Jake in the Middle by Michael Catchpool illustrated by Shanarama – the first in the Maple Street series – is a Guardian Book of the Month. @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...

New year, new stories. This month’s inclusive picks include Lunar New Year celebrations, calm and thoughtful picture books, playful poetry and brilliant early chapter reads. A lovely mix for refreshing classroom and library shelves this winter. 💛📖 https://ow.ly/7kB350Y5mFA

Jake in the Middle by Michael Catchpool illustrated by Shanarama – the first in the Maple Street series – is a Guardian Book of the Month. @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...

Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels www.theguardian.com/books/2026/j...

The 1st in the #MapleStreet series #JakeintheMiddle Michael Catchpool illustrated Shanarama @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social is #RedReadingHub’s #kidlit #youngfiction book of the day reviewed on the blog wp.me/p11DI5-dA6

Developing a Love of Reading Dr. Seuss, Ofsted and the magic of seeing yourself in a story Read more:⛄📚❄️ issuu.com/educationcho... #educationchoicesmagazine #educationcornerpodcast #educationchoices #drseuss #michaelcatchpool #EDIB #DEI #equality #diversity #inclusion #belonging #reading

And the launch of 'Making It Up As You Go Along: A Children's Guide to Writing Stories'. A gorgeous thing to make. Mary Murphy's illustration is so funny and smartly pitched. And Trish – well. She's kids-lit's answer to Miggeldy, complete with cries of "Please don't go!"

The current Irish Children’s Literature Laureate, Patricia Forde, reflects on the highlights of her tenure and on what she still hopes to achieve 👇 #BookSky

We can’t wait to welcome Mary Murphy back to celebrate the publication of Let’s Be Earthlings, her absolutely gorgeous new picture book! Come along at 3pm this coming Sat (30th Aug) at 3pm for storytelling and more fun! You can order Let’s Be Earthlings here halfwayupthestairs.ie/product/9781...

Our picks of the best children’s books coming out in Autumn 2025. 📚👍🏼 schoolreadinglist.co.uk/new-book-rel... #kidlit Here's our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade ...

Today's review...'Let’s Be Earthlings' by Mary Murphy A real gem! www.throughthebookshelf.com/reviews/lets-be-earthlings

Mary Murphy has kindly donated her original illustrations from her book Happy. Do check it out sooner rather than later if you're interested, there's only FOUR pieces left! As always, all funds raised go straight to @medicalaidpal.bsky.social www.ruthennis.com/irish-kidlit...

We're coming back to #Newcastle Theatre Royal! We've brought some of the best children's authors and illustrators to the theatre over the past 8 years, including Valerie Bloom, John Agard & @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social This year we're welcoming @catherinerayner.bsky.social 💛 #booksky #literacy

Tonight! Don't miss a rare opportunity to hear one of the country's best-loved poets, Valerie Bloom. Produced by our partner Speaking Volumes. Details below 👇

📣 SUPERJOE DOES NOT SAY SORRY has come out in PAPERBACK! 🦸🏿‍♂️ The laugh-out-loud follow up to SuperJoe Does NOT Do Cuddles, this second outing by our loveable superhero is sure to help even the most stubborn pre-schooler learn the value of saying sorry. 🐙 uk.bookshop.org/a/291/978183... #booksky

Thanks to Ireland AM for having our Elaina on the show yesterday morning to discuss great new Spring reads from Irish authors and illustrators ☘️🌅📺 Check out the featured books and watch back on the show (01:14:20) ⬇️ childrensbooksireland.ie/news-events/...

Teachers! Parents! Classicists! Looking for short-format, easy-to-read books for intelligent older readers in KS3? Try my #TalesFromVirgilsAeneid. Simple, fast-moving, tragic plots & not dumbed-down in any way. Plus with covers by amazing @flaroh.bsky.social! www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...

