Karen McCombie
@karenmccombie.bsky.social
Children's Author.
Somewhat Scottish, London based, owned by a Westie, crisp fan, she/her.
Oh, and "one of children’s fiction’s most accomplished authors"
according to @Waterstones.
Agent: jhare@theagency.co.uk / Events: @AuthorsAloudUK
Somewhat Scottish, London based, owned by a Westie, crisp fan, she/her.
Oh, and "one of children’s fiction’s most accomplished authors"
according to @Waterstones.
Agent: jhare@theagency.co.uk / Events: @AuthorsAloudUK
#PrimaryTeachers teaching #WW1 topic: Fred is an ordinary London boy, but as the First World War looms, friends, neighbours and classmates turn against his family. Their crime? Fred's father is German...
A story of othering, fear and hope.
@bloomsburyed.bsky.social
#PrimaryRocks #UKEdChat
A story of othering, fear and hope.
@bloomsburyed.bsky.social
#PrimaryRocks #UKEdChat
November 7, 2025 at 11:29 AM
#PrimaryTeachers teaching #WW1 topic: Fred is an ordinary London boy, but as the First World War looms, friends, neighbours and classmates turn against his family. Their crime? Fred's father is German...
A story of othering, fear and hope.
@bloomsburyed.bsky.social
#PrimaryRocks #UKEdChat
A story of othering, fear and hope.
@bloomsburyed.bsky.social
#PrimaryRocks #UKEdChat
Reposted by Karen McCombie
What I especially love about the Carnegies is seeing so many small presses repped, with books the big five wouldn’t risk. Go @fireflypress.bsky.social and @foxandinkbooks.bsky.social as well as Everything with Words, Guppy, Old Barn Books @theemmapress.bsky.social @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 5:45 PM
What I especially love about the Carnegies is seeing so many small presses repped, with books the big five wouldn’t risk. Go @fireflypress.bsky.social and @foxandinkbooks.bsky.social as well as Everything with Words, Guppy, Old Barn Books @theemmapress.bsky.social @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social
This morning's 7am alarm stare...
October 23, 2025 at 2:47 PM
This morning's 7am alarm stare...
*COVER REVEAL!!* The cover of my upcoming Viking time-slip novel has been gloriously illustrated by Anneli Bray. Out Jan '26!
@barringtonstoke.bsky.social
@theagencybooks.bsky.social
@barringtonstoke.bsky.social
@theagencybooks.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 12:36 PM
*COVER REVEAL!!* The cover of my upcoming Viking time-slip novel has been gloriously illustrated by Anneli Bray. Out Jan '26!
@barringtonstoke.bsky.social
@theagencybooks.bsky.social
@barringtonstoke.bsky.social
@theagencybooks.bsky.social
*COVER REVEAL!!* Not out till Jan '26, but the glorious cover of my Viking time-slip story - by Anneli Bray - is suitably autumnal! 🍁 #AccidentalVikings
#ShortReadNovel #DyslexiaFriendly
#ShortReadNovel #DyslexiaFriendly
It's time to board your longships and embark on another fantastic time-slip adventure from @karenmccombie.bsky.social! Alfie and Kat’s school trip takes an unexpected turn when they’re whisked back to a Viking village. Will they ever be able to find their way back home? Out January 2026 🌊
October 22, 2025 at 12:30 PM
*COVER REVEAL!!* Not out till Jan '26, but the glorious cover of my Viking time-slip story - by Anneli Bray - is suitably autumnal! 🍁 #AccidentalVikings
#ShortReadNovel #DyslexiaFriendly
#ShortReadNovel #DyslexiaFriendly
Thanks for the review, Sue! I walk in the hilly park at Ally Pally every day with my dog. Writing about the WW1 internees who once shared this glorious space was very moving...
Today's review...'My Family The Enemy' @karenmccombie.bsky.social @bloomsburyed.bsky.social Very engaging, well-written and thought-provoking!
www.throughthebookshelf.com/reviews/my-family-the-enemy
www.throughthebookshelf.com/reviews/my-family-the-enemy
My Family The Enemy — Through the Bookshelf
When Jack goes to visit his Granny Jess, he is expecting the usual routine involving biscuits. However, this Saturday afternoon things are different as his grandmother seems preoccupied. When she shar...
www.throughthebookshelf.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Thanks for the review, Sue! I walk in the hilly park at Ally Pally every day with my dog. Writing about the WW1 internees who once shared this glorious space was very moving...
