Jonathan Emmett
@jonathanemmett.com
📚 Children’s author and paper engineer.
🕸️ Website & Blog: jonathanemmett.com
🌱 Green. Humanist. Tabletop gamer.
🇬🇧 Living in Nottingham, UK.
🌍 Dismayed by our generation’s indifference to climate breakdown.
🕸️ Website & Blog: jonathanemmett.com
🌱 Green. Humanist. Tabletop gamer.
🇬🇧 Living in Nottingham, UK.
🌍 Dismayed by our generation’s indifference to climate breakdown.
This puts me in mind of this quote from Kurt Vonnegut.
It's the great man's birthday today. It's safe to say that he would not have been impressed with the way our species has conducted itself in the 17 years since he died.
It's the great man's birthday today. It's safe to say that he would not have been impressed with the way our species has conducted itself in the 17 years since he died.
November 11, 2025 at 5:36 PM
This puts me in mind of this quote from Kurt Vonnegut.
It's the great man's birthday today. It's safe to say that he would not have been impressed with the way our species has conducted itself in the 17 years since he died.
It's the great man's birthday today. It's safe to say that he would not have been impressed with the way our species has conducted itself in the 17 years since he died.
While I’m generally impressed by @zackpolanski.bsky.social, I’m disappointed to hear him promote the false dichotomy that we need to tackle corporations INSTEAD OF taking individual responsibility for rising climate emissions.
With 1.5º target looking unobtainable, it’s clear WE NEED TO DO BOTH!
With 1.5º target looking unobtainable, it’s clear WE NEED TO DO BOTH!
November 11, 2025 at 12:23 PM
While I’m generally impressed by @zackpolanski.bsky.social, I’m disappointed to hear him promote the false dichotomy that we need to tackle corporations INSTEAD OF taking individual responsibility for rising climate emissions.
With 1.5º target looking unobtainable, it’s clear WE NEED TO DO BOTH!
With 1.5º target looking unobtainable, it’s clear WE NEED TO DO BOTH!
👏🏼 I love these ads, part of @badvertising.bsky.social's campaign calling on @london.gov.uk to ban advertising by airlines and other high polluting businesses on TFL.
TFL should not be promoting climate-hostile businesses at a time of #ClimateBreakdown.
#FlyLess
Photo: @crisortunity.bsky.social
TFL should not be promoting climate-hostile businesses at a time of #ClimateBreakdown.
#FlyLess
Photo: @crisortunity.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 11:10 AM
👏🏼 I love these ads, part of @badvertising.bsky.social's campaign calling on @london.gov.uk to ban advertising by airlines and other high polluting businesses on TFL.
TFL should not be promoting climate-hostile businesses at a time of #ClimateBreakdown.
#FlyLess
Photo: @crisortunity.bsky.social
TFL should not be promoting climate-hostile businesses at a time of #ClimateBreakdown.
#FlyLess
Photo: @crisortunity.bsky.social
… We had to say it so often, it became a catchphrase and I had some mugs made with it on.
After that, if someone called a plesiosaur a dinosaur during an online event, I'd sometimes pretend to take a sip from the mug (on webcam) rather than correct them.
After that, if someone called a plesiosaur a dinosaur during an online event, I'd sometimes pretend to take a sip from the mug (on webcam) rather than correct them.
November 9, 2025 at 1:13 PM
… We had to say it so often, it became a catchphrase and I had some mugs made with it on.
After that, if someone called a plesiosaur a dinosaur during an online event, I'd sometimes pretend to take a sip from the mug (on webcam) rather than correct them.
After that, if someone called a plesiosaur a dinosaur during an online event, I'd sometimes pretend to take a sip from the mug (on webcam) rather than correct them.
🇮🇪 I've just received my Irish PLR figures and #TheBookFamilyRobinson, by me and Sam Caldwell, was my most borrowed book from Irish libraries last year.
