about":{"description":"

$\"\"$

","title":"Launch of Zanna and the Something!"},"location":{"title":"Festival Livre Jeunesse, Yverdon-les-Bains"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-05-25T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"g0ZjVwUNJG1w7txyiZnYV"},{"about":{"description":"

$\"\"$ $\"\"$ Whittling Away. With Forest school trainer and co-author Toni Rogers $\"\"$

Whittling Away is the story of two pixies trying to whittle – more than “just”a story, Whittling Away is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning to whittle with their child, but is not quite sure how to go about teaching working with a whittling knife…

$\"\"$

","title":"Launch of Whittling Away!"},"location":{"title":"Cambridgeshire Forest School Conference"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-04-27T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"aP6FV8y37VFjLun7ZT8dn"},{"about":{"description":"

A fantastic time at Bologna book fair announcing the winner of the illustration competition around my picture book SLOBBER SLOBBER KISS KISS with Swiss publisher Helvetiq (nominated for Swiss publisher of the year 2019).

$\"\"$

","title":"Bologna Children's Book Fair"},"location":{"title":"Bologna, Italy"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-04-01T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"4Klqf2umTmEkB4a7Haxwt"},{"about":{"description":"

A week of running daily school visits around the theme of WATER for the Festival Histoire et Cité in Geneva, exploring the history of Lake Geneva, and the history of the Jet d’Eau in a series of school visits with primary school children – and a family workshop at the end of the week.

$\"\"$

","title":"Festival Histoire et Cité"},"location":{"title":"Geneva"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-03-25T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"1RHuGuDC00GcGSI0Uh4"},{"about":{"description":"

$\"\"$

Celebrating a full day’s worth of World Book Day at Springmead Primary in Welwyn Garden City, with the wonderful Camilla Chester doing all of KS2, and me doing all of KS1, plus assembly at the end. The theme of World Book Day this year was: “Share a Story”, so we shared stories about the angry creatures the children had created during their session.

$\"\"$

\n","title":"WBD School Visit Spring Mead Primary School"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-03-07T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"z6GstMOvnqNfGZ5V7THR","location":{}},{"about":{"description":"

$\"\"$ \n

I organised this event. Local authors and illustrators invaded Cambridge Central Library for an hour – which included story-telling, activities, author speed-dating (for the older children), raffling away our books, and rising funds for Cambridgeshire libraries, of course!\n

With Cambridgeshire Libraries and SCBWI Central East.

$\"\"$

","title":"Meet Your Local Children's Authors"},"location":{"title":"Cambridge Central Library"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-02-09T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"kzu70j0ZObB6hxm1SnYU"},{"about":{"description":"

Pilot workshops about the watery history of Geneva! My takes on the Creation of Lake Geneva and Jet d’eau had their first outing. And here a picture of Geneva, because it’s so beautiful.

$\"\"$

","title":"Plan-les-Ouates"},"location":{"title":"Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva"},"schedule":{"date":"2019-01-24T18:00:00.000Z"},"id":"o8wNC8iw1soi47TmJdW9E"},{"about":{"description":"

Mass Book Launch at wonderful SCBWI BI Conference in Winchester. $\"🙂\"$

$\"\"$

","title":"SCBWI Conference"},"location":{"title":"Winchester"},"schedule":{"date":"2018-11-30T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"i098I8EkkRFBEhLFGDel0"},{"about":{"description":"

‘Anita’s visit was excellent. She was full of enthusiasm, and had the children in the palm of her hand. They loved using their imaginations to think constructively about feeling angry, and that afternoon they invented a game based on her story.’ (Christina Cameron, Teaching Assistant)

A fabulous time talking anger, and making a total of 60 angry creatures out of salt dough with two Y1 classes. As an example, here an angry snail, an angry volcano, an angry tiger.

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","title":"School Visit Queen Emma school"},"location":{"title":"Cambridge"},"schedule":{"date":"2018-06-29T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"u5YW0JezmTnzfSxAJgrCb"},{"about":{"description":"

What a wonderful time running a French/English bilingual reading and workshop around The Red Hot Fireball at Cambridge Library – in collaboration with Virginie from the Alliance Française.