Thanks, Fleur! And it's a piece of British history that so few people know about... #WW1 #internees
My book is out this week, but so is @karenmccombie.bsky.social 's awesomely good My Family, The Enemy.
Loved it and learned so much!
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/my-family...
Loved it and learned so much!
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/my-family...
My Family the Enemy
London, 1914. Fred Müller's life is turned upside down when his dad is taken away by the police - suddenly his family are the enemy because of where they come f…
www.bloomsbury.com
October 9, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Thanks, Fleur! And it's a piece of British history that so few people know about... #WW1 #internees
OUT TODAY! It's 1914, and as war looms, London boy Fred is about to see his father taken away, accused of being an enemy of Britain... My new children's novel (age 9+) is based on little-known true events. @bloomsburyed.bsky.social
October 9, 2025 at 11:53 AM
OUT TODAY! It's 1914, and as war looms, London boy Fred is about to see his father taken away, accused of being an enemy of Britain... My new children's novel (age 9+) is based on little-known true events. @bloomsburyed.bsky.social
What an astounding image!
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Fred Fordham from his graphic novel adaptation of Phil Earle’s wartime story When The Sky Falls. Fiery rooftops, searchlights and bombers in an air raid, vividly evoked in ink and watercolour. Andersen Press 9 October. @andersenpress.bsky.social @philearle.bsky.social
October 6, 2025 at 11:24 AM
What an astounding image!
This book is a cracker… two 11-year-olds are on the run from very different but difficult home lives and meet by chance. Author @elnorrywriter.bsky.social weaves a story that touches on tricky themes but is ultimately uplifting. #RUNAWAYS
@bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social
@bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social
October 1, 2025 at 10:16 AM
This book is a cracker… two 11-year-olds are on the run from very different but difficult home lives and meet by chance. Author @elnorrywriter.bsky.social weaves a story that touches on tricky themes but is ultimately uplifting. #RUNAWAYS
@bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social
@bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social
It's #DylslexiaAwarenessWeek in Scotland this week & the rest of the UK the week after. Dylslexia-friendly publisher
Barrington Stoke are offering 20% off individual books during this time, using code DAW20. Plenty authors to choose from, but here's a selection of my books! bsky.app/profile/barr...
Barrington Stoke are offering 20% off individual books during this time, using code DAW20. Plenty authors to choose from, but here's a selection of my books! bsky.app/profile/barr...
September 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM
It's #DylslexiaAwarenessWeek in Scotland this week & the rest of the UK the week after. Dylslexia-friendly publisher
Barrington Stoke are offering 20% off individual books during this time, using code DAW20. Plenty authors to choose from, but here's a selection of my books! bsky.app/profile/barr...
Barrington Stoke are offering 20% off individual books during this time, using code DAW20. Plenty authors to choose from, but here's a selection of my books! bsky.app/profile/barr...
Just arrived; a bundle of advance copies of my new WW1 novel! Stunning cover by #MarcoGaudalupi and lovely cover quote courtesy of the awesome Catherine Johnson @catwrote.bsky.social Out 9 Oct...
@bloomsburyed.bsky.social
@theagencybooks.bsky.social
@bloomsburyed.bsky.social
@theagencybooks.bsky.social
September 16, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Just arrived; a bundle of advance copies of my new WW1 novel! Stunning cover by #MarcoGaudalupi and lovely cover quote courtesy of the awesome Catherine Johnson @catwrote.bsky.social Out 9 Oct...
@bloomsburyed.bsky.social
@theagencybooks.bsky.social
@bloomsburyed.bsky.social
@theagencybooks.bsky.social
Happy book birthday to @emmashevah.bsky.social, on the publication of her #YA novel 'MY NAME IS JODIE JONES'!
15-year-old Jodie Jones is NEVER just 'Jodie', and she's not shy about telling people off if they get that wrong! But what family secret is dragging her down?
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social
15-year-old Jodie Jones is NEVER just 'Jodie', and she's not shy about telling people off if they get that wrong! But what family secret is dragging her down?
