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booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal
@booksforkeeps.bsky.social
2.1K followers 1.3K following 320 posts
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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booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 10d
Out now! BfK276, our first of 2026: Authorgraph interview with Neill Cameron, Alea Marley's Windows into Illustration, new Beyond the Secret Garden, predictions for the coming year & Barry Cunningham reflects on 50 years in children's books🤯#booksky #KidLit

booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/bfk-27...
Cover of the new issue of children's books review journal Books for Keeps. Artwork from Neill Cameron's new Donut Squad book. It is gloriously jam coloured with a host of animated donuts. Text reads Author interview Neill Cameron Windows into Illustration Alea Marley plus New Year Predictions and Barry Cunningham looks back.
Reposted by Books for Keeps, the children's books review journal
letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
As one of so many bookshops who adore @ellemcnicoll.bsky.social ‘s body of work, this really warms the cockles.
#KidLitUK
January 26, 2026 at 11:32 AM
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letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
1/4 In the most recent @booksforkeeps.bsky.social & during this #NationalYearOfReading, key children’s book world folk anticipate the year ahead…

…and several focus on the primary role ⚡️INCLUSIVE CHILDREN’s BOOKS⚡️ must play-
#KidLitUK

booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/happ...
Happy New Year? What does 2026 have in store? – Books For Keeps
booksforkeeps.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 11:31 AM
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schoolreadinglist.bsky.social
For UK classrooms and libraries: Roger McGough | quick guide: schoolreadinglist.co.uk/tag/roger-mc... #SchoolLibraries
Children's books by Roger McGough
Roger McGough is a featured author on the School Reading List and appears in the following recommended reading lists for children.
schoolreadinglist.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 10:04 AM
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neillcameron.bsky.social
Friends in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! I am excited to announce that my comic book DONUT SQUAD TAKE OVER THE WORLD is coming to your shores! Publishes October 6, 2026 by First Second / Macmillan @mackidssl.bsky.social! 🍩🇺🇸🍩🇺🇸🍩🇺🇸🍩🇺🇸 find more info and preorder HERE: us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
The cover of the graphic novel DONUT SQUAD TAKE OVER THE WORLD by Neill Cameron. It features a bunch of cute friendly cartoon donuts leaping into action! They’re so cute! They couldn’t be planning to take over the world, could they? COULD THEY???
January 25, 2026 at 6:05 PM
booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Good event! The Haunted Wood much liked by our reviewer
booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/the-h... @oneworldbooks.bsky.social
January 25, 2026 at 12:23 PM
booksforkeeps.bsky.social
The NEW #BooksforKeeps Book of the Week comes highly recommended. Don't miss THE MISADVENTURES OF MINA MAHMOOD SCHOOL INSPECTORS - highly entertaining & lots that young readers and their teachers will recognise #booksky #KidLitUK @farshorebooks.bsky.social

booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/the-m...
Graphic with the cover of The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood School Inspectors by Farhana Islam, illustration by Simran Diamond Singh, published by Farshore. It is the new Books for Keeps Book of the Week.
January 25, 2026 at 12:21 PM
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nicolettejones.bsky.social
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Australian cartoonist Matt Shanks from When the Mountain Wakes, a picturebook with an extraordinarily ambitious timespan about a mountain that wakes after the world ends and watches its regeneration. Clear, touching storytelling. S&S 29 Jan @simonandschuster.bsky.social
January 25, 2026 at 9:05 AM
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poetrysociety.org.uk
We've asked poets we've worked with to share a top writing habit they've found useful in their work.
Today's tip is from Tim Foley, a Stanza rep a Stanza rep from The Write Speak Recover Stanza.
Stanzas are poetry groups run voluntarily by Poetry Society members. Find out more in our bio.
A dark green square with a drawing of a vine covering the top right-hand corner. The square is titled January Writing Tip 3. The square has a central block of text from Tim Foley, reading: ‘As kids, we all learned to Stop, Look and Listen! I take time to be still. Hearing how I am feeling. Following my thoughts into free-writing. Often forming a poem that I’ll then share aloud to clear the energy out of me. Hence my poetry mantra - write, speak, recover!’
January 24, 2026 at 9:01 AM
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nicolettejones.bsky.social
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Cambridge-based Peruvian illustrator Fatima Ordinola from her picturebook Our Dreams. A cosy bedtime book about sleeping animals. The images, such as these pandas made with chalk pastels, ink & watercolour, induce relaxation. Post Wave 29 Jan @postwavebooks.bsky.social
January 24, 2026 at 7:44 AM
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empathylabuk.bsky.social
Our Managing Director Imogen Bond was asked for her hopes as we begin the National Year of Reading - read the full article to find out more about what we have coming up this year, and hear from other key figures within the world of children's books.

