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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 14h

"Judi Curtin writes warm, living and breathing characters, easy for young readers to identify with, and Gracie is an archetypal Curtin creation." Meet Gracie and her friends in our NEW Book of the Week #KidLit @theobrienpress.bsky.social booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/gracie/

The cover of Gracie by Judi Curtin which is the new Books for Keeps Book of the Week. It is set in 1930, Gracie, who has red hair and freckles, is sitting on a chair sewing next to a tailor's dummy while another girl with long black hair pets a dog on her knee.

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Nicolette Jones @nicolettejones.bsky.social · 18h

#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Andrew J Ross from his picturebook The Incredible Other Side. Multimedia image including collage and individually drawn bricks, and figures like Tomi Ungerer’s Three Robbers. Story with a twist to make you smile. Frances Lincoln paperback 1 Oct. @quarto-kids.bsky.social

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Nicolette Jones @nicolettejones.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

#NewIllustrationOfTheDay. Half a spread by Leo Timmers from his stunning picturebook Kiki and me, Gecko Press 1 Oct, translated from Dutch by David Colmer. About the relationship between a horse and its owner. Skilled black-and-white drawings on other pages suggest Thelwell. @geckopress.bsky.social

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Happy #NationalPoetryDay! We hope you enjoy today whether you are celebrating in a school, a library or elsewhere. Click the link for a set of articles full of poetry inspiration – interviews, booklists, and the best ways to bring #poetry into your school. linktr.ee/booksforkeep...

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The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 29/09/2026

Jack Mackay’s debut novel Gloam (@rocktheboatnews.bsky.social) has won two prizes at the Week Junior Book Awards 2026, taking both the Breakthrough and Audiobook awards. 👇

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Jack Mackay’s Gloam wins two Week Junior Book Awards

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Branford Boase Award @branfordboaseaward.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Submissions are open for #BranfordBoaseAward 2027. In memory of author Henrietta Branford & her editor Wendy Boase, supported by @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social & @alcs.co.uk, it recognises author & editor of the year's outstanding debut novel for children. branfordboaseaward.org.uk/submission-i...

Graphic announcing that the 2027 Branford Boase Award is open for submissions. The Branford Boase Award is presented to author and editor of the year's outstanding debut novel for children and young people. Criteria and submission information can be found at https://branfordboaseaward.org.uk/submission-information/

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Andrew McRae @mcraeandrew.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

An appeal for the UK HE English community: I’m convening a panel for the @univeng.bsky.social OGM, 11/12, for people coordinating REF2029 returns for UoA2029 (or for a cognate sub-panel, but including English lit/lang researchers). Contact me if you’d like to contribute.

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Congratulations to the winners of The Week Junior Book Awards 2026 announced last night at a special ceremony in London. Jack Mackay's GLOAM bagged 2 awards with Paterson Joseph, Helen Rutter, Jamie Smart & Farhana Islam also taking home prizes 🎉 #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/winners-of-t...

Graphic with photos of four of the winners of The Week Junior Book Awards: Jack Mackay, Farhana Islam, Paterson Joseph, Helen Rutter. Also logos of the sponsors The Bookseller, voxblock, CarverPR, Lovereading, Place2Be, The Week Junior Science and Nature, World Book Day, Go All In the National Year of Reading.

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Shortlists for the Diverse Book Awards have been announced incl a new children’s category: non-fiction. #TheDBAwards highlight ‘outstanding diverse and inclusive books’ published by authors based in the UK & Ireland 2026. Congrats to all on the lists! #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/seventh-dive...

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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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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Sophie Anderson has a magic touch for reworking fairy tales & this collection of 12 stories brims with everything that makes her writing so appealing. NEW Book of the Week A YEAR OF FAIRY TALES is a treat for all her fans & fairy tale devotees. #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/a-yea...

The cover of Sophie Anderson's collection A Year of Fairy Tales which is the new Books for Keeps Book of the Week. Cover illustration is by Elisa Paganelli and includes an image of the House with Chicken Legs as well as other characters climbing a beanstalk.

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The longlists for the @uklitassociation.bsky.social Book Awards have been announced! Tailored to be useful for teachers, there are three age categories for fiction and poetry and a category for Information books. Check them out ⬇️ #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/longlists-fo...

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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 · 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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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Huge congratulations to the librarians & schools shortlisted for the @sla.org.uk Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award, sponsored by Bloomsbury Publishing, & the Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year Award. Read all about them and their work!⬇️ booksforkeeps.co.uk/school-libra...

Photograph of young people reading in the library at Oxford High School. The librarian is one of three on the shortlist for the School Library Association Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The #WainwrightPrize winners have been announced, the UK’s nature & conservation writing awards 🍂 Congrats to all children's books category winners & those highly commended & to Thomas Halliday & Gavin Scott Children’s Wainwright Prize Book of the Year winners. booksforkeeps.co.uk/winners-of-t...

