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Letterbox Library

@letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
1.6K followers 365 following 811 posts

Est. 1983. Not-for-profit children’s booksellers celebrating equality, inclusion & diversity. Schools/EY supplier. Co-runs Little Rebels Award. Workers’ Cooperative. www.letterboxlibrary.com #kidlituk #ukkidlit

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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
UK Primary/EY Teachers- Our newsletter! www.letterboxlibrary.com/subscribers Stay connected and enjoy member-only discounts. Latest issue includes: TRIBUTE to our new Children's Laureate TIPS: selecting Black History titles BOOK PACKS: new and updated OFFER: on our Black History Book Pack KS1/2
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The @theclpe.bsky.social ‘s introductory membership for schools looks mighty fine, but the ⭐️All Access Membership⭐️ is just overflowing with literacy rich resources, from teaching plans to CPD series. We’re so impressed! clpe.org.uk/membership #KidLitUK
clpe.org.uk
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Your new MG detective hero has gone stateside! 🕵🏻🕵🏿‍♀️🕵🏽‍♀️🔍🍰🧁 The U.S. edition of #CinnamonCrumb is out & about. Perfectly in time for the new #GBBO series (and trust me there’s more than “elements”- there’s an entire comedic lexicon of puns!!) @harrywoodgate.bsky.social #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
1/2 The most recent “Letterbox Library Recommends” column has just published in @booksforkeeps.bsky.social A selection of books featuring characters experiencing social isolation & loneliness- prompting neighbourhood activism & solidarity. Read the article at booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/lett...
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
1/2 “During my tenure as Waterstones Children’s Laureate, I will champion the power of books to make us feel like we belong…but Patrice will not BEGIN to do this during her tenure: she has been doing this all along, and for all ages of readers”👏 A tribute to- booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/beyo...
booksforkeeps.co.uk
Beyond the Secret Garden: Patrice Lawrence, UK Children’s Laureate – Books For Keeps
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
There is so much we want to share about the latest @booksforkeeps.bsky.social but, for now, head on over to their site. Essential bimonthly read for all you teachers/librarians invested in books as a life changing force for children❤️ #KidLitUK #BookSky
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
1/2 Last week we joined the celebration of brand new MG detective / lesser talented baker, Cinnamon Crumb! The launch of a brand new series- @harrywoodgate.bsky.social was on hand to sign & stamp (yes a bespoke CC Detective Agency stamp!) copies. @waterstones.bsky.social South Ken. #KidLitUK
Photo of a 4 tiered sponge cake filled with cream and red jam, decorated on top with the same, plus fresh strawberries and chocolate shards. To right is a tin of madeleines. 

