Hello Kitty And Friends Crystal Art Sticker Album Starter Pack, £9.99 from Craft Buddy

Many will be delighted to hear that one of the world’s most enduring cultural icons is taking centre stage in a major new collaboration as Craft Buddy announces a three-part rollout for its Hello Kitty and Friends Crystal Art® range. Starting this April, 2026, fans can immerse themselves in the world of Sanrio through a series of hands-on collectibles. This multi-stage launch is designed to meet the skyrocketing demand for Sanrio’s roster of characters, providing a tangible way for the UK’s massive “Kidult” and Gen Z communities to connect with their favourite stars.

A Cultural Phenomenon -Since her debut in 1974, Hello Kitty has grown from a simple illustration into a global lifestyle powerhouse. Today, the fandom has expanded to include a diverse family of characters, each with their own distinct personality. This collection marks a significant moment for global fans, offering the chance to build high-quality, sparkling versions of underground favourites like Kuromi and Cinnamoroll alongside the legendary Hello Kitty herself.

The Art of Unplugging – In an era dominated by digital notifications, this collection offers a purposeful way to disconnect. The experience centres on “slow crafting” a movement focused on lowering stress levels through fun and addictive activities. By removing the need for messy adhesives or complicated tools, the range allows for a pure and present focus on the task at hand. It provides a peaceful, screen-free outlet for enthusiasts to decompress at the end of the day, resulting in a permanent piece of fan memorabilia.

Hello Kitty will be launched in 3 stages:

Phase 1: Available Now: The Ultimate Collector’s Drop. The initial soft launch and final stage of the rollout introduce the highly anticipated sticker collection: Hello Kitty And Friends Crystal Art Sticker Album Starter Pack, £9.99 from Craft Buddy as seen above.

Phase 2 (Coming Soon): Portable Fandom (RRP from £4.99) introduces a wide array of character-driven accessories and display pieces:

Individual blind bag packs (with three stickers in each) to help fans complete their shimmering albums.

Crystal Art Buddies: Bad Badtz-Maru, Cinnamoroll, Hello Kitty, Kerokerokeroppi, Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, My Melody, and Pompompurin. Crystal Art Bag Charms: Cinnamoroll, Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Pochacco. Crystal Art Scrolls (40x50cm): Hello Kitty & Friends II and Hello Kitty & Friends III.

Phase 3 (Coming Soon): Creative Keepsakes. This wave expands the collection into functional lifestyle items and gifting (RRP from £5.99): Crystal Art Secret Diaries: Themed designs featuring Hello Kitty and Kuromi. Mega Activity Set: A comprehensive Hello Kitty and Friends 4-in-1 Crafting kits box set. Crystal Art Cards (18x18cm): Two distinct “Happy Birthday” designs featuring greetings from the iconic characters. The Hello Kitty and Friends Crystal Art range will be available via craftbuddyshop.com.

A House of Mirrors: A twisty Sherlock Holmes historical mystery (Mrs Hudson & Sherlock Holmes) by Liz hedgecock. Can a widow’s hidden past unlock the secrets of 221B Baker Street? Book 1.

In the late 19th century, Nell Villiers, now Mrs. Hudson, grapples with a new identity while assisting Sherlock Holmes in his detective work. Her journey is interwoven with personal loss and the pursuit of truth, as she navigates the challenges of a Victorian-era mystery.

Will Mrs. Hudson overcome her inner struggles and embrace her new life as a detective’s ally? Can she uncover the truth behind her husband’s mysterious disappearance without losing herself?

This historical fiction mystery immerses the reader in a Victorian world where Mrs. Hudson’s courage and wit are tested, with the implications of her success or failure affecting her newfound role and personal redemption. A House of Mirrors: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLHKFTMG/ FREE

A new and mysterious spin on the detective classics with the witty and determined Mrs Hudson at the centre next to a young Sherlock Holmes – by superb Liz Hedgecock

Life in Baker Street is not all Nell Hudson thought it would be. The household is struggling financially, and in the masculine world of police work, Nell finds herself pushed aside in favour of Dr Watson. In search of money and recognition she takes a job as a department store detective. Sherlock himself is busy investigating a missing prisoner; but when Emmett Stanley is found it turns out to be a case not of escape, but abduction.

In the midst of it all, an opportunity beckons for Nell. She is approached to go undercover as a spy; but to do so she must leave everything behind and live a life completely alien to her. Will Nell dare to step out of Sherlock Holmes’s shadow? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DP7QDW67/ Now £0.99 instead of £2.99.

