Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
@booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Launched in 1980, we review hundreds of new children’s books each year and publish articles on every aspect of writing for children. Explore new issues and our 40 year archive for free on our website www.booksforkeeps.co.uk
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Out now! #BfK274 articles, interviews, news, comment, reviews. Authorgraph interview James Mayhew, Windows into Illustration Emma Farrarons, 10 of the Best books to turn children into poets, Simon Mole interview, Beyond the Secret Garden,new Picture This #KidLitUK
booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/bfk-27...
booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/bfk-27...
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
No. 34 in my #FavePicturebooks25 is “Griso” by #RogerMello, beautifully translated by #DanielHahn.
A unicorn’s epic search for another like him — across time, continents, and stunning art styles. A global quest in every sense. Top Drawer! #PicturebookPage
A unicorn’s epic search for another like him — across time, continents, and stunning art styles. A global quest in every sense. Top Drawer! #PicturebookPage
November 10, 2025 at 4:42 PM
No. 34 in my #FavePicturebooks25 is “Griso” by #RogerMello, beautifully translated by #DanielHahn.
A unicorn’s epic search for another like him — across time, continents, and stunning art styles. A global quest in every sense. Top Drawer! #PicturebookPage
A unicorn’s epic search for another like him — across time, continents, and stunning art styles. A global quest in every sense. Top Drawer! #PicturebookPage
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
Interested in a career in the creative industries?
As part of #DiscoverCreativeCareersMonth 2025, we're highlighting our Young Poets Network features that show young people what it’s like to work in our sector.
Explore top tips and testimonies from creatives in the industry: bit.ly/WorkInTheArts
As part of #DiscoverCreativeCareersMonth 2025, we're highlighting our Young Poets Network features that show young people what it’s like to work in our sector.
Explore top tips and testimonies from creatives in the industry: bit.ly/WorkInTheArts
November 10, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Interested in a career in the creative industries?
As part of #DiscoverCreativeCareersMonth 2025, we're highlighting our Young Poets Network features that show young people what it’s like to work in our sector.
Explore top tips and testimonies from creatives in the industry: bit.ly/WorkInTheArts
As part of #DiscoverCreativeCareersMonth 2025, we're highlighting our Young Poets Network features that show young people what it’s like to work in our sector.
Explore top tips and testimonies from creatives in the industry: bit.ly/WorkInTheArts
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by John Devolle from Humans, a book of funny, flat, graphic images and few words, in the Big Science for Little Minds series. Look for the bats, flea, mouse, moth, spiders, seagull, badger, robin, chicken, other wildlife and pets. Pushkin 6 Nov. @pushkinchildrens.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 1:36 PM
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by John Devolle from Humans, a book of funny, flat, graphic images and few words, in the Big Science for Little Minds series. Look for the bats, flea, mouse, moth, spiders, seagull, badger, robin, chicken, other wildlife and pets. Pushkin 6 Nov. @pushkinchildrens.bsky.social
Mei Matsuoka, Pragya Agarwal & Phyllis Ramage are judges for the 2026 IBC Awards. Worth £30,000 @ibc-reads.bsky.social Awards recognise UK children’s book authors & illustrators whose books authentically reflect the diverse backgrounds & experiences of readers.
booksforkeeps.co.uk/pragya-agarw...
booksforkeeps.co.uk/pragya-agarw...
November 10, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Mei Matsuoka, Pragya Agarwal & Phyllis Ramage are judges for the 2026 IBC Awards. Worth £30,000 @ibc-reads.bsky.social Awards recognise UK children’s book authors & illustrators whose books authentically reflect the diverse backgrounds & experiences of readers.
booksforkeeps.co.uk/pragya-agarw...
booksforkeeps.co.uk/pragya-agarw...
ICYMI, our new Book of the Week is perfect for Non Fiction November: WHAT IF EVERY VOLCANO ERUPTED AT ONCE? Don't miss for the answer to this and 32 other all-important questions @dkbooks.bsky.social #Booksky
booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/what-...
booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/what-...