$\"\"$

","title":"Workshop with Alliance Française"},"location":{"title":"Cambridge"},"schedule":{"date":"2018-05-30T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"rcnnuwG6CkmtALbn9wx40"},{"about":{"description":"

A lovely morning exploring anger with St.Matthew’s Nursery school, Cambridge, and creating little fire breathing dragons to take home.

Here some quotes by the kids, when asked what they felt in their bodies when they get angry:

“When I feel angry, I get all sweaty.”

“When I feel angry, I want to punch someone.”

“I feel hot.”

","title":"St Matthews School Visit"},"location":{"title":"Cambridge"},"schedule":{"date":"2018-03-19T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"o3ZBaQs6dSBwjVZAtLMtF"},{"about":{"description":"

We celebrated world book daywith the Red Hot Fireball at Kings Street Nursery, Cambridge.

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","title":"WORLD BOOK DAY School Visit"},"location":{"title":"King Street Nursery, Cambridge"},"schedule":{"date":"2018-03-01T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"nBBnrqlLF2Z4YHsIdSZiu"},{"about":{"description":"

Presenting my new book, The Red Hot Fireball at a Geneva Writers Group workshop, at the Press Club, Geneva.

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","title":"Presentation of the Red Hot Fireball - Geneva Writers Group"},"location":{"title":"Press Club, Geneva"},"schedule":{"date":"2018-01-20T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"iJFIFPslV321ERDTxwFZh"},{"about":{"description":"

The Red Hot Fireball blasts into the world at the Launch Party at the FNAC in Neuchâtel, Switzerland! $\"\"$

$\"\"$

","title":"Book Launch! The Red Hot Fireball"},"location":{"title":"Payot, Neuchâtel"},"schedule":{"date":"2017-12-02T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"sexbIozSMmKL65tYOeswU"}],"galleries":[{"about":{"title":"School Visits"},"items":[{"about":{"title":"Sticker"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fsticker_1632935751725.png?alt=media&token=613c11e7-9ce4-4f55-8e4d-db480f8a197d"},"meta":{"order":1},"id":"pdChfO0gB96wCxI2CO8SF"},{"about":{"title":"papercraft"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fwww-anita-lehmann-com-2_1632935817489.jpeg?alt=media&token=f383653a-3e71-412d-b74c-48050c763cff"},"meta":{"order":2},"id":"iTOmH5p4wUS9EssDS0r9k"},{"about":{"title":"anita-lehmann-2"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fanita-lehmann-2_1632935871511.jpeg?alt=media&token=c659f805-ecc9-48be-9626-94675cdc60a2"},"meta":{"order":3},"id":"jppVPmpIu255H0zarIuXm"},{"about":{"title":"photo-06-07-2019-14-16-15"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fphoto-06-07-2019-14-16-15_1632935900152.jpeg?alt=media&token=8179f7f5-e388-4b08-80d4-39093a1bd703"},"meta":{"order":4},"id":"jnBCKHdbxb9F6B7uXa0Ub"},{"about":{"title":"photo-02-07-2019-14-16-20"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fphoto-02-07-2019-14-16-20_1632935927239.jpeg?alt=media&token=b4320a31-a5af-4475-bac1-d8ff17e67534"},"meta":{"order":5},"id":"pbXIfti1khrilQaLaiAq4"},{"about":{"title":"p1070255"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fp1070255_1632935962429.jpeg?alt=media&token=f6e617a9-91ec-4a66-9c63-b284e77d0a8e"},"meta":{"order":6},"id":"lGamitK0HcDfztpBv9iYr"},{"about":{"title":"61188436_2746143115400899_1910621922522038272_n1"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2F61188436_2746143115400899_1910621922522038272_n1_1632935988031.jpeg?alt=media&token=4b903109-f530-49cc-9c0f-133c7a7b84f2"},"meta":{"order":7},"id":"a4SjsjJpHIjHkP8ps4BJN"},{"about":{"title":"photo-16-05-2019-10-56-52"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fphoto-16-05-2019-10-56-52_1632936017939.jpeg?alt=media&token=b864feaf-0229-486d-9048-fdf942ce0d59"},"meta":{"order":8},"id":"ctSjBoMymfyVkTo9eCIAZ"},{"about":{"title":"photo-30-03-2019-10-59-35"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fphoto-30-03-2019-10-59-35_1632936043856.jpeg?alt=media&token=c8b2208e-30d7-4893-a644-e0fe22251f9c"},"meta":{"order":9},"id":"yAOgKPv0HUU91nLTQOVjb"},{"about":{"title":"anita-lehmann-red-hot-fireball"},"assets":{"galleryItem":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fanita-lehmann-red-hot-fireball_1632936073480.png?alt=media&token=a4f230fd-bca5-4a7b-a735-7ae71cd2a6b5"},"meta":{"order":10},"id":"cyGwDWkGF112b0xTBCvlA"}],"meta":{"order":1},"id":"jo00AndTVH5B9irNzPl6y"}],"id":"ehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp","landingPages":[{"about":{"title":"New Landing Page"},"meta":{"order":1},"products":[],"galleries":[],"id":"4myzOAmnrvx3KcHwfvZl","assets":{},"schedule":{},"navigation":{},"form":{}}],"meta":{"createdDate":"2021-09-28T23:15:21.736Z","purchased":true,"slug":"anita","websiteType":"standard"},"posts":[{"about":{"content":"