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social
September 11, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Happy book birthday to @emmashevah.bsky.social, on the publication of her #YA novel 'MY NAME IS JODIE JONES'!
15-year-old Jodie Jones is NEVER just 'Jodie', and she's not shy about telling people off if they get that wrong! But what family secret is dragging her down?
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social
15-year-old Jodie Jones is NEVER just 'Jodie', and she's not shy about telling people off if they get that wrong! But what family secret is dragging her down?
@dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social
My 2025 books... so far! WORLD OF WANDA (10+, featuring an #ADHD main character + a secret family!) & novella MY PERFECT COUSIN (for anyone who likes a short read, plus it's #dyslexiafriendly #yay).
@foxandinkbooks.bsky.social @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
@foxandinkbooks.bsky.social @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
August 5, 2025 at 10:32 AM
My 2025 books... so far! WORLD OF WANDA (10+, featuring an #ADHD main character + a secret family!) & novella MY PERFECT COUSIN (for anyone who likes a short read, plus it's #dyslexiafriendly #yay).
@foxandinkbooks.bsky.social @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
@foxandinkbooks.bsky.social @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
Ooh, I have STRONG stamper envy, Louie!
August 5, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Ooh, I have STRONG stamper envy, Louie!
A gorgeous selection, as always! 😍📕
Here are the latest book reviews for this week, many of which are on our updated recommended book lists. Thank you to all our reviewers this week:
justimagine.co.uk/childrens-bo...
justimagine.co.uk/childrens-bo...
August 5, 2025 at 10:22 AM
A gorgeous selection, as always! 😍📕
"This is a cracking title for those at the top end of primary and into KS3, where those who need shorter stories like this often miss out..." Thanks for this review of MY PERFECT COUSIN, Jacqui! It's always a pleasure to write for the amazingly inclusive @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
A fabulous duel narrative with a twist, My Perfect Cousin by @karenmccombie.bsky.social, illustrated by Sofia Miller Salazar, is out now for 11+ readers from @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
#KidlitUK #UKKidlit
worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2025/07/14/m...
#KidlitUK #UKKidlit
worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2025/07/14/m...
My Perfect Cousin by Karen McCombie, illustrated by Sofia Miller Salazar
Cover illustration © 2025 Sofia Miller Salazar We all know that there are two sides to every story but it’s quite unusual, perhaps, for us to really think about the differences between them. …
worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com
July 17, 2025 at 12:07 PM
"This is a cracking title for those at the top end of primary and into KS3, where those who need shorter stories like this often miss out..." Thanks for this review of MY PERFECT COUSIN, Jacqui! It's always a pleasure to write for the amazingly inclusive @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
Thanks for including 'Fagin's Girl' in this fabulous collection of #Victorians themed books! (And always happy to answer questions via a teacher, if it's used in class!)
🎩📚 VICTORIANS topic booklist:
➡️ booksfortopics.com/booklists/to...
🚂 Known as an age of invention & industrial development as well as an era of poverty, child labour & crime, the Victorian period was a time of great contrasts.
Check out our KS2 list of Victorian-themed topic books.
➡️ booksfortopics.com/booklists/to...
🚂 Known as an age of invention & industrial development as well as an era of poverty, child labour & crime, the Victorian period was a time of great contrasts.
Check out our KS2 list of Victorian-themed topic books.
July 9, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Thanks for including 'Fagin's Girl' in this fabulous collection of #Victorians themed books! (And always happy to answer questions via a teacher, if it's used in class!)
Incoming... new book for all the Beatles-heads! RINGO: A FAB LIFE, written by my music journo mister Tom Doyle, is out this October.
Ace Ringo tales a-go-go!
@newmodernbooks.bsky.social
Ace Ringo tales a-go-go!
@newmodernbooks.bsky.social
July 7, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Incoming... new book for all the Beatles-heads! RINGO: A FAB LIFE, written by my music journo mister Tom Doyle, is out this October.
Ace Ringo tales a-go-go!
@newmodernbooks.bsky.social
Ace Ringo tales a-go-go!