November 9, 2025 at 4:45 PM
ICYMI, our new Book of the Week is perfect for Non Fiction November: WHAT IF EVERY VOLCANO ERUPTED AT ONCE? Don't miss for the answer to this and 32 other all-important questions @dkbooks.bsky.social #Booksky
booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/what-...
booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/what-...
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
Teachers! Time is running out to get your applications in for the NEU Sponsored Places at the 2026 UKLA International Conference. Apply now to join us in Glasgow! buff.ly/1gYKNZq
November 7, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Teachers! Time is running out to get your applications in for the NEU Sponsored Places at the 2026 UKLA International Conference. Apply now to join us in Glasgow! buff.ly/1gYKNZq
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
November 6, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
This event I'm chairing at Stroud Book Festival is selling out fast. I shall be talking to Michael Morpurgo and Jamila Gavin about First World War stories, at noon this Sunday 9 November. The eloquence of both is always breathtaking. stroudbookfestival.org.uk/events/first...
First World War Stories - Stroud Book Festival
On Armistice Sunday, we’re honoured to welcome two distinguished children’s authors to talk about writing stories set during the First World War. “My Soul, A Shining Tree”, the marvellous new children...
stroudbookfestival.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 5:51 PM
This event I'm chairing at Stroud Book Festival is selling out fast. I shall be talking to Michael Morpurgo and Jamila Gavin about First World War stories, at noon this Sunday 9 November. The eloquence of both is always breathtaking. stroudbookfestival.org.uk/events/first...
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
It’s time to get excited about the end of year @booksforkeeps.bsky.social issue with its roundups & gift guides.
*And* we get to do a little summary of highlights in UK publishing’s lgbtq+ representations. The highs. The lows.
📻Stay tuned booksforkeeps.co.uk
#KidLitUK
#UKKidLit
*And* we get to do a little summary of highlights in UK publishing’s lgbtq+ representations. The highs. The lows.
📻Stay tuned booksforkeeps.co.uk
#KidLitUK
#UKKidLit
Books For Keeps – The Children's Book Magazine Online
booksforkeeps.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 1:09 PM
It’s time to get excited about the end of year @booksforkeeps.bsky.social issue with its roundups & gift guides.
*And* we get to do a little summary of highlights in UK publishing’s lgbtq+ representations. The highs. The lows.
📻Stay tuned booksforkeeps.co.uk
#KidLitUK
#UKKidLit
*And* we get to do a little summary of highlights in UK publishing’s lgbtq+ representations. The highs. The lows.
📻Stay tuned booksforkeeps.co.uk
#KidLitUK
#UKKidLit
The 2026 #KlausFluggePrize is underway: submissions are open (publishers have until 14 January to get their entries in) and look at this stellar panel of judges 👀
#illustration #picturebooks #KidLit
booksforkeeps.co.uk/eleventh-kla...
#illustration #picturebooks #KidLit
booksforkeeps.co.uk/eleventh-kla...
November 6, 2025 at 9:05 AM
The 2026 #KlausFluggePrize is underway: submissions are open (publishers have until 14 January to get their entries in) and look at this stellar panel of judges 👀
#illustration #picturebooks #KidLit
booksforkeeps.co.uk/eleventh-kla...
#illustration #picturebooks #KidLit
booksforkeeps.co.uk/eleventh-kla...
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Dermot Flynn from Fia and the Last Snow Deer. Verse novel set in prehistoric Ireland, by Eilish Fisher. Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration. Reindeer, “Deer Mother“ & magic feast, in a room as “bright as the sun“. Puffin pb 6 Nov @puffinbooksuk.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 8:52 AM
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Dermot Flynn from Fia and the Last Snow Deer. Verse novel set in prehistoric Ireland, by Eilish Fisher. Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration. Reindeer, “Deer Mother“ & magic feast, in a room as “bright as the sun“. Puffin pb 6 Nov @puffinbooksuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
Full moon tonight, so a good time to show you the trailer for my new werewolfy middle-grade novel which is published by Pan MacMillan in February and available to pre-order right now... 👉https://tinyurl.com/4a6w4jfz
See thread for blurb...
1/3
See thread for blurb...
1/3
November 5, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Full moon tonight, so a good time to show you the trailer for my new werewolfy middle-grade novel which is published by Pan MacMillan in February and available to pre-order right now... 👉https://tinyurl.com/4a6w4jfz
See thread for blurb...
