iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 31/03/2026

Shameless Easter chocolatey book promo. Cover artwork by Sandra Navarro

Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 30/03/2026

Honoured but terrified to receive a proof copy of Jennifer Killick’s next chiller: Demon Hunters: Soul Feeder with illustrations by Marina Vidal Jennifer’s books guarantee relentless panic! Released 4th June Thank you @barringtonstoke.bsky.social

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 01/12/2025

Sometimes, I'm too easily distracted.

The face of an author behind a laptop pretending to work while side-eyeing an advent calendar full of gin.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 22/09/2025

Graphic novels are a dynamic way to enjoy stories. It was a joy to create 12 action packed adventures with amazing artist, Amit Tayal. Amit took my wacky escapades & turned them into unbelievably vibrant artwork that makes every page fizzle with excitement. www.chris-callaghan.com/shinoy-and-t...

Several covers of graphic novels including titles such as 'Mission: Submarine Scare' & 'Mission: Lunar Launch'. Snippets of the comic book panels showing a family and members of the Chaos Crew being thrown around inside space ship type interior, an evil looking half robot/half man, and a winged person flying around a shopping mall with electricity arcing around them.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 10/07/2025

My new book 'When the War Comes In' is set in my hometown of Wallsend where Sting also grew up. This is the house where he lived in as a boy, just a stone's throw away from shipyard which plays a vital part in my book. I think they missed a trick by not calling it 'Woksanne'.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 28/06/2025

Marking Armed Forces Day with a blast from my own past. These scallywags were part of the UN Peacekeeping Forces during the Bosnian War. Mad days. Proud to have served but thinking of those who suffered or made the ultimate sacrifice for peace & freedom. Respect to all currently serving. Stay safe.

Showing the front half of a Tornado F3 jet fighter with five guys hanging around it grinning awkwardly.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 26/06/2025

Dragontastic evening celebrating the launch of @cressidacowell.bsky.social's 'How To Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing'. It was lovely to chat with so many fabulous folk. We were all in awe of how Cressida's stories have captured young (and old) imaginations in so many ways.

The fabulous Cressida Cowell standing next to geeky author bloke, both seemingly fighting over a copy of her book, 'How to Train Your Dragon School'. In a luxurious setting.

close up of book cover 'How to Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing' showing a huge blueish dragon's head with Hiccup and Toothless (much smaller) flying away.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 28/05/2025

Joining in with the #CollinsBigCat 20th Anniversary celebrations. It's been a joy working with their amazing team who work so hard to bring such a diverse range of books to entertain & inspire young & curious imaginations. Flattered to have my books on this impressive 20 year long journey. #KidLitUK

A winding road map starting at Jan 2005 and ending in 2025 showing books produced at various years in between.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 02/05/2025

Thrilled to receive my author copies of 'When the War Comes In'. My little story set in the Tyneside shipyards of my hometown during World War II. Proud to be part of the Collins Big Cat Read On range. Glorious illustrations from Isabella Grott. Available now! #KidLitUK #BookSky #EduSky

Several copies of the same book spread out. Cover shows a battleship next to the end of a row of terraced houses with cranes in the background. Open page shows illustration of happy boys in a back lane playing football with the battleship at the end of the lane.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 14/04/2025

Haway the books! Honoured to have my story - set in my hometown on Tyneside in World War II - as part of the brand new Big Cat Read On series of 20 books. They are designed to bridge the jump from banded readers to longer chapter books. @collinsbooks.bsky.social #BigCatReadOn #KidLitUK #EduSky

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 08/04/2025

Such a fabulous day at the World Literacy Summit in Oxford. An honour to be on a panel discussing ‘Turning Pages, Changing Lives: Building a Culture of Reading for Pleasure’ with Lee Newman & Alison David from HarperCollins, and Debbie Hicks of The Reading Agency. An inspiring and eventful day.