🙏🏼 A big THANK YOU to everyone who borrowed my books, and the PLR team at @britishlibrary.bsky.social for helping me earn a living.
🙏🏼 A big THANK YOU to everyone who borrowed my books, and the PLR team at @britishlibrary.bsky.social for helping me earn a living.
November 5, 2025 at 2:31 PM
🇮🇪 I've just received my Irish PLR figures and #TheBookFamilyRobinson, by me and Sam Caldwell, was my most borrowed book from Irish libraries last year.
🙏🏼 A big THANK YOU to everyone who borrowed my books, and the PLR team at @britishlibrary.bsky.social for helping me earn a living.
🙏🏼 A big THANK YOU to everyone who borrowed my books, and the PLR team at @britishlibrary.bsky.social for helping me earn a living.
And you can book a virtual author visit, in which I read the book, talk about the inspiration for the story and answer questions, at the reduced rates of 🇬🇧£50 excl. VAT 🇺🇸 $65.
jonathanemmett.com/visits/schoo...
#TheSantaTrap illustrated by Poly Bernatene.
jonathanemmett.com/visits/schoo...
#TheSantaTrap illustrated by Poly Bernatene.
November 1, 2025 at 9:40 AM
And you can book a virtual author visit, in which I read the book, talk about the inspiration for the story and answer questions, at the reduced rates of 🇬🇧£50 excl. VAT 🇺🇸 $65.
jonathanemmett.com/visits/schoo...
#TheSantaTrap illustrated by Poly Bernatene.
jonathanemmett.com/visits/schoo...
#TheSantaTrap illustrated by Poly Bernatene.
🎅🏼🪤📕SCHOOLS!
If you’re reading #TheSantaTrap this term, you can find lots of FREE resources for the book using the links below:
• Read-along video
• Posters: Cover & Spread
• Activity Sheets: Wordsearch & Maze
• KS1 & 2 Lesson Plans
• Author’s Notes
• Blogpost about how schools have used the book.
If you’re reading #TheSantaTrap this term, you can find lots of FREE resources for the book using the links below:
• Read-along video
• Posters: Cover & Spread
• Activity Sheets: Wordsearch & Maze
• KS1 & 2 Lesson Plans
• Author’s Notes
• Blogpost about how schools have used the book.
November 1, 2025 at 9:30 AM
🎅🏼🪤📕SCHOOLS!
If you’re reading #TheSantaTrap this term, you can find lots of FREE resources for the book using the links below:
• Read-along video
• Posters: Cover & Spread
• Activity Sheets: Wordsearch & Maze
• KS1 & 2 Lesson Plans
• Author’s Notes
• Blogpost about how schools have used the book.
If you’re reading #TheSantaTrap this term, you can find lots of FREE resources for the book using the links below:
• Read-along video
• Posters: Cover & Spread
• Activity Sheets: Wordsearch & Maze
• KS1 & 2 Lesson Plans
• Author’s Notes
• Blogpost about how schools have used the book.
Thanks to all the families who came to my #MonsterMakeover events at West Bridgeford and Beeston Libraries today! 😊
After hearing the story, the children created some makeovers of their own that Uglymug would have been proud of. Here are some of my favourites from each event. 👹
After hearing the story, the children created some makeovers of their own that Uglymug would have been proud of. Here are some of my favourites from each event. 👹
October 30, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Thanks to all the families who came to my #MonsterMakeover events at West Bridgeford and Beeston Libraries today! 😊
After hearing the story, the children created some makeovers of their own that Uglymug would have been proud of. Here are some of my favourites from each event. 👹
After hearing the story, the children created some makeovers of their own that Uglymug would have been proud of. Here are some of my favourites from each event. 👹
🎃 This time next week it will be #Halloween!
🧛🏻♂️ Find out where witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls go to look their worst for their big night in #MonsterMakeovers, a new picture book by me, Rae Minos & Boxer Books.
More info at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
🧛🏻♂️ Find out where witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls go to look their worst for their big night in #MonsterMakeovers, a new picture book by me, Rae Minos & Boxer Books.
