This month we are pleased to feature author, Paul Dowswell. We would like to share with you books he has written, along with descriptions, reviews, awards and even some fun facts about Paul.

So look no further for a good book to read this year! His Books are exciting and fun, and they cover a wide range of subjects. Your children will enjoy reading and learning through both his fiction and non-fiction books.

Several of his books are Internet Linked through Usborne’s Quick Links web page. It’s easy to use. Just click on ( www.usborne-quicklinks.com), and find the title of the book you’re reading. Then, enter the page number containing the information you’re interested in learning more about, and Quick Links will provide you with a list of parent-approved links of websites for further study.

Click Here to shop for Paul Dowswell Books

Here are several books that he has written for Usborne Books:

The Usborne Introduction to the Second World War is an Internet Linked book filled with interesting information!

This book is sold in Usborne Books series on the World Wars. It is recommended for children ages 10 years and up. It is 128 pages long and is a fascinating first look at the war that shaped our modern world.

This book had earned the 2007 Mom’s Choice Award Winner for young Adult Chapter Book Category.

This book is on Usborne’s Best Seller List! Way to go Paul Dowswell! The kids love it!

Here is a description of the Usborne Introduction to the Second World War Book:

Lasting from 1939 to 1945 the Second World War was the pivotal event of the 20th Century. It is estimated that over 50 million people died during the world wide conflict and, when it was over, the world had been transformed. Old empires had collapsed and the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union had begun.

This book tells you why the war was such a cataclysm. Not only does it tell of the mighty weapons used and great battles fought, it also describes the human suffering of both the belligerent and occupied nations by the Holocaust and the bombing of cities. It explains how Adolf Hitler led his once invincible armies to defeat and destruction, exploring the great turning points of the war.

Internet linked and illustrated with dramatic photographs and maps the Usborne Introduction to the Second World War is a must-read introduction to the most destructive conflict in human history.

Here are a few reviews Paul Dowswell has received for the Usborne Introduction to the Second World :

Paul Dowswell's Introduction to the Second World War…is superb. It lays out information in clear, vivid paragraphs illustrated by dramatic period photographs. Highly recommended.
The Times, June 11, 2005

…a brilliant book, full of interesting facts and pictures about this terrible time.
Jewish Chronicle, May 2005

A fantastic book for young and old alike, and don't be put off if you're not usually interested in war books – this isn't one bit boring and it's not just for boys! One of my favourite books so far this year.
Waltham Forest Guardian, April 28, 2005

If you don’t know much about the 1939-1945 conflict… this beautiful book is a timely insight.
Sunday Times May 8, 2005

Another great book written by Paul Dowswell is: True Escape Stories.

This book is featured in the Usborne Books True Adventure Stories. It is recommended for children ages 9 years and up. The book includes 144 pages of heart-pounding excitement.

You can save $7.91 if you purchase the Library True Stories Set with 6 title value pack.

Here is a description of Book True Escape Stories:

These are the exciting true stories of men who braved high prison walls, barbed wire, armed guards, and savage dogs for the sake of their freedom. From the stone fortress of Alcatraz to the jungles of Devil's Island, these men gambled everything for their liberty.

If your children want to read and learn about Space, I highly recommend Paul’s internet linked book the Little Encyclopedia of Space.

This book is sold in Usborne Books Series of First Encyclopedias. It is recommended for children ages 10 years and up. The book includes 64 pages of great fun facts!

Here is a description of Little Encyclopedia of Space:
What are stars made of? Why does the Moon shine? What do space toilets look like? Find out in this revealing little book. Simple text, breathtaking photographs, detailed illustrations and exciting recommended websites introduce young readers to the wonders of the Universe. All the websites are regularly reviewed and can be visited via links on the Usborne Quicklinks Website at www.usborne-quicklinks.com.

Do your children enjoy learning about animals? …. Then, this First Encyclopedia of Animals Internet Linked Book is a must have!

It is featured in Usborne’s First Encyclopedias collection and recommended for children ages 8 and up. Written by Paul Dowswell and has 64 pages about animals.

Great News! This book has Earned the Parents' Choice Recommended Titles Award.