‘Nature is a powerful and necessary element in the lives of our children.’

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Melinda Schoutens, co-author of the fantastic Fresh Air Kids Switzerland book series. All images are supplied by Melinda. Here we go!

Hey Melinda, tell me about yourself!

I am an American who moved with my husband to Switzerland in 2007. We are now a family of four, plus our cat, Luna. We currently reside in Basel, though always toy with the idea of living in a more rural or Alpine setting.

I am also a wife, mom, educator, writer, hiker, with a soft spot for cats and dogs. I adore gathering good people and hiking in the Alps to remote locations. I love clean sheets, simple food and creative endeavors.

Your Fresh Air Kids series has been a great success. What made you start writing these books?

As parents we have done our best to prioritize nature in the lives of our children. That often means we spend our weekends exploring and hiking. Friends would often ask us where we would go on family hikes and how we found out about those destinations. After fielding lots of questions and realizing that people craved knowledge about hiking and getting outside with their children, we decided it was time to put our experience and information down on paper.

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We also felt compelled to write our books because we wanted families to realize that nature is a powerful and necessary element in the lives of our children. For us, spending time outdoors as a family has been one of the best aspects of raising a family, all the while learning valuable life lessons. Our mission is to inspire families to connect with nature one outdoor experience at a time. Plus, Switzerland is a pretty remarkable location to learn to appreciate the natural world.

What helps you when you're stuck with your writing?

That’s a great question. Some pieces and even some books have been easier to write than others. When I get stuck writing, I usually put the piece aside for a while. As the piece is waiting, I often go to the gym or out for a hike. I find that movement re-energizes me and helps get ideas flowing. Once I return to the piece, I will print a hardcopy of my work to view the piece in a new medium. Working on a computer can be tedious and I find seeing the words in print is a nice alternative.

I also listen to podcasts or read to gather creative ideas. For individuals looking to write or break into the world of writing, I highly recommend the following two books: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Both books are quick reads and are gems when it comes to getting after the work you wish to create.

Tell me about your favourite easy family walk in Switzerland!

Oh my, Switzerland is full of stunning family walks, but one of my absolute favorites, especially in the summer time, is from Faulensee to Spiez.

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This little gem of a walk is along a paved trail (stroller-friendly), the lake is within reach, the mountains are visible and there are two playgrounds: one at the start and one at the finish of the walk.

This gorgeous route includes a small beach, with easy swimming access and a fabulous lawn area in Spiez for picnics, playing and lounging. The walk is picturesque throughout and there is plenty to do to keep your family occupied an entire day. This is one hike we complete at least once a year because it is just so good!

Thank you! I now want to go on that hike immediately. Where can we find your books for more great hiking ideas?

Our three books can be found at www.freshairkids.com/books

$\"\"$

We are always happy to field questions about the hikes, huts and winter recreation profiled in our books.

Thank you, Melinda!