More info at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
October 24, 2025 at 2:13 PM
🎃 This time next week it will be #Halloween!
🧛🏻♂️ Find out where witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls go to look their worst for their big night in #MonsterMakeovers, a new picture book by me, Rae Minos & Boxer Books.
More info at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
🧛🏻♂️ Find out where witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls go to look their worst for their big night in #MonsterMakeovers, a new picture book by me, Rae Minos & Boxer Books.
More info at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
Today is courageous human rights campaigner Ahmed Mansoor's 56th birthday.
It's the 9th birthday he's spent in a #UAE prison for the 'crime' of peacefully advocating for change in the UAE.
I wish Ahmed freedom, happiness and a speedy return to his family.
#BirthdayWishes4Ahmed #FreeAhmed
It's the 9th birthday he's spent in a #UAE prison for the 'crime' of peacefully advocating for change in the UAE.
I wish Ahmed freedom, happiness and a speedy return to his family.
#BirthdayWishes4Ahmed #FreeAhmed
October 22, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Today is courageous human rights campaigner Ahmed Mansoor's 56th birthday.
It's the 9th birthday he's spent in a #UAE prison for the 'crime' of peacefully advocating for change in the UAE.
I wish Ahmed freedom, happiness and a speedy return to his family.
#BirthdayWishes4Ahmed #FreeAhmed
It's the 9th birthday he's spent in a #UAE prison for the 'crime' of peacefully advocating for change in the UAE.
I wish Ahmed freedom, happiness and a speedy return to his family.
#BirthdayWishes4Ahmed #FreeAhmed
🎃 Celebrate the Spooky Season with these #Halloween themed activity sheets, featuring Rae Minos’ illustrations from our new picture book #MonsterMakeovers, published by Boxer Books.
🆓 Download them for FREE and find out more about the book at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
🆓 Download them for FREE and find out more about the book at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
October 18, 2025 at 8:23 AM
🎃 Celebrate the Spooky Season with these #Halloween themed activity sheets, featuring Rae Minos’ illustrations from our new picture book #MonsterMakeovers, published by Boxer Books.
🆓 Download them for FREE and find out more about the book at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
🆓 Download them for FREE and find out more about the book at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
🎃 Just 18 sleeps left to #Halloween.
🧛🏻♂️ Find out where witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls go to look their very worst for their big night in #MonsterMakeovers, a new picture book by me, Rae Minos and Boxer Books.
More info at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
🧛🏻♂️ Find out where witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls go to look their very worst for their big night in #MonsterMakeovers, a new picture book by me, Rae Minos and Boxer Books.
More info at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
October 13, 2025 at 5:05 PM
🎃 Just 18 sleeps left to #Halloween.
🧛🏻♂️ Find out where witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls go to look their very worst for their big night in #MonsterMakeovers, a new picture book by me, Rae Minos and Boxer Books.
More info at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
🧛🏻♂️ Find out where witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls go to look their very worst for their big night in #MonsterMakeovers, a new picture book by me, Rae Minos and Boxer Books.
More info at jonathanemmett.com/monster-makeovers
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
… and copies of WENN DIE ERSTEN FLOCKEN FALLEN, the new German board book edition of FOXES IN THE SNOW.
I'm particularly pleased that, unlike most board books that have been adapted from picture books, it includes the endpapers, featuring beautiful before and after illustrations by Rebecca Harry.
I'm particularly pleased that, unlike most board books that have been adapted from picture books, it includes the endpapers, featuring beautiful before and after illustrations by Rebecca Harry.
October 11, 2025 at 1:49 PM
… and copies of WENN DIE ERSTEN FLOCKEN FALLEN, the new German board book edition of FOXES IN THE SNOW.
I'm particularly pleased that, unlike most board books that have been adapted from picture books, it includes the endpapers, featuring beautiful before and after illustrations by Rebecca Harry.