Woman sat at table with glass of white wine. Author, Harry,is standing and leaning over to autograph and stamp the inside of her copy of Cinnamon Crumb. There is a glass of white wine on the table n front of them. Author Harry stans holding glass of wine. They are white with shoulder length brown curly hair. Wears glasses. Head to one side, smiling. They wear a Lucy&Yak jump suit with a bright floral pattern- red, yellow, green, mauve, and black.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
“We want to encourage book publishers and creators to level up, not down, the numbers of portrayals of different disabled people. We urge you to continue to portray many more disabled people, carefully and authentically.” #KidLitUK #ReflectingDisability www.thebookseller.com/features/the...
thebookseller.com
On reflection: the time has come to deepen disability representation in children’s books
With only 10% of children’s books including disabled characters – with many ‘only in the background’ – the time is ripe to encourage book publishers and creators to level up, new Reflecting Disability...
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
1/4 📣The first of its kind: ⭐️⭐️⭐️New study in to disability representations in UK children’s literature⭐️⭐️⭐️ From the organisation Reflecting Disability www.reflectingdisability.co.uk #KidLitUK #disability ➡️ @thebookseller.com www.thebookseller.com/features/the...
thebookseller.com
On reflection: the time has come to deepen disability representation in children’s books
With only 10% of children’s books including disabled characters – with many ‘only in the background’ – the time is ripe to encourage book publishers and creators to level up, new Reflecting Disability...
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
👋Teachers! 4 new episodes of #MostlyBookTalk landed last month. Just making sure no one missed that😃 ➡️https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mostly-book-talk/id1736007526 #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Last week we were at the launch of super-creepy #MiddleGrade horror: 👻The Lost Name Society👻 @savitakalhan.bsky.social @storymix.bsky.social @foxandinkbooks.bsky.social We were greeted by ravens! See our Insta reel (image below) Catch our review: www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page... #KidLitUK
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World Book Day UK @worldbookdayuk.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
They're here! Get your first look at the 2027 £1/€1.50 books! 📚✨ From exciting adventures to laugh-out-loud stories, there's something for everyone. Children can choose their own book from 11 February 2027, FREE with a £1/€1.50 book token. Find out more at www.worldbookday.com
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The Librarians documentary (US) wins Emmy. Featuring the sterling work of anti-censorship advocates. “The film hopes to grow the movement." @publisherswkly.bsky.social www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief...
publishersweekly.com
‘The Librarians’ Wins Emmy Award
Kim A. Snyder’s film about the role of library workers in the national battle over book bans won the Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
👶🏽👶🏿👶🏻👶🏽👶🏻👶🏾👶🏿 7 cutest babies… -and #ForestXiao - took the prize! #KlausFluggePrize #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Oooooh… People Like Stars, Birdie, Dead Yard… so many titles to love here ❤️ #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Every year we make a delivery to @theclpe.bsky.social for their innovative #PowerOfReading training: clpe.org.uk/training/cou... Developed in 2005 #PoR “has raised achievement in more than 5000 schools. 98% of teachers saw improved engagement” Which is why the delivery gives us smiles! #KidLitUK
6 stacked (sealed) boxes on parquet flooring.
Either side stands a white woman, smiling, one hand pointing towards the boxes in a lighthearted pose.
Shelves of books behind them.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
All the huge benefits to teachers EYFS-Yr6 who take out All-Access Membership with literacy charity @theclpe.bsky.social
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Darren Chetty @darrenchetty.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
£300k to market and promote a single book through 'an engagement programme' is a lot of public money. And we still don't know who is paying for the books. So a public / private initiative with a secret funder. The plot thickens... I've written about this here: booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/on-r...
booksforkeeps.co.uk
On Royal Horses, Mickey Mouse, and Impossible Creatures – Books For Keeps
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
This is so disappointing. £300k of public money to fund an “engagement” with ONE pre-selected book. Such a disconnect from the ethos of reader volition which underpins so much reading for pleasure, which is itself foundational to the National Year of Reading. #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Ah well, of course, if you’re not on Insta you won’t have seen our fabulous pre-publication-order offer of ⚡️30% off⚡️ @savitakalhan.bsky.social ‘s gothic drama: THE LOST NAME SOCIETY -but now I’ve told you anyways..so visit / order BEFORE SEP 3rd! www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page... #KidLitUK
letterboxlibrary.com
THE LOST NAME SOCIETY | Letterbox Library
by S.R. Krish “In a world where fitting in means losing yourself, they must reclaim the power of their names, the ones they were born with and the ones they’ve chosen, to tear the school down.” (Publi...
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
When she isn’t running Letterbox Library, director Kerry supports #LeicesterCity for her sins… 🦊⚽️🦊
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Utah’s 1st book ban of the school year is in…the wonderful, vital: Push by Sapphire “When we ban books like ‘Push,’ we are in danger of falling into the sinkholes of hate and prejudice and ignorance and of losing what little love we have left for each other” #bookban www.sltrib.com/news/educati...
sltrib.com
Utah just banned the book that inspired the hit film ‘Precious’ from all public schools
With this addition, 37 books are now banned from public school shelves statewide.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Over the summer we’ve had a tidy offer for early years settings on our bountiful Early Years Concepts Book Pack. If you’re an EY setting and we’ve not sent you details, just get in touch: info@letterboxlibrary.com Pack: www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page... #KidLitUK #notforprofit #coop
Screen shot of Insta story. Shows visual asset for Early Years Concepts Pack- an orange and yellow square with 4 book covers. Above this reads, "Important little announcement: we've been in touch with some of our top EY settings to offer them a fab offer on this pack over the summer"