Four people sitting in chairs on a stage. Three looking at the forth, an awkward and nervous looking man holding a microphone and seeming surprised at how heavy it is. Backdrop are banners and a screen showing a grand Oxford building - The Sheldonian Theatre.

Close up (too close) of a geeky looking bloke proudly holding a lanyard showing that he is a delegate of the World Literacy Summit. Backdrop is of grand Oxford buildings.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 04/04/2025

Easter Giveaway I have 3 copies of ‘The Great Chocoplot’ (with new shiny covers) to giveaway, which I’ll sign & dedicate. Plus, a Crème Egg Bar! Follow & repost to be in with a chance of being 1 of 3 people selected at random. Ends Friday 11th April at 8pm (UK only) #KidLitUk #UkKidLit #BookSky

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 31/03/2025

I’m excited/terrified to be speaking/gibbering at the World Literacy Summit in Oxford next week. I’ve even been invited to the Ambassador’s Luncheon, which I’m assuming will largely consist of ferrero rocher sandwiches. #kidlituk

Photo of a grand Oxford building at dusk with internal lights glowing with World Literacy Summit 2025 - Oxford, UK 6-9 April 2025 displayed. And the cover of my book gratuitously slapped on top (When the War Came In)

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 24/03/2025

I'm about to head into the woods! *gulp* . Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods by Jennifer Killick . Cover illustration by Ricardo Bessa

Dodgy bloke standing in front of ivy pretending he's in the woods, holding a book. Book cover shows four young people running away from a witch-like person amongst trees - suggesting the title 'The Witch in the Woods'.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 20/03/2025

So, yeah, I sort of do historical drama these days. Who’d’ve thunk it? Set in my hometown of Wallsend, on Tyneside, during World War Two. A war-weary battleship arrives in the shipyard for some quick repairs … but disaster strikes! Out next month. Glorious cover art from Isabella Grott.

Book cover. Boy stands in foreground wearing striped top and shorts. Terraced housing in background with cobbled streets. A huge battleship stands between the houses with cranes hanging around it.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 02/03/2025

On a school visit a while back I was allowed to use the disabled toilet/storage area. After fumbling around in the murk I found the light switch, which suddenly revealed that I was not alone. Luckily, I was in exactly the right place for the bodily function that immediately followed.

Corner of a utility room/toilet with storage shelves, a floor cleaner, battered looking trolley, and two life size dummies of children - dressed in school uniform, bald, with longer than normal arms and one looking at the other with a face of pure evil.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 24/02/2025

Finally got myself a copy of this beauty. 'Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo' by Philippa Leathley - @prleathley.bsky.social with an incredible cover from Brie Schmida - @leetleschmida-art.bsky.social . I've heard so much about it and looking forward to heading into New London.

Beautiful cover of Inkbound book. A girls stands with staff in hand over a heart-shaped display of the book's title, all on top of a night time skyline of rooftops and chimneys with light shining out of windows. Background of book is a bookshelf in Waterstones.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 21/02/2025

Thrilled seeing my first official* FaceOut of The Great Chocoplot at flagship Piccadilly @waterstones.bsky.social This is as far as my creaky knees would let me go! Get your signed copies before they are devoured/sold/pulped. *Previous FaceOuts have been self inflicted. Cover by Sandra Navarro

Man painfully crouching down next to bookshelf while selfishly pointing at his own book, and ignoring the others, with mouth open and looking overly pleased with himself.

Smug grinning man holding two copies of his own book. Bookshelf in the background has copies of Enid Blyton books, which he never really enjoyed reading as a kid.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 12/02/2025

Delighted with my stash after visiting @janeconsidineedu.bsky.social at her training centre. I got my wife's copy of the 2nd edition of 'The Write Stuff' signed which she uses extensively at her school. I'm trying to keep Grandma Fantastic away from the Easter Eggs, but she seems quite determined!

Copies of books 'The Write Stuff', 'Hooked on Books' and 'The Last Straw' by Jane Considine displayed on a table next to Easter Eggs and a puppet toy of Grandma Fantastic.

