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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Emily is interning at CBNN as part of her Publishing MA studies at Manchester Metropolitan University. In this interview, Emily gives us an insight into what she’s been learning throughout her internship. Link in bio 📚 @manmetuni.bsky.social

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

CBNN’s Bookshop of the Month for August is The New Bookshop in Cockermouth, Cumbria. They tell us about their Book of the Month, The Beatrix Potter edition of the Little People Big Dreams. They even had the illustrator, Sara Rhys, visit the bookshop and paint some artwork on the window!

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

For our July CBNN Reads, CBNN’s Cuppas Lead Brooke Smith has chosen Maudie & Chip The Perfect Day Out by Rosalind Beardshaw. Published by Farshore Books. Link in bio 📚 @farshorebooks.bsky.social

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

In this special Guest Northern Highlight, we speak with Satomi Yamamiya, the winner of the inaugural CBNN Prize! Satomi tells us what it means to have won, and what she is hoping to learn from her mentor, Carly Gledhill. Link in bio 📚

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

In this Northern Highlight, we interview Jack Jackman, an author based near Edinburgh in Scotland. Jack tells us a bit about how he is currently working the next book in his ‘Maisie Vs’ series! Link in bio 📚

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

🎉 New members announcement 🎉 We are delighted to welcome four new members to CBNN. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to: Karen MacAllister, Jess Rose, Nishani Reed and Victoria Gatehouse. We are so excited to have you all on board 📚

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

In this Northern Highlight, we interview Katja Kaine, an author based in Otley. Katja tells us about how she is working on a new standalone young adult fantasy adventure inspired by women pirate Cheng I Sao. Katja’s debut publication, Blood of Gods and Girls, published on 2nd July 2026! Link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The CBNN Prize would not be possible without the incredible support of our amazing Northern sponsors and partners💛 Your support made it possible for us to bring our vision for the inaugural CBNN Prize to life and we are hugely grateful to you all.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

In this Guest Northern Highlight, Ness Wood talks to us about the CBNN Prize. Ness is an award winning Art director, designer and co-owner of Orange Beak Studio. Link in bio 📚

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Congratulations to Lauren Sharples for being highly-commended for the inaugural Children’s Books North Prize! As part of her prize, Lauren will recieve £1000 prize money, jointly sponsored by Simply Books and Children’s Books North Agency, and mentoring from author/Illustrator Jarvis!

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Congratulations to Satomi Yamamiya for winning the inaugural Children’s Books North Prize! As part of her prize, Satomi will recieve £2000 prize money, sponsored by Manchester Metropolitan University, and mentoring from Manchester-based author/Illustrator Carly Gledhill!

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

For our June CBNN Reads, CBNN’s Prize Champion Katie Siddall has chosen Six Weeks by Matt Goodfellow and illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton. Published by Starboard. Link in bio for full review📚 @hachettechildrens.bsky.social

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Meet the Shortlist! Satomi Yamamiya is a Japanese artist based in the North East of England. She is a self-taught artist who enjoys telling stories through her drawings, often creating gentle and playful scenes that evoke warmth and curiosity.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Meet the Shortlist! Matilda Robertson is a designer/illustrator from Northumberland. She likes to use bright colours and textures inspired by risograph printmaking and enjoys creating funny characters that aim to make people chuckle!

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Meet the Shortlist! Lauren’s work is narrative-driven and rooted in nostalgic, often humorous childhood memories. Using expressive linework and traditional printmaking techniques, she creates warm, character-led illustrations that celebrate everyday life and relationships.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Meet the Shortlist! When telling stories through illustrations, Lauren loves to add lots of details and interesting side characters for readers to spot and to delve deeper into. She hopes to create art which can encourage imagination as well as helping readers to feel understood.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Meet the Shortlist! Kate Muldowney is an illustrator and designer for animation living in Burnley, Lancashire. She graduated from the University of Lancashire with a degree in Animation and moved onto complete an MA in Animation at Nottingham Trent University.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Meet the Shortlist! Based in Lancashire, Anna Billington is working towards an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at UCLan . Anna’s work explores nature and connection, as Anna hopes to inspire children’s curiosity in their local environments, through storytelling and engaging characters.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Children’s Books North Network have announced the shortlist for the Children’s Books North Network Prize. The CBNN Prize is in partnership with New Writing North and is part of the Northern Writers’ Awards, launched to support and celebrate emerging Northern talent in children’s picture books.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

In this Northern Highlight, we interview Susan Baker, an author based in Beverley, East Yorkshire. Susan tells us a bit about how she is currently working on a book from the point of view of a young teenager dealing with a grandparent’s dementia. Link in bio 📚 @sjbakerauthor.bsky.social

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

In this Guest Northern Highlight, we interview Tita Berredo for a Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) focused blog! Link in bio for full interview 📚 @titaberredo.bsky.social

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

For our May CBNN Reads, CBNN’s Blogger Extraordinaire Isobel Dixon has chosen Monkeypig by Huw Aaron. Published by Puffin. Link in bio for full review 📚 @puffinbooksuk.bsky.social @huwaaron.bsky.social

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

🎉 New members announcement 🎉 We are delighted to welcome four new members to CBNN. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to: Annie Booker, Genevieve Carver, Janet Aspey, and Katja Kaine. We are so excited to have you all on board 📚