","title":"Fresh Air Kids with Melinda Schoutens"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2FB8DA172C-CEFA-413B-B552-E5DD60DE1485_1670331209597.jpg?alt=media&token=c201bc19-7a79-4729-8e0c-74fb0fdbe82b"},"schedule":{"draft":false,"publishDate":"2022-12-06T12:00:00.000Z"},"id":"1Tp05SsrdCNgrYXwlbni2"},{"about":{"content":"

Goodnight Switzerland: a homesick project

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Here is the sun going down

and here are the children,

ready for bed…

I have lived abroad for many years, and haven’t been homesick for Switzerland once. Apart from the chocolate, I didn’t miss it much; never longed for mountain chalets, Edelweiss flowers or Thomy mustard; didn’t pine for family and friends. Based in the UK, I could always return to my hometown Berne within hours if I needed to.

...And here is the Aare

looping around

the city of Berne...

And then, in Spring 2020, came COVID-19 with its lockdown horror, and homesickness struck like an avalanche. I felt an overpowering longing and nostalgia for my family, for the silence on a snow-covered peak, and a slab or Gruyère cheese. I looked at pictures of the Matterhorn at sunset, slate-covered mountain chalets, double-decker trains. Once, I even listened to the song Heimweh ( i.e., ‘homesick’) by Swiss band Plüsch.*

...And the Matterhorn blushes deep pink

just as the first stars appear...

And just at that moment (oh serendipity!), my publisher in Switzerland offered me the chance to be as nostalgic as I liked, and to write about all that was wonderful about my country by writing Goodnight, Switzerland, the Swiss answer to Goodnight Moon.

In Goodnight, Switzerland, we meet wise old Owl, silently gliding over the country at sunset, wishing good night to everything she sees: the Matterhorn, the marmots, native trees and birds, the chocolate factory, and even the little street sweeping machines scrubbing away. Not to forget the goats and cheese.

...The goats bleat one last time

and lie down

one

on top

of the other,

while the Emmental cheese sits in the dark,

dreaming of growing the largest, roundest holes...

Illustrated by the talented Mattea Gianotti, this book is a declaration of love to the beauty of Switzerland, and will give pleasure to sleepyheads big and small.

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Who-o-o chants Owl, weaving her spell

Goodnight, Switzerland, sleep well.

Goodnight, Switzerland, written by Anita Lehmann, illustrated by Mattea Gianotti : available in English, German and French in bookshops, and online here:

- auf Deutsch: Gute Nacht, Schweiz (helvetiq.com)

- en français: Bonne nuit la Suisse (helvetiq.com)

- in English: Good Night, Switzerland – Bergli

(*really, no pandemic is bad enough to justify this terrible song, but then we are living in strange times, right? You can listen to it in its full glory here (in Swiss German))

","title":"Good Night, Switzerland: A homesick project"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fgood-night-switzerland_cover2_689x_1638278651821.jpg?alt=media&token=a6d122e3-f3e1-4f67-b7bc-170afbf0fa20"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2021-11-30T00:00:00.000Z"},"id":"8GWi293600I9rha4Oo452"},{"about":{"content":"

Our book is out exactly 50 years after Swiss women finally got the vote! Hurrah! And isn’t it beautiful?

You can watch the book trailer here:

But why did it take so long for women to get the vote in Switzerland in the first time? Find out on BBC Radio Wales, where I was interviewed on this question together with Dr. Christa Tobler:

43 minutes in: ‘Why were women in Switzerland so late to get the vote in Switzerland?’BBC Radio Wales. Find the interview here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000s0r4

Alnaaze Nathoo, one of the co-authors, in the meantime, has been interviewed by The English Show on Radio X (Basel) on how our lovely book came into the world!

50 Amazing Swiss Women – Author Alnaaze Nathoo – February 2021 | The English Show

And Katie Hayoz, another co-author, has also been talking to Télévision Nyon about our project. You can find her interview here (ca. 15 minutes in):

Nyon Région Télévision – Posts | Facebook

","title":"’50 Amazing Swiss Women’ is out! And Interviews, interviews, interviews"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2021-02-08T21:07:48.000Z"},"id":"ealuuLSo2KvajBMfE27i6","assets":{}},{"about":{"content":"

50 Amazing Swiss Women – stories you should know about

50 sensationelle Schweizerinnen

50 Suissesses sensationnelles

for anyone 8+

Hello Folks,

I have been busy over the past couple of months, researching and writing true stories about AMAZING Swiss women, present and past, together with my co-authors Laurie Theurer, Katie Hayoz, Alnaaze Nathoo, and Barbara Nigg. It’s been the most exciting voyage of discovery for all of us. Who knew that Switzerland was so full of heroines? This book will come out on 7th February 2021, in English, German and French, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of women’s right to vote in Switzerland. All wonderfully illustrated by Mireille Lachausse.

