ToBeBooks
@tobebooks.bsky.social
Rebel booksellers, UK based social enterprise founded to sell children’s books so our profits can fund children’s libraries. #changebookdeserts #activists 🫶🏾🏳️🌈📚 p.s seeking investment https://tobebooks.co.uk/
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Turns out kids are ALREADY asking for Hari Book 2. Last week, one heard me mention it and the news rippled down the signing queue! So here it is: HARI KUMAR, ULTIMATE SUPERSTAR - GOING FOR GOLD. Out 13th August. Art by Mamta Singh, design by Elorine Grant and Kate Clarke. 🎉🌟
February 16, 2026 at 8:26 AM
Turns out kids are ALREADY asking for Hari Book 2. Last week, one heard me mention it and the news rippled down the signing queue! So here it is: HARI KUMAR, ULTIMATE SUPERSTAR - GOING FOR GOLD. Out 13th August. Art by Mamta Singh, design by Elorine Grant and Kate Clarke. 🎉🌟
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At a time where the Radio 4 news output is cowardly and superficial, the WS still asks questions, still holds open a window to the world, still is my company in the dead of night (as it has been since the long nights of early-months motherhood).
I'm here today b/c it was there for me then. 💟📻
I'm here today b/c it was there for me then. 💟📻
And another bites the dust?
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on the BBC World Service: this is London calling | Editorial
Editorial: With just seven weeks before its funding runs out, the UK’s greatest cultural asset and most trusted international news organisation must be supported
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 9:30 PM
At a time where the Radio 4 news output is cowardly and superficial, the WS still asks questions, still holds open a window to the world, still is my company in the dead of night (as it has been since the long nights of early-months motherhood).
I'm here today b/c it was there for me then. 💟📻
I'm here today b/c it was there for me then. 💟📻
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The Blue Book of Nebo is a wonderful book for exploring sibling love and loss. The Silver Blood Witches books by Sally Doherty look at the love a young carer has for those they care for. The Brooklyn Witches graphic novels have fantastic LGBTQ+ love representation and multi generational families.
February 13, 2026 at 7:02 PM
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I grew up on nuclear war/general nuclear horror books, from When the Wind Blows and 2000AD cursed earth stories to Space Hostages. I assume the current generation have climate change books in that same headspace? Or is fascism the more existential fear for 8 year olds? #KidLitUK
Books for children, teens & teachers about nuclear war and survival including titles by David McKee, Emma Carroll, David Almond, Kerry Drewery, Robert Swindells, Judith Loske, Raymond Briggs, Nevil Shute & Annie Jacobsen. schoolreadinglist.co.uk/genres/nucle... #teachersofX #kidlit
Nuclear war and survival books for children and teens
Nuclear war and survival books for children and teens with titles by Sandra Moore, David McKee, Emma Carroll, David Almond & more.
schoolreadinglist.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 7:45 AM
I grew up on nuclear war/general nuclear horror books, from When the Wind Blows and 2000AD cursed earth stories to Space Hostages. I assume the current generation have climate change books in that same headspace? Or is fascism the more existential fear for 8 year olds? #KidLitUK
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Sophie Anderson's The Thief Who Sang Storms is the best example I can think of. Beautiful book about the othering of an indigenous population who are disenfranchised, ghettoised, and routinely rounded up.
February 14, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Sophie Anderson's The Thief Who Sang Storms is the best example I can think of. Beautiful book about the othering of an indigenous population who are disenfranchised, ghettoised, and routinely rounded up.
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Could The Arrival by Shaun Tan count? Possibly more fantasy than sci-fi but perhaps treads the line in-between.
I’m not sure these three exactly fit the brief but they are excellent sci-fi books that deal with power and control, setting humans as the outsiders.
I’m not sure these three exactly fit the brief but they are excellent sci-fi books that deal with power and control, setting humans as the outsiders.
February 14, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Could The Arrival by Shaun Tan count? Possibly more fantasy than sci-fi but perhaps treads the line in-between.
I’m not sure these three exactly fit the brief but they are excellent sci-fi books that deal with power and control, setting humans as the outsiders.
I’m not sure these three exactly fit the brief but they are excellent sci-fi books that deal with power and control, setting humans as the outsiders.
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Question raised in this thread...I mean raised by me but thru discussion: Can anyone think of any UK sci fi middle grade dealing in government racism/immigration? #UKKidLit
I grew up on nuclear war/general nuclear horror books, from When the Wind Blows and 2000AD cursed earth stories to Space Hostages. I assume the current generation have climate change books in that same headspace? Or is fascism the more existential fear for 8 year olds? #KidLitUK
Books for children, teens & teachers about nuclear war and survival including titles by David McKee, Emma Carroll, David Almond, Kerry Drewery, Robert Swindells, Judith Loske, Raymond Briggs, Nevil Shute & Annie Jacobsen. schoolreadinglist.co.uk/genres/nucle... #teachersofX #kidlit
February 14, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Question raised in this thread...I mean raised by me but thru discussion: Can anyone think of any UK sci fi middle grade dealing in government racism/immigration? #UKKidLit
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Earlier this week, @alomshaha.bsky.social was chatting about how the message of loving each other should inform more public discourse (beyond religion).