I'm particularly pleased that, unlike most board books that have been adapted from picture books, it includes the endpapers, featuring beautiful before and after illustrations by Rebecca Harry.
Two lovely suprises in today's post:
A pair of cat-patterned socks from Nosy Crow to celebrate ONE CAT,TWO CAT, by me and Rob Hodgson, winning gold in this year's JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS …
🐈🐈⬛🧦🧦 #OneCatTwoCats #JuniorDesignAwards @nosycrow.bsky.social
A pair of cat-patterned socks from Nosy Crow to celebrate ONE CAT,TWO CAT, by me and Rob Hodgson, winning gold in this year's JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS …
🐈🐈⬛🧦🧦 #OneCatTwoCats #JuniorDesignAwards @nosycrow.bsky.social
October 11, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Two lovely suprises in today's post:
A pair of cat-patterned socks from Nosy Crow to celebrate ONE CAT,TWO CAT, by me and Rob Hodgson, winning gold in this year's JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS …
🐈🐈⬛🧦🧦 #OneCatTwoCats #JuniorDesignAwards @nosycrow.bsky.social
A pair of cat-patterned socks from Nosy Crow to celebrate ONE CAT,TWO CAT, by me and Rob Hodgson, winning gold in this year's JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS …
🐈🐈⬛🧦🧦 #OneCatTwoCats #JuniorDesignAwards @nosycrow.bsky.social
One of the practical tips for schools in this excellent briefing is, "Keep up a varied and up-to-date book collection'.
THE most cost effective way to do this in the long term is to subscribe to a local school library service.
Find your local SLS here: sls-uk.org/enquire-now/
THE most cost effective way to do this in the long term is to subscribe to a local school library service.
Find your local SLS here: sls-uk.org/enquire-now/
![Practical tips to support children’s book choices
Here are some evidence-informed methods for bringing more choice and agency into the classroom:
2: Keep up a varied and up-to-date book collection
The more access children have, the more personally meaningful choices they can make. Including a variety – as Prof. Teresa Cremin (Open University) suggests – of ‘old but gold’ and ‘new and bold’ books can best engage students [16].
Keeping abreast of the ever-expanding range of children’s books helps to keep your collection ‘fresh’. BookTrust’s booklists, including our Great Books Guide, can support and inspire you.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:l7xhjvuuyxc6kk5moilm6r2x/bafkreiaydae7xqvzbed7pffr7rxvqmld3mumxnqd6sseor53qztponlopu@jpeg)
October 8, 2025 at 11:22 AM
One of the practical tips for schools in this excellent briefing is, "Keep up a varied and up-to-date book collection'.
THE most cost effective way to do this in the long term is to subscribe to a local school library service.
Find your local SLS here: sls-uk.org/enquire-now/
THE most cost effective way to do this in the long term is to subscribe to a local school library service.
Find your local SLS here: sls-uk.org/enquire-now/
My palaeontology picture book co-author Adam Smith and I finally played a round at the JURASSIC COVE ADVENTURE GOLF which opened in Nottingham a couple of years ago.
A fun course and some impressive models, including a life size T. rex.
I'm ashamed to say that Adam won!
#TheTyrannosaursFeathers 🦖⛳️🦕⛳️
A fun course and some impressive models, including a life size T. rex.
I'm ashamed to say that Adam won!
#TheTyrannosaursFeathers 🦖⛳️🦕⛳️
October 5, 2025 at 2:09 PM
My palaeontology picture book co-author Adam Smith and I finally played a round at the JURASSIC COVE ADVENTURE GOLF which opened in Nottingham a couple of years ago.
A fun course and some impressive models, including a life size T. rex.
I'm ashamed to say that Adam won!
#TheTyrannosaursFeathers 🦖⛳️🦕⛳️
A fun course and some impressive models, including a life size T. rex.
I'm ashamed to say that Adam won!