Milly Adams is the author of the lovely The Waterway Girls trilogy, Only £5.97 for all three: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK25HPRF

TRIDO has launched The Style on Kickstarter, a magnetic design object created not for play, but for focus.

Positioned as an executive desk piece rather than a traditional construction set, The Style blends geometric precision with bold, art-led aesthetics inspired by Piet Mondrian. The result is a modular system that feels close to a piece of modern sculpture.

Built from magnetic geometric forms, each element connects seamlessly, allowing users to build and rebuild structures intuitively – no instructions, no prescribed outcomes. Instead, it offers a tactile, hands-on way to reset thinking, work through creative blocks, or simply create moments of quiet concentration during the working day.

Where most desk objects are passive, The Style is deliberately interactive.

Its clean lines and primary colour palette echo the balance and structure of Mondrian’s work, encouraging users to explore symmetry, contrast and composition in real time. Whether assembled into a striking display piece or continuously reconfigured throughout the day, it functions as both a visual statement and a mental tool.

At a time when screen fatigue and cognitive overload are increasingly common, The Style taps into a growing demand for physical, mindful interaction – offering a way to engage the hands in order to free the mind.

TRIDO Style is available in different tiers, these include:

The Style 14 – Early Bird £47

The Style 28 – Early Bird £79

The Style 28 + Style 14 – Super Early Bird £110, available for the first 48 hours only.

The Kickstarter launch marks TRIDO’s latest step in evolving beyond traditional construction products, positioning its system as a creative medium for adults, one that sits at the intersection of design, mindfulness and productivity.

The Style is available now on Kickstarter.

Once more Tracklements is messing with my head. How do they come up with all those ingenious ideas? As regular readers know, this Wiltshire-based family company creates quality food by hand in small batches, using proper, honest ingredients, mainly sourced from English farms and small businesses.

Tracklements often collaborate with other wonderful companies who share their core values, and Hilltop Honey, their partner in this latest collaboration is 100% owned by passionate bee-keeper, Scott. Based in Wales, he has built up a major business with branches all over the UK selling high quality honey from what was a childhood hobby. With such a partnership, I knew this limited edition Hilltop Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam Hot Honey would not disappoint. Frankly it’s absolutely delicious – the perfect balance of piquant with gentle sweetness of the chilli jam, combined with the complex notes of quality honey.

I also love that it comes in a squeezy container – so easy to dispense exactly how much you want, with no mess. It’s vegetarian and gluten free.  You can use it with meats, cheese or salads, or even to liven up a desert – I’ve discovered that Greek yoghurt, fresh raspberries with Hilltop Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam Hot Honey is rather exceptional. In fact my waistline is reminding me that I have had rather too much already.

At RRP of £4.25 for 340g, this is a steal. It’s available from www.tracklements.co.uk and www.lovehilltop.com  But hurry – this is a limited edition – if you snooze you’ll lose and I wouldn’t wish that on you, my dear readers.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

A chilling Albuquerque serial killer thriller by Claire Stibbe that fans of Michael Connelly and Karin Slaughter will love. Nine girls. Nine trophies. One killer. But Detective David Temeke is on the case.

The Duke City Police Department has seen brutal crimes before, but this serial killer is different—he stalks young victims across New Mexico, mutilates their bodies, and keeps their parts as trophies. With one suspect already locked away, a new disappearance proves the nightmare isn’t over. Partnered with sharp new detective Malin Santiago, Temeke follows the trail into the remote forests of Cimarron State Park, where Norse legends and ritual sites hide dark secrets. With time running out… Can they stop the 9th Hour killer before he claims his final victim? Perfect for fans searching for serial killer crime novels, Albuquerque thrillers, gritty police procedurals, and New Mexico detective mysteries, and best of all, it is FREE for a limited time. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FKHGTG42/ FREE

The Vanishers | A Paranormal Gothic Thriller by R.G. Belsky – perfect for fans of Atmospheric Horror and Psychological Suspense Kindle Edition @ £0.99 instead of £4.99

Megan Foley knows she saw the little boy. So why does everyone at the perfect seaside house insist he never existed? The house was perfect. That was its first lie. When Megan and her husband Patrick accept an invitation to spend the summer at a luxurious house share in Stone Beach, Connecticut, everything seems too good to be true. The rent is absurdly low. The host, Mrs. Monahan, is attentive to the point of unease. The other guests are pleasant — until they aren’t. One day, Megan sees a boy, Tommy, playing… and the next, Tommy is simply gone. Not moved. Not spoken of. Erased, as though he never existed. All the other guests at the house look at Megan blankly when she asks. One by one, the guests succumb to long hours in front of the television in a glassy trance. Patrick grows cold and distant. Something stirs in the attic… https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FYFY4SYD/ @ £0.99 – for now.

