Welcome to this month’s look at what is happening in the world of children’s books. There is news of awards, both winners and long and short lists, plus events, interesting articles, resources and reviews. If Poetry Day on 3rd October has whetted your appetite for all things poetic you may be interested in the Poetry Day Special I shared last week. I know that sometimes these special days promote interest and provide the motivation for longer term involvement. October is also Black History Month and you can find a couple of links below related to this.

This week saw the publication of the results of a reading survey conducted by Booktrust.which revealed that childhood reading enjoyment declines as they progress through primary school. Despite the negative aspects of this report I think we should take heart from the words of our new Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell Boyce who said, “As the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, I am committing myself working with BookTrust on my Reading Rights: Books Build a Brighter Future campaign.” There are many people working hard to make a positive change and just some of them have contributed to the links I am sharing below. I hope you find something here that will help you make a difference.

What I’m reading…

In addition to Poetry Day and Black History Month October is also Down Syndrome Awareness Month so I would like to mention a couple of special picture books that I will be reading to my little grandson. This is Me by George Webster and Claire Taylor and illustrated by Tim Budgen is published by Scholastic Books. It is inspired by an original poem featured on CBeebies, read by presenter George Webster and highlights the importance of celebrating our differences and is full of kindness and positivity. The follow up book Why Not? is equally uplifting and I would recommend both of these to encourage all children to understand that they matter.

September has been a frantically busy month for new children’s books and I did manage to read a few of the new releases over the past few weeks. My Top Picks for September are quite varied in content so I do hope there is something there to tempt you. Although I am reluctant to single out one title in particular from my selection, I do think that The Great Phoenix of London by Lindsay Galvin is the sort of fiction that brings history to life for young readers.

Despite being at risk of serious injury if my ‘to be read for review’ mountain falls on me I couldn’t resist buying just one more book! I’m glad that I did because On the Wall by Anne Fine is definitely among my favourite books of the year so far. Described as ‘a perfect transition read’ by the publisher Old Barn Books this story follows Finley during his first year at secondary school. This may sound a familiar premise however in the accomplished hands of Carnegie winning author Anne Fine On the Wall is much more than a typical ‘school story’, Finley is a remarkable character; remarkable in his calm stillness and even more remarkable in the effect that he has on others. The narrative is told in the third person allowing the reader to view small scenes throughout the school community and the school year. This approach enables us to experience a gradual build up in understanding the way in which Finley makes a difference to both children and adults. The humour is wonderful, the teachers are well-rounded real people, the interaction between the children authentic and there are moments that have great impact. A personal recommendation from me but this one, I think, is special.

News, articles and resources…

The Secret of Golden Island and a Blog by Natasha Farrant – one of the three books that I recommended at the recent CPD session for UKLA/OU Teachers’ Reading Group Leaders was The Secret of Golden Island by Natasha Farrant, a wonderful and hopeful read. Natasha has written a typically thought provoking and rousing article for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups on the importance of reading for pleasure. Please do make time to read her blogpost.

The Great Phoenix of London Special: Mr Dilly Meets Lindsay Galvin – I hope it’s not too late for you to book this free online event taking place on Tuesday 8th October 10.00am – 11.00am. Join Mr Dilly and acclaimed author Lindsay Galvin for some exciting historical adventure as we jump into the world of London 1666 with Lindsay’s latest book The Great Phoenix of London. There will be chat, readings, and the chance to put your questions to Lindsay LIVE with the LiveChat feature. Register now to either watch LIVE on the day or if you can’t make that time, the same link will enable you to catch-up when suits ON-DEMAND.

Books for Keeps September Issue – my favourite source of information about all aspects of children’s books and a must read for anyone with an interest in the subject. The latest issue includes Ten of the Best: Books to challenge what happened in the UK this August by Fen Coles of Letterbox Library, an interview with popular author Jenny Pearson and an interesting article about picturebooks by Nicolette Jones. Also the latest Beyond the Secret Garden article has once again given me plenty to think about. Plus lots of brilliant reviews to tempt you!

Klaus Flugge Prize Winner Announced – Many congratulations to Kate Winter who is the winner of the 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize awarded to the most exciting and promising newcomer to children’s picture book illustration. She won for her book The Fossil Hunter (Puffin Books), which tells the story of Mary Anning, the 19^th century palaeontologist.

Poetry By Heart – a reminder that this popular national poetry speaking competition was launched this week. (Mentioned in my poetry round-up). Taking part in Poetry By Heart is all about developing confidence with poetry in an enjoyable, accessible and engaging way. Registration, participation and competition entry are free for schools and colleges in England. A lovely quote from one of the young people who participated in last year’s competition sums it up well: “Poetry is a lot like an adventure. It can be exciting or not. It all depends on how it’s done. If I enjoy a poem, I’ll learn it. It allows me to have an insight into the thoughts of another and it built up my confidence and love for public speaking.” Do have a look at the website to find out more.

The Diverse Book Awards Shortlist – Created by bestselling, award-winning author Abiola Bello and award-winning publicist Helen Lewis to highlight the best of the diverse voices published in the UK & Ireland. The shortlists are made up up of what the judges consider to be the top 9 diverse UK and Ireland books in Picture Books, Children’s, YA and Adult fiction. The winner will be announced in October 10th 2024.