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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 · 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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coralrumble.bsky.social @coralrumble.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Thank you @booksforkeeps.bsky.social, for such a detailed review. I’m so encouraged that you felt the community spirit! Full review here ⬇️ When Skeletons Rise booksforkeeps.co.uk/?p=61110

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Nicolette Jones @nicolettejones.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Victoria Ball from Tomorrow Bright Before Us: An Inspiring Quote for Every Day of the Year (250 rich spreads). Nosy Crow 10 Sept. @nosycrow.bsky.social. 15 Sept: ‘It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end’ Ursula Le Guin

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Out now! Our September issue #BfK280. Authorgraph interview David Solomons, Windows into Illustration Carly Gledhill, 20 years of Lulu, Guy Bass & David Roberts interview, NEW Beyond the Secret Garden, NEW insights into reading for pleasure & much more, inc new book reviews #KidLitUK bit.ly/4rfrQtp

The cover of the UK's children's book review journal, Books for Keeps September 2026 issue, no. 280. Cover features illustration from Guy Bass and David Roberts' new book THE WORST THING THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN.

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The Poetry Society @poetrysociety.org.uk · 14/09/2026

Teachers & poet-educators! Getting ready for National Poetry Day on 1 Oct? Join Dom Conlon & our Cloud Chamber network tomorrow for FREE online CPD. We'll explore this year's NPD theme 'wonder', do some practical creative activities & show you some further resources. bit.ly/CloudChamberPoetry

Photo of poet Dom Conlon wearing a dark jacket and smiling at the camera. A pink background with logos in white for The Poetry Society and Cloud Chamber. Text in black on an orange background says 'Free National Poetry Day CPD session for teachers & poet-educators with Dom Conlon, Tues 15 Sept, 4.30-5.30pm, Zoom, bit.ly/CloudChamberPoetry'

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Our September issue is bursting with unmissable articles, interviews and new children’s book reviews and it’s all FREE to read, no paywall. Don’t miss an issue, sign up for our newsletter #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk#signup

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Nicolette Jones @nicolettejones.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Circle Yuen from her picturebook Mama’s Wedding, about little flower girls and a blended family. Lantana 3 Sept. Joyous spread in crayon & watercolour, finished digitally. @circleyuen.bsky.social @lantanapub.bsky.social With good wishes to anyone getting married today.

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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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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Long awaited Reflecting Disability study into the representation of disabled people in children’s books is out today. It finds that 10% of children’s books feature disabled people in some way. Room for improvement & too many books have barriers to reading. #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/60958-2/

Graphic from Reflecting Disability illustrating statistic that 10% of children's books published in 2024 featured disabled people.

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Congratulations Forest Xiao, just announced winner of the 2026 #KlausFluggePrize for most exciting newcomer to picture book illustration. She wins for the 'adorable' SEVEN BABIES @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social 🎉 Prize presented by 2025 winner Emma Farrarons. booksforkeeps.co.uk/klaus-flugge...

Graphic with cover of Seven Babies by Forest Xiao, winner of the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize. There's also a spread from the winning book showing the two adults welcoming the seven babies into their house.

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Nicolette Jones @nicolettejones.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Forest Xiao, Cambridge School of Art MA, who today won the Klaus Flugge Prize for Seven Babies. Recalling Oxenbury, the book comes from Xiao’s experience that one new baby feels like seven, and from sketchbooks full of observation. Walker Books @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social

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Andrea Reece @reeceandrea.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Winner of the 2026 #KlausFluggePrize will be announced this evening, Weds 9 September. Which one of these very talented debut illustrators will it be? Highly recommend watching their Shortlist Sketchbook films for fascinating insight into their approach and technique. #KidLitUK tinyurl.com/3wesv6js

Graphic with photos of the six illustrators shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize awarded to the year's most exciting and promising newcomer to picture book illustration: Becky Colvin, Laila Ekboir, Thekla Priebst, Justin Worsley, Circle Yuen, Forest Xiao.

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Nicolette Jones @nicolettejones.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

I/2 #NewIllustrationOfTheDay. There will be two posts today because some were missed in August. This page is an example of Holly Swain’s arresting comic storytelling from Colin’s Monster out in paperback Farshore 27 Aug. Using neatly echoed shapes. @farshorebooks.bsky.social @hollyswain.bsky.social

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

"There is so much to unpack here with children ... it offers older readers too a timely reminder that you are never too old to enjoy a picture book." NEW Book of the Week THE SEARCH FOR OUR COSMIC NEIGHBOURS by Chloe Savage 5⭐️ @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/the-s...

The cover of The Search for our Cosmic Neighbours picture book, written and illustrated by Chloe Savage published by Walker Books and the new Books for Keeps Book of the Week. It shows Commander Julia standing on a planet in her space suit searching for life. We can see little golden aliens watching her.