Here is a description of the First Encyclopedia of Animals Internet Linked Book:Which animal has a tongue as long as its body? How does a whale breathe? Why do zebras have stripes? How does a snake see in the dark? These and hundreds of other questions about animals are answered in this beautifully designed encyclopedia. The young reader will learn more about familiar animals, as well as discovering some fascinating new ones. Extraordinary wildlife photography and illustrations bring the reader face-to-face with the marvels of the animal world.

Looking for excitement! True Spy Stories is sure to hold your attention.

This book is sold in Usborne Books True Adventure Stories Series. It was written by author Paul Dowswell and Fergus Fleming.

It is recommended for children ages 9 years and up. It has 144 pages.

Be sure to check out the 3 title combined volume to save money when purchasing this book.

Here is a description of True Spy Stories:
What are real spies like? Some, like the beautiful Mata Hari, are every bit as glamorous as famous fictional agents such as James Bond. But, as you'll see in this intriguing collection of spy stories, spies usually live shadowy double lives, risking imprisonment, torture and execution for a chance to change history.

This breathtaking book, True Polar Adventures will have your school age child wanting to read more!!!

This book is another great book written by Paul Dowswell. It is recommended for children ages 9 years and up. It includes 144 pages of excitement. You can find this book in Usborne’s True Adventure Stories Series.

Here is a description of True Polar Adventures:
The fearfully bleak environments of the North and South Poles are no place for humans, as the explorers who set out to unearth their secrets have found at their own expense.

Here are several awards and reviews for True Polar Adventures: True Polar Adventures

This is an author who knows how to make you feel as if you're right there shivering!
Blue Peter. 2003

True Polar Adventures
Shortlisted for the 2003 Blue Peter Book Awards
Heartbreak and heroism at the top and bottom of the world: from hapless Robert Falcon Scott and his doomed polar party to Norwegian Borge Ousland, strutting across the icecaps in 1993, with Jimi Hendrix on his Walkman. Plus a few more you may never have heard of, in this addition to the "True Stories" series.

It is always fun to learn a little bit about the authors of the books we love! I think it helps children connect to the books and want to read more.

My Interview with Paul Dowswell:

I am excited to say that I was able to interview Paul Dowswell! I thought it was important to share information about the author with our children.

I think if school age children have a chance to learn about the authors of the books they read, they will become even more connected with those books. They might fall in love with reading even more! What a great thought!

Here are a few questions and answers about author Paul Dowswell:

What kind of books do you like to write?
My specialties are children's fiction and information books.

What is your favorite subject?
History is my specialist subject but I also enjoy writing about natural history, science, geography, in fact almost anything, apart from golf and mechanical engineering.

What is your favorite subject?
History is my specialist subject but I also enjoy writing about natural history, science, geography, in fact almost anything, apart from golf and mechanical engineering.

How many books have you written?
I’ve written over 60 books for UK publishers. Most of them have been published in the United States, Commonwealth countries, Europe and elsewhere.

Where do you live?
I live in Wolverhampton, UK where I live with my wife and daughter.

What is your favorite food?
I like anything to do with the sea - especially oysters.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love going to exciting places with my family - we've just come back from New York which was fabulous. I also enjoy playing guitar with friends - anything that's a bit 'rootsy' and raw - reggae, r'n'b (old style), folk, country, blues, and I present occassional music programmes on local radio.

Do you help select the links for your Internet linked books?
No - they were chosen by other people at Usborne.

How did you choose to write books for children and young adults?
I started off with adult information books and fell into children's non-fiction by chance. But I think its a really useful job, trying to engage your reader in something that might spark a life-long interest. I also love it when readers tell me they don't read much but they enjoyed my book. That makes me feel I've done my job right.

Who are your favorite authors, and do any of them influence your writing style?
As a teenager I loved George Orwell, and Nick Kent and Nic Cohn are two music writers I really enjoy, but I try to write in a way that's just me.

What is your favorite sport?
Errr... helping out the crossword. (Does that count?)

Here are a few more books by Paul Dowswell:

Click Here to shop for Books

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