So, for #KidsBooksFriday this week what kids books help kids to understand the importance of love in all its forms?
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
So, for #KidsBooksFriday this week what kids books help kids to understand the importance of love in all its forms?
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
February 13, 2026 at 7:43 AM
Earlier this week, @alomshaha.bsky.social was chatting about how the message of loving each other should inform more public discourse (beyond religion).
So, for #KidsBooksFriday this week what kids books help kids to understand the importance of love in all its forms?
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
So, for #KidsBooksFriday this week what kids books help kids to understand the importance of love in all its forms?
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
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Gandalf really is heroic when you consider that there were originally five wizards and one of them turned evil, two of them fucked off and went out east to have orgies, and one is just super into talking to gophers. The one last hope of free peoples was the stoner and that crazy mfer did it.
February 12, 2026 at 4:24 AM
Gandalf really is heroic when you consider that there were originally five wizards and one of them turned evil, two of them fucked off and went out east to have orgies, and one is just super into talking to gophers. The one last hope of free peoples was the stoner and that crazy mfer did it.
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Nominations are open for this year's Secondary School Librarian of the Year & Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year Awards until 9am on 16th February! The Awards are a chance to celebrate and advocate for school libraries everywhere. Find out more: buff.ly/HsKvsd9 #EduSkyUK
2026 SLA Awards are now open for nominations
Make your nominations for Secondary School Librarian of the Year and Peter Usborne Primary Library School of the Year
buff.ly
February 12, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Nominations are open for this year's Secondary School Librarian of the Year & Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year Awards until 9am on 16th February! The Awards are a chance to celebrate and advocate for school libraries everywhere. Find out more: buff.ly/HsKvsd9 #EduSkyUK
‼️🔔BANGER ALERT 🔔‼️
It's National Pizza Day so why not celebrate by buying a copy of Death or Ice Cream? It's not about pizza, but then you didn't even know it was National Pizza Day until you read this so what does it matter? All this stuff is made up anyway.
February 9, 2026 at 4:48 PM
‼️🔔BANGER ALERT 🔔‼️
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I asked AI to name my wife. To the hopelessly incorrect people it cited, my deepest apologies | Martin Rowson
I asked AI to name my wife. To the hopelessly incorrect people it cited, my deepest apologies | Martin Rowson
Authors, a newsreader, a lawyer and an esteemed colleague: they’re all great – but I’m not married to any of them. Can we really depend on this technology, asks cartoonist and author Martin Rowson
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:28 AM
I asked AI to name my wife. To the hopelessly incorrect people it cited, my deepest apologies | Martin Rowson
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An excellent series for anyone interested in how we get children reading for pleasure. I have lots to catch up on but I had to give it a boost! #kidlituk #ukkidlit
Why aren’t children reading for pleasure and what can we do about it?
We look at the data, explore key barriers, and hear from authors, teachers & literacy experts working to change the story.
🎧 Listen now: https://loom.ly/7Zut6PU
#ReadingCrisis #ReadingForPleasure #teachers
We look at the data, explore key barriers, and hear from authors, teachers & literacy experts working to change the story.
🎧 Listen now: https://loom.ly/7Zut6PU
#ReadingCrisis #ReadingForPleasure #teachers
February 9, 2026 at 10:39 AM
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I met young readers today in the signing queue who actually know and love my books. And readers who were excited to talk about their ADHD brains and writing. What is this life? Seriously. Blown away that I get to call this my job.
February 6, 2026 at 2:41 PM
I met young readers today in the signing queue who actually know and love my books. And readers who were excited to talk about their ADHD brains and writing. What is this life? Seriously. Blown away that I get to call this my job.
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🎉 The 2026 #ReadForEmpathy collection is here!
Celebrating 10 years with 65 diverse, brilliant books for ages 3–16+, curated to reflect our world and spark meaningful conversations during the National Year of Reading.
📖 Download our free guides (link in bio)
🗓️ Join our FREE webinar: 12 Feb, 4pm
Celebrating 10 years with 65 diverse, brilliant books for ages 3–16+, curated to reflect our world and spark meaningful conversations during the National Year of Reading.
📖 Download our free guides (link in bio)
🗓️ Join our FREE webinar: 12 Feb, 4pm
February 5, 2026 at 9:48 AM
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Brilliant list here from the comics laureate @bobbyjosephcomics.bsky.social including many of my faves in the kidlit world downthetubes.net/british-comi...
Comics Laureate Bobby Joseph’s Graphic Novel List for Libraries 2026 – 2027
Following up on his 2024 – 2025 Reading List for 2024 – 2025, Comics Laureate Bobby Joseph has compiled his 2026-2027 Reading List, which Arts Council England have distributed to their connect…
downthetubes.net
February 4, 2026 at 1:12 PM
Brilliant list here from the comics laureate @bobbyjosephcomics.bsky.social including many of my faves in the kidlit world downthetubes.net/british-comi...
