helen
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hejparry.bsky.social
helen
@hejparry.bsky.social
810 followers 350 following 1K posts
reader, aspiring writer, wool-gatherer, cat-wrangler
chronically lazy
she/her
immigrant in Belgium!
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hejparry.bsky.social
helen @hejparry.bsky.social · Nov 5
Every Wednesday, I’m going to post a children’s book I’ve enjoyed.

If you’ve read it too, or you want to share another book, join in.

The Hungry Cloud, by Tom Ingram.

Of all the unjustly forgotten children’s books, this stone cold classic is the most unjustly forgotten.

#ukkidlit #kidlituk
Copy of The Hungry Cloud, by Tom Ingram, illustrated by Bill Geldert. The cover illustration shows two children in a small boat looking back at a castle-like structure in a rock. Behind the castle is an ominous black cloud. Published in 1971, it’s the story of Kai and Flor. While their royal parents are away, a mysterious cloud appears above their home, Scortallin castle. Meanwhile, they meet an unsettling travelling entertainer with his troupe of performing dogs, and an artist with a terrible gift. As it becomes clear that the entire kingdom is in terrible danger, how can the children save everyone they love? I was completely obsessed with this book as a child. It is genuinely tense and the atmosphere is heightened by the illustrations, just the perfect companion to the story. I have never met anyone else who has read it and I can’t understand why not. If you ever find a copy, seize it!
Reposted by helen
marcdavenant.bsky.social
Paul from the Outsiders project selling The Big Issue outside John Lewis on Oxford Street in London in 2016. Being ignored is what gets him down.
#Photography
A man with a beard looks at the camera. He is holding a copy of The Big Issue. Paul 'Can anybody hear me?' Most days you will find Paul on Oxford Street in London beside the door to John Lewis selling copies of The Big Issue. Being ignored is what gets him down, so he uses his big voice to catch people's attention, but people still often walk past without even acknowledging his existence. It highlights one of the most dehumanising aspects of homelessness, the lack of human interaction and being treated like a piece of street furniture. Paul told me that the highlight of his day isn't when people give him money but when they stop for a chat.
January 25, 2026 at 9:59 AM
hejparry.bsky.social
If you have a moment, read about Betty, imprisoned for wearing a t-shirt, in desperate need of medical care for cancer that's eating away the bone of her arm.

Then sign the petition to the King of Morocco for her release!

One small good action for a Sunday.

secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/...
Morocco: #FreeBetty
Betty is suffering in solitary confinement simply for wearing a t-shirt the Moroccan authorities didn’t like. She is innocent, and she is sick. Bone cancer has eaten away at her arm, and doctors warn ...
secure.avaaz.org
January 25, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Reposted by helen
morganjarrett.bsky.social
Pre-ordering books you’re interested in not only helps the author, it also creates little gifts for you in the future. Like, bam! Merry Christmas, here’s that book you pre-ordered six months ago.

That’s my kind of surprise.
January 22, 2026 at 6:14 PM
hejparry.bsky.social
‘It’s murder in the sixth form!’
#ukkidlit #kidlituk

www.instagram.com/reel/DTzw1OC...
Helen Price on Instagram: "21 days to go! ⏱️ Mark your calendars! It’s almost time! In just three weeks, KILL ME NOW will be on a bookshelf near you. Can’t wait? Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to co...
13 likes, 4 comments - priceywrites on January 22, 2026: "21 days to go! ⏱️ Mark your calendars! It’s almost time! In just three weeks, KILL ME NOW will be on a bookshelf near you. Can’t wait? Here...
www.instagram.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Reposted by helen
thebookerprizes.com
With the Children’s Booker Prize launching later this year, Penelope Lively – the only author to have won both the Booker Prize and the Carnegie Medal for children's writing – reflects on why children’s literature matters.
Penelope Lively on the lasting power of children’s books | The Booker Prize
With the Children’s Booker Prize launching later this year, Penelope Lively – the only author to have won both the Booker Prize and the Carnegie Medal for ch...
youtu.pulse.ly
January 18, 2026 at 11:59 AM
Reposted by helen
art.feediverse.org
Anemones in a Vase, 1909 #impressionism #pietmondrian
January 22, 2026 at 6:00 AM
Reposted by helen
rupertread.bsky.social
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
The UK Govt has quietly published - without announcement - the Joint Intelligence Committee/DEFRA report it suppressed last October. They tried to sneak it out in the midst of crisis. Read and share:

“Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse & National Security.”
(link below)
January 20, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Reposted by helen
youngvulgarian.marieleconte.com
The New World asked me to speak to some British trans women about what life has been like for them over the past few years - here's what they had to say, in their own words: www.thenewworld.co.uk/marie-le-con...
January 21, 2026 at 9:38 AM
Reposted by helen
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
hejparry.bsky.social
Every Wednesday, I’m going to post a children’s book I’ve enjoyed.

If you’ve read it too, or you want to share another book, join in!

The Midnight Folk, by John Masefield.

Why do I like it? Read the alt text!

#ukkidlit #kidlituk
Photograph of my hand holding an old and slightly stained red hardback book, The Midnight Folk, by John Masefield. No cover decoration. I love everything about this book. The hero, Kay, slips between two worlds, the seeming world of cleanliness and meals and good behaviour, and a hidden world of pirates, witches and lost treasure, which may be his imagination but I prefer to believe is equally real. The writing is lovely. The characters are all splendid and include the wicked old lady who may be called Miss Susan Pricker and sits in bed reading racy novels, drinking champagne and smoking #lifegoals. And then there’s the witch-governess Miss Pouncer, Rollicum Bitem, fox and dealer in game, Nibbins the black cat… I read this as an adult; much as I adore it, I do wonder what I’d have made of it as a child, especially the very Boys’ Own flavour of the adventures. Still, I was quite weird so I like to think I’d have been smitten.
January 21, 2026 at 9:44 AM
hejparry.bsky.social
Just spent half an hour trying to find out whether British farmers in Victorian England gave their animals salt licks.

I failed.

Then I remembered that I'm writing historical *fantasy* so I can make stuff up.

Although I'm still curious, if anyone happens to know...
January 21, 2026 at 9:10 AM
hejparry.bsky.social
Looking around, I notice the absence of any peace prizes in my house.

I'm going to go out & beat up grannies until someone gives me one!
January 20, 2026 at 6:59 AM
Reposted by helen
racheldeering.bsky.social
Tit of the Day:
Yellow-billed Tit Tyrant
📷  Jorge Quiroga
Pale yellow bellied, black and white striped chest and face, grey head, black and white wings, crested, perched on branch, photo.
January 20, 2026 at 5:04 AM
Reposted by helen
jackbern.bsky.social
in the plus side, watching the president of the United States destroy the entire geopolitical order because he didn't get a shiny award has successfully cured all my hangups about subtle character motivation in writing
January 19, 2026 at 8:10 AM
Reposted by helen
simonguy.bsky.social
I am proud and happy to have brought this to Angry Robot, but nothing would have happened without @missadadoom.bsky.social's introduction. She then went on to do all the hard yards of translation and acted as superb intermediary and facilitator of so much. Thank you, Ilona.
angryrobotbooks.bsky.social Angry Robot Books @angryrobotbooks.bsky.social · 8d
"A complex linguistic spell that captures awe and wonder, fear and love, sacrifice and selfishness."

