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Episode notes

This week Children’s Author, Jane Elson, joins Anna to discuss why animals, especially dogs, feature in her books. Dyslexic herself, Jane writes for those with reading difficulties, highlighting how animals - dogs in particular - help children in so many ways, not least in learning to read out loud. In her multi award winning ‘Moon Dog’ , she depicts the  horrors of the puppy farming trade. Raising awareness for the next generation of dog owners, she worked with the charity All Dogs Matter to convey the horrific details, and the effects of losing a puppy on the whole family.  In  her latest novel Storm Horse, inspired by the racehorse Seabiscuit, who in the 1930’s represented hope for the Americans struggling through the Depression; and why history can inspire the present. Jane also highlights why horses help build children’s confidence, helping them learn to read and be in the moment. Weaving characters through her series, she’s inspired by London and the legacy of her own kitten called Crayon who sadly died very young.


Published by Hachette, Storm Horse and Moon Dog both mark the era of the pandemic and work on several levels making them great for grown ups too!


Follow Jane on Twitter @JJELSON35 and Instagram @JJElson35

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

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