'IS' - novel for 9-12 year olds about a schoolgirl who thinks she is Isambard Kingdom Brunel reborn

At a time when encouraging greater interest in physics and engineering is seen as very important, this novel which centres on a young girl’s absolute passion for the subject. Combining real intrigue and interest with a good dose of humour throughout, the story makes the subject come alive in a very readable and memorable way. For more information click on: www.ikbrunel.org.uk

'Is' by Derek Webb is published by Troll Carnival and available from your local bookshop as well as from Amazon  Waterstones or Gwales

Is:synopsis

READER REACTIONS TO IS “I loved this book, it is full of mystery and puzzles. Is is a fantastic character. I want to keep it for my children to read one day.”  Ruby Vaughan Norris (Aged 12) “Terrific! I really liked Is” Ela Griffiths (Aged 10) "I loved ‘IS’. It’s a really good book. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the way Is bravely talked back to Mr. Philips the school teacher. I loved the fact it was funny and educational. I learnt a lot about Brunel. I gave a copy of the book to my school, as it’s a really good Book to have in the school library."  Kitty Kilbey (age 11) "The book is education made fun. I found the experiment with the brick and a piece of string really fascinating. I liked Is because she was different and strong in a good way. There must be a ‘Mr Philips’ in every school which made the story real. I learnt a lot by reading a cool story. I like that. I think Brunel was quite cool too." Anaïs Kilbey (age 10)

Derek has dramatised a large number of children's books for audio, including The Minpins by Raold Dahl starring Joss Ackland and Charlotte Cornwell; Esio Trot by Raold Dahl starring Annette Crosbie and Michael Williams; over a dozen Enid Blyton's Famous Five and Secret Seven stories, and 80 minute dramatisations of children's classics including The Secret Garden, The Railway Children and The Incredible Journey. His retelling of Jonah and the Whale was included on 'The Whales Song and other stories' read by Helena Bonham-Carter for Random House Tellastory. He has written two full length children's novels - 'The Virtual Reality Machine' and 'Is'. He has also written several shorter pieces for younger readers and a series abut a character called Popplejoy.

Popplejoy and.... Popplejoy likes to be known simply as that: Popplejoy. Nobody really knows where he comes from, but he’s certainly a very noticeable character - dressing as he does in bright red trousers, trainers and electric blue jacket, with an array of spotted handkerchiefs sprouting out everywhere. The one thing people do know about him is that he helps cheer them up when they've got a problem... Popplejoy stories