Jon Biddle
@jonnybid.bsky.social
Year 5/6 teacher and English lead. Children's books and reading mostly, Blake's 7 sometimes. Currently reading: I am Ray's Imaginary Friend by Brian Moses.
Reposted by Jon Biddle
If anyone would like to host a Q&A on their blog about my new middlegrade book THE DAD TRAP, do let me know!
@slatterymr.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social @sla.org.uk
#KidLit #BookSky #PrimaryEduSky
@slatterymr.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social @sla.org.uk
#KidLit #BookSky #PrimaryEduSky
January 21, 2026 at 12:19 PM
If anyone would like to host a Q&A on their blog about my new middlegrade book THE DAD TRAP, do let me know!
@slatterymr.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social @sla.org.uk
#KidLit #BookSky #PrimaryEduSky
@slatterymr.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social @sla.org.uk
#KidLit #BookSky #PrimaryEduSky
This is a huge opportunity for aspiring children's authors!
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social and @arvonfoundation.bsky.social are inviting unpublished writers to submit their work for the chance to win a publishing contract with DFB, plus access to an Arvon writing course. Info: davidficklingbooks.com
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social and @arvonfoundation.bsky.social are inviting unpublished writers to submit their work for the chance to win a publishing contract with DFB, plus access to an Arvon writing course. Info: davidficklingbooks.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:38 PM
This is a huge opportunity for aspiring children's authors!
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social and @arvonfoundation.bsky.social are inviting unpublished writers to submit their work for the chance to win a publishing contract with DFB, plus access to an Arvon writing course. Info: davidficklingbooks.com
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social and @arvonfoundation.bsky.social are inviting unpublished writers to submit their work for the chance to win a publishing contract with DFB, plus access to an Arvon writing course. Info: davidficklingbooks.com
Each week, when my pupils update their recommendations shelf, it reminds me of the popularity of graphic novels. They're an essential part of the classroom reading diet. Amulet, Swim Team, Bunny vs Monkey, InvestiGATORS, Smile, Mr Wolf's Class... they need to be on the shelves!
January 16, 2026 at 7:32 AM
Each week, when my pupils update their recommendations shelf, it reminds me of the popularity of graphic novels. They're an essential part of the classroom reading diet. Amulet, Swim Team, Bunny vs Monkey, InvestiGATORS, Smile, Mr Wolf's Class... they need to be on the shelves!
It might not be out for a few months but this is a very exciting development!
January 14, 2026 at 7:56 PM
It might not be out for a few months but this is a very exciting development!
If you haven't yet signed up for the launch webinar for the National Year of Reading, delivered by the wonderful @teresacremin.bsky.social, then make sure you do! It's on Thursday 15th January, starting at 4:00pm. Not to be missed.
The link is here: literacytrust.org.uk/events/launc...
The link is here: literacytrust.org.uk/events/launc...
Launch of the National Year of Reading webinar: Inspiring life-long readers | National Literacy Trust
15 January 2026. Attend our all-phase launch webinar for the National Year of Reading 2026 featuring keynote speaker Professor Teresa Cremin who will set out her vision for inspiring life-long readers...
literacytrust.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 8:26 PM
If you haven't yet signed up for the launch webinar for the National Year of Reading, delivered by the wonderful @teresacremin.bsky.social, then make sure you do! It's on Thursday 15th January, starting at 4:00pm. Not to be missed.
The link is here: literacytrust.org.uk/events/launc...
The link is here: literacytrust.org.uk/events/launc...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
I really have no idea how I missed Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence when it first came out. It's one of the finest verse novels I've ever read. A love-letter to the power of poetry, and a storyline that secondary school pupils will definitely relate to. Track down a copy!
December 29, 2025 at 3:30 PM
I really have no idea how I missed Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence when it first came out. It's one of the finest verse novels I've ever read. A love-letter to the power of poetry, and a storyline that secondary school pupils will definitely relate to. Track down a copy!
Reposted by Jon Biddle
I was a huge fan of Illegal and Global, the previous graphic novel collaborations between Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano, so was very excited to hear about their next book, War. Out in August. @hachettechildrens.bsky.social
December 30, 2025 at 3:12 PM
I was a huge fan of Illegal and Global, the previous graphic novel collaborations between Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano, so was very excited to hear about their next book, War. Out in August. @hachettechildrens.bsky.social
Reposted by Jon Biddle
I'm now into my sixth year of writing for Educate magazine. It's something I really enjoy doing and am delighted to have had almost 40 articles published. Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed over the years. The articles can be accessed here: neu.org.uk/latest/union...