#TheTyrannosaursFeathers 🦖⛳️🦕⛳️
🎃 Here’s a trailer for #MonsterMakeovers, my first #Halloween book and the picture book debut of Canadian illustrator Rae Minos.
🧩 Rae’s Mid-Century Modern inspired style is a PERFECT fit for this story.
🎨 You can see more of Rae's work at raeminos.com
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
🧩 Rae’s Mid-Century Modern inspired style is a PERFECT fit for this story.
🎨 You can see more of Rae's work at raeminos.com
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
October 2, 2025 at 7:10 AM
🎃 Here’s a trailer for #MonsterMakeovers, my first #Halloween book and the picture book debut of Canadian illustrator Rae Minos.
🧩 Rae’s Mid-Century Modern inspired style is a PERFECT fit for this story.
🎨 You can see more of Rae's work at raeminos.com
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
🧩 Rae’s Mid-Century Modern inspired style is a PERFECT fit for this story.
🎨 You can see more of Rae's work at raeminos.com
#KidLitUK #HalloweenPictureBooks
🎃 October’s here, so I’m going to start banging the gong for my new picture book #MonsterMakeovers, illustrated by Rae Minos and published by Boxer Books.
🧌 It’s a revolting rhyme set in an “ugly salon” at #Halloween.
📙 Find out more about the book at: jonathanemmett.com/2025/10/mons...
#KidLitUK
🧌 It’s a revolting rhyme set in an “ugly salon” at #Halloween.
📙 Find out more about the book at: jonathanemmett.com/2025/10/mons...
#KidLitUK
October 1, 2025 at 7:02 AM
🎃 October’s here, so I’m going to start banging the gong for my new picture book #MonsterMakeovers, illustrated by Rae Minos and published by Boxer Books.
🧌 It’s a revolting rhyme set in an “ugly salon” at #Halloween.
📙 Find out more about the book at: jonathanemmett.com/2025/10/mons...
#KidLitUK
🧌 It’s a revolting rhyme set in an “ugly salon” at #Halloween.
📙 Find out more about the book at: jonathanemmett.com/2025/10/mons...
#KidLitUK
The great Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, Sesame Street, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and The Storyteller (a HUGE Emmett family favourite), was born on this day in 1936. His wonderful work has inspired and influenced my writing as much as any author.
#JimHensonDay
#JimHensonDay
September 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The great Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, Sesame Street, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and The Storyteller (a HUGE Emmett family favourite), was born on this day in 1936. His wonderful work has inspired and influenced my writing as much as any author.
#JimHensonDay
#JimHensonDay
If you live near Nottingham and want to see some extraordinary, beautifully crafted art, visit QUIVER, an exhibition of Kate MccGwire's feather-covered art, currently showing in the Djanogly Gallery at Lakeside Arts.
Admission is FREE!
www.lakesidearts.org.uk/exhibition/k...
Admission is FREE!
www.lakesidearts.org.uk/exhibition/k...
September 22, 2025 at 4:04 PM
If you live near Nottingham and want to see some extraordinary, beautifully crafted art, visit QUIVER, an exhibition of Kate MccGwire's feather-covered art, currently showing in the Djanogly Gallery at Lakeside Arts.
Admission is FREE!
www.lakesidearts.org.uk/exhibition/k...
Admission is FREE!
www.lakesidearts.org.uk/exhibition/k...
🇩🇪 I've just received my latest statement from ALCS, which tells me that DAS SCHÖNSTE GESCHENK DER WELT, the German edition of THE BEST GIFT OF ALL, was my most borrowed book from German libraries in the first half of this year.
🙏🏼 A big THANK YOU to @alcs.co.uk for paying me my copyright income.
🙏🏼 A big THANK YOU to @alcs.co.uk for paying me my copyright income.
September 22, 2025 at 11:45 AM
🇩🇪 I've just received my latest statement from ALCS, which tells me that DAS SCHÖNSTE GESCHENK DER WELT, the German edition of THE BEST GIFT OF ALL, was my most borrowed book from German libraries in the first half of this year.