Check out our video and crowdfunding campaign, please spread the word, and support where you can. You will not regret it!

https://wemakeit.com/projects/50-amazing-swiss-women-book?locale=en

","title":"50 Amazing Swiss Women – stories you should know about"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2F50amazingswisswomen-1_1632957767053_1676395465676.jpeg?alt=media&token=6d95ca73-304d-4950-8765-32b13b2b5804"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2020-11-25T14:07:14.000Z"},"id":"eF2Rn5itj6hNouV1FaOs9"},{"about":{"content":"

This is my all-time favourite Easter activity that I won’t ever skip. I’ve decorated eggs like this ever since I was a little child with my Mum in Switzerland, and I love the deep red tones of these eggs so much more than any more brightly coloured ones. And no matter how careful you are when “wrapping” them up, the result is ALWAYS a surprise. Kids love doing this.

Once you’re done, you won’t only have pretty eggs, they are also perfectly edible, ideal for an Easter brunch.

WHAT YOU NEED:

ca. 6 raw eggs (ideally white ones (for contrast), but any eggs will do. Today, I used brown ones, because this is what I get here in the UK.
The skins of about 10 onions (to roughly fill half a cooking pot). The more you put in, the stronger the contrast.) Today, because I was a bit low on onions, I also added a black teabag to the mix.
old stockings or tights (clean, ideally…)
rubber bands (optional)
lots of leaves and bits of grass. I like clover, and any leaf that is young and thin and will stick well to the egg

METHOD

prepare your “broth”: fill roughly half a pan full of water (to sufficiently cover the eggs when boiling), and fill in the onion skins and teabag if using. Bring to boil and simmer for a few minutes (the longer you simmer, the stronger the colour).

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2. Take your egg, and gently cover it in any pattern of leaves as you please. You can use a little water to really stick the leaves to the shell. If “broth” gets underneath the leaf, the leaf pattern will come out “diluted”. You can use rubber bands to fix the leaves (they also create fun patterns). Then, put a bit of stocking over the egg, and tie tightly around it.

When you’re done, it should look something like this:

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3. Stick your egg into the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes, or however long you like to boil your hard-boiled eggs for.

Then remove from the pan, and let cool. You can also stick them under cold water for easier peeling later, if you like. It won’t affect the colour.

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4. When you’re ready, cut open your “stocking”, peel off rubber bands and leaves, and see what wonderful patterns nature has created for you :-). For extra shine and strength of colour, rub in a little oil. The egg is ready for you to eat whenever you’re ready (and no, it won’t taste of onions :-)).

HAPPY EASTER!

$\"\"$

","title":"Easter Egg fun with natural dye"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Feaster-eggs_1632957768370_1676395610437.jpeg?alt=media&token=8398a221-3616-44a2-bf33-c79889dd190a"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2020-04-11T20:45:38.000Z"},"id":"z9010hVleCBGapYK2HgAuO"},{"about":{"content":"

I’m so very excited to share the gorgeous cover for Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss, my forthcoming picture book with Helvetiq out in September 2019…and…drum rolls…here it is:

$\"\"$
The German version for Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss: Sabber Schlabber Kussi Bussi

And here comes the French version. Very aptly translated as: Slurp Slurp Smack Smack!

$\"\"$

","title":"It’s cover reveal time!"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2019-08-03T15:25:51.000Z"},"id":"qgf1J7s0kQWBcUMJmSAEY","assets":{}},{"about":{"content":"

An interview about Geneva’s history in Le Temps today (in French):

https://www.letemps.ch/suisse/anita-lehmann-lac-representait-survie-lagrement

","title":"Le Temps interview"},"assets":{"coverPhoto":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/wild-ink-pages-prod.appspot.com/o/user-content%2FehcXI2bg7GK3Ftpn24zsp%2Fanita-lehmann-31_1632957781754_1676395996103.jpeg?alt=media&token=b5db7a3c-7403-45b9-9123-8267ce92c9e3"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2019-06-21T18:51:50.000Z"},"id":"7LjgiQYTLkl73UvbzwfHa"},{"about":{"content":"

$\"\"$

A child’s drawing from…waaaayyy back!