1/3
See thread for blurb...
1/3
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
The much anticipated final report of the Curriculum + Assessment Review is now available. Significant recommendations for English, particularly at GCSE, which we'll be digesting in the coming days + recommend every English teacher reads www.gov.uk/government/p...
Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report
The conclusions and recommendations of the independent review of the curriculum, assessment and qualifications system in England.
www.gov.uk
November 5, 2025 at 10:57 AM
The much anticipated final report of the Curriculum + Assessment Review is now available. Significant recommendations for English, particularly at GCSE, which we'll be digesting in the coming days + recommend every English teacher reads www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
Here's a little Bonfire Night poem. Maybe some EY, KS1 and 2 teachers might spot it and share it with children. Now that would be just lovely!
November 5, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Here's a little Bonfire Night poem. Maybe some EY, KS1 and 2 teachers might spot it and share it with children. Now that would be just lovely!
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
Two hours and fifteen minutes until the cover reveal for the the new CHAOS WALKING novel! Yep, that's what I said.
November 5, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Two hours and fifteen minutes until the cover reveal for the the new CHAOS WALKING novel! Yep, that's what I said.
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
For Bonfire Night, #NewIllustrationoftheDay by Grahame Baker-Smith is from The Flickering Fires, in a series that puts the history of humanity's relationship with the 4 elements into a story. Decorative tracery of trees and dramatic use of light and dark. Templar pb 6 Nov. @templarbooks.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 6:11 AM
For Bonfire Night, #NewIllustrationoftheDay by Grahame Baker-Smith is from The Flickering Fires, in a series that puts the history of humanity's relationship with the 4 elements into a story. Decorative tracery of trees and dramatic use of light and dark. Templar pb 6 Nov. @templarbooks.bsky.social
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
HEY!
Get yourself a Big Green Books Advent Calendar.
Choose from 4, 6 or 12 books.
Unwrap a new surprise book every few days in the run up to Christmas.
Books will be individually picked based on what you enjoy reading.
Info HERE.
www.biggreenbookshop.com/simon-likes-...
PLEASE SHARE
Get yourself a Big Green Books Advent Calendar.
Choose from 4, 6 or 12 books.
Unwrap a new surprise book every few days in the run up to Christmas.
Books will be individually picked based on what you enjoy reading.
Info HERE.
www.biggreenbookshop.com/simon-likes-...
PLEASE SHARE
November 4, 2025 at 9:30 PM
HEY!
Get yourself a Big Green Books Advent Calendar.
Choose from 4, 6 or 12 books.
Unwrap a new surprise book every few days in the run up to Christmas.
Books will be individually picked based on what you enjoy reading.
Info HERE.
www.biggreenbookshop.com/simon-likes-...
PLEASE SHARE
Get yourself a Big Green Books Advent Calendar.
Choose from 4, 6 or 12 books.
Unwrap a new surprise book every few days in the run up to Christmas.
Books will be individually picked based on what you enjoy reading.
Info HERE.
www.biggreenbookshop.com/simon-likes-...
PLEASE SHARE
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
Wednesday’s magical launch for @amdassu.bsky.social & @joelillington.bsky.social’s Wild Journey. MG chapter book connecting the lives of 5 children embarking on their own personal journeys.
Pics on Insta
2 gorgeous smiles⬇️
Our review: letterboxlibrary.com/product-page/w…
@zephyrbooks.bsky.social
Pics on Insta
2 gorgeous smiles⬇️
Our review: letterboxlibrary.com/product-page/w…
@zephyrbooks.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Wednesday’s magical launch for @amdassu.bsky.social & @joelillington.bsky.social’s Wild Journey. MG chapter book connecting the lives of 5 children embarking on their own personal journeys.
Pics on Insta
2 gorgeous smiles⬇️
Our review: letterboxlibrary.com/product-page/w…
@zephyrbooks.bsky.social
Pics on Insta
2 gorgeous smiles⬇️
Our review: letterboxlibrary.com/product-page/w…
@zephyrbooks.bsky.social
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
TODAY!😊😊This webinar celebrates the different ways in which reading fiction books can support wellbeing across the lifespan englishassociation.ac.uk/reading-and-...