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

In this Northern Highlight, we interview Steph Bellwood, an author based in Gosforth, Newcastle. Steph tells us a bit about how she’s recently finished writing the third instalment of her four-book series. These books follow the adventures of an intrepid group of female motorcycle-riding Wrens 📚

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Today the CBNN Prize judges Lydia Monks, Dapo Adeola, Emma Layfield and Ness Wood gathered at Waterstones Manchester to select the shortlist! It was such a tough decision as so many great entries from unpublished picture book illustrators across the North. Shortlist to be announced early June! 🏆

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

In this Northern Highlight, we interview Shauna Darling Robertson, an author based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Shauna tells us a bit about how she’s currently working with poet Stephen Lightbown on editing his second poetry collection for children. Link in bio 📚

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Applications for the CBNN Mentor Scheme close today at 11:59pm! If you're based in the North or Scotland, don't miss your chance to apply. Use the link in our bio to complete the application form, good luck!

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Looking for more specific publishing career advice? Apply to the Children's Books North Mentor Scheme before Friday 1 May 2026! All CBNN mentees will be connected with a publishing professional to learn more about the industry and how they can land a new role. Apply using the link in our bio!

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

In this Northern Highlight, we interview Kelly Zou, a visual artist and illustrator based in Edinburgh. Kelly tells us a bit about her most recent project, Maeve’s First Science Experiment. Link in bio 📚

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! After working as Desk Editor and then Managing Editor on HCG’s Wren & Rook non-fiction team, Victoria is now Editorial Operations Manager for picture books and non-fiction. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Based in Manchester, Louise is the Key Account Manager and Northern Rep at Bounce Sales and Marketing. Before this she spent a decade as a bookseller. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Hazel oversees design, editing and production with a freelance team, sets the company’s commercial and editorial direction, manages student Major Projects, and coordinates The Northern YA Literary Festival. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Dylan is the former founder-director of Pop Up Projects CIC. He also produced and directed Pathways Into Children's Publishing. He’s currently a part time lecturer on the MA Publishing course at MMU. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Debbie started her career as the Children's Book Buyer at Waterstones Head Office. Now the Programme Leader for Publishing at MMU, she set up the first publishing course in the North of England alongside a publishing house. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Jess started her career in the book publishing industry. After ten years she followed her ambitions to become an illustration agent for children’s books, which then led to setting up Inkling in 2021 with Fiona Kenny. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Emma Layfield is a children’s literary and illustration agent with 25 years of children’s publishing experience. In 2024, Emma launched Children’s Books North Agency to represent Northern and Scottish writers and illustrators. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Sarah Andrews has over 20 years’ experience designing children’s books. After her most recent role as Senior Designer at Hachette Children’s Books, Sarah now works freelance and is based in York. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Robyn is a freelance designer and illustrator based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She has a background in children’s book design and has worked with many UK publishers on a variety of novelty, non-fiction and picture book projects. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Holly is a designer with almost 20 years of in-house experience, creating bestselling book covers for a range of publishers. In 2024 she was shortlisted for the British Book Awards Designer of the Year and is now freelance. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Janet is a highly experienced, award-winning marketer, most recently Senior Brand Manager at Hodder and Stoughton. Having relocated back to the North of England she now manages marketing and publicity campaigns for Fox and Ink Books. Apply using the link in bio!

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Charlotte spent over seven years as a copywriter and editor. She’s been published across some of the UK’s biggest magazines and in two children’s anthologies. She now leads events at Simply Books, an indie bookshop in South Manchester. Link in bio to apply!

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Bea is an award-winning freelance Publicist. She is co-lead of the Children’s Books North Network and is based in Stockport. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio!

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Tilda edits all ages and genres of children's and YA fiction, from the early stages of developing a story to polishing a manuscript for submission or publication. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Lucy is a commissioning editor of illustrated non-fiction, with experience in picture books too. She grew up in Scarborough and Teesside and now lives in Sheffield. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Karyn is senior editor at Floris Books in Edinburgh, working on beautiful and inspiring board books, picture books, middle grade novels, storybook anthologies and illustrated non-fiction for children in Scotland and beyond. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Grace is Senior Commissioning Editor for Orchard Books, part of Hachette Children’s Books, working from their Edinburgh office. She commissions non-fiction for age 0–7, and loves every minute of it! Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! Georgina worked at Waterstones for five years, both in-store and in head office, before joining Hachette Children's Group in 2021. She has published a variety of middle-grade and young adult fiction. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Meet the Mentors! After eight years as an in-house editor, Corinne swapped London’s tube for Scotland’s hills. Specialising in children’s non-fiction, she works as a freelance editor for major publishing houses, including Puffin, Hachette and Quarto. Apply for our mentor scheme using the link in bio

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Looking for a job in publishing? The CBNN Mentor Scheme pairs publishing hopefuls based in the North & Scotland with mentors in all of these areas. Find out more about the CBNN Mentor Scheme and how to apply using the link in our bio! Applications close on Friday 1st May.

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Children's Books North Network @cbnnetwork.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Applications for the 2026 Mentor Scheme are now open! Each year the CBNN mentor scheme offers places to aspiring publishing professionals living in the North of England and Scotland. As part of the scheme, mentees will receive 1:1 mentoring with a publishing professional over four months 📚

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