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Why aren’t children reading for pleasure and what can we do about it?
We look at the data, explore key barriers, and hear from authors, teachers & literacy experts working to change the story.
🎧 Listen now: https://loom.ly/7Zut6PU
#ReadingCrisis #ReadingForPleasure #teachers
We look at the data, explore key barriers, and hear from authors, teachers & literacy experts working to change the story.
🎧 Listen now: https://loom.ly/7Zut6PU
#ReadingCrisis #ReadingForPleasure #teachers
January 19, 2026 at 7:15 AM
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Who decides which children’s books get published, promoted, and put into young readers’ hands? We explore publishing power, access, and why children’s books get so little media coverage.|
🎧 Listen now: https://loom.ly/ORdgY7U
#ReadingCrisis #ReadingForPleasure #ChildrensBooks
🎧 Listen now: https://loom.ly/ORdgY7U
#ReadingCrisis #ReadingForPleasure #ChildrensBooks
February 4, 2026 at 7:01 AM
Who decides which children’s books get published, promoted, and put into young readers’ hands? We explore publishing power, access, and why children’s books get so little media coverage.|
🎧 Listen now: https://loom.ly/ORdgY7U
#ReadingCrisis #ReadingForPleasure #ChildrensBooks
🎧 Listen now: https://loom.ly/ORdgY7U
#ReadingCrisis #ReadingForPleasure #ChildrensBooks
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£500 given out to a working class writer every month.
Details in link.
Please share :)
Details in link.
Please share :)
The Creatives Grant
let's make art less middle class
thewhitepube.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 10:57 AM
£500 given out to a working class writer every month.
Details in link.
Please share :)
Details in link.
Please share :)
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Is there an equvalent word to 'katabasis' (a descent into hell) that means a fall from heaven in a story, a la Lucifer's in Milton?
September 14, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Is there an equvalent word to 'katabasis' (a descent into hell) that means a fall from heaven in a story, a la Lucifer's in Milton?
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I'm supporting #ReadItForward2026! If you buy LOKI: A Bad God's Guide to Causing Chaos during February, then
@bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social will donate 10% to
@booktrust.org.uk
and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social! Buy here - why not hoover up a few more books too!
uk.bookshop.org/lists/read-i...
@bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social will donate 10% to
@booktrust.org.uk
and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social! Buy here - why not hoover up a few more books too!
uk.bookshop.org/lists/read-i...
Read It Forward with Bookshop.org
This February, we invite you to Read It Forward. 10% of all children's book sales through Bookshop.
uk.bookshop.org
February 2, 2026 at 12:48 PM
I'm supporting #ReadItForward2026! If you buy LOKI: A Bad God's Guide to Causing Chaos during February, then
@bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social will donate 10% to
@booktrust.org.uk
and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social! Buy here - why not hoover up a few more books too!
uk.bookshop.org/lists/read-i...
@bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social will donate 10% to
@booktrust.org.uk
and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social! Buy here - why not hoover up a few more books too!
uk.bookshop.org/lists/read-i...
Reposted by ToBeBooks
Thrilled to share the cover for my brand-new adventure, How to Steal the Future! Think The Traitors meets Inception with incredible cover art by Pete Lloyd, How to Steal the Future is published by @macmillankidsuk.bsky.social 02.07.26 and you can pre-order here: www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-...
January 27, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Thrilled to share the cover for my brand-new adventure, How to Steal the Future! Think The Traitors meets Inception with incredible cover art by Pete Lloyd, How to Steal the Future is published by @macmillankidsuk.bsky.social 02.07.26 and you can pre-order here: www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-...
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These books are BRILLIANT!
I'm relaunching Dominion of the Fallen in the US with @awfulagent.bsky.social
Magnificent covers by @fringe-element.net
Deliciously gothic atmosphere, queer characters from across the world, and high intrigue--in a Paris wrecked by magical cataclysms
March 10th, 2026!
awfulagent.com/ebooks/the-h...
Magnificent covers by @fringe-element.net
Deliciously gothic atmosphere, queer characters from across the world, and high intrigue--in a Paris wrecked by magical cataclysms
March 10th, 2026!
awfulagent.com/ebooks/the-h...
January 11, 2026 at 9:18 AM
These books are BRILLIANT!
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We can now show off the cover for @gitaralleigh.bsky.social's new pamphlet, empirical! Which will be published by us in March of this year 🎉
January 9, 2026 at 7:11 PM
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Gonna start reviewing funny books the way people review unfunny ones. With that in mind I just read Donut Squad: Make a mess. Urgent, necessary and timely, a masterpiece! The voice of a generation! @neillcameron.bsky.social
January 6, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Gonna start reviewing funny books the way people review unfunny ones. With that in mind I just read Donut Squad: Make a mess. Urgent, necessary and timely, a masterpiece! The voice of a generation! @neillcameron.bsky.social