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Letterbox Library

@letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
1.7K followers 365 following 822 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 · 08/10/2026
- @penamerica.bsky.social records highest numbers of #bookbans
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
“Schools should be doing everything possible to connect kids with reading..Instead, many are doing the opposite, banning books that help kids see themselves in literature, deepen their understanding and empathy of others, and develop their imaginations.” www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
publishersweekly.com
Book Bans Hit Unprecedented High in 2025–26 School Year, PEN Report Shows
At least 7,370 unique titles were removed from public schools across the U.S. in the last academic year, according to the new report, as administrators in states such as Texas and Florida increasingly...
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
“We’ve come a long way in the past 50 years, but that’s only the start” How lgbtq+ children’s books are becoming more intersectional & complex, a perfect e.g: the integration of activism in Granddad’s Pride @harrywoodgate.bsky.social Danieka Ellis @bookriot.bsky.social bookriot.com/whats-next-f...
bookriot.com
What's Next for LGBTQ Picture Books?
Let's take a look back at the 45-year history of LGBTQ picture books to get a sense of what might be next.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
… @bonnierbooksuk.bsky.social @nicky117.bsky.social
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
“A fable of intergenerational love, kinship and identity” A wonderful launch for The Tale That Time Sews at @theclpe.bsky.social ‘s gorgeous Literacy Library last week. Happy smiles filled the room🙂 To see our full review/support a #NotForProfit: www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page... #KidLitUK
Illustrator Jane Ray, white woman, shoulder length brown hair in white shirt and dark trousers on left. Author Sita Brahmachari, S Asian woman with dark hair pinned up in white shirt and dark blue trousers, with red and white patterned shawl o. Right. Both are laughing.
Behind them, a slide of their book. 3 women in a row, stood up, from waist up. Left is a woman of colour with long dark hair, with black Tshirt and chunky red necklace. Holds a copy of The Tale That Time Sews in right hand (silver bangles on wrist). In middle is white woman in blue/white patterned top, shoulder length light brown hair, glasses. Right is woman of colour, long dark hair in burgundy top and glasses. All smiling! Bookshelves in background.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Another title we loved over at #PhoebePicks @theclpe.bsky.social #KidLitUK
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Reposted by Letterbox Library
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 · 05/10/2026
Quite the line up for this upcoming online children’s lit conf! #KidLitUK
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Reposted by Letterbox Library
Gita Ralleigh @gitaralleigh.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Hope to see you at this timely conference! Programme includes keynotes by David Roberts & Dr Emily Corbett plus industry panel & stars of picture books, middle-grade & YA including Kristina Rahim, Sarah Hagger-Holt & Gayathiri Kamalakanthan. #ukkidlit #kidlituk www.tickettailor.com/events/ibbyu...
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We’ve just added some fabulous boardbooks to our @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social shop front which is your regular reminder that Bookshop.Org is your fabulous alternative to you know who. Buy *any* book at all (whether we stock it or not) & support us at the same time: uk.bookshop.org/shop/letterb...
A screenshot- display from our bookshop.org shopfront of brightly coloured boardbooks with the header “Letterbox Library Reviewers’ Picks: Boardbook Bonanza!”
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
And over at @theclpe.bsky.social Librarian Phoebe has done a roundup of July picks! #KidLitUK #PhoebePicks clpe.org.uk/blog/clpes-j...
clpe.org.uk
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
“We wanted to tell a history of the people of Wales and not a ‘great men’ history.” New children’s history of Wales from @darrenchetty.bsky.social @martinjohnes.bsky.social @mattabbottdraws.bsky.social #KidLitUK
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
A gorgeous Throwback Thursday from @sflayzell.bsky.social #KidLitUK
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Child's Play (International) @childs-play.co.uk · 29/09/2026
Out now! 🌱
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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
2/2 Books by @harrywoodgate.bsky.social @katethompson.bsky.social & Natelle Quek @balirai.bsky.social & Daniel Duncan Jo Coelho & David Barrow * @barringtonstoke.bsky.social Find all our Letterbox Library Recommends columns in @booksforkeeps.bsky.social ➡️ booksforkeeps.co.uk/articles/?wp...
booksforkeeps.co.uk
Articles – Books For Keeps
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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
2/2 - new Children’s Laureate @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social in the latest Beyond the Secret Garden column by @darrenchetty.bsky.social & @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social in most recent edition of @booksforkeeps.bsky.social #KidLitUK #BookSky
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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
2/2 Perfect for middle grade super sleuths who like their intrigue well baked and enjoy following the cake crumbs… See our review/support a #NotForProfit www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page... Ps: yes- @harrywoodgate.bsky.social truly baked that sponge & made those shards-
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 · 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
More than excited to see one of our very own book reviewers quoted here! Full text (& alt text) below.
Screenshot reads: June Eaton, a member of the steering group who has been involved in the Disability Rights movement since the 1990s, been a disabled parent since 2000 and has reviewed books for inclusive children's bookseller Letterbox Library for 15 years, said: "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. We still need to see more wheelchair users and people with hearing devices, but we also encourage you to increase the range of disabled characters, so that children see themselves, their families and their communities reflected in the books they read.
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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
4/4 The report shares so many opportunities for our industry to engage with this gap- creatively! To view the report head on over to: www.reflectingdisability.co.uk/post/first-r...
reflectingdisability.co.uk
First Reflecting Disability study shows that 10% of children's books include representation of disabled characters
First Reflecting Disability study shows that 10% of children's books include representation of disabled characters
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
3/4 The survey also looked at the physical formatting of books and accessibility, concluding: 67% of the books surveyed had at least one barrier to reading.
Cream background info graphic. Blue text:
“398 books featured disabled people
67%
had at least one barrier to reading
Reflecting Disability: 2024 Representation of Disabled People in UK Children's Books
www.reflectingdisability.co.uk”
Shows 100 book covers - 67 are blank; 33 are shaded in blue.
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Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
2/4 10% of children’s books published in 2024 featured disabled people. So: 90% didn’t
Dark blue background graphic 
Cream/yellow text “10% of children’s books published in 2024 featured disabled people”
Illustrated by 100 book icons with 10 shades in yellow.
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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
We’ve already had 2 school orders for multiple copies which is super-dooper 😃 @storymix.bsky.social @foxandinkbooks.bsky.social
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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
And look out for the @booksforkeeps.bsky.social interview with Harry (November issue) where they talk about the inspiration for their almighty cake caper 🕵🏿‍♀️🔍🥣 #BookSky #Usborne
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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
With shout out to books by, amongst many: JT Williams, @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social @dapsdraws.bsky.social & Nathan Byron Ken Wilson-Max @malorieblackman.bsky.social Joseph Coelho & Lanisha Butterfield Anna McQuinn Guest article- @thestorymuseum.bsky.social
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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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