January 6, 2026 at 5:50 PM
I'm now into my sixth year of writing for Educate magazine. It's something I really enjoy doing and am delighted to have had almost 40 articles published. Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed over the years. The articles can be accessed here: neu.org.uk/latest/union...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
This is exciting! Authors Kelly Yang (Front Desk series) and Kate DiCamillo (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane) are co-hosting a new weekly podcast called StoryKind. The first episode comes out on Monday 19th January and will be available on the usual platforms.
January 3, 2026 at 10:24 AM
This is exciting! Authors Kelly Yang (Front Desk series) and Kate DiCamillo (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane) are co-hosting a new weekly podcast called StoryKind. The first episode comes out on Monday 19th January and will be available on the usual platforms.
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Being part of the team who put together the @empathylabuk.bsky.social Read for Empathy collection is always a pleasure. This year's list is out on Thu 5th Feb and one of the strongest yet. Do explore the previous collections and sign up for more information. empathylab.uk
January 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Being part of the team who put together the @empathylabuk.bsky.social Read for Empathy collection is always a pleasure. This year's list is out on Thu 5th Feb and one of the strongest yet. Do explore the previous collections and sign up for more information. empathylab.uk
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Just finished I Am Ray's Imaginary Friend by the superb @brianmosespoet.bsky.social and it is very good indeed. A verse novel, with the perfect balance of emotion and humour. Will lead to some wonderfully challenging conversations in the classroom. Ideal for Years 4-6. @scallywagpress.bsky.social
January 10, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Just finished I Am Ray's Imaginary Friend by the superb @brianmosespoet.bsky.social and it is very good indeed. A verse novel, with the perfect balance of emotion and humour. Will lead to some wonderfully challenging conversations in the classroom. Ideal for Years 4-6. @scallywagpress.bsky.social
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Here, for anyone new to Bluesky is my UK teen book writers starter pack . Probably a little bit in need of updating, so suggestions please! go.bsky.app/V2ynqEL
January 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Here, for anyone new to Bluesky is my UK teen book writers starter pack . Probably a little bit in need of updating, so suggestions please! go.bsky.app/V2ynqEL
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Do take a look at this @booktrust.org.uk Represents programme, with free virtual author workshops for Years 3-7. There are four fantastic events coming up over the next few months, and it only takes a minute to register.
www.booktrust.org.uk/how-we-help/...
www.booktrust.org.uk/how-we-help/...
January 11, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Do take a look at this @booktrust.org.uk Represents programme, with free virtual author workshops for Years 3-7. There are four fantastic events coming up over the next few months, and it only takes a minute to register.
www.booktrust.org.uk/how-we-help/...
www.booktrust.org.uk/how-we-help/...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Dream On by Shannon Hale and Marcela Cespedes is one of the best children's graphic novels I've read in a long time. It's warm and funny. It's about friendship and the perils of growing up. It's full of empathy and heart. It's just great.
January 11, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Dream On by Shannon Hale and Marcela Cespedes is one of the best children's graphic novels I've read in a long time. It's warm and funny. It's about friendship and the perils of growing up. It's full of empathy and heart. It's just great.
If you're a primary English lead looking for books to help develop the teaching of reading fluency and comprehension, you won't go far wrong with these as a starting point.
January 11, 2026 at 8:19 PM
If you're a primary English lead looking for books to help develop the teaching of reading fluency and comprehension, you won't go far wrong with these as a starting point.
Dream On by Shannon Hale and Marcela Cespedes is one of the best children's graphic novels I've read in a long time. It's warm and funny. It's about friendship and the perils of growing up. It's full of empathy and heart. It's just great.
January 11, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Dream On by Shannon Hale and Marcela Cespedes is one of the best children's graphic novels I've read in a long time. It's warm and funny. It's about friendship and the perils of growing up. It's full of empathy and heart. It's just great.
Do take a look at this @booktrust.org.uk Represents programme, with free virtual author workshops for Years 3-7. There are four fantastic events coming up over the next few months, and it only takes a minute to register.
www.booktrust.org.uk/how-we-help/...
www.booktrust.org.uk/how-we-help/...
January 11, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Do take a look at this @booktrust.org.uk Represents programme, with free virtual author workshops for Years 3-7. There are four fantastic events coming up over the next few months, and it only takes a minute to register.
www.booktrust.org.uk/how-we-help/...
www.booktrust.org.uk/how-we-help/...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Last call for this! If the next few days are looking wet and windy, sign up, grab a coffee and listen to some practical suggestions for building a classroom reading culture.
