A book signed by the author always makes a good Christmas present. Each year, I take part in an annual online charity auction organised by Children in Read to raise funds for BBC Children in Need.
You can scroll through the site on Jumblebee. co.uk. and choose from an amazing selection of biographies and other books donated by contemporary authors.
In 2025, I donated a signed and dedicated illustrated paperback copy of ‘The Making of Swallows and Amazons (1974)’
It was accompanied by a signed print of Titty Walker played by Sophie Neville in ‘Swallows and Amazons’ (1974) drawn by the artist Caroline Assheton
Funds raised go directly to BBC Children in Need
Paddy Heron, the fundraiser, has been advertising the event on Twitter
Taking part is always great fun and offers authors a bit of publicity whilst presenting readers a choice of signed and dedicated books and illustrations.
There are always many bargains to be had
In 2023, items in the Authors and Illustrators’ auction, raised a total of £24,061 for BBC Children in Need.
This year, authors and illustrators raised £9,766.
Over the eleven years that the annual event has been running a stunning total of £141,766 has been raised. I joined in 2020 and have raised a total of £616 for this cause.
Bidding has now closed but put the event in your diary for next year.
Thank you for supporting this great cause!
Sophie Neville 
Ah, the little video, as if of a magical forgotten childhood (which of course is what the S&A books are for us too)…..
Pure nostalgia, of course. We forget the waiting, the cold, the terrible food and remember the sunshine and friendship. We were blessed and blessed again.
Do let me know if the video stirs up any questions.
I think the auction is a great idea, Sophie; good luck with both lots. I also love the video, thank you for sharing it with us.
Paddy Heron likes the video too! I was given the (enornous) framed poster and have it hanging on the stairs. I think it’s the only one of it’s kind left.