Jane Considine and Chris Callaghan standing side by side grinning like loons in front of an educational display.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 03/02/2025

Delighted to support @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social's February initiative where they'll donate 10% of the sale of ANY children's books to children's reading charities @booktrust.org.uk & @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social. AND every sale supports independant bookshops too! #ReadItForward2025

A Bookshop.org banner showing a range of covers of books by Chris Callaghan with logos of the Book Trust and the Scottish Book Trust

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 30/01/2025

Throwback Thursday (is that a thing here/anymore?) Six years ago, Milo was the hyperist and biteyist (yes, those aren't real words, but they should be) of puppies. He'd get up several times in the night and generally chew EVERYTHING. So when he slept - we slept. Sneaky photo taken by my daughter.

A tired looking man sleeping on a sofa with a little dog on his lap.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 22/01/2025

Joining in with the gratitude for my PLR statement from @britishlibrary.bsky.social. Especially thrilled to see my graphic novels being frenetically borrowed. Readers get to enjoy free books and I get to share those contributions with their amazing illustrator #AmitTayal. Its a win, win, win!

Twelve colourful covers of graphic novels spread out against a star splattered background.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 20/01/2025

If you need a smile today, Milo said he would try to help.

A furry dog in a ball pit looking straight at you.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 17/01/2025

Today's job: First proofs of something new. Always an exciting part watching it become real.

Paperwork spread over a table with post it notes covering details, next to a mug of coffee and a doughnut that won't last long.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 13/01/2025

Two wrapped up boys waiting patiently at the bus stop for YoungUn to come home from uni.

A cockerpoo dog in a jumper sitting on the knee of a scruffy man in a beany hat next to a bus shelter. The dog is eagerly looking into the road.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 06/01/2025

Today, my wife has gone back to work and my daughter is back at Uni. So, I suppose, I have the unenviable task of finishing off all the Christmas stuff on my own. Don't worry, I'll be fine.

A brave man sitting at a desk surrounded by boxes of chocolate.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 28/12/2024

Is anyone else feeling a tad Christmassed out?

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 16/12/2024

I’ve been saving this for when I have some proper quality time to really enjoy. The last in the Dread Wood series by Jennifer Killick and cover by Tom Clohosy Cole. I’m excited but sad to say goodbye to Club Loser. I might need a few drinks!

Copy of Dread Wood: Terror Tower on pub table next to a pint of Guinness and a Christmas tree in the background.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 09/12/2024

Covent Garden looking particularly Christmassy. It was also particularly expensive. Luckily, there was a Greggs not too far away.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 06/12/2024

Fab evening at Waterstones Piccadilly. It's become a Christmas tradition to say 'hello' to the brilliant @cressidacowell.bsky.social & great to meet Ross Montgomery to congratulate him on his Children's Book of the Year. Us space geeks were giddy to meet (& shake hands with!) Tim Peake. What a gent!

Two overly keen readers standing outside Waterstones Piccadilly

An overly excited bloke holding a book alongside one of his favourite authors, Cressida Cowell

Ross Montgomery signing a copy of 'I Am Rebel' on a table in a bookshop.

A young space geek looking excited next to astronaut, Tim Peak, while holding a copy of his book.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 25/11/2024

I was sent this photo by the Literacy Trust after a recent event (thanks Steph). I’d always thought that my school talks were fun and light-hearted but looking at this it seems there might be a darker element to them 😱

Man with serious face stands in front of a presentation with a big screaming face emoji

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 22/11/2024

We are nothing without our incredible illustrators. Exhibit A - A parrot trying to eat a hot dog. Exhibit B - Something far more exciting! Thank you Amit Tayal.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 18/11/2024

Little Rabbit Foo Foo by @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social and illustrated by Arthur Robbins. Stone cold classic!