Night Eyes: Volume 2 (The Detective Temeke Crime Series) Kindle Edition: When the past and present collide, a boy realises everything he loves is at stake… for £0.99 instead of £2.99 for a limited time.

Temeke and Santiago are pushed to the limit in the second book of this thrilling, fast-paced series set in New Mexico A decade-old investigation into the murders of several young boys has long gone cold – no suspects, no witnesses, no leads. Until a chilling phone call points police to the remains of a child buried near the ancient ruins of an Anasazi settlement. Is it a tragic one-off, or the mark of a serial killer resurfacing? Then, the young son of Albuquerque’s mayor is kidnapped. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FN3S19DJ/ @ £0.99 instead of £2.99 for a limited time.

Lord Garson’s Bride: A tender Regency marriage-of-convenience romance (Dashing Widows Book 7) Kindle Edition by Anna Campbell. The dramatic final novel in Anna Campbell’s bestselling Dashing Widows series brings redemption, desire, and a love worth fighting for: @ £0.99 instead of £4.99

Plain, practical, and long overlooked, Lady Jane Norris has spent her life caring for her family’s estate and watching the world pass her by. At twenty-eight, with her father gone and her future uncertain, she faces spinsterhood—until a most unexpected suitor arrives at her door. Hugh Rutherford, Baron Garson, is England’s most notorious rejected bridegroom, still haunted by the scandal of his broken engagement. Determined to secure his legacy with a sensible match, he proposes to Jane, the steady childhood friend who has always stood in the shadows. For Jane, his offer promises comfort, security—and the children she has always longed for. What it does not promise is love. But when friendship turns to fiery attraction, Jane discovers … Nope… read it, it’s great. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DQ9BDRQM/ @ £0.99 instead of £4.99

Secrets at the Poplar House: A gripping historical crime novel by Tessa Harris set in Jack the Ripper’s Victorian London (A Constance Piper Mystery Book 2) Kindle Edition: Pre-order @ only £2.99

Where desperate mothers seek refuge, a predator waits: cold, cunning, and deadlier than London’s infamous killer… In November 1888, Victorian England offers little mercy to unmarried mothers. To escape public ruin, many surrender their infants to “baby farmers” which are women who, for a fee, promise care, discretion, and the hope of a loving home. Constance Piper begins to sense that something is terribly wrong with one such woman. Known as Mother Delaney, she presents herself as a savior to the desperate, her Poplar house a refuge for unwanted children. But Constance hears another story; one of vanished babies, muffled cries, and promises that end in silence. In her investigations Constance is drawn deeper into Mother Delaney’s shadowed world where there seem to be a truth too monstrous to face… Pre-order @ £2.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GSL6Q1R9/

Milly Adams is the author of the Waterway Girls Trilogy. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK25HPRF Only £5.97 for all three.

“The LPO played a trio of composers’ works … with varying success”

Under the assured baton of Principal Conductor Edward Gardner, the LPO played a trio of composers’ works … with varying success.

Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Three Screaming Popes was inspired by a series of Francis Bacon paintings (which themselves drew on portraits by 17th-Century works by Veláquez), transforming the distorted figures into a vivid orchestral canvas. To be honest, I was internally screaming like the Popes – the 15-minute piece was discordant and anxious, something akin to a horror film’s soundtrack. I think some of the instruments were screaming, too.

Béla Bartók (1881-1945)

However, this was followed by Béla Bartók’s Violin Concerto No.1, with soloist Alina Ibragimova. Two beautiful movements without a break. And a return to ‘conventional’ music. It was mesmerising and a wonderful teaser to what would follow after the interval. Alina clearly enjoyed herself, her passion and enthusiasm shining through.

Alina Ibragimova ⓒ LPO

Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition was inspired by his friend’s paintings. Victor Hartmann created works which Mussorgsky imagines are hanging in a gallery and we step from one to the other. There are fifteen short movements representing each canvas – from the grotesque to the haunting to the romantic. Climaxing in the triumph of entering The Great Gate of Kiev with the playing of a real Liberty Bell. Yet, strangely, the pieces were written just for piano in 1874 – the whole work was orchestrated by Maurice Ravel in 1922.

Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881)

Another superb evening spent with almost 100 musicians and the amazing LPO. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has a vast range of events at various venues around the country. Check out their website for details –
https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .

Principal Conductor Edward Gardner Artistic Director Elena Dubinets

Dates until Saturday 25th April 2026

Check with the LPO website for details https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .

Instagram @londonphilharmonicorchestra X @LPOrchestra

Facebook @londonphilharmonicorchestra

The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads giveaway for World Book Night in Waterstones Bradford – photo credit Guzelian Photography

UK charity The Reading Agency has joined forces with Spotify to make free-to-stream Quick Reads available for World Book Night on 23 April 2026.

The Reading Agency and Spotify have partnered as part of a wider joint campaign within the National Year of Reading – including a new audiobook toolkit for libraries and Spotify’s industry-leading reading aids such as ‘Page Match’ and ‘Audiobook Recaps.’ The initiative is part of The Reading Agency’s mission to tackle the UK’s reading crisis, with only around half of adults regularly reading.

For the first time, all six Quick Reads titles will be available in audiobook format, widening access for people who struggle with print, including those who are time-poor, neurodivergent, or lacking confidence in reading. Quick Reads, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, was launched in 2006 to support adults who are lapsed readers, non-readers, or face barriers such as time, confidence, or concentration. The short, accessible books are written by bestselling authors across a range of genres.

Audiobooks on the rise

With the average UK adult now spending 52 hours a year listening to audiobooks, audio has become a powerful and increasingly mainstream reading format. Its popularity in the UK is growing rapidly, with the market nearly tripling since 2016, driven largely by 16–54-year-olds and changing, multitasking lifestyles. Spotify’s ‘Multi-Format Readers’ research found more than a third of U.K. readers (34%) are more likely to consider listening to audiobooks as “real reading” than they were a year ago, and over half of readers in the U.K. (51%) now switch between audio and print/e-book formats to meet their reading goals.

The Reading Agency’s State of the Nation report found that almost half of adults (46%) struggle to focus on reading due to distractions, while one in three multitask while reading. Those who read fewer books are more likely to engage with audio: 33% of men listen to audiobooks weekly, compared to 24% of women, while women are more likely to read daily. More than half of 25–34-year-olds are regular audiobook listeners, including 56% of men in that age group.

Audiobooks are also helping to widen access: 52% of adults with learning differences listen weekly, compared to 22% without. For time-poor adults, audiobooks offer a practical solution. Over half (53%) of parents with children under 11 listen at least once a week, compared to 18% of those without.

Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said: “Audiobooks create shared experiences in new ways — whether families listening together at home or groups coming together in libraries. We’re seeing a real rise in audio listening groups, where people listen and discuss books collectively. We want to challenge the idea that ‘real’ reading must be print. Listening to books delivers many of the same benefits, from supporting comprehension and vocabulary, to increasing wellbeing and empathy.”

Duncan Bruce, Director of Audiobooks Partnerships and Licensing, Spotify said: “Stories have the power to connect, entertain or inform us. But for some, finding the time or confidence to pick up a book isn’t always easy. Audiobooks are helping to change that with people increasingly moving between formats – listening on the go and reading when they can – and that flexibility helps more stories fit into busy lives. We’re proud to help more people discover stories, including this year’s Quick Reads, in ways that work for them, supporting a more accessible and inclusive reading culture across the UK.”

Supporting libraries during the National Year of Reading

As part of the partnership, The Reading Agency and Spotify are developing a new audiobook toolkit for libraries, supporting staff to deliver audiobook clubs, group listening sessions and inclusive reading activities. The organisations will also work together with the National Year of Reading to champion audiobooks as an accessible and engaging way into reading, helping to reach new and underserved audiences across the UK.

Shared listening and national reach

A selection of the 2026 Quick Reads titles will be available to stream for free on Spotify on World Book Night. A new curated audio resource will also be distributed to libraries and schools to support classroom listening, community events and group listening experiences.

The Reading Agency’s research highlights a strong link between audiobooks and wider reading, with one in four listeners saying audiobooks have encouraged them to read more. Spotify is one of several landmark partnerships marking a step change in ambition for Quick Reads, which has grown from a small intervention into a national reading movement.

To mark its 20th anniversary, The Reading Agency aims to gift up to one million Quick Reads to communities across the UK.

@readingagency #QuickReads #WorldBookNight #GoAllIn For all enquiries, please contact: ann@causeuk.com m: 0753 489 2715.