\n\n

$\"\"$

The cover of Zanna and the Something! 2019

As I was tidying my desk today, I came across this little gem. Many years ago, I was part of a group of writers reading their works in progress to a roomful of children at the Library in English in Geneva. I read my then unpublished, unillustrated manuscript “The Elephant in the Room”, and then asked the children to draw the illustrations for it… This was the story that would eventually become “Zanna and the Something” – which is published next week at the Festival du Livre Jeunesse in Yverdon. One of the children gave me her illustration to keep – and keep it I did! This drawing has been giving me so much courage to keep writing over the years, to submit and re-submit my stories, even though writing can be so hard… Because this was the very first time that a child (outside my close family) was clearly inspired by something I had written – and that, all these years on, still makes me very, very happy :-).

","title":"Elephant Inspiration"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2019-05-16T12:13:00.000Z"},"id":"jJjrPnRoVdm9q2cmYVP4i","assets":{}},{"about":{"content":"

As\nan inherently social person, I have often struggled with the\nloneliness of a writer’s life. But recently I learned that writing\ndoesn’t have to be lonely. It doesn’t have to be slow, hard and\npainful. It doesn’t have to just be me chatting to my imaginary\ncharacters in my head, and occasionally swearing at the computer.\nWriting can be a fast, fun, and social process. I have been writing\nfor six years, but never knew this. Now I’ve learned it’s\npossible – with a little help from synchronicity.

\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Whittling\nAway, the first book in the Forest Tools series, came about when\nmy forest school trainer friend Toni and I chatted about a gap in the\nForest School market in July 2018.

\n\n\n\n

“You\nknow,” said Toni, “wouldn’t it be cool to create a series of\nbooks that help forest school teachers teach children about tools in\na safe but fun way.” \n

\n\n\n\n

“Great\nidea,” I said, “let’s do that.”

\n\n\n\n

That\nnight, I went home and wrote a first draft of what would become\nWhittling Away. I wrote it in my hallway, sitting on the\nstairs, still in my coat. It took me about ten minutes to pin that\nstory down.

\n\n\n\n

As\nit happened, a few weeks before that I had met a publisher for\neducational books, Laura from Cambridge Thinking Press. When I\napproached her with Toni’s idea, she said: “Great idea, let’s\ndo that.”

\n\n\n\n

As\nit happened, Toni knew an illustrator, Tennie Videler, who also said:\n“Great idea, let’s do that!” \n

\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

A\nmere eight months later we have now launched the Forest Tools series\nwith Whittling Away, to be closely followed by three further\nvolumes to complete the series: Lighting Away, Lopping\nAway, and Sawing Away.

\n\n\n\n

Eight\nmonths from idea to publication. Now, eight months might seem long to\nthose who don’t know much about publishing. Let me assure you, it’s\nnot. It usually takes years to get a picture book published. (It has,\nin the past, taken me years just to get one written, let alone\nillustrated, sold and published…). To get a good book created from\nscratch in eight months is no mean feat, and it requires hard work\nand fairy dust. The fairy dust being this very beautiful but often\nelusive thing: synchronicity. Being in just the right place; at just\nthe right time; with just the right people.

\n\n\n\n

Toni\nwith her deep knowledge of all things forest provided both Tennie and\nme with the ability to create a story that was educational, but also\nlight-hearted and funny. Tennie, with her keen eye for detail and her\ntalent for nature drawings, set to work straight away. And then there\nwas Laura, of course, whose entrepreneurial spirit brought it all\ntogether in a cohesive way. Laura then found Rebecca to join the\nteam, and her graphic design really makes this book sing.

\n\n\n\n

All\nfour of us just happened to be available and ready to launch\nourselves into this major undertaking at the right time. All four of\nus were keen and willing to listen and learn from each other. We\nworked hard, but the process felt organic and, at times, almost\neffortless, with each of us in our own sphere of knowledge and\nability, bouncing off each other’s creativity.