Below the image, it reads "If we've not been in touch with you yet, just email us at info@letterboxlibrary.com”
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Schools and early years settings getting all prep’d for starting the new year chockablock with inclusive books! ⬇️ ⬇️⬇️ #KidLitUK #BookSky
Print out of an online book pack order listing:
Early Years Concepts Pack
Early Years Diverse Families Pack
Early Years Feelings Pack 
Early Years Disabilities Pack 
Early Years Gender Equality Pack
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
“Text & illustrations synch together to create a judiciously flavoured, immersive world. As sinkable as a perfectly airy chocolate mousse” @harrywoodgate.bsky.social MG debut: the Cinnamon Crumb Baking Detective series🧁 30% off pre-orders, folks! #KidLitUK www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
letterboxlibrary.com
CINNAMON CRUMB BAKING DETECTIVE: THE GREAT CAKE CAPER | Letterbox Library
by Harry Woodgate “A good story is a bit like a cake…First you need the right ingredients:A dash of daring.A generous dollop of laughter.A spoonful of surprise and…A tantalising twist that nobody was ...
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
“The question is not whether children notice difference,but whether they see difference as a problem” Prof @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social offers tips on how to choose inclusive children’s books & how to navigate problematic representations on the page. #KidLitUK 1001stories.co.uk/guest-articl...
1001stories.co.uk
Children’s Books, Representation and Belonging: A Conversation with…
The 1001 is a vast collection of stories from different times, ages, and forms. Explore themes, exhibitions, and traditional tales with learning resources.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Joyful work days include interviewing @harrywoodgate.bsky.social on their forthcoming middle grade cosy crime baking fest: 🧁Cinnamon Crumb (Usborne Books)🧁 The 1st in the series is landing on our website soon. Interview out in @booksforkeeps.bsky.social later this year… #KidLitUK #BookSky
Shows a photo of a still from a zoom interview. White woman, fair hair tied up, holds a copy of Cinnamon Crumb. Wears collared/striped white & pink tshirt. 
In the background are shelves with more Harry Woodgate books turned outward including Grandad’s Pride, Timid and Grandad’s Camper.
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Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
@drmrb.bsky.social is a quality researcher with impeccable ethics. She will always speak up on behalf of others no matter how it might affect her.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
1/3 “This is where the enabling adult matters most. Not in controlling the route, but in modelling how wide the map can be.” On reader volition & listening to children’s book choices. @mattobin.bsky.social in @booksforkeeps.bsky.social #KidLitUK … booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/tell...
booksforkeeps.co.uk
‘Tell Me About It’: How Conversation and Companionship Create Lifelong Readers – Books For Keeps
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
“What emerges through the details of this project is a particular vision of Britishness. But this book, rather like Christmas and The British Monarchy, will not be everyone’s cup of tea.” On the Queen’s Christmas ‘Present’ #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
This is a proper good round up. Sign up! #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Primary/Early Years Teachers: IF you were following us on Insta you would have seen details of our Book Selection Service 🙂 Essentially: we can curate a class collection for you to meet your needs across age/topic/format- And because our stock is across-the-board inclusive + chosen by…
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
After our Diverse Families Book Pack, our next most popular pack for EY looks at feelings. 13 inclusive resource & story books ideal for equipping young children with the tools they need to tune in to, express & manage a range of feelings. www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page... #KidLitUK
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CLPE @theclpe.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Here's John Agard bringing his award-winning poetry to life at CLiPPA 2026 with a performance of his poem titled 'Bogeyman Headmaster.' Congratulations once again to John on winning this year's CLiPPA, and to all of our shortlisted poets for sharing their fantastic work with us. 🎉