UKLA Longlists Announced – the UKLA Book Awards seek to celebrate children’s books in order to: promote the place of books for young people in all educational settings from nursery to key stage 4, and to encourage teachers to increase their professional and personal knowledge of recently published high quality children’s books. The lists are chosen by panels composed of experienced past teacher judges, ex-teachers, librarians, and consultants, who all undertake a significant summer reading challenge. The four lists represent some of the best books being published at the moment and you are sure to find something suitable for the young readers in your life. The link above takes you to all four lists.

60 Children’s Books Celebrating Black History & Culture – Love Reading 4Kids have updated their collection of titles on the theme of Black History and Culture in time for Black History Month. The books in this collection share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture, and the contribution and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage.

David Olusoga: Black and British – you may wish to revisit Nikki Gamble’s interview with David (conducted in 2022)in which they talked about some of the problems that beset the teaching of Black History in Britain, starting with the issue of trying to apply the American template to the British context. Available to listen to or to read above. David Olusoga’s new book written in collaboration with his siblings Yinka and Kemi Olusoga, reminds us that Black History should not be consigned to one month a year and can be purchased here.

An Evening With Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony – Otter Barry Books and Nikki Gamble invite you to an evening with Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony to celebrate the publication of We Can! celebrating children’s, concerns and passions. Thursday 17th October at 7pm free and online, booking available via the link above.

Reading for Pleasure Architecture: Constructing a unique reading culture – an excellent article for Collins Primary be Kelly Ashley, Lecturer in Reading for Pleasure for the Open University on constructing a culture of reading within your school. Drawing on the latest research and with plenty of helpful advice this will help many to put together a long term strategy.

The Portable Magic Dispenser – this regular newsletter from school librarian Lucas Maxwell is well worth signing up for. It’s full of ideas, book suggestions, tips and helpful advice. The first of the school year includes a link to Lucas’s resource Padlet and an editable library promotion flyer.

Have a bonfire night sparkler with author Joseph Coelho – looking ahead to November this free event for schools from Authors Aloud sounds like fun. Authors Aloud UK and Walker Books invite you to join author and Children’s Laureate 2022 – 20024 in an interactive event to celebrate publication of the first book in his new series Relic Hamilton – Genie Hunter. For Year Groups 4,5,6. November 5th at 10.00am.

Children’s and teens roundup: the best new picture books and novels – An Olympian’s picture book; a miscellany of marvellous kids; volcanoes explained; a dark Celtic adventure; and when teen wishes go wrong are among this month’s selection chosen by Imogen Russell Williams.

Winners of The Week Junior Book Awards 2024 announced – Launched in 2023, The Week Junior Book Awards were created to celebrate children’s books and honour creative excellence within the industry. 14 books were crowned from over 450 entries, with two of the awards – Children’s Choice and Children’s Book Cover of the Year – voted for by readers of The Week Junior.

The Reader Teacher: Books I’m Most Excited About for October – Scott Evans’ monthly video look at new titles includes picturebooks, fiction and information books and is worth checking out.

Role Models, Safe Havens and Transformations: The School Library Winners Changing Communities – In the face of national pressures around budgets, staff recruitment and the content of children’s fiction, a number of schools across the country have proved how much impact school libraries can make by connecting young people, families and communities with the power of books and reading. Just some of their stories were shared at the School Library Association’s 2024 Awards on Wednesday 2nd October. It is wonderful to be able to share this positive news and be inspired by the impressive winners in each category.

Free Author Event with Tom Percival: Shining a Light on Child Poverty- Reading for Empathy and Understanding = I’ve just heard about this event, organised by Hays Education, in collaboration with partners All Around Reading, taking place online on Wednesday Oct16th from 4.30 pm to 6.00pm. Join Tom Percival author and illustrator of The Wrong Shoes to hear about the lived experience
which has inspired his writing and the importance of all children finding themselves in books. The session will cover: How to support reading in schools, A briefing on research into Child Poverty in the UK, The latest safeguarding guidelines and good practice, Resource and reading list suggestions. Registration details are available on the link above.

Finally, some book reviews that caught my eye recently…

The Last Boy by Eve McDonnell – I particularly enjoyed the atmospheric writing in Eve McDonnell’s The Chestnut Roaster and this wonderful review on the FallenStar Stories blog has persuaded me that I need to read this one too. “An eloquent portrayal of the life of climbing boys and a true sense of life at the time; compelling, moving, beautiful, intriguing, utterly believable, with a wisp of magic rising with the smoke throughout.“

Why Your Parents Are Hung-Up on Your Phone and What to do About It by Dr Dean Burnett, illustrated by Katie Abey – a subject about which I have no doubt both parents and teachers may have strong opinions on is the use of mobiles by youngsters. This helpful review by Veronica Price suggests that “this book would be very useful for many families to read together; it would be a great addition to secondary school libraries and would be a fabulous resource for students looking for a debating subject or extended study project about mobile device use.” 

That’s everything for this month’s round up of news. I hope that you have found this small taste of what has happened over recent weeks interesting and helpful. Next week I will be participating in the blog tour for a new book published by Mama Makes Books, A Little Blue Dot by Maren Hasenjäger, an introduction to the planets and our solar system so please watch out for that to find out more about this lovely book.