⭐️ Thank you @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM
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nicolettejones.bsky.social
#NewIllustrationoftheDay by Olga Shtonda from Nicola Davies's picturebook The Map of Me, about locating yourself in a new place, and about the past and the future. A collage effect composition with fascinating detail, in a beautiful, reassuring book. Templar Books 29 Jan. @templarbooks.bsky.social
January 23, 2026 at 9:09 AM
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branfordboaseaward.bsky.social
The longlist for this year's #BranfordBoaseAward is with our judges: 2025 winner Margaret McDonald, Stephen Dilley @stephenjdilley.bsky.social Anjali Patel of @theclpe.bsky.social & author/critic Katherine Woodfine 🌟

What would make your shortlist? #booksky
branfordboaseaward.org.uk/2026-longlist/
Graphic with photos of this year's judges for the Branford Boase Award. The BBA recognises the author and the editor(s) of the year's outstanding debut novel for children and young people. The judges are Anjali Patel, Katherine Woodfine, Margaret McDonald and Stephen Dilley.
January 23, 2026 at 8:32 AM
booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Congratulations to the authors & illustrators on the shortlist for the 2026 Information Book Award, celebrating inspiring information books for young people. Schools, join the special Book Club for free resources and books! 🔻
@sla.org.uk @alcs.co.uk #booksky

booksforkeeps.co.uk/shortlist-an...
Graphic with spines of the 12 books shortlisted for the Information Book Award. Under 7 age category shortlist: A Billion Ways to Be, Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo, Franklin Watts, Hachette Children’s Group Frog: A Story of Life on Earth, Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egneus, Bloomsbury Children’s Books Recycling Day: What Happens to the Things We Throw Away, Poly Faber, illustrated by Klas Fahlén, Nosy Crow Where Did She Go?, Cariad Lloyd, illustrated by Tom Percival, Hodder, Hachette Children’s Group 8 – 12 age category shortlist: About Time, Rebecca Struthers and Alom Shaha, illustrated by Lucy Rose, DK Choose Your Own Evolution, Jules Howard, illustrated by Gordy Wright, Nosy Crow Science Detective Agency, Steve Derrick, illustrated by Miriam Serafin, Wayland, Hachette Children’s Group Why Do We Sleep?, Cathy Evans, illustrated by Polya Plavinskaia, Cicada Books 13– 16 age category shortlist: Explodapedia: The Brain, Ben Martynoga, illustrated by Moose Allain, David Fickling Books It’s a Brave Young World, Anu Adebogun, illustrated by Soofiya and Lila Cruz, Little Tiger Normal Women, Philippa Gregory, illustrated by Alexis Snell, Red Shed, Farshore Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods in Our Own Words, edited by Jen Campbell, James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Sophie Kamlish, Faber and Faber
January 23, 2026 at 8:14 AM
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letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
All in the latest issue of @booksforkeeps.bsky.social

booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/bfk-27...
Bfk 276 January 2026 – Books For Keeps
booksforkeeps.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 6:53 AM
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barbarableiman.bsky.social
The survey is closing on Fri 30th Jan, so get your response in before that of you’re a secondary English teacher and want your views to be counted!
barbarableiman.bsky.social Barbara Bleiman @barbarableiman.bsky.social · 5d
PHENOMENAL response to this from English teachers so far! We'd love to have even more, so keep those responses coming. We'll be able to offer a really good picture of what's happening & what English teachers feel about the teaching of poetry in secondary schools.
barbarableiman.bsky.social Barbara Bleiman @barbarableiman.bsky.social · 9d
English teacher? 5 mins to spare? Your view is essential!

How is poetry being taught in secondary schools today?
We’re mapping the national picture in England & will report on it.