\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

For\nme, Whittling Away is not just a book. It’s a tribute to\nsynchronicity and happy collaboration. And a proof of how much fun\nwriting can be. Now to move on to number 2 in the series…Lighting\nAway here we come!

\n\n\n\n

Whittling Away is out on 27^th April 2019 with Cambridge Thinking Press. You can get your copy here

\n\n\n\n

Written by Anita Lehmann, illustrated by Tennie Videler

\n\n\n\n

www.cambridgethinkingpress.com

\n\n\n\n

www.cambridgeforestschools.co.uk

","title":"On Synchronicity"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2019-05-01T15:17:04.000Z"},"tags":{"books":true},"id":"oBBmy9kUKum3gVtXH7CqO","assets":{}},{"about":{"content":"

We have a winner!

\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The winner was announced at Helvetiq’s stand at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2019, where Switzerland was the guest of honour.

\n\n\n\n

Kasia Fryza from Poland will illustrate SLOBBER SLOBBER KISS KISS – out with Helvetiq in autumn 2019! I’m very happy and excited about this collaboration!

\n\n\n\n

Find out more about Kasia and her beautiful work here: http://www.ksiezopolska.com/

","title":"Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss – we have a winner!"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2019-04-05T10:43:18.000Z"},"id":"uZvaBs79wS717inNbRyOD","assets":{}},{"about":{"content":"

Limited edition RED HOT FIREBALL CARDS and BOOK

– Now available

Look how pretty they are:

$\"\"$

The brand new Red Hot Fireball greeting cards/books are ready to blast into your letterboxes – just in time for Christmas.

The Red Hot Fireball is a bi-lingual, interactive story for children aged 3+. Think kindle app for children, with gorgeous pictures which move when touched.

You can read the story in English or French, and/or listen to it in either language, too.

$\"\"$

The Story:
One day, Zay gets so angry with her little brother that she turns into a Red, Hot Fireball. She blasts out of the house, and over the hills, right into a…red hot dragon!

Written by me (award-winning author Anita Lehmann), illustrated by the fabulous Clément Espinosa, and published by éditions utopie, Lausanne.

How it works:
On the outside, it’s a greeting card. On the inside, you will find space to write your message, and a QR code to download the story onto your tablet.

I can:

send you a nicely wrapped card for your to personalize and pass on/ use for yourself
OR
write your message in the card, along with an author dedication, and send it off to the child of your choice directly :-).

If bought directly from me/ my website, the cards cost £5 plus postage to anywhere in the world.

Soon available at Heffers in Cambridge (at £6.95) – with more distribution venues in the UK coming soon.

Please pm me, or visit the contact page to place your order

and please – support an author – don’t hesitate to share.

$\"\"$

The Red Hot Fireball says Thank you!

\n\n

","title":"Buy a card and get a book!"},"schedule":{"publishDate":"2018-11-20T11:56:37.000Z"},"id":"hzh4yHrXyLl1AFnKxIMS2","assets":{}},{"about":{"content":"

I have just signed my third publishing contract. My picture book, Slobber Slobber Kiss Kiss, will be published by Swiss publisher Helvetiq in autumn 2019. Hurrah!

What’s more, my story is the subject of an international Illustration Competition. The winner will be announced and showcased at Bologna Book Fair 2019, where Switzerland is the country of honour – to learn more about the publisher and/or the competition, please visit: https://www.helvetiq.com/illustration-competition/

More updates to follow soon.

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LOREM IPSUM es sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Volutpat ac tincidunt vitae semper quis lectus. Consequat nisl vel pretium lectus quam id leo in. Et odio pellentesque diam volutpat commodo sed egestas egestas fringilla. Aenean vel elit scelerisque mauris pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque.

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For speaking engagements, NAME is exclusively represented by The Literary Agency.\n

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For film and television rights, NAME is represented by NAME at Agency. Please contact NAME at NAME@email.com.

For literary rights inquiries, please contact NAME of The Agency at NAME@email.com.\n

For all other inquiries, please contact NAME of The Agency at NAME@email.com\">NAME@email.com.

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