A cracking review for Darya Bobyleva's novel, with a welcome and hugely deserved shoutout for @missadadoom.bsky.social's fantastic translation.
locusmag.bsky.social Locus Magazine @locusmag.bsky.social · 10d
The Village at the Edge of Noon by Darya Bobyleva: Review by Paul Di Filippo locusmag.com/review/...
January 19, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Reposted by helen
ahistoryinart.bsky.social
'A Building by Moonlight.' (1912) Together with William Nicholson, James Pryde made up the Beggarstaff Brothers who for five years from 1894 produced poster designs like nothing else in British art of that time. Here he has painted a scene of neat atmospheric theatricality.
January 18, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Reposted by helen
greensolitaire.bsky.social
I’m blown away the Mail on Sunday have given Godstorm such a good write-up (and covered it at all).

My 75-year-old Dad raced down to the car and is currently searching his neighbourhood newsagent's for hard copies. I love that he's so excited about his middle-aged daughter's book.
December 29, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Reposted by helen
amdassu.bsky.social
2026 is the National Year of Reading and here is the first in my ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW series to introduce books through their creators, and give a flavour for each book and its interesting creation process!

This week you’ll meet incomparable author and illustrator @louiestowell.bsky.social ❤️
January 16, 2026 at 11:32 PM
Reposted by helen
shannonmattern.bsky.social
“The affordances of AI systems have the effect of eroding expertise, short-circuiting decision-making, + isolating people from each other. These systems are anathema to the kind of evolution, transparency, cooperation, + accountability that give vital institutions their purpose and sustainability.”
January 17, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Reposted by helen
thekentacorn.bsky.social
The advice of my father:

The greatest writers have a gift. They make the words DANCE

Your own enthusiasm to dance with them creates a relationship, including the sorrow of parting when you finish

Find your writers, and really dance with them
January 16, 2026 at 1:14 PM
hejparry.bsky.social
So pleased that our tiny olive tree had fruited actual real olives & unable to resist tasting one… today I learnt that olives need to be processed somehow before you eat them. Ugh. That horrible taste is still in my mouth.
Photograph of some small, thin, leafy olive branches overhanging a terracotta pot (containing a pelargonium). The olive leaves are long and narrow. Two purple-black olives hang from the branches. Each has a brownish patch, one is wrinkly, neither looks appetising, but the one I had just tasted looked great!
January 17, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Reposted by helen
kathlangrish.bsky.social
The Government is planning to send King Charles to the US to celebrate with Trump. Giving him a royal visit right now sends a terrible message that his behaviour is acceptable. We can stop this if enough of us speak up. Will you add your name to the petition? you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ca...
Call off the King’s visit to the US for the 250th anniversary of America's independence
With the current political chaos in the US and Trump’s failure to adhere to international norms, and given his apparent obsession with the Monarchy, calling off this visit would send a powerful messag...
you.38degrees.org.uk
January 15, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Reposted by helen
lsangha.bsky.social
📢JOYCE YOUINGS MEMORIAL LECTURE📢

Prof. Jane Whittle: Work & gender, status & power: the surprising history of everyday chores in early modern England

🗓️ 28 January, 3pm
📍 Uni of Exeter & Zoom

All welcome at this public 🗃️ lecture, register for your place: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-joyce-...
A very detailed embroidering depicting men and women undertaking various work tasks. These include spinning, harvesting wheat, picking fruit, sheering sheep, carrying water and so on. Each task is labelled with the name of the month. Credit: The Labours of the Months, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
January 15, 2026 at 8:50 AM
hejparry.bsky.social
And another January book birthday: Tidespeaker, by Sadie Turner. YA gothic! #booksky
sadieturner.co.uk#books
Sadie Turner
Sadie Turner is a YA Fantasy author. Her debut novel, Tidespeaker, will be published on January 6 2026 by Delacorte Press in the US and Rock the Boat in the UK.
sadieturner.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 10:35 AM
hejparry.bsky.social
A book birthday I missed: The Night I Borrowed Time, by Iqbal Hussein: Waterstone's Children's Book of the Month! It looks brilliant. #ukkidlit #kidlituk
www.lep.co.uk/news/how-a-b...
Blackburn childhood inspires Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month
A book inspired by a Blackburn childhood is Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month.
www.lep.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 10:33 AM