Sun 11th Jan, 11:30am: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168230...
Mon 12th Jan, 3:45pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168128...
Sun 11th Jan, 11:30am: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168230...
Mon 12th Jan, 3:45pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168128...
January 9, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Last call for this! If the next few days are looking wet and windy, sign up, grab a coffee and listen to some practical suggestions for building a classroom reading culture.
Sun 11th Jan, 11:30am: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168230...
Mon 12th Jan, 3:45pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168128...
Sun 11th Jan, 11:30am: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168230...
Mon 12th Jan, 3:45pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168128...
Just finished I Am Ray's Imaginary Friend by the superb @brianmosespoet.bsky.social and it is very good indeed. A verse novel, with the perfect balance of emotion and humour. Will lead to some wonderfully challenging conversations in the classroom. Ideal for Years 4-6. @scallywagpress.bsky.social
January 10, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Just finished I Am Ray's Imaginary Friend by the superb @brianmosespoet.bsky.social and it is very good indeed. A verse novel, with the perfect balance of emotion and humour. Will lead to some wonderfully challenging conversations in the classroom. Ideal for Years 4-6. @scallywagpress.bsky.social
Last call for this! If the next few days are looking wet and windy, sign up, grab a coffee and listen to some practical suggestions for building a classroom reading culture.
Sun 11th Jan, 11:30am: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168230...
Mon 12th Jan, 3:45pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168128...
Sun 11th Jan, 11:30am: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168230...
Mon 12th Jan, 3:45pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168128...
January 9, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Last call for this! If the next few days are looking wet and windy, sign up, grab a coffee and listen to some practical suggestions for building a classroom reading culture.
Sun 11th Jan, 11:30am: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168230...
Mon 12th Jan, 3:45pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168128...
Sun 11th Jan, 11:30am: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168230...
Mon 12th Jan, 3:45pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977168128...
I'm now into my sixth year of writing for Educate magazine. It's something I really enjoy doing and am delighted to have had almost 40 articles published. Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed over the years. The articles can be accessed here: neu.org.uk/latest/union...
January 6, 2026 at 5:50 PM
I'm now into my sixth year of writing for Educate magazine. It's something I really enjoy doing and am delighted to have had almost 40 articles published. Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed over the years. The articles can be accessed here: neu.org.uk/latest/union...
I'm starting Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen with my class later this week. It's a fantastic read-aloud, reminiscent of The Day of the Triffids. Takes a few weeks to read but the pupils always get very emotionally involved.
What's your first class book this year?
What's your first class book this year?
January 4, 2026 at 6:19 PM
I'm starting Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen with my class later this week. It's a fantastic read-aloud, reminiscent of The Day of the Triffids. Takes a few weeks to read but the pupils always get very emotionally involved.
What's your first class book this year?
What's your first class book this year?
Being part of the team who put together the @empathylabuk.bsky.social Read for Empathy collection is always a pleasure. This year's list is out on Thu 5th Feb and one of the strongest yet. Do explore the previous collections and sign up for more information. empathylab.uk
January 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Being part of the team who put together the @empathylabuk.bsky.social Read for Empathy collection is always a pleasure. This year's list is out on Thu 5th Feb and one of the strongest yet. Do explore the previous collections and sign up for more information. empathylab.uk
This is exciting! Authors Kelly Yang (Front Desk series) and Kate DiCamillo (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane) are co-hosting a new weekly podcast called StoryKind. The first episode comes out on Monday 19th January and will be available on the usual platforms.
January 3, 2026 at 10:24 AM
This is exciting! Authors Kelly Yang (Front Desk series) and Kate DiCamillo (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane) are co-hosting a new weekly podcast called StoryKind. The first episode comes out on Monday 19th January and will be available on the usual platforms.
I'm confident that Riley Wright is Always Wrong by @meltaylorbessent.bsky.social will be a huge hit when it's released later this year. Lovable characters and hilarious school-based situations, written in a diary style. Ideal for Y3/4. Lots of fun and highly recommended. @farshorebooks.bsky.social
January 2, 2026 at 8:23 AM
I'm confident that Riley Wright is Always Wrong by @meltaylorbessent.bsky.social will be a huge hit when it's released later this year. Lovable characters and hilarious school-based situations, written in a diary style. Ideal for Y3/4. Lots of fun and highly recommended. @farshorebooks.bsky.social