Illustration from Little Rabbit Foo Foo where a rabbit is hiding a mallet behind his back while being told off by a flying good fairy.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 15/11/2024

Fantastic time in Blackpool visiting schools with The Literacy Trust. I love what they do in encouraging young readers from deprived areas, and it was an honour to take part. Such enthusiastic audiences. Also got to have lunch while reading the 'Comedy Carpet' on the Pleasure Beach. #BringMeSunshine

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 16/10/2024

Catching up on the latest thrilling Cora Lael mystery 'The Deadly Echoes' from the unstoppable MJ White @wurdsmyth.bsky.social. Such a gripping series with twisty storylines & superb characters. The next one is out soon! Huge thanks, Miranda, for my mention in the acknowledgements. What an honour!

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 14/10/2024

What an honour! A class in Warden Park Primary have decorated their door in the style of 'The Great Chocoplot' & have also named their class after ME!! What a gloriously delicious door. My head is now so big it probably wouldn't fit through it. I hope 'Callaghan Class' enjoy reading my silly story 😍

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 10/10/2024

It's #WorldSpaceWeek Why not boldly go & explore my book where gravity goes a bit wonky so 'Shinoy & the Chaos Crew' stumble into action & into space! Sneak peek here: issuu.com/collinsed/do... Check out its companion non-fiction book by the cosmic Isabel Thomas Artwork by the stellar Amit Tayal

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 05/09/2024

It's 10 years since the Great North Run Millionth Finisher was celebrated in the shadow of the Tyne Bridge. What an incredible night of pure Geordieness. Sting, Mark Knopfler, Brendan Foster, Ant & Dec AND Jimmy Nail! It'll be etched into our memories for ever!

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 30/08/2024

Pretending we're going to the Proms.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 26/08/2024

Bank Holiday Monday. The in-laws have been around with their barky dog for the afternoon. Now hiding in the corner of a quiet pub. I’ve earned this.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 16/08/2024

Hello, I’m Chris. This is the first book I ever wrote. Not many people read it, but my mam, dad and grandma all said it was “very good”. I kept on trying and 50 years later I now write books that some people do read. And I really like that.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 15/08/2024

Throwback Thursday: Circa 2001 Hey kids, back in the day before big flat screen TVs we had to watch U2 on tiny cuboid things. And we weren't happy about it.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 08/03/2024

It's the end of #WorldBookDay/Week. Keen readers will have had a blast! But also, some non-readers will have been intrigued by books for the very first time. That's a precious little spark right there. Let's keep that ember glowing. For some, this is just the beginning ...

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 22/02/2024

Fab evening celebrating the launch of Sarah Driver's fantastical 'Dreamstalkers: The Night Train'. I'm half way through it and it's utterly GLORIOUS! It was brilliant to chat with a few familiar faces too. Thanks Sarah & Farshore books for inviting me along. Amazing book cover by Diana Renzina

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 14/02/2024

Virtual Event Slots Available up to Easter Any schools reading my books in this period can have 30 mins of gibberish from me for just £50. We can talk about the END of chocolate if you like? Please email: chriscallaghanauthor@gmail.com But bring your own chocolate!

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 08/02/2024

It's a privilege to receive letters from readers and always a pleasure to respond. My latest batch of replies will be in the post today. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to write, and to the amazing teaching staff & librarians who inspire so much enthusiasm for reading in schools.

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 17/01/2024

Excited (and scared) to find the latest in the Dread Wood series, Fright Bite, by Jennifer Killick on a table at Waterstones Kingston the day before official release. I love this series, but am not so keen on rats! Gulp!! Good luck, Club Loser. Another amazing cover from Tom Clohosy Cole

A numpty holding a copy of Dread Wood: Fright Bite by Jennifer Killick and amazingly spooky cover from Tom Clohosy Cole showing a group of teens surrounded by rats!

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Chris Callaghan @chris-callaghan.com · 15/12/2023

A proper Christmas treat to see my old friend Sophie Anderson again and get a copy of the glorious 'The Snow Girl' signed. Stunning illustrations from Melissa Castrillón. Looking forward to reading this next to our twinkling tree.

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