5 minute survey: tinyurl.com/238cz6mu

Supported by Christ Church's Tower Poetry Development Grant​
January 22, 2026 at 5:15 PM
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sla.org.uk
If you're looking for your next good read, try these recommendations from Mangotsfield C of E Primary School, our 2025 Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year. Thank you @booksforkeeps.bsky.social for giving these pupils space to share some of their favourite recent books buff.ly/TOS0PVm 💙
January 22, 2026 at 9:15 AM
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sla.org.uk
Revealing the 2026 #InformationBookAward longlist! These 29 outstanding information books encourage curiosity and wonder. #Schoollibrarians: register to take part in the #IBABookClub for your chance to win books and shadow the judging process: bit.ly/49T8gMi #awards #BookSky #EduSkyUK 🙌
Information Book Award: Announcing the 2026 Longlist
Announcing the IBA longlist and the 2026 book club opportunity for schools
bit.ly
January 16, 2026 at 3:01 PM
booksforkeeps.bsky.social
The Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2025 is 'peace', though it was narrowly followed by 'AI' and 'resilience.' Find out more, including how #schools can participate in the next Oxford Children’s Word of the Year survey
@oxfordchildrens.bsky.social

booksforkeeps.co.uk/peace-is-oxf...
Graphic with the cover of the Oxford Children's Word of the Year report 2025.
January 21, 2026 at 10:47 AM
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branfordboaseaward.bsky.social
Huge congratulations to the 24 authors on the longlist for the 2026 #BranfordBoase Award. Set up in memory of author Henrietta Branford, the Branford Boase Award highlights debut authors for children at the beginning of their careers. #booksky #KidLitUK

branfordboaseaward.org.uk/2026-longlist/
Photos of the 24 authors on the longlist for the 2026 Branford Boase Award: Tasneem Abdur-Rashid Penny Boxall Peter Burns Ova Ceren Becki Jayne Crossley Ella Dove Anna Fiteni Jamie Hammond Nat Harrison Janeen Hayat Farhana Islam Asli Jensen Philippa Leathley Jack Mackay Miranda Moore Brogen Murphy Leah Osakwe Claire Powell Kristina Rahim Becca Rogers J.L. Simmonds Harry Trevaldwyn Kenechi Udogu Olivia Wakeford
January 21, 2026 at 8:56 AM
booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Congratulations to the authors and editors on the longlist for this year's #BranfordBoase Award. 24 books on what co-founder and chair of the judges, Julia Eccleshare describes as ‘the most varied longlist in the 25 years+ of the Award.’ #booksky

booksforkeeps.co.uk/longlist-ann...
Photo of the books on the longlist for the 2026 Branford Boase Award Odd Girl Out Letty and the Mystery of the Golden Thread Shadow Thieves The Book of Heartbreak Tart How to Roller Skate with One Leg The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire Grumpfort The Girl Who Raced the World Evie and Maryam's Family Tree The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood Love on Sight Inkbound Gloam A Beautiful Terrible Thing Wildlands Rock Band Music and Misfits Marty Moose: First Class The Doughnut Club The Girl with Gills Run Away With Me The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King Augmented My Dog The authors on the longlist for the 2026 Branford Boase Award Tasneem Abdur-Rashid Penny Boxall Peter Burns Ova Ceren Becki Jayne Crossley Ella Dove Anna Fiteni Jamie Hammond Nat Harrison Janeen Hayat Farhana Islam Asli Jensen Philippa Leathley Jack Mackay Miranda Moore Brogen Murphy Leah Osakwe Claire Powell Kristina Rahim Becca Rogers J.L. Simmonds Harry Trevaldwyn Kenechi Udogu Olivia Wakeford
January 21, 2026 at 9:43 AM
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branfordboaseaward.bsky.social
We are pleased to announce the longlist for the 2026 #BranfordBoase Award, recognising the year's outstanding debut writers for children AND their editors 👏#kidlit #booksky

Thank you to @alcs.co.uk & @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social for their support.