🙏🏼 A big THANK YOU to @alcs.co.uk for paying me my copyright income.
🙏🏼 A big THANK YOU to @alcs.co.uk for paying me my copyright income.
ICYMI in the week, ONE CAT, TWO CATS by me, Rob Hodgson & Nosy Crow won JOINT GOLD alongside GOZZLE, by Julia Donaldson & Sara Ogilvie, in the Best Pre-Schooler Book category of this year’s JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS!
More info on the winners at www.juniormagazine.co.uk/junior-desig...
#KidLitUK #JDA25
More info on the winners at www.juniormagazine.co.uk/junior-desig...
#KidLitUK #JDA25
September 20, 2025 at 10:35 AM
ICYMI in the week, ONE CAT, TWO CATS by me, Rob Hodgson & Nosy Crow won JOINT GOLD alongside GOZZLE, by Julia Donaldson & Sara Ogilvie, in the Best Pre-Schooler Book category of this year’s JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS!
More info on the winners at www.juniormagazine.co.uk/junior-desig...
#KidLitUK #JDA25
More info on the winners at www.juniormagazine.co.uk/junior-desig...
#KidLitUK #JDA25
🏴☠️ Ahoy there, me hearties! It's #TalkLikeAPirateDay!
📚 So, why not use your best pirate voice to read a piratey picture book.
Here are a few of my favourites along with a couple of my own.
#KidLitUK
📚 So, why not use your best pirate voice to read a piratey picture book.
Here are a few of my favourites along with a couple of my own.
#KidLitUK
September 19, 2025 at 10:48 AM
🏴☠️ Ahoy there, me hearties! It's #TalkLikeAPirateDay!
📚 So, why not use your best pirate voice to read a piratey picture book.
Here are a few of my favourites along with a couple of my own.
#KidLitUK
📚 So, why not use your best pirate voice to read a piratey picture book.
Here are a few of my favourites along with a couple of my own.
#KidLitUK
It seems like an appropriate time to share this trailer again.
You can order the #JDA25 gold award winning book from your favourite bookshop or online at @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social on this link: uk.bookshop.org/a/16211/9781...
#OneCatTwoCats #JuniorDesignAwards
You can order the #JDA25 gold award winning book from your favourite bookshop or online at @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social on this link: uk.bookshop.org/a/16211/9781...
#OneCatTwoCats #JuniorDesignAwards
September 16, 2025 at 6:42 PM
It seems like an appropriate time to share this trailer again.
You can order the #JDA25 gold award winning book from your favourite bookshop or online at @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social on this link: uk.bookshop.org/a/16211/9781...
#OneCatTwoCats #JuniorDesignAwards
You can order the #JDA25 gold award winning book from your favourite bookshop or online at @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social on this link: uk.bookshop.org/a/16211/9781...
#OneCatTwoCats #JuniorDesignAwards
WOOHOO! ONE CAT, TWO CATS by me, Rob Hodgson & @nosycrow.bsky.social has won JOINT GOLD alongside GOZZLE, by Julia Donaldson & Sara Ogilvie, in the Best Pre-Schooler Book 3-5 Years category of this year’s JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS!
More info at www.juniormagazine.co.uk/junior-desig...
#KidLitUK #JDA25
More info at www.juniormagazine.co.uk/junior-desig...
#KidLitUK #JDA25
September 16, 2025 at 6:36 PM
WOOHOO! ONE CAT, TWO CATS by me, Rob Hodgson & @nosycrow.bsky.social has won JOINT GOLD alongside GOZZLE, by Julia Donaldson & Sara Ogilvie, in the Best Pre-Schooler Book 3-5 Years category of this year’s JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS!
More info at www.juniormagazine.co.uk/junior-desig...
#KidLitUK #JDA25
More info at www.juniormagazine.co.uk/junior-desig...
#KidLitUK #JDA25