Welcome
Hello, thanks for stopping by!
My name is Julie Pike, the author of The Last Spell Breather, Published by OUP Children's Books.
You’re very welcome to scroll down to find information about me, my story, my writing inspirations and to download some information and games. You’ll also find a picture of me in my Welsh Costume on St David’s Day.
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About The Last Spell Breather
Enter the unique world of the Spell Breathers! Spell Breathing does not come naturally to Rayne - she loathes the hours of practice, the stacks of scrolls, and the snapping mud grotesques that cover her mother’s precious spell book. When she holds the spell book over a fire, it is only meant as an empty threat – until she feels the grotesque’s tiny teeth biting into her finger and let’s go. In one clumsy move, her mother’s spells are broken, her village is plunged into danger, and an incredible adventure begins …
“An enchanting story that crackles with charm and casts a unique spell”
“One of the most creative and original magical systems I’ve seen in a long time, this is such an exciting book!”
“The Last Spell Breather is a perfectly told gem of story, one which left me sighing with happiness as I closed the final page”
About Me
I grew up on a council estate, nestled between the forests and foothills of the Welsh Valleys. I am passionate about adventure stories, and volunteer in local schools and libraries in Dorset, helping children find stories that excite them. I love real-life adventures too. Here’s a taste … I’ve crawled inside of the great pyramid of Giza, climbed to the peak of Kilimanjaro, travelled across the Tibetan plains to Mount Everest, and I’ve camped on the Great Wall of China in a lightning storm.
How growing up in Neath, Wales, inspired The Last Spell Breather - read.
I'm on the TV! See me chat with friend and fellow author Helen Lipscombe about our books, on Swansea Bay TV - watch.
My blogs on writing and creative inspirations:
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How my adventures inspired my writing
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My Journey to Publication
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Q&A with my Editor, Liz Cross
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The Power of Words
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Stories that inspired The Last Spell Breather
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Story Q&A Podcast with Jo Cummins
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How Arvon’s writing courses helped me become a better writer
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Author Q&A
School Visits and Downloads
I'd love to come and visit your school!
Download information about my author visits - suitable for KS2: Year 4, 5, and 6.
Download Reading Notes, Ideas for Discussion and Activities - resources for teachers and librarians.
Learn how to write your own Spell! Download the Word Master’s Spell Writing Tool Kit
Download a picture of a Grotesque – careful of those sharp teeth!
Contact
My email: juliepikeauthor@gmail.com My twitter: @juliepike My instagram: @juliepikebooks
OUP - for PR Enquiries contact Emilie Ferguson +(0) 1865 353245 emilie.ferguson@oup.com