1. Figmentasia: The Quest For Truth

What lengths would you go to find the real you? How far would you go? What limits would you push yourself to, to uncover the truth?

Join Teban Thelba, Tymon, Suki and Zach on an unforgettable journey through the world of Figmentasia, home to the gods that the people of earth have turned to myth.

Hertfordshire author Russell Scott Emery, author of Figmentasia: The Quest for Truth is hoping to aid parents and teachers, to be able to discuss gender-identity and female empowerment through the fantasy characters of his debut novel.

Gender-identity and female-empowerment issues are reaching the consciousness of a far younger generation.

Russell Scott Emery wanted to create a fictional role model that addresses these issues through a high-fantasy world where gender is not an issue.

It is hoped that the novel will promote a gentle and safe way for young people to explore and discuss these topics.

Russell Scott Emery has worked as a freelance journalist and graphic designer for various LGBT magazines.

Watford Observer:

2. The Naughty Seagulls

They are no ordinary seagulls, they are the Naughty Seagulls. They come from the magic bakery and one is white and the other is brown.

Follow the adventures of the seagulls as they get up to mischief around the bay and meet colourful characters along the way such as Bernie the Baker and Cliff the Fisherman.

A children’s illustrated story, written by Lewis Alderson from Maple Cross, about two magical seagulls created from bread, who make mischief before having to return before sundown.

The book has been illustrated with watercolour images and is aimed at children aged three to five.

3. Capturing the Wry

In this autobiographical tale John – better known as Johny Nocash – takes the reader through the trials and tribulations of unsigned band The Irony Board. It describes their tale of love, lust and signing on.

Capturing the Wry is the debut publication by John Hartley, from Watford. The book - which is accompanied by a free CD sound tracking the tales contained within - will launch at the LP Café on May 27 with readings and live music from the author.

It is the first book to be published by i40Publishing publication, which stems from Everything Indie Over 40, a nostalgia based community that celebrates “a golden age of music and it’s enduring legacy”.

Watford Observer:

4. Pierre the Cat

Pierre is a very hungry cat bored of the same food every day. He goes in search for something different to eat and meets various interesting characters and gets into all sorts of bother.The story is told across twenty rhyming verses, each on a separately illustrated page.

Written by Glenn Lovegrove from Watford, who says: “I have written poetry since I was a child but have not tried to get anything published before.

“I was inspired by a cat that comes over to my garden every day and by books that I used to read to my children when they were younger.

“The story actually just came to me and the initial version took 20 minutes or so to write.

“I then spent some more time on it every now and then refining it, before I submitted it to various publishers in the hope of getting it published.”

It is suitable for children aged four to 11.