@newmodernbooks.bsky.social
Thank you! And it's always a TOTAL pleasure and privilege to work with you, dear @barringtonstoke.bsky.social! Your commitment to helping every child and teen find a book that works for them gets me in the feels every time... #inclusivereads #everyoneareader #dyslexiafriendly
Happy book birthday to #MyPerfectCousin by @karenmccombie.bsky.social! Ruby can’t stand her “perfect” cousin Yasmin, and always feel small around her. But is there another side to the story? A cleverly-composed clean-teen novella illustrated by #SofiaMillerSalazar. bit.ly/4ewlnnt
July 3, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Thank you! And it's always a TOTAL pleasure and privilege to work with you, dear @barringtonstoke.bsky.social! Your commitment to helping every child and teen find a book that works for them gets me in the feels every time... #inclusivereads #everyoneareader #dyslexiafriendly
From childhood poverty to 1930s superstardom to WW2 spy... the life of legendary Black entertainer Josephine Baker is BRILLIANTLY retold in 'Dance of Resistance', by Catherine Johnson @catwrote.bsky.social. I read this advance copy in one gulp!
Out Sept '25 @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
Out Sept '25 @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
June 10, 2025 at 9:49 AM
From childhood poverty to 1930s superstardom to WW2 spy... the life of legendary Black entertainer Josephine Baker is BRILLIANTLY retold in 'Dance of Resistance', by Catherine Johnson @catwrote.bsky.social. I read this advance copy in one gulp!
Out Sept '25 @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
Out Sept '25 @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
*SHINY NEW BOOK ALERT!*
I was lucky enough to be sent an early proof copy of MY NAME IS JODIE JONES, the new YA by the fabulous Emma Shevah! (Out September '25.)
Can't wait to dive in...
@emmashevah.bsky.social @dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social
I was lucky enough to be sent an early proof copy of MY NAME IS JODIE JONES, the new YA by the fabulous Emma Shevah! (Out September '25.)
Can't wait to dive in...
@emmashevah.bsky.social @dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social
June 9, 2025 at 11:30 AM
*SHINY NEW BOOK ALERT!*
I was lucky enough to be sent an early proof copy of MY NAME IS JODIE JONES, the new YA by the fabulous Emma Shevah! (Out September '25.)
Can't wait to dive in...
@emmashevah.bsky.social @dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social
I was lucky enough to be sent an early proof copy of MY NAME IS JODIE JONES, the new YA by the fabulous Emma Shevah! (Out September '25.)
Can't wait to dive in...
@emmashevah.bsky.social @dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social
Much appreciate the gushing, Emma! Thank you so much for your lovely, LOVELY words about #WorldOfWanda... 🥹🥰
#ADHD #SECRETFAMILIES #UKMG
@uclanpublishing.bsky.social
#ADHD #SECRETFAMILIES #UKMG
@uclanpublishing.bsky.social
Gotta gush @karenmccombie.bsky.social 🤩 utterly voice-y, joyous. In an overcrowded (often samey) market this stands out by a mile. It addresses many things absolutely beautifully: ADHD, siblings, step, half families. Real, flawed adults. Warm, funny, pacy, wise. More Wanda! 🤩
#childrensbooks #UKMG
#childrensbooks #UKMG
May 2, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Much appreciate the gushing, Emma! Thank you so much for your lovely, LOVELY words about #WorldOfWanda... 🥹🥰
#ADHD #SECRETFAMILIES #UKMG
@uclanpublishing.bsky.social
#ADHD #SECRETFAMILIES #UKMG
@uclanpublishing.bsky.social
Most excellent book post today: an advance copy of Catherine Johnson's next book - DANCE OF RESISTANCE: THE JOSEPHINE BAKER STORY - about the life of the iconic, Black entertainer of the 1920s, who was also a spy! (Out Sept '25)
@catwrote.bsky.social @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
@catwrote.bsky.social @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
April 22, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Most excellent book post today: an advance copy of Catherine Johnson's next book - DANCE OF RESISTANCE: THE JOSEPHINE BAKER STORY - about the life of the iconic, Black entertainer of the 1920s, who was also a spy! (Out Sept '25)
@catwrote.bsky.social @barringtonstoke.bsky.social
@catwrote.bsky.social @barringtonstoke.bsky.social