Reading and wellbeing: Experiences across the lifespan (4 November 2025, 16:45 - 17:30) | The English Association
We support the teaching, learning, and enjoyment of English at all levels of education, from early years to further and higher education and beyond.
englishassociation.ac.uk
November 4, 2025 at 11:31 AM
TODAY!😊😊This webinar celebrates the different ways in which reading fiction books can support wellbeing across the lifespan englishassociation.ac.uk/reading-and-...
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
Cover reveal for Piper at the Gates of Dusk (the new CHAOS WALKING novel!) tomorrow at 1pm!!!!!
November 4, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Cover reveal for Piper at the Gates of Dusk (the new CHAOS WALKING novel!) tomorrow at 1pm!!!!!
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Goldsmiths graduate Yibing Deng from her A Song of the Seasons, which follows a mother bear and her cubs through the year. Gentle, decorative pencil illustration with simplified shapes, pretty colours and a sense of softness. Post Wave 23 Oct. @postwavebooks.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 7:18 AM
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Goldsmiths graduate Yibing Deng from her A Song of the Seasons, which follows a mother bear and her cubs through the year. Gentle, decorative pencil illustration with simplified shapes, pretty colours and a sense of softness. Post Wave 23 Oct. @postwavebooks.bsky.social
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
More of our #LittleRebelsAward 2025 Shortlistee Catchup…
The creatives behind the wonderful Kende! Kende! Kende! couldn’t attend our award night but Kirsten Cappy sent such a lovely message, packed with rebelliousness!
Extract below.
#KidLitUK
#UKKidLit
@childsplayusa.bsky.social
The creatives behind the wonderful Kende! Kende! Kende! couldn’t attend our award night but Kirsten Cappy sent such a lovely message, packed with rebelliousness!
Extract below.
#KidLitUK
#UKKidLit
@childsplayusa.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 1:42 PM
More of our #LittleRebelsAward 2025 Shortlistee Catchup…
The creatives behind the wonderful Kende! Kende! Kende! couldn’t attend our award night but Kirsten Cappy sent such a lovely message, packed with rebelliousness!
Extract below.
#KidLitUK
#UKKidLit
@childsplayusa.bsky.social
The creatives behind the wonderful Kende! Kende! Kende! couldn’t attend our award night but Kirsten Cappy sent such a lovely message, packed with rebelliousness!
Extract below.
#KidLitUK
#UKKidLit
@childsplayusa.bsky.social
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
FESTIVE BOOK FUN!
The Big Green Books Advent Calendar!
Choose from 4, 6 or 12 books.
Your chance to unwrap a new surprise book every few days in the run up to Christmas.
The books will be chosen based on what you enjoy reading.
info HERE
www.biggreenbookshop.com/simon-likes-...
PLEASE SHARE
The Big Green Books Advent Calendar!
Choose from 4, 6 or 12 books.
Your chance to unwrap a new surprise book every few days in the run up to Christmas.
The books will be chosen based on what you enjoy reading.
info HERE
www.biggreenbookshop.com/simon-likes-...
PLEASE SHARE
November 3, 2025 at 1:25 PM
FESTIVE BOOK FUN!
The Big Green Books Advent Calendar!
Choose from 4, 6 or 12 books.
Your chance to unwrap a new surprise book every few days in the run up to Christmas.
The books will be chosen based on what you enjoy reading.
info HERE
www.biggreenbookshop.com/simon-likes-...
PLEASE SHARE
The Big Green Books Advent Calendar!
Choose from 4, 6 or 12 books.
Your chance to unwrap a new surprise book every few days in the run up to Christmas.
The books will be chosen based on what you enjoy reading.
info HERE
www.biggreenbookshop.com/simon-likes-...
PLEASE SHARE
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal
Nominations have been announced for the 2026 Carnegie Medals @carnegiemedals.bsky.social. This year 62 books are in contention for the Carnegie Medal for Writing and 65 for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration. Are your favourites here? #Carnegies2026 #KidLit
booksforkeeps.co.uk/nominations-...
booksforkeeps.co.uk/nominations-...
November 3, 2025 at 10:12 AM