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

NEW! Interview with Steve Cole,talking to Graham Marks about his brand new book THE WILD ONES. The story of a band of pets forced to fend for themselves after an apocalyptic event, it’s a thrilling survival adventure. @scholasticuk.bsky.social #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/stev...

Photograph of author Steve Cole who is sitting on some steps with his dog.

Graphic with the cover of Steve Cole's new book THE WILD ONES. Text reads: The rabbit character, Punzel, knows rabbits can't survive in the wild so he's particularly terrified of the whole thing. If he hops outside, that's going to be the end of him. I was taking innocents and putting them in a scary situation.

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

NEW Book of the Week SCAREDY CAT by Alex Falase-Koya and Ken Wilson-Max @oxfordchildrens.bsky.social "A reassuring story where everyone gains confidence in their own time...ideal for sharing." says Jill Bennett #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/scare...

The cover of Scaredy Cat picture book written by Alex Falase-Koya and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max. It is the new Books for Keeps Book of the Week. The strapline is finding courage through a purr-fect friendship.

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Congratulations to Josh Silver. Our review by Tanja Jennings #KidLitUK booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/traum...

booksforkeeps.co.uk

Traumaland – Books For Keeps

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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

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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Nicolette Jones @nicolettejones.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

In The Sunday Times this week ICYMI. My piece about The Story Museum in Oxford’s new interactive Mystery Academy exhibition which celebrates classic & new detectives, and eight detective stories to read alongside a visit. @thetimes.com @thestorymuseum.bsky.social www.thetimes.com/culture/book...

thetimes.com

The eight best detective stories for children

Nicolette Jones recommends the best fictional detectives for kids, from Monsieur Mustard (a mouse) to Bearlock Holmes (well, you can guess)

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Big Green Books @biggreenbooks.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Turned up today! SIGNED Traitor's Nest is the epic new YA fantasy novel from award-winning Frances Hardinge @franceshardinge.bsky.social Look at those cool fancy sprayed edges. ORDER ONE HERE. biggreenbookshop.com/signed-copie...

Front cover of Frances' book. It's black with an illustration of a castle on it, and a feather in the middle.

the sprayed edges of the book. A green background with a violet and blueish feather.

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Frances Hardinge @franceshardinge.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

An interview with me in Kirkus Reviews, talking about TRAITORS' NEST!

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Pippa Dunn impresses with her debut, THE SIGN OF THE RAVEN, an intricate and well-structured fantasy novel mixing other-world Victorian London with time-shifting dream scenes. It's our NEW Book of the Week. #KidLitUK @dkbooks.bsky.social booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/the-s...

The cover of The Sign of the Raven by Pippa Dunn. It shows central character Ashlyn standing on a clock face in front of the Houses of Parliament in London. Ravens fly around her.

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

With over 2.5 million books sold, the YOU CHOOSE series is a publishing phenomenon and beloved of small children everywhere. NEW in your sunny Books for Keeps, creators Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt chat about the series and their inspiration. #KidLitUK bit.ly/4xht09W

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

New interview! Author Fidan Meikle talks to Michelle Pauli about her new book, MY NAME IS ZAYN, which takes up the heartrending story told in her award-winning debut, MY NAME IS SAMIM. @florisbooks.bsky.social #KidLitUK bit.ly/4qvDLTp

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CLPE @theclpe.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

What a delight to hear 'Why oh why do I never say UNO?' from shortlisted poet Sam Gayton from his collection 'Press Start to Play' illustrated by Jack Noel and published by Andersen Press - A huge congratulations to all of our shortlisted poets! 🎉

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The Crime Writers' Association @thecwa.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

We want our members’ books to succeed just as much as they do which is why we love shouting about them on social media! Got a new book coming out? Submit it via ‘Tell Us About a New Book’ on your Member Dashboard by the 15th of the month before your release date & we’ll share publication day posts.

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

From the BfK archive on her birthday: our Authorgraph interview with Diana Wynne Jones #KidLit booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/auth...

booksforkeeps.co.uk

Authorgraph No.46: Diana Wynne Jones – Books For Keeps

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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

For inspiring graphic novel reading, check out our NEW Book of the Week: RAISE THE BAR by Fernanda Frick H. This sporting story is full of emotion, humour, love, drama, & raises the storytelling bar about as high as it can go. #KidLitUK @guppybooks.bsky.social booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/raise...

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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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Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

"I sometimes wonder whether we tell stories to learn things about ourselves and the world that a part of us already knew." Bonus #summer content! Cornelia Funke talks to Michelle Pauli about her latest book THE GREEN KINGDOM. #KidLit @dkbooks.bsky.social booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/corn...

booksforkeeps.co.uk

Cornelia Funke and The Green Kingdom – Books For Keeps

Set in New York City, the newest adventure from Cornelia Funke, award-winning author of Inkheart and Dragon Rider, is a mystery story that leads to the discovery of the magic of the green kingdom all…

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