branfordboaseaward.org.uk/2026-longlist/
Graphic showing the longlist for the 2026 Branford Boase Award. Odd Girl Out by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid, edited by Rosie Fickling (David Fickling Books) Letty and the Mystery of the Golden Thread by Penny Boxall, edited by Katie Sinfield (Puffin) Shadow Thieves by Peter Burns, edited by Lucy Courtenay (Farshore) The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren, edited by Ruth Bennett and Ella Whiddett (Hot Key Books) Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley, edited by Cathy Liney (Bloomsbury) How to Roller Skate with One Leg by Ella Dove, illus by Jennifer Jamieson, edited by Anne Marie Ryan (Orchard Books) The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire by Anna Fiteni, edited by Asmaa Isse (Electric Monkey) Grumpfort by Jamie Hammond, ed Sarah Stewart (Usborne) The Girl Who Raced the World by Nat Harrison, edited by Ruth Bennett (Bonnier) Evie and Maryam's Family Tree by Janeen Hayat, ed by Bella Pearson (Guppy Books) The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood by Farhana Islam, e by Asmaa Isse (Farshore) Love on Sight by Asli Jensen, ed Shalini Vallepur (Chicken House) Inkbound by Philippa Leathley, ed Natalie Doherty (HarperCollins Children’s Books) Gloam by Jack Mackay, ed Katie Jennings (Rock the Boat) A Beautiful Terrible Thing by Miranda Moore, ed Meggie Degurney & Liz Cross (David Fickling Books) Wildlands by Brogen Murphy, ed Linas Alsenas (Puffin) Rock Band Music and Misfits by Leah Osakwe, ed by Mattie Whitehead & Karelle Tobias (Little Tiger) Marty Moose: First Class by Claire Powell,ed Gráinne Clear (Walker Books) The Doughnut Club by Kristina Rahim, edited Zoë Griffiths (Nosy Crow) The Girl with Gills by Becca Rogers, edited by Fiona Kennedy (Zephyr) Run Away With Me by J.L. Simmonds, edited by Amina Parchment-Youssef (Penguin) The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn, edited by Emma Jones and Charlie Castelletti (First Ink) Augmented by Kenechi Udogu, edited by Natasha Brown and Jenny Glencross (Faber) My Dog by Olivia Wakeford, edited by Megan Reid (HarperCollins Children’s Books)
January 21, 2026 at 8:38 AM
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biggreenbooks.bsky.social
In an incredible twist of time and space magic, it's Wednesday tomorrow.

And that means it's #buyastrangerabookday.

The greatest (and only) of all the stranger related book buying days.

Let's buy strangers books!

www.biggreenbookshop.com/stuff-you-mi...
Buy A Stranger A Book. #buyastrangerabook - Stuff you might like... - Big Green Bookshop. @biggreenbooks on Twitter. Cheese fan. My Mum says hi.
The Big Green Bookshop an independent online bookshop in selling awesome titles by awesome authors to awesome people
www.biggreenbookshop.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:02 PM
booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Today, @poetrybyheart.bsky.social launches a new timeline of poems for children in KS1. Each poem is accompanied by specially written notes for teachers to help them & their young pupils explore the poem and work up lively ways to perform it out loud. #poetry

booksforkeeps.co.uk/poetry-by-he...
Graphic advertising the new Poetry By Heart 4+ timeline with photos of poets Joseph Coelho, Siana Bangura and A. F. Harrold.
January 20, 2026 at 5:59 PM
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nicolettejones.bsky.social
Three weeks today will be #PlimsollDay, Tuesday 10th Feb, a fundraising day for the noble RNLI. It is the birthday of martiime safety campaigner Samuel Plimsoll after whom the shoes are named. Wear your plimsolls/trainers/sneakers on the 10th and donate to the RNLI on justgiving.com/nicolette-jones
January 20, 2026 at 12:07 PM
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letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
1/2 📣Teachers (UK):

We have Wednesday 28th January all mapped out for you.

MORNING
At 11am join #BookTrustRepresents virtual Wkshop with super MG author @maisiechanwrites.bsky.social
Register for free below ⬇️⬇️⬇️
booktrust.org.uk BookTrust @booktrust.org.uk · 17d
📣 Your chance to bring an author into your classroom!

Our next #BookTrustRepresents virtual workshop is on Wednesday 28 January with the amazing @maisiechanwrites.bsky.social, author of Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past.

Register for free 👇

https://bit.ly/4svETHm
January 20, 2026 at 1:54 PM