Author Archives: alibrarylady

Kitty and Mary: The Forgotten Bennet Sisters by Julia Gray and Imogen Russell Williams

Posted on September 14, 2026 by alibrarylady

Last year saw celebrations to mark 250 years since the birth of one of England’s most beloved authors, Jane Austen. In addition to events around the country the BBC showed a new drama Miss Austen, based on the novelist’s sister … Continue reading →

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Findings of the First Reflecting Disability Study on Children’s Literature

Posted on September 11, 2026 by alibrarylady

Today, 11th September, Reflecting Disability announces the long-awaited results of its study into the representation of disabled people in children’s books. It is the first project of its kind to offer a comprehensive and robust exploration of the extent and … Continue reading →

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A guest post by Hannah Rix co-founder of Little Reads

Posted on September 10, 2026 by alibrarylady

Today I am delighted to welcome Hannah Rix to my blog. In these first few weeks of the school year the focus for everyone is initially on settling in and ensuring children feel happy and secure. We also aim to … Continue reading →

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Top New Children’s Books for Summer Reads

Posted on August 6, 2026 by alibrarylady

Real life has rather got in the way of both reading and reviewing over the last month or so however I wanted to share some new books that I have particularly enjoyed and would like to recommend. Four very different … Continue reading →

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UK’s top prize for published poetry for children CLiPPA awarded to John Agard

Posted on July 10, 2026 by alibrarylady

The winner of the UK’s major award for published poetry for children, the CLiPPA (CLPE Children’s Poetry Award) was announced yesterday afternoon at a ceremony at the National Theatre on London’s Southbank watched live by thousands of primary school children. The winner of the CLiPPA 2026 … Continue reading →

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The Children of Wolf Rock by Natasha Farrant

Posted on July 2, 2026 by alibrarylady

High in the mountains of western Scotland, there is a loch, and on its shores there is a castle, and in that castle there is a school… A scene setting opening followed by an inviting almost conspiratorial narrative seductively draws … Continue reading →

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Pick of the New Picture Books for Children

Posted on June 18, 2026 by alibrarylady

These three lovely picture books for young children may all feature creatures of different types but they also convey positive messages about managing emotions, resilience, friendship and kindness. Again! said Rabbit by Marjoke Henrichs Publisher Scallywag Press Marjoke Henrichs’ debut, … Continue reading →

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Pick of the New Children’s Books

Posted on June 15, 2026 by alibrarylady

Appealing facts for young readers, a graphic novel mystery set in Nigeria, a time-slip story for would be scientists, a thought provoking chiller, a football story with a social conscience and a guide to cancer for young people and their … Continue reading →

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Puffin Books – helping to create new readers

Posted on June 2, 2026 by alibrarylady

In this National Year of Reading there has been, at times, a focus on negative aspects, with the decline in reading for pleasure cited in the media. The recent report published by Book Trust, following their National Family Survey, confirmed … Continue reading →

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Celebrating New Illustrators: The Klaus Flugge Prize 2026 Shortlist Announced

Posted on May 16, 2026 by alibrarylady

Ten days ago I was fortunate to attend a special event at Waterstones Piccadilly to celebrate the wonderful titles on the longlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize. Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting … Continue reading →

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