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
“Book banners are active participants, if not outright proponents, of the growing children’s literacy crisis.” How book banners create & manipulate ratings & reviews to start book challenges… thoughtful (US) piece over at @bookriot.bsky.social bookriot.com/tools-used-b...
bookriot.com
The Tools Book Banners Are Using to Target Books in 2026: Book Censorship News, July 24, 2026
Get to know the National Book Rating Index, BookLens, RatedBooks, and more tools being used to ban books across US schools and libraries.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
“We can look back through history and see that there’s always been censorship..Books are primarily a source for people to learn new ideas and to critically think…So books are powerful, and that’s what scares people.” www.the74million.org/zero2eight/w...
the74million.org
Who Decides Which Stories Children Get to Read?
Jan Lacina, editor of a textbook that helps teachers select children’s books, discusses censorship and why access to diverse literature matters.
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Ian Eagleton @ianeagletonauthor.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
As it's the National Year of Reading, I thought now would be a good chance to remind you all that The Reading Realm iPad app and The Poetry Realm iPad app are both FREE! They have hundreds of stories and poems on them with lots of engaging activities! thereadingrealm.co.uk #KidLit #EduSky #BookSky
thereadingrealm.co.uk
The Reading Realm Home - The Reading Realm
Journey into a world where stories come to life… Have you downloaded the iPad apps? The Poetry Realm The Reading Realm
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
“Our evidence‑based programme helps schools embed empathy education through reading in a way that strengthens relationships, calms classrooms&boosts reading attainment-all within your existing practice” Become an Empathy School! @empathylabuk.bsky.social #KidLitUK empathylab.uk/empathy-scho...
empathylab.uk
Empathy Schools
Next training coming up in October Find out more Express your interest Register for training Talk to us first Our impact Where reading builds connection Children and young people learn best when th…
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Little Rebels Award @littlerebsprize.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
⭐️Social Justice Themed Books for Children⭐️ From a graphic novel exploring right wing regimes to a picture book 🐿️ who falls foul of excess capitalism➡️ You can catch our top recommendations for titles published 2025 by eagerly😃 engaging with #LittleRebelsAwardHighlights2026 #KidLitUK #BookSky
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Summer holiday bookie exhibition, perfect for young fans of “mysteries, detectives, sleuths and subterfuge”. Designed by young people themselves around a story by @sharnajackson.com with extra input from @redbreastedbird.bsky.social #KidLitUK www.storymuseum.org.uk/explore/myst...
storymuseum.org.uk
Exhibition: Mystery Academy
Mystery Academy: School for Young Detectives
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
“As neither ‘pure’ text or ‘fine’ art, comics is non-binary&fluid in how these combine,contrast, counterpoint,even contradict” Curator Paul Gravett introduces new queer comics exhibit-Quentin Blake Ctr for Illustration Ends 4th Oct! @booksforkeeps.bsky.social booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/quee...
booksforkeeps.co.uk
Queer as Comics: a guide to the new exhibition at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration – Books For Keeps
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
“Now, more than ever, it is critical that we continue to review and recommend books that foster a spirit of inclusion and empathy, including those with LGBTQ+ themes and by LGBTQ+ authors – not just for LGBTQ+ children and young people, but for everyone.” CEO @childrensbooksireland.ie #KidLitUK ⬇️
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Your regular reminder that if you visit us at bookshop.org you’ll find fab booklists like Young Carers, New Beginnings & books from the latest Beyond the Secret Garden column @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social & @darrenchetty.bsky.social in @booksforkeeps.bsky.social Visit: uk.bookshop.org/lists/beyond...
Screenshot from mobile app of bookshop.org. 

