A new Twilight book is coming
Twilight author, Stephenie Meyer, has announced the release of the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun. The book will be a retelling of her smash hit YA novel, Twlight, only this time from Edward Cullen’s vampire perspective. The manuscript was cancelled 12 years ago when it was famously leaked online but it’s now set for release on 4 August 2020. Put it in your calendars, people.
In a statement on her website, Meyer said, “I hope this announcement doesn’t seem ill-timed; I really considered delaying the release until the world was back to normal. However, 1) who knows when that will be? And 2) you guys have waited long enough. Much longer than long enough, actually.
“I don’t know how everyone else is coping, but right now books are my main solace and happiest escape. Personally, I would be nothing but delighted if one of my favourite authors announced something new for me to read. (No pressure, Laini Taylor.) So, I hope this announcement gave you some pleasure and something fun to look forward to.”
The wait is very nearly over!
You Go, Dame Judi!
Dame Judi Dench graced the cover of British Vogue’s June edition and obviously, it’s nothing short of iconic. At 85, the national treasure became the oldest person to ever star on the cover in its 104-year history. In the beautiful portrait captured by photographer Nick Knight, Queen Judi looks incredible dressed in a floral organza trench coat by Dolce & Gabbana and minimal makeup. In the accompanying interview, Dench says, “I am sure I feel like everyone else, such unprecedented times are quite hard to comprehend. What is a good thing is that it has made people aware of the predicament of others who are completely alone,” she added. “If a great deal of kindness comes out of this, then that will be a plus.” Well said, Judi!
Storytime with Harry Potter
Potterheads, prepare to be shook! A whole host of famous faces have joined forces with the Wizarding World to take turns reading us harmonious chapters of Harry Potter at home. What a time to be alive. The first soothing chapter of the Philosopher’s Stone, A Boy Who Lived, is narrated by none other than Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe. According to the teaser, we can expect more special readings from Stephen Fry, Dakota Fanning, Claudia Kim, Eddie Redmayne and David Beckham in the upcoming weeks. Stay safe, stay magic people!
Charlotte’s chalk adventures
A family in Atlanta have been creating colourful chalk art adventures from their backyard to keep their children entertained during lockdown. It all started when mum of four, Abbey Burney Tucker, shared a photo of her youngest child, Charlotte, in amongst some chalk-drawn balloons on her Instagram page.
“During the beginning of the quarantine, my oldest drew some balloons. I took a photo of my littlest in them and loved it,” she told the online publisher, Bored Panda.
“Being outside almost every day, we started drawing more and more,” the mother explained. “We saw how everyone was really enjoying them and just kept going,” she added.
What a wonderful way to make precious memories during this weird time. Here’s one of our personal favourites, alongside the very apt caption: “Be kind, have courage and always believe in a little magic.” – Cinderella
UK sets new record for coal-free power
Another big hug for planet earth – coal-fired plants have not contributed towards electricity for 18 consecutive days. Thanks to the fall in the demand for electricity during lockdown and greater use of solar power, Britain has gone without coal-fired power generation for its longest uninterrupted stretch since the Industrial Revolution in 1882. “Britain’s done it,” the National Grid said on Twitter. “It’s a new record for the longest period of coal-free electricity generation in this country.” The UK has committed to shutting down its remaining coal plants by 2025.