Virgil was a genius of storytelling and I've retold two tragic tales from his #Aeneid. Gender busting #Camilla is a good partner for my Nisus & Euryalus book. Lots of white space for teen readers and another brilliant cover by @flaroh.bsky.social AKA Flora Kirk. www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...

Short, brutal and tragic, Virgil's story of two young warriors, Nisus and Euryalus, is perfect for teens interested in mythology and ancient history. Bonus is the brilliant new cover by @flaroh.bsky.social Order here: www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...

Here’s the final Friends Forever window @halfwayupbooks.bsky.social by the v talented Mary Murphy. Signed copies in stock. Age 3+ #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks

So lovely to have Mary Murphy here for our first event of 2025, reading and drawing from her new book Friends Forever! Signed copies available in store and online! halfwayupthestairs.ie/product/9780... @sarahwebbwriter.bsky.social

Pantheon: An Illustrated Handbook to the Greek Gods & Goddesses by Caroline Lawrence, illustrated by Flaroh Illustration (suggested 12+): uk.bookshop.org/p/books/pant...

Our first event of 2025 is with the wonderful Mary Murphy to celebrate her fantastic new picture book, Friends Forever! Join us on Saturday Feb 8th at 3pm for storytime and activities! Age 4+, no booking required. Friends Forever is available in store and online at www.halfwayupthestairs.ie

Always good fun at the Trafalgar Square tree lighting ceremony (even though the heavens opened on us)! Thanks to Valerie Bloom for the brand new @poetrysociety.bsky.social Christmas poem and to the children who performed it beautifully 🎄

Mary Murphy is another outstanding picture book maker for young children aged 2/3+. I adore Chirp, an ode to the dawn chorus with strong, vibrant artwork and lyrical text. And What I Like Most for age 4+ is such a beautiful picture book. #BookElves2024 #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks

You can now listen to an interview with poet Valerie Bloom on this evening's unveiling of this year's Christmas tree poem, broadcast earlier on BBC Radio London (at around 7.20am on the recording) www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

It's that time of year again! Join hundreds of festive sightseers on 5th December 5.45pm as a new seasonal poem by Valerie Bloom is unveiled as part of the official lighting-up of the Trafalgar Square tree. poetrysociety.org.uk/event/the-tr...

Today is #nationalillustrationday, so here's a shout out to two of my most favourite people...

Ta-da! Here’s the #BfK pre-Christmas round up of this year’s #poetry books. With an eye on suitable poetic gifts for young word lovers, Clive Barnes recommends bumper anthologies and new collections for young and older 🎁 #kidlit #childrensbooks booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/poet...

I spoke to CHERUB author Robert Muchamore about getting published as an author from a less-privileged background and writing books that appeal to working class kids. Read more: www.voicemag.uk/interview/14...

Today's review...'The River's a Singer' by Valerie Bloom. A joyful collection of poems! www.throughthebookshelf.com/reviews/the-rivers-a-singer

Very much enjoyed this collection of #childrenspoetry by Valerie Bloom with lovely illustrations by Ken Wilson-Max. The subjects range from heartwarming to whimsical and the book features a wide range of poetic forms. So much inventiveness, so much heart! 💜🌋 #kidlit #amreading

The River’s A Singer by Valerie Bloom, illustrated by Sophie Bass 📚👍🏼 https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/childrens-book-reviews/the-rivers-a-singer/ #kidlit The River’s a Singer is an engaging, culturally diverse poetry collection that will appeal to fans of Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho. The series…

Today's review...'The Minute Minders' by Mary Murphy @pushkinpress.bsky.social A warm, wonderful read! www.throughthebookshelf.com/reviews/the-minute-minders

Illustration by @saramulvanny from my Time Travel Diaries, set in Roman London. Hear how poet Debashish Lahiri & I get ideas for imagining Roman Britain. We'll be speaking this Thurs 2 Nov 4pm at Senate House. FREE! All welcome! tinyurl.com/ymz5s8b3 #mud #bikini #diversity