Shows Letterbox Library as selected bookshop and then the search bar followed by the top of their reading list "Beyond the Secret Garden: Reading Gender." Screenshot which shows introductory para to this reading list: 

“Highlights of the contemporary titles featured in the July 2026 (Issue 279) issue* of Books for Keeps' Beyond the Secret Garden (BtSG) column.  Co-authored by Professor Karen Sands-O'Connor & Dr Darren Chetty, BtSG examines "how Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic voices have been represented in our national story of children’s literature, and how we can bring about change". This most recent edition looks at representations of gender  and pays special heed to the recent "growth in books that examine gender and patriarchy within minoritised communities". The selection of contemporary titles is short but the sweetest!

Read the full article at: 

*https://booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/beyond-the-secret-garden-reading-gender/  “
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Little Rebels Award @littlerebsprize.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Continuing Our Series #LittleRebelsAwardHighlights2026 A picture book which “bravely explores family breakdown & implied domestic violence through a child’s voice”. We may be on hiatus but we’re still here to share the best of 2025’s social justice books. Next Up: OUR DANCE #KidLitUK #BookSky
Visual asset.
Orange background.
Book cover.
At top: 
“OUR DANCE 
Circle Yuen 
Graffeg”
Top right corner the pale yellow Little Rebels logo with “highlights” underneath. Orange background.
Repeat of award logo/highlights bottom left corner.
Text reads: 

“A picture book which bravely and deftly explores family breakdown and implied domestic violence through a young child’s eyes. The text perfectly captures a child’s voice while the illustrations expand on the family dynamics, often through the use of the space just beyond the pages. The resolution comes in the form of parental separation and then continued contact through a Child Contact Centre- and this, for us, is where the ‘politics’ of the books are concentrated, showing how contact centre charities play a vital social role by offering traumatised families a secure, neutral space which prioritise children’s emotional and physical safety. The first UK children’s book we have seen which refers to contact centres and, some will say, a brave choice of subjects for a debut author. We’re delighted Circle Yuen decided to go there – her background in social justice work really comes through!”Orange background 
Repeat if award/highlight logo bottom right corner.
Text reads:

Publisher description:

“A young girl loves to dance, especially when Daddy and Mummy dance with her, but these dances don’t last long.

One evening Daddy leaves home and Mummy explains that they are separating and the family won’t be dancing together anymore. During the week the young girl lives with Mummy and on Saturdays she visits Daddy at a contact centre. The family now have two new dances, each one different but both as valuable as the other”
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
“We write with deep concern regarding the rollback in inclusive representation within the UK children’s publishing industry.” #KidLitUK Open letter to sign: docs.google.com/document/d/1...?
docs.google.com
Open Letter to the UK KidLit Industry
If you’d like to add your name to this open letter, fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/7rNoHUcRvBpBrczH6 Open Letter to the UK KidLit Industry We write with deep concern regarding the rollb...
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Letterbox Library Recommends We Are Family: Beyond Queer Parents Our 3rd Recommend column is out in @booksforkeeps.bsky.social 🌈lgbtq+ extended family members in UK picture books🌈 See a teaser on our Insta (grid image ⬇️) ➡️Read the full article: booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/lett... #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Guess who’s the New featured Illustrator on our home page … Expect 🧑🏿‍🚀astro girls, 🏊🏿aqua boys and messy toddler time! #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
1/2 “It may be churlish to look a gift horse in the mouth. It is downright irresponsible to fail to investigate potential Trojan horses.” A highly considered piece from @darrenchetty.bsky.social in @booksforkeeps.bsky.social which brings together- #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/on-r...
booksforkeeps.co.uk
On Royal Horses, Mickey Mouse, and Impossible Creatures – Books For Keeps
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Hurrah! A #LittleRebelsAward Birthday🥳🎉🍾 For more happy-all-round book vibes, follow @littlerebsprize.bsky.social #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
The @theclpe.bsky.social , with over 50 years experience:”we have seen time & again how important a culture of Reading for Pleasure is in engaging children in broader learning opportunities and experiences” See their #PowerOfReading impact report. Essential reading/training for teachers 🙂 #KidLitUK
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